[2021 Update] Venture Electronics (VE) Monk V2, Monk Plus & Monk Go: a $5 earbud that taking the world by storm!!!

[stanleycho]

I disagree. The v1 is great. It's easy to drive and it's mid centeric. The plus is much better all around technically.

Monk V1 (silver logo) earbuds are good enough for casual use. V2 are better in terms of treble and resolution. But I tend to flip-flop between Beta Monk and Monk plus (=V2), for mids on Beta Monk are thick and soft despite relative muddy resolution, and of course the punches of bass as well. BTW, don't think Monk Plus are tough to drive. Some lossless music player may be designed for IEMs with balance armatures with high sensitivity and low impedance. I guess that's why you found Monk plus hard to drive

 

[Robius]

There is a buzzing sound especially with bass on my monk plus's left earphone. I've tried it with different devices and it is same. Is this common or will it go away?

 

[Ira Delphic]

  There is a buzzing sound especially with bass on my monk plus's left earphone. I've tried it with different devices and it is same. Is this common or will it go away?

 
It hasn't happened with any of the 5 MP that I own/gifted. The warranty is less than a week iirc. I don't think it's common and I doubt it will go away. You can verify with the tests in my signature.

 

[bhazard]

I forgot how stupid good these were for $5. Tried them again tonight on a whim, and they just sound too good for an earbud. I hate earbuds, but I really enjoy these.
 
The only reason I tried these again tonight is that my DAC battery died while listening to my LZ A4, and I decided to throw these on my Axon 7. First time I've ever heard bass, balance, and separation in an earbud.

 

[TooPoorForHiFi]

Worth getting the Monks+ even if you already own the Qian39 ? especially the Espresso version? 

 

[flamesofarctica]

Worth getting the Monks+ even if you already own the Qian39 ? especially the Espresso version? 

I'd say so, in my opinion they're the best of the budget earbuds, depends on your sound signature preferences of course.

They have quite a laid back, well balanced sound and are my go-to budget earbuds above the Qian, TY, etc.

I have several now, bought the cappuccino for the looks & nice box (to match that of my other VE earbuds) I must admit, but also it has better quality connectors and I considered it well worth it due to the amount of usage the Monk+ gets. But if in doubt, just get the standard, purple or coffee and see if you like them. Even with the standard version, everything is decent quality (no thin cable like the Qian, for example)

 

[Robius]

   
It hasn't happened with any of the 5 MP that I own/gifted. The warranty is less than a week iirc. I don't think it's common and I doubt it will go away. You can verify with the tests in my signature.

 I maxed the sound (My PC monitor has a really powerful amp) and played with frequencies a little with tone generator and buzzing went away! I hope this is permanent. Thank you.

 

[Saoshyant]

Well both of the new Monks arrived and I'm going to have to compare via Opus #1 the standard balanced Monk+ vs balanced Fancy Monk+, I know myself well enough to know that giving me two monks with coffee names in the same shipment = not going to remember names.  Don't bother telling me, it's a lost cause.  I typically do my monk listening at work with a normal Monk+ via V10, so either way my current listening isn't going to work for comparison.  I'm certainly hearing more detail than usual with this pairing, so yet again thanks @zhibli06 who is most likely on vacation as we as a collective whole probably work him too much.
 
As for the other Monk in the shipment, I honestly expect it'll remain sealed for now, considering my Massdrop Red still is.  Although I really should open them both to admire the color.
 
Edit:  Almost having forgotten about it, my replacement Hifiman Supermini also was delivered just a few minutes ago, so getting a little listening in with my balanced Darth Monk+.  Such a small player, but impressive power output.  It's maybe 1mm or so thicker than the jack.  While the control setup is a little odd, it's not a bad design, an evolution of their HM-700 design.  All in all, a really nice pairing with no audible hiss.

 

[stanleycho]

  Worth getting the Monks+ even if you already own the Qian39 ? especially the Espresso version? 

You don't have to buy any Monk Plus earbuds, whatever earbuds you have or you don't have.
Whenever you have a doubt about anything you don't know, you may just leave it there and go away to protect yourself.

 

[ratex]

so u have PS4 ? or DS4?

let me know when u buy the mic version (1 click is a safer bet ) 

if u r buying them , let me gift u a ****ty converting cable (from cita to omtp , or the other way around , 100% works with 1 click mic)

my email is 

Lee@veclan.com

Cheers

Lee 

My MP has finally arrived. Thanks Lee for sending the converter cable.

I've tested it on DS4 and it worked great with 1 button mic. No need to use the converter at all.

Also, this earbuds are simply amazing. What a great and open sound. Really impressed... same feel as full sized headphones.

 

[tinkertailor]

  Worth getting the Monks+ even if you already own the Qian39 ? especially the Espresso version? 

Not really, the monks have a bit clearer higher end but quite pronounced mids in relation. I would say the Qian39 are a better all rounder. Its up to you though ,I like t have a variety. A better option might be the K's 64ohm imo. It is different, has the detail and clarity of monks, but a better sound all over imo. but i better leave now before i get assaulted in the monk thread (kidding lol)

 

[Saoshyant]

While I like the Monk, I found the K 64 unimpressive, but opinions might change. Currently listening to the Fancy balanced Monk+ with Opus #1.

 

[stanleycho]

  Not really, the monks have a bit clearer higher end but quite pronounced mids in relation. I would say the Qian39 are a better all rounder. Its up to you though ,I like t have a variety. A better option might be the K's 64ohm imo. It is different, has the detail and clarity of monks, but a better sound all over imo. but i better leave now before i get assaulted in the monk thread (kidding lol)

No, obviously not for you've just simply expressed what you feel about your Monk plus.
I don't think Lee's going to kill me although I've said Monk Plus shared a similar sound signature with K141(600ohms).
 
Well, the old Monk, which seems to be an all-rounder, I have to say, is not a perfect selection if you wanna invest a little bit more in your music.
More muddy than the Monk plus. guess the same with your Qian 39, right? Correct me if I'm wrong
 
Why not go for a pair of Asura or Zen? More detailed, more laidback sound, and even broader soundstage.
Anyway, Monk plus with balanced plug may be the cheapest earbuds with trrs stereo plug.

 

[tinkertailor]

 
More muddy than the Monk plus. guess the same with your Qian 39, right? Correct me if I'm wrong
 

I agree with your opinion about orig. Monk being muddier than plus, its also a bit more lwo focused and chilled out mids (from my recolection) but really not incredibly different from Monk plus in my thoughts. I do think Qian39 is 'muddier', but better than the orig. monk imo...just got a nice soft and low bass and the rest is good as well. The only thing is, when i tested it here: http://www.audiocheck.net/soundtests_headphones.php the bass rattled insanely, my monk plus did not. Still, the overall sig of the qian39 is more pleasing to me. The plus are great, but i find them too mid-forward. the k's 64 ohm to me are warm, but also capture the detail that i like in the monks, and are overall more smooth.

 

[stanleycho]

  The plus are great, but i find them too mid-forward. the k's 64 ohm to me are warm, but also capture the detail that i like in the monks, and are overall more smooth.

The treble of Monk plus is also excellent. Compared to my earbuds and even AKG cans (not fair to earbuds, right?), don't think they are mid-forward, but lack of bass in terms of power and impact.
After all, the texture and speed of bass are good.
That's why I think they're like AKG K141 (600ohms)  
 
May not have too much time to try new earbuds, for I need to fetch some DFs and SEXTETTs.
Btw, collecting old cans is reeeeeally a time-consuming and pricey hobby. Whenever you start it, you just can't ever stop it. Have fun.