Hello everyone, I recently decided to get back on Headfi after not being as active since the website format was changed. Before I left, I bought a pair of the VE Monks and was extremely surprised at how much enjoyment a mere 5 dollars could get me. I still cherish the monks and tend to gravitate towards them when I don't have my headphones (which is surprising because I used to prefer IEMs prior to listening to the monks). However, as with all of us audio junkies, I started finding the flaws in the monks and started wanting more. As someone who only knows the monks, what would be a good upgrade under 30-35 dollars?
My sonic preference lean towards a more mid-ranged vocal focused warm sound. I like sub bass extension, non boomy mid bass (doesn't have to be bass heavy just very clean and punchy when needed), focus on mids (I prefer male vocals so lower mids focused) and I like headphones that sound musically full in the lower mid ranges but not super thick. I can deal with some sibilance as my starter iems were the Vsonic GR07BEs but I prefer a sound without as much sibilance. I know what I explained is like the ideal vocal based sound sig but if there is anything vocally focused and musical while being relatively neutral everywhere else I would love to hear!
In comparison to the monks: I like the monks and their soundstage. I personally find the sub bass extension to be slightly lacking and lower mids could use a little bit more body. I also find that with the sources I own, the monks get hard to listen to at higher volumes as they get slightly sibilant. Just slightly. Finally, their comfort is not ideal and I find the housing to be slightly too large for my ears. For the most part however, everything else is good and I have been enjoying them a lot. If there is anything that comes to mind under 30 heck even 50 dollars i would be glad to listen! Thanks in advance!!!
