[Philimon]

Yep, or simply give us a budget, a sound preference and let the community suggest earbuds to you. No need for a new thread when this one functions very smoothly.

Thanks everyone for the replies.

I don't think this thread should be aborted. I'm saying maybe a quick guide would be helpful. Usually the original poster keeps post #1 updated - but don't blame him cause thread is huge.

Okay then. Budget: sub $150, but preferably $0. Sound preference: neutral and undistorted, and preferably n-shaped vs u-shaped if need be.

So far I have the Auglamour RX1 which I really like but I wish the highs weren't as rolled off. I've ordered the NiceHCK DIY Graphene (old 2017 version) based on this review because it was compared well with Shozy BK but at much cheaper price. Now I am worried that review was unique. I've not found many reviews of these earbuds so it's hard to get a feel. I did find some helpful information on that other headphone forum (not reddit) that you can't name because you'll get banned, but I'm not sure I can relay that post here without getting in trouble. I will say that opinion I found there liked the old NiceHCK graphene but said it was a bit mid-recessed and the treble was fatiguing. Ugh. Why Aliexpress ship so slow?

 

[DBaldock9]

Got myself a second pair of PT15 after repeated reading about how the new one is different from the old one - here are my PT15: the black on is the original first batch (*directly from ****'s official Taobao store during initial launched) and the blue one was ordered just last week from the same store again. As far as I can tell, both sound pretty much identical under the same cable with the same type of foam pad. I also PM'ed to ****'s customer service and they confirmed that the tuning has never been changed.

No matter what the **** customer service people say - the set of PT15 I ordered back in October of 2016, had a good Mid- & Treble-centric sound, but not much Bass impact.
When the MMCX connector pulled out of one, I ordered a replacement set in April of 2017, which had much better Bass impact. They had the same 4-hole housing as the first set.
Then, in December of 2017, I ordered 2 more sets. They're the newer 1-hole housing, and sound the same as the set from April.

 

[Chifi]

the more i read these threads the less im sure which earbuds i actually want to buy mostly because there's no definite consensus and too many models and variations.

 

[mbwilson111]

the more i read these threads the less im sure which earbuds i actually want to buy mostly because there's no definite consensus and too many models and variations.

There will never be a definite consensus. How can there be? Everyone has different hearing, different ear anatomy, different taste in music and sound signature. Some people find treble piercing. Others might find bass headache inducing. Some people want music to energize them, while others want it to relax them. You just need to digest all that you read and then try something.

What do you already have that you like or don't like? You have not filled out your profile info so that makes it more difficult to help. The site actually advises that we do fill out our profiles for that reason.

 

[DatClampTho]

the more i read these threads the less im sure which earbuds i actually want to buy mostly because there's no definite consensus and too many models and variations.

Great thing is most earbuds are cheap so you can try many to see what suits your ears!

 

[seanc6441]

Looking at that google doc, those EMX500 buds seem to be highly-regarded. Would those be these?
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/100...dbcd2df&transAbTest=ae803_1&priceBeautifyAB=0

...and are they that good?

They were a favourite until recently when more competition arrived. They have deep bass and a large soundstage, treble is detailed buy somewhat artificial sounding. Mids are a little recessed but full and warm. Still a good buy I'd say but not in a class of it's own anymore.

 

[seanc6441]

Thanks everyone for the replies.

I don't think this thread should be aborted. I'm saying maybe a quick guide would be helpful. Usually the original poster keeps post #1 updated - but don't blame him cause thread is huge.

Okay then. Budget: sub $150, but preferably $0. Sound preference: neutral and undistorted, and preferably n-shaped vs u-shaped if need be.

So far I have the Auglamour RX1 which I really like but I wish the highs weren't as rolled off. I've ordered the NiceHCK DIY Graphene (old 2017 version) based on this review because it was compared well with Shozy BK but at much cheaper price. Now I am worried that review was unique. I've not found many reviews of these earbuds so it's hard to get a feel. I did find some helpful information on that other headphone forum (not reddit) that you can't name because you'll get banned, but I'm not sure I can relay that post here without getting in trouble. I will say that opinion I found there liked the old NiceHCK graphene but said it was a bit mid-recessed and the treble was fatiguing. Ugh. Why Aliexpress ship so slow?

Neutral-mid centric (mild n shaped)?

