BEST VALUE ''around 100-300$'' CHIFI & NEWCOMERS IEM with REFERENCE List (no BIG brands here)
Feb 13, 2018 at 10:37 PM Thread Starter Post #1 of 592

NymPHONOmaniac

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As I was working on the best sub 100$ chinese IEM list, I feel always frustrated to not be able to include 110$ gems that lot of headfier praise, I even try to change title of my other sub-100$ thread but it do not make sens and would have been more confusing for headfier that have real limited budget.

Now, impulsively, I open this thread to begin a reference list of the best of the best we can find in term of sound quality with chinese IEM that are priced between 100 and 200$ (not more not less, sale being an exception when it occur).

This should be a thread with easily findable chinese earphones for worldwide consumers (no taobao stuffs for example), exclusive price dependant of your country isn't very nice if somebody have to pay twice the price so for this list it will only include 100-200$ IEM with very affordable shipping price (free or very cheap).

The reference list is based on YOU as well as my discoveries based on multiple positive reviews or subjective hearing of great IEM well backed with other positive impressions (will not include IEM that i'm the only one to love). This list can be change or update, here, we are in a real democratic state, and if an IEM do not deserve to be in this list for good reason it will not stay there, no BS, but it must be quite obvious or majoritary as well!

As price change alot and some 100$ IEM can be on sale or have price drop, we can include 75$ and up MUST HAVE gems too, but nothing under this price limit please, the goal of this thread is to find the best deal possible in chifi value and list them here so readers will not feel lost in overwhelming impressions sharing. Here, this is the best of the best and nothing else!! I will include review from here or the net as well.

Best ''about 100$'' IEM:

-Magaosi K3 PRO:https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/hi...ach-earhooks-headset-headphones.22218/reviews
-TFZ Exclusive KING:https://thecontraptionist.blog/2017/05/12/tfz-exclusive-king-the-king/
-Ostry KC06:https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/ostry-kc06-high-fidelity-stereo-inner-ear-earphones.20001/
-NiceHCK M6: https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/nicehck-m6.23430/reviews
-BGVP DMG:https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/bgvp-dmg.23283/reviews
-CCA C16 (8BA):https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/cca-c16.23526/reviews

100-150$ :

-Magaosi K3 HD (1DD+2BA):https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/magaosi-k3-hd.22481/reviews
-Toneking Musicmaker TK12s (1DD+2BA):https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/musicmaker-tk12.21305/reviews
-Simgot EN700 Bass (1 dynamic):https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/si...oil-dynamic-driver-earphone-red.22212/reviews
-MACAW GT600S (1 DD+1BA with changeable nozzle for soundsignature):https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/macaw-gt600s.22595/reviews
-Toneking Musicmaker Nine tail (1DD with changeable front and back nozzle):
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/toneking-nine-tail.22673/reviews
-Ibasso IT01 (tesla DD): https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/ibasso-it01.22774/reviews
-Final Audio E4000:https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/final-e4000.23162/reviews
-Whizzer Hayden A15 PRO: https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/whizzer-a15.22206/reviews
-Vsonic GR07: https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/vsonic-gr07.13419/reviews
-Rose Mini2 (2BA): https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/rose-technology-mini2.22264/reviews
-BGVP DM6: https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/bgvp-dm6.23290/reviews
-Simgot EN700PRO:https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/simgot-en700-pro.22692/reviews
-Fiio F9 PRO (1DD+2 Knowles BA):https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/fiio-f9-pro-hybrid-triple-driver-iem.22784/reviews
-Magaosi K5: https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/magaosi-k5.22812/reviews
-IKKO OH1: https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/ikko-oh1.23467/reviews
-BQEYZ SPRING1: https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/bqeyz-spring-1.23941/reviews
-VSONIC VS7: https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/vsonic-vs7.23771/reviews
-MOONDROP STARFIELD: ''Balanced with natural timbre and tonality. Great bass extension, smooth vocal. Great all arounder.'' https://nobsaudiophile.wordpress.co...tarfield-the-new-dynamic-driver-iem-standard/
-Audiosense T300: ''Well balanced triple BA, near neutral, smooth natural timbre, fast attack, holographic musicality, versatile tuning''
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/audiosense-t300.24078/reviews

