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

Would a used CA Jupiter fit the bill?

 

Thanks for all the suggestions, guys! @M3NTAL @YMO @Merrick

@shotgunshane Thanks for sharing how you enjoy a relaxing iem in certain situations, especially a budget one. I think it’s easy to think an "IEMW" always listen to expensive gear. Something warm and forgiving, without needing to analyze everything sounds about right, even if I like the “engaging prestation” of the FDX1. I know I value your recommendations a ton, but its also neat to hear of your real-world listening habits. I think it’s easy to assume one’s evaluation equates with what tools they actually use. It’s nice to know sometimes you need a “break” from some kinds of sound.

I had actually thought about the M7. It’s not normally the kind of signature I go for, but I wondered if it was time for something different. The potential “boring” and temptation to turn up volume did pause me. Or maybe a second hand universal UERR (?); I get the sense they may be similar but haven’t heard either. But the Starfield would be an easier entry into that kind of signature, without too much of a commitment. Looking forward to your review! I may keep an eye out for the M7 if I see a deal on one…

Curious if you would be willing to share any more of your listening habits? What iems have been getting most of your time? Do you rotate through a few? Do you pick different iems for different genres? Like I mentioned, it was neat reading when you turn to the Starfield.

 

@imackler. The smoothest IEM I tried has been the Stagediver SD-2. Technically competent and comfortable. Audio Technica ATH-IM02 probably similar.

 

Thank you, @shotgunshane, for letting us into your life and listening habits! I hope it didn't seem a strange request, but we get to spend so little time with one another in person, its cool to get a little of the real world listening practices and gears of one of the trusted ears on SBAF. I think its easy to imagine someone who has reviewed as many iems having buds in 24-7 to a plethora of daps, etc. But you're a person. No duh.

I am curious if you use an iem match with the THX-789 and the Andromeda? I can't remember if it's been asked...

 

Thank you very much for this post, you’ve given me pause to reconsider getting a new DAP for my Andromeda 2020. Are you using the Modius and THX 789 balanced? I ask not because I have a thing for balanced (I don’t, my gear’s all SE), but just because both units happen to offer it and I wondered if it was something that factored into your preference.

 

I do not really understand why some IEMs, DD maybe?, work better with a balanced feed. For example ER2XR is improving noticeably when connected to a balanced source, even a tiny one like ES100. From LG V30 phone with quad DAC Etys sound really good, full and controlled. From ES100 SE output they sound thin, unappealing, I would regret buying them. But from ES100 2.5 balanced they sound very close to V30, full and engaging.
Same with Kann Cube. And Vega from the Kann Cube balanced out is entirely different beast than from SE.
But MD+ SE or balanced did not make much difference, the same with SE535 if I remember.

 

Is it a DD driver thing? I find they usually need more power to fully wake up and have good driver control, whereas BA doesn’t benefit as much from the additional power (but may benefit from the decrease in noise balanced can bring since they’re usually quite sensitive).

 

I think you are right, I run Vega on high gain, balanced from Kann Cube not because I cannot get enough power from low gain SE, but because otherwise Vega huge bass is a bit overwhelming. It seems be a touch less of it, and more important it has more texture with added power.

 

Any one here have the Vision Ears V8 ?

 

@shotgunshane and other IEM experts, are there any affordable aftermarket cables for my UERR? It uses some weird "IPX connectors" that are slightly smaller than the typical MMCX and I couldn't find any when I searched online?

My problem with the stock cable is that it tangles so easily I just need something that is lightweight and tangle-free for portable use

 

holy moly so expensive

If there's no aftermarket cables for it, now I'm thinking:
1. making DIY cables with IPX connectors
https://www.ebay.com/i/402359859859...LiUPa3wL5ctzXJzjPSTN4dJu_1vMC3jBoCmGEQAvD_BwE
2. get IPX to MMCX connector and use a typical MMCX cable
https://www.linsoul.com/products/mmcx-2pin-ipx-connector

 

Anyone been able to hear the Moondrop KXXX that’s on Drop?

 

From what I know, it is basically the KXXS in black.

 

Haven't heard either but Crinacle compares the KXXX with the Starfield, which has been intriguing @shotgunshane recenltly, but is much cheaper.

https://crinacle.com/2020/02/22/the-midfi-moondrop-shootout-kanas-pro-vs-kxxs-vs-starfield/

 

Ah, I thought they had changed the tuning as they usually do with X labeled items.

 

It’s another Harman-like tuned IEM. So the upper mids can be a little intense for folks who are sensitive there. Perhaps not as intense as ER4 because the slightly-boosted lows helps to offset it a little. The main problem I had with the KXXS though was its presentation. Not only was the stage small, but everything seemed too panned to the right and left. Almost felt like there was a phase problem.

Another thing that bothered me was, the lack of refinement and a slight presence of grain. The grain itself wasn’t very apparent. But when comparing to something like the Sennheiser IE80, even though the IE80 might have a fucked up tuning, you could tell that Senn’s driver has a certain refinement that the KXXS doesn’t. Or may be it’s all in my head and the KXXS driver is just as refined as Senn’s.

It was an IEM that I was very excited about, but ended up not liking it. Some of my friends dig it though and I do agree with them that it is a very good buy for the price. It was just not my cup of tea.