Shozy bk $150 (exactly the signature you describe)

Possibly the new Willsound PK32 for $42 + shipping (chinmies description seems to support it being emphased with fuller mid bass and mids with great detail)

Not the graphenes... IMO they don't sound like the BK at all. Stronger brighter treble,sub and mid bass emphasis, weaker slightly more recessed vocal range. Detail is good though.

 

[Chifi]

There will never be a definite consensus. How can there be? Everyone has different hearing, different ear anatomy, different taste in music and sound signature. Some people find treble piercing. Others might find bass headache inducing. Some people want music to energize them, while others want it to relax them. You just need to digest all that you read and then try something.

What do you already have that you like or don't like? You have not filled out your profile info so that makes it more difficult to help. The site actually advises that we do fill out our profiles for that reason.

thanks. you and seanc6411 already tried to help me in that "absolute best budget earbuds" thread, but i'm still confused because people here rank these earbuds based on personal opinion (obviously). i've been mostly buying chinese IEMs like rock zircon, kz zst colorful, **** 4in1 with spinfit twinblade etc. zircons have some really really impressive bass, other 2 are great all around, but don't fit my ears well.

i have some earbuds that look exactly like apples earbuds but since they were given to me a while ago i'm not sure, anyway, they're very uncomfortable and don't sound good enough to me. the reason i want earbuds is so i can listen to music and also sleep with them, as regular IEMs are not good for long wearing and can cause ear infections, so i kind of think earbuds with foams are better for ear health overall as they don't protrude into your ear canal, i deformed my ear canals with foam plugs, so i dont want to worsen it with wearing iems anymore.

Anyway i'm mainly looking for earbuds that i can listen to on my PC, but mainly on my Samsung Galaxy S4 without an amp and i'm not sure if this phone can handle like 150 ohm impedance? i also ALWAYS tend to damage cables either at the jack or housing in couple of months time, **** pt15 have replaceable mmcx cables but apparently there are much better sounding earbuds out there? A lot of people here are raving about willsound mk1 mk2 mk3 but they're like 32$ + shipping from roluphat. i would prefer to buy them from aliexpress, but i also don't want them to be older than 2017, because apparently a lot of these earbuds are.

As far as music goes i listen to plenty of genres from electronic, disco, po,. jpop, rap, classical and also watch tv shows on my phone. so i guess that would mean all-around, maybe balanced? my budget is around $25, maybe a bit more if they're really good. i would also appreciate suggestions on earhooks and foam pads.

Great thing is most earbuds are cheap so you can try many to see what suits your ears!

i'm on a budget and i don't like having multiple things that basically serve the same purpose, while i can pay more and get 1 that's really good, because you're really just throwing money away. which imo is fine if this is your hobby, but im approaching this from utilitarian perspective.

 

[seanc6441]

thanks. you and seanc6411 already tried to help me in that "absolute best budget earbuds" thread, but i'm still confused because people here rank these earbuds based on personal opinion (obviously). i've been mostly buying chinese IEMs like rock zircon, kz zst colorful, **** 4in1 etc.
zircons have some really really impressive bass, other 2 are great all around, but dont fit my ears well.

i have some earbuds that look exactly like apples earbuds but since they were given to me a while ago i'm not sure, anyway, they're very uncomfortable and don't sound good enough to me. the reason i want earbuds is so i can listen to music and also sleep with them, as regular IEMs are not good for long wearing and can cause ear infections, so i kind of think earbuds with foams are better for ear health overall as they don't protrude into your ear canal.

Anyway i'm mainly looking for earbuds that i can listen to on my PC, but mainly on my Samsung Galaxy S4 without an amp and i'm not sure if this phone can handle like 150 ohm impedance? i also ALWAYS tend to damage cables either at the jack or housing in couple of months time, **** pt15 have replaceable mmcx cables but apparently there are much better sounding earbuds out there? A lot of people here are raving about willsound mk1 mk2 mk3 but they're like 32$ + shipping from roluphat. i would prefer to buy them from aliexpress, but i also don't want them to be older than 2017, because apparently a lot of these earbuds are.

As far as music goes i listen to plenty of genres from electronic, disco, po,. jpop, rap, classical and also watch tv shows on my phone. so i guess that would mean all-around, maybe balanced? my budget is around $25, maybe a bit more if they're really good. i would also appreciate suggestions on earhooks and foam pads.



i'm on a budget and i don't like having multiple things that basically serve the same purpose, while i can pay more and get 1 that's really good, because you're really just throwing money away. which imo is fine if this is your hobby, but im approaching this from utilitarian perspective.

check out the new Yincrow RW-9 Clieos mentioned a few pages back. Might be just what you need.

