[Ruben123]

... But not <$50, or are there? (Yes vsd3s are $60)

Edit, this was a reply at the $100 earphones


And yeah youre right, they might be nog that good . however monoprices are cheap too

 

[HouseOfDoom]

TTPOD t1e = SoundSOUL S-018 > VSD3S > HIFiMan 300h...IMHO

The T1e and 018 have very similar sound signatures, with one being a finicky fit dual dynamic, and one being a single titanium micro driver woodie. 3D imaging goes to T1e, but bass quality and timbre go to 018. 018 has less sibilance than the bio-cell driver T1e.

 

[rontant]

TTPOD t1e = SoundSOUL S-018 > VSD3S > HIFiMan 300h...IMHO
 

 
Just curious where would you place RE400 then?

 

[Ruben123]

And when you look at details (in classical music) and sq overall (Which is best for classical) -that is neutral sound?
And the KZ hype (KZ DT3)?

 

[HouseOfDoom]

The 400 in technical terms is better or equal to the T1e, but the crappy build quality and lack of bass (EQ is a must), then I personally slip them before the VSD3S and after the S-018!and T1e.

 

[HouseOfDoom]

And when you look at details (in classical music) and sq overall (Which is best for classical) -that is neutral sound?
And the KZ hype (KZ DT3)?

RE-400 and RE-300h are both really good for classical because of the neutral sound. The Havi B3 even better (with an amp).

 

[rontant]

The 400 in technical terms is better or equal to the T1e, but the crappy build quality and lack of bass (EQ is a must), then I personally slip them before the VSD3S and after the S-018!and T1e.

 
I am alarmed at the rate you fall out of love from RE300h. 

 

[ZapX629]

   
Though I don't have Soundsoul, just think about its pre-hype price of $5.99 (seller picked up quickly on popularity once people started to buy it and doubled the price to $13), and consider that its actual cost is probably around $3.  So if you put this price in perspective and scale everything according to price/performance ratio, sounds to me like "giant slayers" not just "giant killers".  Can't comment about sound quality, though I have a bit of a doubt it will kill VSD3/3S.

I wouldn't even call it a giant killer. I wouldn't say it's better than VSD3S either. I would say it's a great value for under $20 and sounds better than several 40 and 50 dollar earphones.

 

[Shawn71]

The 400 in technical terms is better or equal to the T1e, but the crappy build quality and lack of bass (EQ is a must), then I personally slip them before the VSD3S and after the S-018!and T1e.

oh boy,which part of 400's build not good?shell's strain relief or 3.5mm jack side or the cable thru-out?....

 

[twister6]

 
I wouldn't even call it a giant killer. I wouldn't say it's better than VSD3S either. I would say it's a great value for under $20 and sounds better than several 40 and 50 dollar earphones.

 
I'm just giving benefit of a doubt based on HoD hype   Obviously can't comment about sound quality.  So if that is factored into "giant killer" definition, probably a "great value" is a better way to put it

 

[Shawn71]

RE-400 and RE-300h are both really good for classical because of the neutral sound. The Havi B3 even better (with an amp).

How does KZs (any model) compare to the SS-018?.....

 

[ozkan]

I noticed all these loves to new toys like Re300h or Vsd3s fade out very fast. I don't know what to belive honestly.

My love to IM50 never changed but grew more every day from the first day I've listened to them until they broke by my fault.

 

[Hisoundfi]

I noticed all these loves to new toys like Re300h or Vsd3s fade out very fast. I don't know what to belive honestly.

there will never be a general consensus because everyone has different taste, sources, and buying experiences with the same product.

You sir, would love the AuGlamour-AG-R1 I'm guessing. Beautifully tuned midrange. Needless to say, there are others on head fi who would probably have issues with the tuning.

For example, out of the box the AuGlamour-AG-R1 was amazeballs, but one of the sides had some distortion from 10-40 HZ at louder volumes. If I go on and on about how the build quality is schiit, it will deter people from purchasing them.

The zero audio Carbo tenore caught fire earlier this year, but now people avoid it because many reported issues regarding tuning differentials, durability issues, and channel imbalances. I bought 3 pair thinking I would hold on to them because of their legendary status. I'm still using my first pair and have not had any issues with them.

The re 400 was the same way regarding build and durability.

Stuff doesn't stay relevant because we like something, hype it up, then a few people report problems and the next thing you know everyone is avoiding them.

It's the name of the game. It's why many people don't buy stuff when it first comes out also. They let the general consensus form and purchase based on the sustainability of the hype surrounding a product.

 

[HouseOfDoom]

I fall out of love with 300h due to build issues. If it isn't built to last, you lose my love real fast.

 

[HouseOfDoom]

Listening to the S-018 as I type, no amp, through my rockboxed Sansa Fuze. Bass on 6 and treble on 5. EQ on bass, and I'm getting a sound that's rivaling most of my IEM's. Yeah, I'm saying it. It's right up there with the GR07BE. Bass is similar in quantity and quality, highs are better extended too. Mids still go to GR07BE due to the lushness and layering, but S-018 has a wider soundstage, and though there is slight grain, there just isn't the sibilance I get from my GR07BE, so yeah folks, this ain't hype. This is straight up A/B listening.

Carry on gentlemen!