[cpc93]

sure.... if you're looking for a neutral sounding monitor, with non-standard fit, and don't mind a peak in the low treble / sibilance region.

You have to realize that each IEM will excel at different things. Users who buy based completely off of the rating may find themselves with a sound profile they aren't really interested in, or a fit that doesn't work for them.

Yeah this happened to me consistently when I first started buying

 

[Love Music]

Hi crinnacle,

Im choosing between the rai penta, moondrop s8 and evr. So would just like your input. In terms of signature i like something that has bass slightly north of neutral (strongish slam but fast and doesnt affect clarity), airy and slightly forward/lush vocals, good soundstage, imaging, clarity and detail. Treble i prefer slightly brightish but not overly done with good extension. Or are there any other you think that fits this description that i should look at?

Thanks.

 

[mvvRAZ]

Hi crinnacle,

Im choosing between the rai penta, moondrop s8 and evr. So would just like your input. In terms of signature i like something that has bass slightly north of neutral (strongish slam but fast and doesnt affect clarity), airy and slightly forward/lush vocals, good soundstage, imaging, clarity and detail. Treble i prefer slightly brightish but not overly done with good extension. Or are there any other you think that fits this description that i should look at?

Thanks.

The meze Penta has heavily mediocre treble extension with rather thin mids I’d stay away from it

 

[IEMusic]

Hi crinnacle,

Im choosing between the rai penta, moondrop s8 and evr. So would just like your input. In terms of signature i like something that has bass slightly north of neutral (strongish slam but fast and doesnt affect clarity), airy and slightly forward/lush vocals, good soundstage, imaging, clarity and detail. Treble i prefer slightly brightish but not overly done with good extension. Or are there any other you think that fits this description that i should look at?

Thanks.

I wonder if you should also consider the Sony IER M9 ($1000), or even the M7 ($500)?

 

[RSC08]

The meze Penta has heavily mediocre treble extension with rather thin mids I’d stay away from it

Totally agree. When I had them, I found them claustrophobic and very dull.

 

[sarkarab]

I have the Klipsch X10i, and am not exactly sure how the X20i sounds, but if they sound similar, with similar levels of bass, I think you would be disappointed in the Etymotic ER3/ER4, if you want more bass. If you really want an Etymotic, I’d opt for the ER2XR. You give up a little bit of resolution, but get the more natural sounding DD, with DD bass. It’s my favorite Etymotic. You may also want to look into the Moondrop Starfield and the Tanchjim Oxygen. Not yet on Crinacle’s list as they’ve just been released, but the ThieAudio Legacy 3 and Legacy 9 could also be considered. It seems like the L9 has a ton of bass, that/may or may not be too much for you.

My main recommendation is don’t get fixated on the $500 mark. You have a ton of great options up to that price, but price doesn’t necessarily equal quality, and nowadays you can get really good IEMs for well below that price.

Thanks for your suggestions. I am hesitant to buy without first auditioning earphones and right now with the COVID situation everything is closed so I am going crazy without functioning earphones. I am in touch with a company called Vesper audio to see if they can create a replacement cable for my x20i's and ship them to me. I am hesitant to send out my earphones anywhere via mail for repair.

 

[hornytoad]

Hi crinnacle,

Im choosing between the rai penta, moondrop s8 and evr. So would just like your input. In terms of signature i like something that has bass slightly north of neutral (strongish slam but fast and doesnt affect clarity), airy and slightly forward/lush vocals, good soundstage, imaging, clarity and detail. Treble i prefer slightly brightish but not overly done with good extension. Or are there any other you think that fits this description that i should look at?

Thanks.

I get my Moondrop S8's on Friday. Ill let you know .

 

[IEMusic]

Thanks for your suggestions. I am hesitant to buy without first auditioning earphones and right now with the COVID situation everything is closed so I am going crazy without functioning earphones. I am in touch with a company called Vesper audio to see if they can create a replacement cable for my x20i's and ship them to me. I am hesitant to send out my earphones anywhere via mail for repair.

Hopefully you can get them fixed soon. I really think the Etymotic ER2XR is a pretty safe purchase, and is much less expensive, but you need to consider if you can tolerate the deep insertion/triple flange tips. If you’re completely without an IEM, why not get a budget unit, that can eventually serve as a backup. The BLON BL03 (well balanced, with lots of bass) or the Tin HiFi T2 (neutral, with little bass, but great mids and vocals) come to mind. Both are available in the $30 range.

 

[sarkarab]

Hopefully you can get them fixed soon. I really think the Etymotic ER2XR is a pretty safe purchase, and is much less expensive, but you need to consider if you can tolerate the deep insertion/triple flange tips. If you’re completely without an IEM, why not get a budget unit, that can eventually serve as a backup. The BLON BL03 (well balanced, with lots of bass) or the Tin HiFi T2 (neutral, with little bass, but great mids and vocals) come to mind. Both are available in the $30 range.

I am not a fan of the triple flange tips so I was hesitant to buy the Etymotics. The klipsch small/medium single tips are perfect for my ears. I might actually get one of the budget ones you mentioned. Thanks for all your help!

 

[Love Music]

The meze Penta has heavily mediocre treble extension with rather thin mids I’d stay away from it

Oh, i thought the mids was supposed to be the main strength.,...

I wonder if you should also consider the Sony IER M9 ($1000), or even the M7 ($500)?

I have the m7 already actually haha. I enjoyed the m9 but sometimes i found it kind of boring....

I get my Moondrop S8's on Friday. Ill let you know .

Looking forward to it

 

[Love Music]

But how is the 1670ss and m9 compared to the others mentioned? As these two always seem to have positive reviews.

 

[mvvRAZ]

But how is the 1670ss and m9 compared to the others mentioned? As these two always seem to have positive reviews.

I didn't like the 1670ss especially - it sounds rather harsh and a bit thin. The Acoustune 1695Ti on the other hand has really good mids, with nice body and texture - rather pleasant bass also, with well extended treble.

 

[IEMusic]

“I am not a fan of the triple flange tips so I was hesitant to buy the Etymotics. The klipsch small/medium single tips are perfect for my ears.“

With regards to this topic, I was just exploring other options for Etymotics today.

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/etymotic-ear-tip-options.930440/

 

[alavenue]

Has anyone tried Ibasso DX220/Amp 8, vs Cayin n6ii/E01? which do you prefer?

Thanks!

 

[Jenz]

There is a Crinicles measurement from Westone UM Pro 50, but this model is not in the list. Is there a reason?