[baskingshark]

The ST-10S (silver and black. i dont have/want a proper amp at the moment) is in my cart right now! Is there an advantage to the ST-10 vs the ST-10s?

The ST10S has a Black Gold and Black Silver version. They are differently tuned and have different impedances (ST10S Black Silver is easier to drive). So depends which ST10S u are referring to. I don't have the Black Silver one, but a few here who had both mentioned the Black Gold is better.

I have the ST10 (original) and the ST10S Black Gold, the Black Gold is superior when amped, but there's of course diminishing returns in this hobby. In terms of technicalities and subbass extension and tonality, the Black Gold is better. I found the original ST10 to be a bit cold in the mids and poorer in timbre. ST10S Black Gold can be almost basshead when amped in the subbass, and it has a less peaky upper mids/treble.
The ST10 (original) has better soundstage though, and is easier to drive. U really need an amp to drive the Black Gold, it sounds meh from a low powered source, so that's something to bear in mind since u don't want an amp as per your OP.

 

[furyossa]

I recommend Moondrop CHACONNE for no fatiguing sound, clarity and good resolution, if you don't mind your earbuds being a bit heavy for your home use.
And, for a better fit I would recommend using the silicone ring (SENNHEISER 563605).

Nice suggestion. Here are a few more add-ons for secure fit.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32443992286.html
These are also good for tuning. You can add a piece of foam in between the cover and rubber ring.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001300660742.html
For more secure fit.I tried these but I had to cut the part that covers the holes on the lid
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32990499815.html
This ring will increase the diameter but if you did not want that then maybe something like this can help https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32995236656.html
And of course, quality foams https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32753761717.html
Or maybe this "transparent" https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32881765999.html

 

[superuser1]

@davjac84
If you looking for a bit better quality Xiaifan store has a nice offer

Which cables have you tried? Please let me know your impressions as I was interested in buying some from xiaofan. I tried talking to the seller to give a $2 discount but he didn't budge
Hvala

 

[furyossa]

Which cables have you tried? Please let me know your impressions as I was interested in buying some from xiaofan. I tried talking to the seller to give a $2 discount but he didn't budge
Hvala

No more of those cables in stock. There were two cables one with red-black and one with blue-black wires, very nicely knitted.
The price was about $30 each. I ordered them before the new year but they didn't arrive.

 

[moonnugs]

The ST10S has a Black Gold and Black Silver version. They are differently tuned and have different impedances (ST10S Black Silver is easier to drive). So depends which ST10S u are referring to. I don't have the Black Silver one, but a few here who had both mentioned the Black Gold is better.

I have the ST10 (original) and the ST10S Black Gold, the Black Gold is superior when amped, but there's of course diminishing returns in this hobby. In terms of technicalities and subbass extension and tonality, the Black Gold is better. I found the original ST10 to be a bit cold in the mids and poorer in timbre. ST10S Black Gold can be almost basshead when amped in the subbass, and it has a less peaky upper mids/treble.
The ST10 (original) has better soundstage though, and is easier to drive. U really need an amp to drive the Black Gold, it sounds meh from a low powered source, so that's something to bear in mind since u don't want an amp as per your OP.

Thank you so much for the info! They’re gonna be about $100 during the 11.11 sale so maybeeee I’ll pick them up and amp them with my BTR5?

 

[davjac84]

Faaeal litz copper: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000400771561.html

Tri Through SPC: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001514590570.html

Kbear Rhyme UPOCC (dont think it is UPOCC): https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001244591805.html

Kbear Limpid pure silver: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001244034183.html

Pick your poison.

None of those are with mic/remote. Thanks anyway.

 

[davjac84]

@davjac84
If you looking for a bit better quality Xiaifan store has a nice offer

If I'm not mistaken they have no cables with inline mic/remote.

 

[davjac84]

Which cables have you tried? Please let me know your impressions as I was interested in buying some from xiaofan. I tried talking to the seller to give a $2 discount but he didn't budge
Hvala

Do you want a cable with an inline mic or not? I'm after one with, the suggestions I got where cables without...

 

[furyossa]

What are the best earphones as far as no fatiguing sound, an easy listen with clarity and good resolution? Cost no object? Earbuds only, not interested in iems

There is no such thing as the best earphone, also a higher price does not dictate a better product.
Each of us hears differently and each suggestion is a purely subjective opinion of each of us, so even if someone recommends a good model,it does not necessarily mean that it will suit you.

 

[furyossa]

Speaking of recommendations for 11.11 here are a few models that are characterized by extended freq. ranges, higher impedance, different driver types etc
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32862767390.html (great extension, graphene-coated, mobile-friendly and nice looking buds)
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32821448115.html (probably is the same driver as the previous model, but this model is good for MMCX mod )
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001623082745.html (another graphene-coated 400ohm, it seems to me that this is a DIY driver which sound really good. looks great)
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001589119116.html (probably most affordable beryllium coated earphone)
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001426990724.html (affordable, low sensitivity, mic-option)
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32879372064.html (a bit serious specs, this one require amping)
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32860725175.html (affordable, old-school with nice specs)
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001340017241.html (metal shell, mic-option, Japanese biological diaphragm)
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001547137732.html (looks promising but the only thing that worries me are too many openings on the shell. Hmmm...)

 

[rprodrigues]

@furyossa

Have you already auditioned the first one?
It indeed looks very nice and if it sounds as nice as it looks, it is a no brainer...

 

[furyossa]

@furyossa

Have you already auditioned the first one?
It indeed looks very nice and if it sounds as nice as it looks, it is a no brainer...

I already have a pair that looks similar. My earphones use a driver made by Foster Electric and I think it uses a fiber biological diaphragm.
I'm a bit more interested in high-impedance models. Model from 3rd link above use 400ohm graphene driver which is IMHO one of the best DIY drivers out there.
I use the same driver in combination with the metal shell. Wood will add a bit more warmth to the overall sound.
My current favorite from the list above is the model #6. Maybe I'll order it on 11.11.

 

[povidlo]

Speaking of recommendations for 11.11 here are a few models that are characterized by extended freq. ranges, higher impedance, different driver types etc
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32862767390.html (great extension, graphene-coated, mobile-friendly and nice looking buds)
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32821448115.html (probably is the same driver as the previous model, but this model is good for MMCX mod )
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001623082745.html (another graphene-coated 400ohm, it seems to me that this is a DIY driver which sound really good. looks great)
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001589119116.html (probably most affordable beryllium coated earphone)
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001426990724.html (affordable, low sensitivity, mic-option)
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32879372064.html (a bit serious specs, this one require amping)
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32860725175.html (affordable, old-school with nice specs)
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001340017241.html (metal shell, mic-option, Japanese biological diaphragm)
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001547137732.html (looks promising but the only thing that worries me are too many openings on the shell. Hmmm...)

I'm eyeing this one, looks like their latest model.
Graphene, mmcx, high impedance.

Doesn't look like it's going to be on sale though.

 

[rprodrigues]

@furyossa

but....

what improvements a graphene driver with high impedance would bring to the table? Better low and high extensions? Faster bass response? Are they better than berillyum ones?

 

[BrunoC]

I have the 1st one (Graphene) and I don't recommend. No bass, thin sound. It's also the champion earbud for sound leakeage - incredible.
It's called the 'Old Graphene' earbud. It's like 3 years old. EMX500, Vido, RY4X, RY4S eats it for breakfast.