150-200$:

-LZ A4 (Triple Hybrid with changeable sound filters) :https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/lz-a4.22062/reviews
-Moondrop Kanas PRO: https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/moondrop-kanas-pro.23385/
-Ibasso IT01s: https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/ibasso-it01s.23511/reviews
-ORIOLUS FINSCHI: https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/oriolus-finschi.23683/reviews
-IKKO OH10: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/ikko-oh10.911068/page-3
-TRI I3: ''Mid centric with organic tonality and high clarity''
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/tri-i3.24171/reviews
-TINHIFI P1: ''Niche sound signature perfect for vocal lover, mid centric with natural tonality, effortless clarity. Bass light and need proper amping.''
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/tinhifi-p1.23783/reviews
-Obravo Cupid Basic: ''Bassy and analytical sound, crisp mids and highs, bright tonality. Aggressive treble. Excellent imaging. Slightly artificial timbre.''
https://nobsaudiophile.wordpress.co...bold-high-end-sound-at-budget-friendly-price/


200-300$:

-Tanchjim Oxygen: https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/tanchjim-oxygen.23545/
-Final Audio Design E5000: ''Warm tonality with good resolution, lush timbre and smooth treble. Impressive bass extension. Romantic sound.''
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/final-e5000.23161/reviews
-Audiosense T800 (8BA): ''Deep controled bass, analytical sound and imaging, wide soundstage, little trebly, accurate and sharp'' https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/audiosense-t800.23786/reviews
-DUNU DK2001: ''U shape with lush vocal, warm bass and thick-smooth timbre''https://nobsaudiophile.wordpress.com/2020/03/08/dunu-dk-2001-sweet-musical-impressionism/
-MOONDROP Blessing 2: ''Close to neutral with precise imaging and sharp clarity''
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/moondrop-blessing-2.24140/reviews
-FIIO FH5: ''V shape with sharp highs and great technicalities''
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/fiio-fh5-quad-driver-hybrid-in-ear-monitors.23184/reviews
 
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Feb 14, 2018 at 2:17 AM Post #2 of 592
Whizzer A15 Pro
 
Feb 14, 2018 at 9:16 AM Post #3 of 592
I'd suggest that perhaps you modify the opening post to say near $100 and explicitly add that IEMs at say $75+ are welcome too. Simply because the sub $100 thread really does concentrate so much on those who's price is under $50 that more expensive offerings seem to get little mention. Otherwise nice thread. Impressions in a week or two for those I own.
 
Feb 14, 2018 at 10:52 AM Post #4 of 592
I'd suggest that perhaps you modify the opening post to say near $100 and explicitly add that IEMs at say $75+ are welcome too. Simply because the sub $100 thread really does concentrate so much on those who's price is under $50 that more expensive offerings seem to get little mention. Otherwise nice thread. Impressions in a week or two for those I own.

Okay, I follow your suggestions, now, we need more great findings, cause it make sometime I try to choose the best possible iem around 100-150$, still searching. Ibasso IT01 really intrigue me but i'm afraid they sound like the Z5000 as they use both tesla driver and have bass emphasis.

Excited to read your impressions!

Cheers!

Oh, and if anybody think a IEM in the list REALLY should not be there, just tell me and I erase it if it make sens.

But I want suggestions and reviews link!
 
Feb 14, 2018 at 11:00 AM Post #5 of 592
Ibasso IT01 really intrigue me but i'm afraid they sound like the Z5000 as they use both tesla driver and have bass emphasis.

They don't sound like Z5000 and you won't be disappointed with them, no one is so far.

In addition to some in the OP I am also interested in Ostry KC09, TFZ Exclusive King Pro and Dunu Falcon-C.
 
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Feb 14, 2018 at 1:10 PM Post #6 of 592
I'll just add although the info is in the iBasso IT01 specific thread that they really do need 200 hours of burn in. My standard got a new IEM process is pretty simple. Plug it into my Benjie K9 and play pink noise for a day. Then just let it go for 3 more on shuffle. That's close to 100 hours before I give anything a serious listen. The iBasso sounded good at that point but the midrange felt recessed to me, especially in comparison to the glowing comments on the thread. Tossed them back on the Benjie for 4 more days of random shuffle and it was surprising just how well the entire spectrum smoothed out. No more recessed vocals, great sub-bass rumble without mud, clear symbols, triangles and high hats and everything in between. These are the only ones that I have that needed so long for burn-in.

