Best Endgame IEM Between $3-5K?

[OnlySoMany]

Hello, fellow audio friends. I've been looking at a few "endgame" IEMs lately for the portable setup. Here is what I am considering.

Campfire Audio Trifecta ($3.3K)
Vison Ears Phonix ($4.2K),
A&K/Empire Ears Novus ($5K)
Noble Audio Onyx ($3.K)
Empire Ears Raven ($3.6K)
Empire Ears Legend Evo ($3.1K)

As you can see in my signature, I own quite a few ZMF headphones. I am looking to get that same sense of warmth, fullness, robust, powerful organic punchy sound that doesn't slack on detail. I am slightly sensitive to shrill/peaky treble, or sets that are all about "absolute detail". I have been having a hard time finding that sound in an IEM or portable setup. Current DAP is a A&K SE300.

I would love to hear your feedback so that I don't make an expensive mistake.

 

[ToneDeafMonk]

Hello, fellow audio friends. I've been looking at a few "endgame" IEMs lately for the portable setup. Here is what I am considering.

Campfire Audio Trifecta ($3.3K)
Vison Ears Phonix ($4.2K),
A&K/Empire Ears Novus ($5K)
Noble Audio Onyx ($3.K)
Empire Ears Raven ($3.6K)
Empire Ears Legend Evo ($3.1K)

As you can see in my signature, I own quite a few ZMF headphones. I am looking to get that same sense of warmth, fullness, robust, powerful organic punchy sound that doesn't slack on detail. I am slightly sensitive to shrill/peaky treble, or sets that are all about "absolute detail". I have been having a hard time finding that sound in an IEM or portable setup. Current DAP is a A&K SE300.

I would love to hear your feedback so that I don't make an expensive mistake.

You should put the Apha Omega Omega on your radar it does compete , it's just a smaller Boutique company but top notch sound and build quality.

 

[OnlySoMany]

You should put the Apha Omega Omega on your radar it does compete , it's just a smaller Boutique company but top notch sound and build quality.

I saw those, and they look beautiful!

 

[ToneDeafMonk]

I saw those, and they look beautiful!

The nice thing about the Omega , is not only do they compete with the Grand Maestro's Sound Quality it's more tunable and especially when you paying so much it's nice to be able to change tuning with your mood.

 

[DynamicEars]

Elysian Annihilator 2023

 

[ToneDeafMonk]

Elysian Annihilator 2023

New baby version coming for less?

 

[focysrite2]

I would love to hear your feedback so that I don't make an expensive mistake.

LOL. I also know a lot of these companies will come out with a new version shortly after so expect it to be outdated fast.

Technically the 2 endgame IEMs are under 300 dollars if youre talking just sound quality. If referring to other attributes like how much gold and diamonds are glued to it then thats another story.

 

[LFC_SL]

Is there a criteria to that list, price aside? Some of the models, like Trifecta, are doing their own thing sound tuning wise and fall into "if you like it, you like it".

I think in a demo comparison session the Annihilator 2023 is likely to come across well for example the vibrancy in the treble.

If your budget is upwards of 5k model then might as well try to track down a listen of the Storm and APX SE.

 

[focysrite2]

If your budget is upwards of 5k model then might as well try to track down a listen of the Storm and APX SE.

expensive mistakes will be made.

 

[LFC_SL]

expensive mistakes will be made.

Well yes, it is correct there are online reports about Thieaudio quality control of what people receive with Hype 2 rattling

Assuming you have first hand listening experience ams meant to include a paragraph about that, the graph looks to have been adjusted. The Hype 2 is more U or V shape sounding in real world listening. And no graphs do not show everything. "Hype 2 graphs similar so sound similar" would also dismiss the Monarch MkIII.

 

[focysrite2]

Well yes, it is correct there are online reports about Thieaudio quality control of what people receive with Hype 2 rattling

i own it. mine doesn't. stop winking youre not owning anyone, lol.

Assuming you have first hand listening experience ams meant to include a paragraph about that, the graph looks to have been adjusted. The Hype 2 is more U or V shape sounding in real world listening. And no graphs do not show everything. "Hype 2 graphs similar so sound similar" would also dismiss the Monarch MkIII.

yes graphs show everything. human hearing is v-shaped. v-shaped is flat / balanced. once you scoop diffuse eargain at 3khz and boost bass it is v-shaped.






Studio workhorse vs so called v-shaped target

 

[OnlySoMany]

LOL. I also know a lot of these companies will come out with a new version shortly after so expect it to be outdated fast.

Technically the 2 endgame IEMs are under 300 dollars if youre talking just sound quality. If referring to other attributes like how much gold and diamonds are glued to it then thats another story.

I am not necessarily chasing something expensive just for the sake of it, but pricier models often have more refinement to their sound that makes them unique/special. Not to mention build quality.

 

[focysrite2]

I am not necessarily chasing something expensive just for the sake of it, but pricier models often have more refinement to their sound that makes them unique/special. Not to mention build quality.

The research you quoted says the exact opposite. All refinement is around 250 dollars. Unique and special refinement may actually just be poor tuning. It's unique and special alright.

 

[OnlySoMany]

So I pulled the trigger on two sets. Went with the Novus (used HeadFi classifieds) and Trifecta (new, Bloom Audio). I received the Novus today, and WOW! What an incredible sound from something so small. The bass is incredible, unlike anything I tried at the lower levels. Mids and treble is very, very good. It doesn't have the space of a TOTL open back over ear, but I really don't have any complaints. Very happy with purchase. Looking forward to hearing the Trifecta hopefully tomorrow.

 

[mythosaur]

Perfection out of this world, IMHO! iBasso DX 260 + Spiral Ear SE6 Nebula. Really doubt anything comes close to this sound. Never in my life did I hear this level of resolution, balance, harmony, soundstage, instrument separation and transparency. Totally recommended reference sound quality!