Not a detachable cable but it’s not too expensive and the cable looks decent from the pictures.

 

[Chifi]

check out the new Yincrow RW-7 Clieos mentioned a few pages back. Might be just what you need.

Not a detachable cable but it’s not too expensive and the cable looks decent from the pictures.

you mean Yincrow RW-9? yeah they look pretty decent i'll definitely bookmark them. on a side now these apple earbuds i have just won't give out no matter how much i abuse them, despite them looking really fragile with thin, soft cables and tiny strain relief

 

[Philimon]

Neutral-mid centric (mild n shaped)?

Shozy bk $150 (exactly the signature you describe)

Possibly the new Willsound PK32 for $42 + shipping (chinmies description seems to support it being emphased with fuller mid bass and mids with great detail)

Not the graphenes... IMO they don't sound like the BK at all. Stronger brighter treble,sub and mid bass emphasis, weaker slightly more recessed vocal range. Detail is good though.

Thanks so much. I've started a "cancel order" on aliexpress for the NiceHCK graphene.

I have the Auglamour RX1. Has anyone heard both RX1 and Shozy BK? $165! I wish I hadn't lost my Yuin PK1.

 

[seanc6441]

you mean Yincrow RW-9? yeah they look pretty decent i'll definitely bookmark them. on a side now these apple earbuds i have just won't give out no matter how much i abuse them, despite them looking really fragile with thin, soft cables and tiny strain relief

Yep rw-9 sorry, corrected it above. I used earpods for years, you'll appreciate the upgrade

Remember mx500 shells found in the yincrows and most budget earbuds can be a little big in the ear, if they don't suit you there's smaller options available. Although I'd try them first as the are the most common shell type.

 

[seanc6441]

Thanks so much. I've started a "cancel order" on aliexpress for the NiceHCK graphene.

There seems to be inconsistencies in peoples opinion of the graphenes, some love it others don't (like me and chinmie) but I think its universally accepted around here that it's not a mid centric or vocal specialist. It's more of a mild V signature with lots of treble energy and decent bass impact.

I have the Auglamour RX1. Has anyone heard both RX1 and Shozy BK? $165! I wish I hadn't lost my Yuin PK1.

I have both. RX1 has very nice detail in the mids and vocals. Bass and treble are inoffensive and everything is smooth. The BK is like the worthy next step up for this signature with higher quality bass (more extension and tighter textured impact) and more natural and detailed treble.

I'd call both the BK and RX1 neutral-warm or 'natural' sounding. Both have thicker lower mids but sound clean overall. BK is more transparent and airy.

The only weakness of the bk is it's soundstage, it's no bigger than the RX1 but imaging and separation improves slightly maybe, not by much though.

Compared to other TOTL buds the BK is weakest in soundstage but is a midrange and vocal specialist. I love it but it cannot handle every genre. It has it's time and place.

I'd urge you to check out the willsound despite not being on aliexpress, getting lots of praise for its price tag and the pk32 variant sounds most similar by description to the BK. It may even be close SQ wise...

I'll have to check that out myself when I order one

 

[waynes world]

Thanks everyone for the replies.

So far I have the Auglamour RX1 which I really like but I wish the highs weren't as rolled off. I've ordered the NiceHCK DIY Graphene (old 2017 version) based on this review because it was compared well with Shozy BK but at much cheaper price. Now I am worried that review was unique. I've not found many reviews of these earbuds so it's hard to get a feel. I did find some helpful information on that other headphone forum (not reddit) that you can't name because you'll get banned, but I'm not sure I can relay that post here without getting in trouble. I will say that opinion I found there liked the old NiceHCK graphene but said it was a bit mid-recessed and the treble was fatiguing. Ugh. Why Aliexpress ship so slow?

Let me know what you think of the old graphenes once you get them. I for one love them. Mine broke, but a friend is going to try fixing them by recabling (balanced), and if that doesn't work, I'll be getting another pair.

The Willsounds seem to be all the rage lately (I have the MK2 on the way), so I would read about them in the last week or 2 of pages.

 

[HungryPanda]

I just got the "new" graphenes and like them as well as my "old" graphenes. I prefer the Fengru EMX500s but for the past 2 days cannot get the Svara L 's out of my ears