Am I losing a lot of detail with normal phone output?

The TF10s are triple BAs if I'm not mistaken. I have never used them but my dual-BA Rock-It R-50s sounded pretty bad right out of my phone (Samsung Galaxy S)... very thin and sibilant. Once I plugged in my Fiio E11, it was the exact opposite experience, they sounded full, warm and open. If you are jumping into higher tiers of IEMs you may want to consider something like a Fiio E6 at least to give them more juice. Another option is to buy a Clip+ which may fit the bill, but then you have to carry another device just for your music.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RaiNWalKer 

Long story short, I tried a UE TF10, Panasonic HJE900 and Phonak PFE121 last time, output from my HTC Explorer. This is my first time trying audiophile item, and TBH I can't tell much difference from my cheap Philips, I didn't notice all the goodies people talking about, like the soundstage. Now I start to wonder if it's my phone that limit the true potential of these IEM? Didn't tried those for too long though. I used my phone because people said these IEM doesn't require amping :/

 

BTW I only get average fit with TF10, and maybe the Phonak because I'm not used to over the ear wear-style. 

Are you using high-quality music files (FLAC, 24/96 and whatnots)? The quality of music files matters way more than the IEM you're using; A good IEM will only make things worse if you're using low-bitrate, crap music files.

If your music files are high-quality, then I suspect that it's either 1) Your HTC explorer's fault; 2) Impedance matching issues between the source and the IEM; 3) You're having fit/isolation issues with the IEM or 4) Your ears/brain are just not used to how the IEMs sounds--Sometimes it takes a while to get used to how a certain IEM sounds.

People here seem to be prone to hyperbole, as well, many want/pursue flat or neutral IEMs which may not be your taste.  Also, you might be more resistant to placebo effects than most...

As others have said, there may be output impedance issues, especially with multi-BA IEMs and fit is quite important.

You could try a cheap amp with a low impedance output to see if that's what is doing it.  I'm no expert, but maybe a Fiio E6 (<$30) or if you want grab a cheap clip zip player to try or something.  In terms of power, most IEMs are rather sensitive and have low impedance so I'm not sure power would be the issue.  Some walkman models have odd frequency response, for example: http://rmaa.elektrokrishna.com/Comparisons/Sony%20A845%20-%20Headphone-Out.htm  so that could be an issue depending on the model. 

If you plug in these(above) IEMs through lineout on source (DAPs) like Sony walkmen with WM_Port lineout and use external AMPs(like JDS Labs C421, Mustang P51) then you willbe amazed how much difference it made like bigger well defind soundstage, higher resolution soundquality with full bodied bass and improved imaging, instruments separation.