ISN H50 is a bit underappreciated. Another fine set from ISN. Excellent review as always.

Dsnuts
Thank-you.

True GEM.....

So in terms of bass:
EST50>H40>H50
Technical:
EST50>H50>H40
Soundstage:
EST50>H50?

No, forgive my new-toy-itis but H50 on all fronts? That’s how I hear them? I’m using FR to also handle a better way in technicalities, hope you understand? Soundstage is just different, maybe 50=50 H50/EST50?

The ISN H50 is truly on another level, than most IEMs. At least how I hear them to be? They lose the darkness of the EST50, though some may love that aspect? While the EST50 is a more refined in the top, the BAs of the H50 have more bite, thus balancing the DD better, to me. Part of the H50 allure is a love affair with the DD, as it’s deep, fast, separated and textured.

I seriously can’t get over how good the H50 is? The dynamic contrasts it holds, in combination with the staging! I see it as a final purchase for many, I really do.

I own about 30 iems and can honestly say this one of my very favorites, if not THE very favorite-------the fit is perfect for me--which is rare and I just LOVE the sound quality. I really do find myself reaching for these when I want to chill with some nice classical or jazz and want the "full" in ear monitor experience------everything in this hobby is your personal experience with the product and this one---it just works for me-------I have the 40 and the 10 also--
Would like to get the EST at some point but I really do have to say the 50 is my go to IEM----

@https://www.head-fi.org/members/scottsays.453746/

I agree....they are something else. I thought due to the price they would have limitations, yet I’m still trying to figure out what those limitations might be?

I’m guessing they work (their magic) due to some style of balance, like the amount of bass in relation to midrange and treble? Also the level of detail and just the special texture of the tone. Truly maybe the best way to embrace the ISN H50 is simply not try to analyze it, but to just accept it?

Thank you for your very detailed review. I already have H40 for more than year now and I was thinking about an upgrade. I read a lot about different models of IEMs and I I found out about the Earsonics Onyx. Have you ever tried Onyx? I really can't decide between H50 and Onyx, I know that Onyx is in much higher price range. I mainly listen to pop, rock, electronic and little classical music. I like warm sound, I don't analyze the music, I enjoy listening to music. Currently I have E1DA 9038D dac amp as my dac, but I will probably upgrade to something else next year.

Answered the question in ISN thread.

Thanks for the reviews.

Is it suitable for listening to punk and post-punk?
The H40 is my favourite iem but I don't know if in comparison the H50 is as permissive with bad recordings and if it can show wheezing.

Cheers!

Well, the H40 is magic, that’s the IEM that put ISN on the map. Yet (for me) the H50 does everything better, be it poor recordings or better recordings, it’s simply better at technicalities, end of story. It opens up a world of greater detail and rhythm, providing an improvement across the board. Less baggage, more details and better bounce. I don’t know what “wheezing” is though. I assume it’s a vocal characteristic, and across the board the ISN H50 does better. It should be a $600 IEM, purely based on ability!

@Redcarmoose Having tried so many IEMs, which 3 would you currently want with you on a deserted island?

Three only? Probably the IER-Z1R for starters, just because it clicks the right buttons every time, and seems to be one that shows me more and more about my song files. The H50 I totally love too, and coincidentally has many of the traits of the IER. So that’s #2. By the way the ISN H50 is $20 off right now! And #3? It’s so hard, probably my Noble Audio Encore Universal IEMs. They are a wild W sound signature that never gets old, also a surprise opposite from the IER-Z1R.

https://m.aliexpress.com/store/1102...&terminal_id=976b86f9f0f84d0f8751765cbec10604

$275 now!

Crazy good!

Sweet review Red, so far I'm liking my H50, I'm looking into the Serial as well, is Serial a side grade to the H50?