Since 15 years ago I only get custom IEMs, so my rankings below are all CIEMs. As customs can change the sound compared to universals, keep that in mind: 1) Empire Ears Odin 2) 64Audio a12t 3) Sound Rhyme DTE 900 4) PEARs 3 4) Theiaudio Monarch I 5) UM MEST II 6) CraftEars Aurum I listen...

SR asked me to post here because I ordered a custom DTE900 from them, so to let everyone know they also do CUSTOM at the same modest incremental price for bespoke shells and faceplate--that's a great bargain, most charge extra! And I view the DTE900 to be a great bargain overall. I bought them...

Oh well, my UTWS3 refuse to connect to music from my DAP anymore. FiiO app can't find them even though Android settings can. Tried to pair to my iPhone and only one side will pair, even after trying all 3 approaches suggested by FiiO. Used it about 20 times, was good while it lasted. That said...

I asked VE directly and they said no plans to make the EXT available in CIEM, only universal.

And @pngbb glad to hear what you said about the Odin. I'm now strongly leaning towards them at some point. As I prefer CIEMs, it's always riskier for me as can't sell off if I don't use them enough compared to universals.

Thanks for suggestions. In fact my original plan was upgrading to TOTL headphones. But reason now preferring IEM over headphones is that I've found CIEMs are more comfortable for me overall. I have a DCA headphone which is relatively light, but still I find I'm frequently adjusting them on my...

What do you folks think about VE7 for classical music primarily? I plan to get another unvented CIEM for when I travel again (eventually), and the VE7 sounds interesting. I was originally planning on the Craft Ears Six at half the price, but I've heard so much good about VE, maybe I should just...

Thanks. While I'm not a basshead (and hated the EE Valkyrie as losing the midrange and I thought therefore weaker on vocals), I do find insufficient sub-bass makes orchestral music much less realistic. What I really like about the Monarchs is the treble as it provides much better instrument...

Based on your second hearing, how would you now compare this to the Odin? I got quite excited until VE told me no CIEM. I only get CIEM as I hate the struggle to get good fits across tips and to keep it while listening and moving around. I have the ThieAudio Monarch CIEM and it's become, when...

I've struggled to find one that can handle the wide part in the middle but thin where it attaches to the metal. I already tried a couple hoping they'll fit but didn't. Cheers

Thanks will look that up

Any suggestions for where I can get a padded headband cover for Aeon 2 (Open)? Padded is more comfortable for me, and I have jury-rigged one with velcro straps for now.

I did the on-line test of 320 vs FLAC and also ended up random. So that's fine, I accept I can't tell the difference. With my home speaker system I'd gone the route of playing around with both speaker cables and interconnects. While I did think I was changing the sound, after many years I...

I've noticed that too, not just this thread but overall in Head-fi. 15 years ago they were THE CIEM, recommended by Stereophile, Absolute Sound etc. I never got one as too expensive and they also didn't do MMCX. I think it's mostly fewer players then--Westone, JH Audio, Sensophonics--all...

I've communicated with Piotr at Craft Ears and he's very responsive, very open. I I was going to get a Fibae6 CIEM using my digital scans but have held off for now as debating getting another headphone instead. Another you might consider that I like a lot is PEARS3, who also accepts digital...

Having listened to other reviewers at headphones.com like Andy, you folks come across as quite objective. I think for IEMs more objective than most sites as most sites get the IEMs for free, even CIEMs. Agree it's your willingness to ding products in specifics that makes you worth following.

Wow very pleased I happened upon this thread! When I read members impressions of headphones and IEMs, it's pretty rare when their stated music is classical. I listen to all types of music, but 2/3 time to a wide range of classical, so this is the basis upon which I assess my gear. I'll be tuning...

That is impressive for Monarch! But it depends a lot on what music your friend favors / tested on. I read non-audiophiles are more easily swayed by changes in what they hear (the surprise factor leading to interest), and hence often favor initially more biased renditions as long as there is...

I've got quite a few: Jabra 75, Jabra 85, Sennheiser Momentum TW, Sony WF1000XM3. Best sounding are the last two, though for exercising both Jabras are fine too. I've had QC issues with the Sennheiser and Sony though, and never with either Jabra. Because of the QC problems, I use the Jabras when...

Genelecs are nice speakers, congrats! Fully agree good speakers can do bass and especially imaging like no headphones can. However, you'll likely find it worthwhile to play around a bit to improve acoustics. For instance, for most nearfield monitors your ears should be level with the tweeters...

I went from a USB dongle to the M3X, so can't compare to other DAPs. Could compare to my desktop DAC, Topping DX7 Pro. The M3X is slightly warmer sounding than the Topping, the Topping seems to have a little more instrument separation. This is with balanced on both, so this difference might...

Very sure sufficient. I'm using the Shanling M3X which has the same power rating as BTR5 for balanced, and only slightly higher for unbalanced. I've used both balanced and unbalanced. On balanced, I use it at low power and usually listen ~35-60 (out of 100) and so plenty of headroom even on low...

The excuse I've been using is that I've saved money during Covid lockdowns from not having vacations, so new audio gear is for my vacation at home :L3000:

You can ask for any plugs (3.5, 4.4) when you order the Monarchs. I ordered mine balanced which has hindered my cable rolling as so far could only try with a unbalanced cable, as most of my cables are MMCX. I do have a Satin 4.4 cable coming so can do a better comparison there.