[FilipeNgra]

Good to know this thread is still going strong!

My life is about reading/following this thread for few months, choosing few most recent champtions, buying and sticking to it for a year, and then coming back in the expectation that new generation of chi fi iems has better sound for the same price. It has worked well for years. My most recent "find" - I suspect over a year ago - was Square Planar+BA gem called Kinera Celest Gumiho. It has incredible detail without piercing (I am a bit treble-sensitive), impressive extension on both ends and a somewhat intimate but incredibly well-layered soundstage.

Now I am really keen to see if in the alst 12 months better options became available on the market, ideally for USD50-60, but I could go up to USD 100 for a right item. When I say "better", I certainly mean my own subjective "better" but based on the fact that I like neutral, detailed signatures with deep low bass but not necessarily strong or punchy mid-bass, what is the alternative you think I should try?

From reading recent posts, seems like Simgot (which is a brand I don't remember) has some interesting offering that may fit the bill? EA500 or EW200?

Yes.i have the ea500 and i can only say wonders about them.

 

[keesue]

Yes, you can.

@baskingshark

Ok, you convinced me. After reading up on the RU7, I gotsta score one. Damnit man!

 

[keesue]

Question: Does the RU7 have the pause in volume adjustment?

 

[DBaldock9]

Question: Does the RU7 have the pause in volume adjustment?

Yes - See about 2/3 way down in the first post of the RU7 thread, where the Discrete Volume Control is described -
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/cayin-ru7-1-bit-resistor-network-dongle-dac-amp.968064/post-17546160

 

[keesue]

Ah, yes. I guess I missed that when I read it. Actually, come to think of it, I did read it but it didn't register for some reason. Many thanks for the citation.

 

[Dustry]

What can I say, Simgot totally lives up to the hype. Totally blown away.

Now, I would like to find a balanced cable for it as balanced cables have a surprisingly strong noticeable impacr when it comes to sounds rage and channel separation. All I need is
- 2-pin 2.5mm balanced
- 4 core (as I don't like massive heavy cables)
- No microphonics!
- Doesn't cost a fortunte

Sounds easy? Well I would appreciate some links. I got this one
(FAAEAL 4Core High Purity Copper cable
https://a.aliexpress.com/_EGxWLRh) but microphonics are so bad it is basically impossible to use it on the go portable. Even when I hold my DAP in a hand to avoid cable touching clothes, even cable rubbing lightly against tops of my ears creates microphonics rattle.

Any help or links appreciated!

 

[keesue]

What can I say, Simgot totally lives up to the hype. Totally blown away.

Now, I would like to find a balanced cable for it as balanced cables have a surprisingly strong noticeable impacr when it comes to sounds rage and channel separation. All I need is
- 2-pin 2.5mm balanced
- 4 core (as I don't like massive heavy cables)
- No microphonics!
- Doesn't cost a fortunte

Sounds easy? Well I would appreciate some links. I got this one
(FAAEAL 4Core High Purity Copper cable
https://a.aliexpress.com/_EGxWLRh) but microphonics are so bad it is basically impossible to use it on the go portable. Even when I hold my DAP in a hand to avoid cable touching clothes, even cable rubbing lightly against tops of my ears creates microphonics rattle.

Any help or links appreciated!

I bought this one. Save $3 by checking the box = $12.99. It works like a charm for me on my Simgot EA500s. Note: I am not of the"cables make a difference" camp unless they are acting as equalizers, in which case, the law of diminishing returns apply. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08D6DRB41/ref=twister_B08D6KJ1YJ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

 

[requal]

I have received my tuning set for EA500. Very nice!

 

[Kumonomukou]

I don't understand why would anyone change the name of this thread. It literally killed an already declining thread. It used to be searching 'Sub 100 Headfi' then open this page seeing some dozen people sharing their Budget / Borderline Midfi CHIFI discovery. People also don't wanna be in an audio thread titled 'LOVE' I guess LOL. What a shame.

 

[w111]

What kind of stuff are you guys digging these days? Just curious as someone who hasn't followed the IEM market in the past 6 months

 

[passie42]

What kind of stuff are you guys digging these days? Just curious as someone who hasn't followed the IEM market in the past 6 months

When talking about budget IEM’s the Moondrop Chu 2 sound very good. Much better than the KZ Krila. If you spend more money the Hidisz MS3 are on introduction sale and sound very good.

 

[jmwant]

What kind of stuff are you guys digging these days? Just curious as someone who hasn't followed the IEM market in the past 6 months

I'm in the same position as you lol.

 

[Tamizhan]

Offshoot of Huawei freebuds 2 pro with DD and a microplanar coming at 60$. Could compete with FW3.
https://www.realme.com/my/realme-buds-air-5-pro

 

[jmwant]

Offshoot of Huawei freebuds 2 pro with DD and a microplanar coming at 60$. Could compete with FW3.
https://www.realme.com/my/realme-buds-air-5-pro

Specs looks great. Wish it didn't have those long stems.

 

[w111]

When talking about budget IEM’s the Moondrop Chu 2 sound very good. Much better than the KZ Krila. If you spend more money the Hidisz MS3 are on introduction sale and sound very good.

How does Chu 2 compare with 7hz Salnotes Zero (assuming you still have it)? Also, what'd you not like about the Krila?