crinacle's IEM Ranking List

[Colors]

Is the Massdrop Plus IEM really an A-?

I felt the same way until I listened to it.

I'd say the'yre on the same level as ER4XR which @crinacle gives.

 

[deafdoorknob]

initial impressions was that its just kinda meh, not much sparkle up top, mids slightly too forward for me, bass is ok.

subsequently it just feels right, timbre is superb, imaging is clear and concise and everything sings. Cohesion and the slight warmth makes for a easy listen, very smooth listening. The most natural sounding iem i've heard

this goes to show the inherent bias in quickfire impressions. Crin has repeated stated that these are 1) his personal rankings; 2) mostly quick impressions. these are certainly merit to them, especially as a way to shortlist your own auditioning process, but not to use it as validation to one's purchases or a buyers guide. just my 2¢.

 

[BananaOoyoo]

this goes to show the inherent bias in quickfire impressions. Crin has repeated stated that these are 1) his personal rankings; 2) mostly quick impressions. these are certainly merit to them, especially as a way to shortlist your own auditioning process, but not to use it as validation to one's purchases or a buyers guide. just my 2¢.

The only person who can really validate a purchase is the buyer him/herself, right? After all, nobody can really say what sounds good to you - whether the product in question is a $15 chi-fi IEM or a $3500 Tia Fourte.

I do appreciate what @crinacle brings with this rankings list though. I’ve referred to both the list itself and the corresponding measurement database before, and while I may not always agree with the impressions or a rating, I’ve always felt it helped me know what “flavor” a certain IEM was - and consequently, what products I may want to look out for.

 

[deafdoorknob]

The only person who can really validate a purchase is the buyer him/herself, right? After all, nobody can really say what sounds good to you - whether the product in question is a $15 chi-fi IEM or a $3500 Tia Fourte.

I do appreciate what @crinacle brings with this rankings list though. I’ve referred to both the list itself and the corresponding measurement database before, and while I may not always agree with the impressions or a rating, I’ve always felt it helped me know what “flavor” a certain IEM was - and consequently, what products I may want to look out for.

right in theory, many responses in this thread suggest otherwise. I too am thankful for the anyone sharing their information so generously, just caveating and reminding others of the intention of the list.

 

[klyzon]

as with all reviews, always take it with a pinch of salt. Reviews/rankings/ratings are good references to single out gear you wanna try. End of the day you still gotta try it. Really appreciate all the different rankings and such, makes life easier since there's a vast amount of different gear out there.

 

[Mmurin]

But what are we speaking about here? Is the ranking done purely on the technical virtues of these IEMs, or the enjoyable to listen factor is in the equation too?
I am asking because for example, despite not technically proficient, the Sony MH1C still provides a very nice listening experience.

 

[Colors]

But what are we speaking about here? Is the ranking done purely on the technical virtues of these IEMs, or the enjoyable to listen factor is in the equation too?
I am asking because for example, despite not technically proficient, the Sony MH1C still provides a very nice listening experience.

If you scroll a few pages back, crinacle mentions the criteria he rates the IEMs on when I was asked if the MD+ was really A-.

It’s done on technical merit I believe.

 

[crinacle]

But what are we speaking about here? Is the ranking done purely on the technical virtues of these IEMs, or the enjoyable to listen factor is in the equation too?
I am asking because for example, despite not technically proficient, the Sony MH1C still provides a very nice listening experience.

Technical merit. Enjoyment is personal, I cannot account for the preferences of everyone who refers to my list.

 

[Niyologist]

Technical merit. Enjoyment is personal, I cannot account for the preferences of everyone who refers to my list.

That fun reference sound that you said about the MDP is exactly what I was looking for.

 

[pikachuchu]

Wow. Excellent job. Thanks for ranking them. Bet it took you forever...... Can't wait to try some of the earphones on the list

 

[nabeelkhan]

On a side note, thanks for the creation of list crinacle, acts as a good discussion point.

 

[Colors]

They’re meant to be used as reference points not hard facts..

For example, IT01 is ranked C but I really like mine and rank it C+ on my list. Also, not a big fan of the GR07 so I give it a C instead of B-. ER4XR, MD+ and EE Spartan are spot on. Same with the Beyerdynamic Xelento. Oriveti Basic was like a F for me (I couldn’t even listen to it).

These are just starting points. You make your own personal list based on your tastes using this as a direction.

 

[Long Vu]

Hi Crinacle. What do you think about the Campfire Orion and Campfire Comet? Thanks

 

[tanshiyu]

@crinacle , have u heard the nocturnal audio avalon? if so, how did it compare to the atlantis?

 

[deafdoorknob]

anything left you with a strong (positive) impression so far, aside from the N8?