shotgunshane’s IEM (custom and universal) recommendations, favorites and classics

Appreciate the update, was considering shelling out the money for a 7550 cable but I don't feel comfortable spending the price of the IEM on a cable that isn't a good match.

 

@shotgunshane Just out of curiosity, which one do you like more between ASG 1+ and Noble X? One is slightly v shaped and the other is downward sloping sig.. Since your preference is neutral sig, I guess that you may prefer ASG 1+ ?

 

Though i can't vouch for singapore's nocturnal cables but they do offer all their cables with ex1000 jacks, i have been using Beat Audio Cable's Silversonic for Sony Ex series with mine without issues, aside for being more microphonic than i would like. Swan audio also makes a silver cable for the ex1000 for around $95 usd.

http://www.beataudiolab.com/products/silver-sonic-mkv-beat-audio-premium-upgrade-cable

https://nocaudio.com/

 

not sure if this has been mentioned already, but a SG based head-fi'er has built an exhaustive resource of iem FR-only measurements which makes for a somewhat useful reference. no csd or thd tho so ymmv.

http://www.head-fi.org/t/830062/crinacles-fr-measurement-database-150-iems-measured/0_50

 

http://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/dayton-imm-06-measurements.3611/

 

@shotgunshane @Warrior holy fuckcakes... thanks for covering the ibasso IT03... i picked up a pair this weekend. Aside from their full bodied sound, they fitted my ears better than any iems in my collection. They are now my default fun/on the go/commuting/in-flight iems. i see them as a no-brainer rec for those looking for an all rounder of a fun persuasion under 600 bucks that does more right than wrong. Aside from the dodgy eartips and cable.

Using either complys or sony silicones atm. Like the HD650 or Massdrop fostex -thxx, (in many ways they are what i hoped the fostex over ears would sound like) they are imho gear that get you off the merry go round for a long ass time, unless you are a gear slut (like me) that is!

 

you really should, they are indeed very similar, and i would most likely have gotten the had they not been A) less form fitting for my ears than the ibasso, and B) moar expensive ($215 vs $380 locally) for the better workmanship/upper mids - lower treble refinement. i'll let my Andro/fitear handle the refinement bit lol.

 

It is worse than "not a good match". They don't fit. After this was brought to his attention, he no longer makes cables for this application because he cannot locate better terminations.

OEM terminal...



Peterek terminal....

 

I had a similar issue with his cables but was able to make it work. I definitely didn't feel too comfortable forcing it either. He said he'd reterminate it for me.

 

Folks, any ideas on iems for $500 that would get as close to what the Andro offers as possible? Thanks

 

Campfire Orion is the logical choice. It's not as far behind as one would think.

 

There are b stock models still available at alo deals.

 

Ok, thanks. Haven't heard much about the Orion - I will check it out.

 

I got the Aurisonics Rockets (with mic) the other day. I'm quite impressed, compared to my Ortofon e-q5 they are more comfortable, and have zero sibliance, and can hit the lows down more. The mic prevents me from putting the cable over ear, but they were the only new pair I could find from a local retailer. I also have one very minor complaint with the mic, the button on it isn't smooth it's quite rough. It's like when you are building a model car, and you break pieces off, and you get the pieces of plastic edging still on.

They are now part of my portable rig (with a Fiio X1 gen 2).

The included silicone eartips though really didn't work for me at all, super soft, weird shape, I couldn't get them to seal easily. Lucky the Ortofon ones fit, and they feel really good. I find with the Ortofon e-q5 I need to wear one size down to avoid pain in my ears, but I can wear one size up. I have sony silicone tips on the way.

I'm just waitng for my Noble X from Massdrop to compare, but the Rockets are nicer than the e-q5 for sure. I'm now curious about the IT03...but the rockets being IP65 rated and a dynamic driver means I'll never have to worry about damage from humidity/sweat.

 

Agreed, those sure seal tips are horrible. I absolutely hate them.

 

I am looking for an IEM with the following requirements:

1. Price < $500,
2. Must have dark smooth non-sparkly treble (no treble peaks beyond 7KHz)
3. Must have deep extended bass.
4. Must have warm lush mids with some clarity/separation.

I like Shozy zero, Hifiman RE 400, Etymotic ER4P (with red filters), carbo tenore, and Brainwavz M2 (in descending order of preference), but I am looking for a significant upgrade under $500. I like the mids of RE-400 a lot, but it requires deep insertion to get reasonable bass with comply TX-200 tips. I do not prefer VSONIC GR07, RHA MA750, and Sony MH1C due to high treble sparkle. I do not quite like MDR 7550 possibly due to possibly some uneven peaks beyond 4KHz.