[Wiljen]

What other Chi-Fi models have a relatively flat response, semi-wide soundstage (not huge), tons of clarity, and no shrill highs? Again, not a fan of ZS6.

This is a tough order for any IEM but especially for the price conscious bracket. Most Chi-fi is more V shaped than neutral, and the Tons of clarity requirement is usually directly proportional to price paid. I would suggest the Tin Audio T2, Rose Mini, or Hi Senior B5+ as likely the best inexpensive items that satisfiy most of your requirements if not quite all of them.

 

[HungryPanda]

HiSenior B5+, NiceHCK DT500, Toneking TK2 are my most used iems at the moment

 

[Wiljen]

I have a toneking on the way but haven't had the chance to try it yet- how does it compare to the B5+?

 

[HungryPanda]

The HiSenior B5+ is more neutral than the ToneKing which has a higher treble leaning so is a touch more energetic

 

[Wiljen]

I might like the TK then - how is the low end extension?

 

[HungryPanda]

It does the job, not a bassheads ideal but presents it when called for

 

[Wiljen]

The more I think about it, the more I think the Magaosi K5 might be a good fit for @japancakes too. Nothing too far ahead of anything else and really lush mids.

 

[crabdog]

This is the TFZ my ears have been yearning for ever since the B2M. And it is a true beauty to behold.

 

[Riz99]

@HungryPanda would you say NiceHCK DT500 is an improvement over the NiceHCK300(you have both it seems),can you compare the two?

 

[Wiljen]

This is the TFZ my ears have been yearning for ever since the B2M. And it is a true beauty to behold.

I'll be interested to put the Secret Garden, the King Pro, and the Queen side by side.

 

[crabdog]

I'll be interested to put the Secret Garden, the King Pro, and the Queen side by side.

I'm very keen to hear the Secret Garden too. The Exclusive King doesn't really work for me so not much interested in King Pro.

 

[HungryPanda]

The DT500 is an improvement over the DT300, the mids are fuller and the overall sound extends better both ways. I really like the DT300 but have given it to my wife now I have the DT500

 

[thejoker13]

Would you put them in the same league as your ninetails from your experiences? Cos I'm starting to doubt my order now lol.

Definitely not. The nine tail are some of the best I've heard in the sub 150.00 price point, while the hifi walker sound good for the 25.00-30.00 they cost.

 

[thejoker13]

I've been looking everywhere for some impressions or feedback on Skald IEM's on Taobao. Having single-driver all the way up to 12-driver models, they've got to have something that sounds good.

I still want to dive into Chi-Fi a bit more and it strikes me weird that there is virtually zero info on Skald. I love my old Westone ES3X. They were reshelled by Unique Melody and upgraded to 1+2+2 and still sound brilliant today, but part of the left ear mold chipped and tech has come such a long way since 2010-2015. Price has also plummeted with access to China. I know comparing $800 IEM's to KZ isn't necessarily fair, but I found the ZS6 practically unlistenable with the shrill highs and booming, muddy low-mids. The rave reviews really threw me off once I actually listened to them.

What other Chi-Fi models have a relatively flat response, semi-wide soundstage (not huge), tons of clarity, and no shrill highs? Again, not a fan of ZS6.

The Toneking T4 nail your sound requests to a Tee. They amaze me more and more the longer I listen to them. I believe several other members have purchased them, so hopefully they can soon leave their impressions as well. Believe me, there is actual quality chifi out there, if you're willing to spend some money. The T4 can be bought at various aliexpress stores for 150-200, and have taken over as my number 1 iem, beating iems costing 2× and 3× as much as the T4. They really are that special, in my humble opinion of course.

 

[crabdog]

The Toneking T4 nail your sound requests to a Tee. They amaze me more and more the longer I listen to them. I believe several other members have purchased them, so hopefully they can soon leave their impressions as well. Believe me, there is actual quality chifi out there, if you're willing to spend some money. The T4 can be bought at various aliexpress stores for 150-200, and have taken over as my number 1 iem, beating iems costing 2× and 3× as much as the T4. They really are that special, in my humble opinion of course.

I would love to A/B one with the OS V3 which is still my current fav in the 150-200 range.