Hello
I need an advice
: if I am plenty satisfied with my high end earbuds, I am wondering if there is a mid tier model with a sound signature very similar to Fiio FF3 * - that I enjoy -k, but a step above in sound quality ? Should be low impedance high sensivity, as I plan to pair it with my Hiby R3ii for a very small combo.
EDIT : * I would describe the sound signature of the Ff3 as rather dark, with impactful bass, but still detailed, musical and refined...
Strictly speaking, the FF3 are actually a top tier bud, even though they are priced at mid tier. Generally speaking, and notwithstanding some exceptions, top tier for flathead earbuds generally consists of more than $100. The ones we have seen on here that can reach into the kilobuck territory are not indicative of standard top tier. Those are representative of makers that are used to IEM pricing or are taking advantage of those that aren't aware that earbuds just don't cost that much. If you are already aware of this, then apologies for repeating the information.
Having said all of that, there really is nothing that can stand against the FF3 in the mid-tier area (even DIY buds being sold aren't usually as cheap). The exception to this is the FF3S mentioned. Though I haven't heard them, I trust the ears of those that have suggested them, and for the same reasons.
As for the Yinmans, they are priced at, and are indeed top-tier buds. I also agree that they could be a good solution for you depending on the volume you listen at. The point is that with the limitation on power output you face, the Yinman would not reach their potential sound at any sort of higher volume level. On the other hand, if you listen to them at low volume as
@sofastreamer mentioned, they are actually really easy to drive.
Here is an example of what you would need to run them at 80dBSPL (just to show you that you will get their full potential at lower volume levels)
and assuming that the power output is at least close to linear as the impedance rises, here is what your Hiby can give with the Yinman specs (600ohms @87dB/mW):
So, after doing the calculations I see that you could actually get up to about 100dBSPL before you start skewing these. This is what would be required of your DAP at this volume level:
With all of that said, these are calculations on paper only, and don't account for any sort of voltage swing. And then there is also those sets of head gear that "scale well with more power", which means that they sound even better with more power even if driven fully at lower levels of power. The point is that I was only trying to illustrate that when we mention the Yinmans, there is no need to be nervous/wary about them. They sound tremendous even from lower powered sources.
So the OG FF3s are a unique pair of buds, IMO and I haven't found any buds at any price that can do what they do with their bass and presentation. That said the Yinmans are definitely the more complete and refined pair of buds and are probably more versatile. The FF3s get a ton of use in my rotation because when I want to have fun and get really drawn into some energetic music, they hit the spot in ways I can't replace. They aren't technical powerhouses, but they are technically proficient and they aren't the most versatile pair because of their tuning, but when they click with a song/artist/genre, the results can be magical, IME. I will never be without a pair of FF3s.
This (though I actually get much more use from the Yinmans; but the FF3 don't collect dust either).....
I would go one step further and say that you really can't go wrong with either set. And if you are worried about being able to power the Yinmans, please read my reply above.
Hey guys, does anyone have an email address for Jerry at Cyperus Audio? I seem to have lost it somehow and wanted to contact him about getting a new pair and I don't have Facebook which is the way he's operating these days from what I hear. Thanks for any help!
I'm gonna tag
@Cyperus just in case he comes on here. Jerry, if you read this shoot me a PM with a way to contact you so we can talk, please. I have an idea I wanted to see if you could execute for me. Thanks!
Have you tried asking
@WoodyLuvr? I am sure he would know.
So I'm looking for my next bud fix while I save up for an amp and Yinman 600ohm. Which is at least a couple months away...
The two I'm looking at are the Aeolian Bells and yincrow rw-9. Anyone have an opinion? I've read good things on both. But I'm wandering if the rw-9 is really a step up from the x6(I should have started with the rw-9). The Bells would be my first bell shape. So that makes it a little more intriguing.
I'm really not wanting to spend more than a $20 right now.
If any of the flat head faithful here in the thread has an opinion then please let me know. It'll be much appreciated.
I agree with
@mt877 on these. He is actually the one that got me interested in them. They are made by the sister company of Smabat. They have the DNA that is the Smabat sound, without the 20dB+ boost in the presence region. They are very comfortable (my first true bell as well). As long as you don't have any issues out of the box, they are actually built like tanks.
Another tip (because of the known issues with the MMCX connector): never try and pull the cable off by hand..... Always use one of those MMCX tools, and you should not have any issues with this. This is especially important with budget buds with MMCX because they tend to use cheaper connectors.
Here is a great post from our own
@baskingshark on the issue (albeit with IEMs, it is the same thing). And here is the video he posted showing you how this tool works (and it does indeed work VERY well). I was actually sent a couple of these tools as a free extra on a couple IEMs I have ordered in the past.
