SimpleManWithSimpleTastes
New Head-Fier
I'm a complete newbie when it comes to high-fidelity music, and things like resolution, sound stage and instrument separation are alien to me. However, I am really interested to know about the subtleties. I am looking for a few IEMs or portable headphones that will give me a taste of what I am missing.
What I have and what I like:
A very easy example is the song "Far from Any Road" by The Handsome Family. Bass heavy headphones mask the voice, which I hate. On the other hand, I like the extra thump in songs like Jefferson Airplane's "White Rabbit". However, in songs like "A thousand kisses deep" by Cohen, when the bass shows up, I feel like it takes away from the mood Cohen was trying to portray. I know EQ tuning might take care of these ranging problems, but some headphones sound really unnatural when the bass is toned down, like Sony XB series headphones and earphones.
Also, I have problem with sibilance. Plosives I can live with. But those sharp 'S' sounds make my brain hurt. Cymbal crashes are fine, but the problem starts when I watch a lecture of someone who is using the mic without windscreen, or a tennis or table tennis match. Those knocking sound of the balls sometimes feel a bit too sharp and makes me blink with some headphones.
Also, background hiss is something I absolutely can't stand. I tried Soundcore Liberty (forgot which exact model), but it had a background hiss which I couldn't hear while playing music, but still, my OCD kicked in, and I spent more time looking for the hiss instead of listening to the music.
My use cases:
In short, everything.
I listen to classical compositions like Tchaikovsky, Paganini, Schubert, Vivaldi, songs of various genre, including Jazz, Country, Pop, Folk. I also like to listen to mellow music like Coffeehouse Acoustics.
I also watch movies.
I also have to listen to lectures and I record lectures and need a monitor for that. I use Audio Technica ATR2100 for recording with Focusrite Scarlett (if that information helps), and I currently use the Beyerdynamic Beat Byrd for monitoring.
What I want:
I am looking for maybe a couple of IEMs or portable headphones that will give me a decent starting point. I understand that some IEMs or headphones might be better for bass, and some for treble. There is no jack-of-all-trades. I have already ordered a BLON BL01. I would like to get two more sets. I have heard a lot about Fiio, and I considered FD1, but that is $80 where I live (India). Jade Audio is not available unfortunately, so it's not possible for me to get EA1. Tin T2 + and KZ series are available on AliExpress, and I can get them on 11.11 sale. Finally, HiFiMan RE-400 is available at about $27. NF Audio NA2 is available at $88 on Shenzhen Audio.
I have scoured the reviews for IEMs, and there seems to be way too many. Fiio FD1, CVJ CSA, Blon, T2, even the little pricey NF Audio NA2.
My budget is about $110. I want two IEMs that, when combined, should be able to cover the basics. I hope I have explained what I need.
What I have and what I like:
- I have Sony WF XB-700. I like the bass, but they are not really precise. Not good for acoustic songs, folks or bluegrass music. On the other hand, I like it for pop songs.
- Now, Jay's M5 and Jay's X5. Both decent. Clean. But it feels a bit... bland. I can't put it in words, but they just feel a bit flat. But they feel really comfy for longer sessions.
- Finally, Beyerdynamic Byrd. Inexpensive, and okayish. Still too much bass.
A very easy example is the song "Far from Any Road" by The Handsome Family. Bass heavy headphones mask the voice, which I hate. On the other hand, I like the extra thump in songs like Jefferson Airplane's "White Rabbit". However, in songs like "A thousand kisses deep" by Cohen, when the bass shows up, I feel like it takes away from the mood Cohen was trying to portray. I know EQ tuning might take care of these ranging problems, but some headphones sound really unnatural when the bass is toned down, like Sony XB series headphones and earphones.
Also, I have problem with sibilance. Plosives I can live with. But those sharp 'S' sounds make my brain hurt. Cymbal crashes are fine, but the problem starts when I watch a lecture of someone who is using the mic without windscreen, or a tennis or table tennis match. Those knocking sound of the balls sometimes feel a bit too sharp and makes me blink with some headphones.
Also, background hiss is something I absolutely can't stand. I tried Soundcore Liberty (forgot which exact model), but it had a background hiss which I couldn't hear while playing music, but still, my OCD kicked in, and I spent more time looking for the hiss instead of listening to the music.
My use cases:
In short, everything.
I listen to classical compositions like Tchaikovsky, Paganini, Schubert, Vivaldi, songs of various genre, including Jazz, Country, Pop, Folk. I also like to listen to mellow music like Coffeehouse Acoustics.
I also watch movies.
I also have to listen to lectures and I record lectures and need a monitor for that. I use Audio Technica ATR2100 for recording with Focusrite Scarlett (if that information helps), and I currently use the Beyerdynamic Beat Byrd for monitoring.
What I want:
I am looking for maybe a couple of IEMs or portable headphones that will give me a decent starting point. I understand that some IEMs or headphones might be better for bass, and some for treble. There is no jack-of-all-trades. I have already ordered a BLON BL01. I would like to get two more sets. I have heard a lot about Fiio, and I considered FD1, but that is $80 where I live (India). Jade Audio is not available unfortunately, so it's not possible for me to get EA1. Tin T2 + and KZ series are available on AliExpress, and I can get them on 11.11 sale. Finally, HiFiMan RE-400 is available at about $27. NF Audio NA2 is available at $88 on Shenzhen Audio.
I have scoured the reviews for IEMs, and there seems to be way too many. Fiio FD1, CVJ CSA, Blon, T2, even the little pricey NF Audio NA2.
My budget is about $110. I want two IEMs that, when combined, should be able to cover the basics. I hope I have explained what I need.
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