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

IE300: very small and lightweight and therefore very good comfort/fit...and overall very similar to the IE400 Pro. Both are not fatiguing or in any way annoying...but they do sound a bit congested (considering the price).

Three of us authors at my blog use the discontinued $699 Dunu Zen as reference. This single DD has excellent resolution and (micro-)dynamics. You get them 2nd hand at around $350, approximately the price of the two Senns. Criticism is a slight upper midrange glare and not the best treble extension but the timbre and the other technicalities make up for it. A wonderfully immersive listening experience.

One of the two co-bloggers claims only the $1400 Softears Turii are an upgrade (and apparently endgame).

 

Cables are hit and miss (depending on the earphones they are used with), but you may want to check out CEMA cables. My friend claims one of their top models improves technicalities on the Dunu Zen (which, as far as I know, comes with the DUW02 cable).

 

I know they're old hat but just wanted to give a quick shout out to the Final Audio E2000 - actually bought them for a friend but my Campfire Audio Vega's broke and picked up the E2000's as that was all there was hanging around - for £40 or so they really are a lovely listen - very forgiving in the sense that they feel smooth and analogous - they're not showy, or tinny or bass-heavy, but seemingly wonderfully balanced and very musical - IEMs for those that want to get lost in the music and don't care for technicalities.

Was wondering if the E2000 sound signature could be found in other IEMs - anyone know?

 

I still have a pair of E1000 that I use from time to time - they're I'd say a bit more 'neutral' with a tad more forward midrange, a bit less midbass than the E2000 and also not open back in the same way (they are ported though) but otherwise yeah, there's something unique about the E-series of Final. I actually got the E1000 for the E-series silicone tips (lol) and was surprised to find how good it was for the price, just for casual/easy listening. I recall seeing the E4000 was the step up from the E2000 with a bit of added refinement and detachable cables. I think they all have the same general signature though, just minor tweaks in one direction or another with each model.

Maybe the Moondrop Crescent (not heard these) could be a more modern alternative?

 

Too bad it’s limited to 300 units.

 

Seems interesting but I dont think anyone would really miss out in the long run. If this is as good as it is hyped to be they would make more to maximise profit.

I feel like the IEM market is just exploding lately, there's a lot of good and better stuff coming out to the point that I'm quite happy waiting it out with my Shuoer S12 (and i really do enjoy it) until there is a real reason to upgrade

 

Just got the Kato, Timeless, Ety er2se and a Fiio Q3 to use with my iPhone. and I’m going to see how I get on. Coming from a world of Gungnir/Mjolnir 2/HD6xx/HE5xx so IEMs are a whole different thing, but I can tell that it’s a major step up from AirPod Pros. And that I have a lot to learn. This thread has been super useful, and it’s six years old. Thanks.

Just not sure I can deal without the deep phone integration while out and about, but I’m going to spend some time and see.

 

Question... I'm interested in trying balanced cables on my Moondrop Kato's. Has anyone checked out the "Line T" cables? Only $20, "high purity single crystal blah blah blah". Thanks.

 

Oh man, I was so wrong with my Q Jays impressions almost 5 years ago it's kinda embarrassing.

Original post: https://www.superbestaudiofriends.o...ral-discussion-thread.424/page-42#post-171284

I bought the Q Jays at a good price now and while I initially couldn't listen to them with the provided tips, the M sized T400 Comply tips already went into the right direction. Using the tiny tips backwards like I did back then sort of works, since the M sized Comply don't allow for deep insertion.
I use the small T400 now and grew to love them.

Quick impressions against my Brainwavz B2:

• Generally a more refined version of the same thing. More natural tonality. Sharper transients, more damped housing. More transparent.

Q are more refined
Q have slightly more bass and a quite a bit more upper mids
Treble is similar in quantity, but more refined on the Q
Slightly larger stage on Q, imaging pretty much identical
Timbre is too plasticy on B2 in direct comparison
Generally however the differences are slight and considering the price difference B2 is a major win
Transient handling is somewhat more sudden on Q, sharper
Somehow I even feel clarity is better on Q, sounds like these drivers are hand selected for lower distortion
Treble can still be a win for the B2 depending on preferences due to the smoother transients


(I even compared them using the B2 in my left ear and the Q Jays in the right ear LOL)

 

Soon you will be shopping for a DAP. Phones do not do justice to any half decent IEM. Been there done that.

 

Anyone give these a listen?

 

Shure AONIC 4?
Lachlan seems to like these and I gave always loved how well Shure headphones fit. Any one here tested a pair?

 

@shotgunshane - any chance we could get a universal version of the new Softears Tremolo for loaner tour? It's a 700+ dollar single DD custom. Early reviews are that its warm but less so than the Twilight.

 

If I wanted an IEM that has the same basic qualities as the 7Hz Timeless, a little meat on the bones, a little rich, natural timbre and textured bass etc, but I wanted to go up a few levels, what IEMs should I be considering up to $1k? If it’s a bit over $1k I can look for used ones too.

 

Not sure if this would qualify, but the Audeze Sine LX is a iSine 10 in disguise - usually pretty fair pricing, but you'll need EQ.

I'm still in queue for the Campfire Supermoon, but it might be something to keep your eyes on.