I have a stack of $75+ IEMs here that I need to go through. Here's a partial list, I'm sure I'm missing some:Massdrop Pinnacle PX, LZ A4, NuForce Primo 8, Magaosi K3 Pro, 1More Triple Driver, Kinera H3, Brainwavz B150, B200 and B400 (although not considered Chi-Fi), Jay's Q-Jay (over range and from Sweden), thinkSound rain3 (American). Then a number that are a bit cheap for this topic but aren't in the under $50 category either: Massdrop NuForce EDC, TFZ Exclusive 5, Jay's A-Jay 5 (again Sweden).
 
Feb 14, 2018 at 3:22 PM Post #10 of 592
Thank you for starting this, subscribed! I'm really anxious to read about iem's in this price range. Another gem that could be added would be the Brainwavz B200. It compliments the B400 perfectly and should be talked about by more people, in my opinion. To me, it's one of the price to performance champions among iem's that I own.
 
Feb 14, 2018 at 4:24 PM Post #11 of 592
how about the
Hisenior B5+
Did you try them?
Can't find review anywhere....really need to be confirm GREAT sounding....I take off the Magaosi K5 cause of mitiged review as well as TFZ exclusive 5 (kinda boomy tell more than 1 people).
In fact....they look like identical to the Magaosi K5 wich is as well a 5BA but lack low bass so it's a no for here, BA can be well implemented or give a dry detailed sound too, got a crappy 6BA and never use it, its so dry and fowards....real disaster!

If you can share impressions or a review it will be nice:)
 
Feb 14, 2018 at 4:29 PM Post #12 of 592
Thank you for starting this, subscribed! I'm really anxious to read about iem's in this price range. Another gem that could be added would be the Brainwavz B200. It compliments the B400 perfectly and should be talked about by more people, in my opinion. To me, it's one of the price to performance champions among iem's that I own.
Yeah, Brainwavz new B line have quite lot of fan for ALL model, on sub 100$ forum the B100 is rave about alot...begin to work on me..
Did B200 can deal with BASS, just rightly, not boom, just deep, like so it feel natural with a jazz bass player?
 
Feb 14, 2018 at 4:33 PM Post #13 of 592
TFZ KING PRO and TFZ TEQUILA 1 are starting to receive some nice impressions overall, might be a worthy addition once more info is available.
Rose Mini2, Magaosi K5 are also quite interesting, Mini2 is recommended by a lot of prominent reviewers.
Oh...forgot about the Mini....they really intrigue me for along time....but I bury them in my subcousious to not buy them impulsively....they really really look nice and must of all ultra small.
Magaosi K5 in other hand have mitiged reviews...I can't include lower than 4 stars review in the list so it can be trustable.
 
Feb 14, 2018 at 5:16 PM Post #15 of 592
No but i am very close to pull the trigger, they are highly regarded from the owners on aliexpress
Yeah, this comment give me hope about multi BA for sure! If you take the plunge, tell us if they give supreme sound value:)

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For $160 they sound amazing!.. I am a bass player, but not the kind that likes extreme bass in my ears, I like for things to be balanced and that is how these sound! Everything is clear, Bass is smooth, but not overpowering, mids are a little boosted but makes vocals sound amazing, highs are a little strong for what I like, but I got used to it quick. I am coming from using SHURE IEM's, I have used the se215, se425, and se535LTD, of course the 535's were my favorite. These Hisenior B5's sound clearer that the 535's, but slightly less bass. One thing to note also, is that I was just playing music from my Samsung Galaxy S7 Active, I don't have a DAC, or anything like that. But when I hooked them to my practice amp, It sounded like I was in a car with Subwoofers, it was pretty cool!!.. I still have to try them live at church as actual monitors and then I will update my review. Also the cable that comes with it is not all that great, I will be using my cable from my Shure monitors.
 

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