Earbuds Round-Up

[droenald]

Whoops! Delete...
I see @mt877 has already answered your question.

 

[samandhi]

I think they are completely different somehow despite similarities in faceplate look or the else.

What catches me in particular is description of 2.0+ tesla magnet strength on DM7Ti where DM7 aluminium version is advertised as 1.5 tesla magnet.

There could be whole lot of difference in just that. DB1 vs DBE is advertised to have different coil material too. Add titanium shell which I think DB1 has and DBX doesn't because of steel back plate.

I haven't made any point here lol, but it looks to me as the details are hidden maybe in plain here

The difference is about 87PSI between 1.5T(261PSI) and 2T(348PSI) magnet. So, generally speaking this COULD be a great thing, if the manufacturer didn't just throw one in and not worry about the rest of the transducer's geometry.

To give you an idea of how good a tesla magnet is, a 1T magnet is about as strong as a Neo magnet. Most MRIs in hospitals use (at minimum) a 1.5T or higher. Of course keep in mind that the size of such magnets will also decide the magnetic field geometry generated by such a magnet, and you certainly don't have to worry about having your watch ripped from your arm with such a small one. A (large) 3T(522PSI) magnet CAN generate enough PSI with its pulling strength to be 3X more than the force exerted on the ground from the weight of a regular car.

The advantage of a stronger magnet in a DD transducer (combined with diaphragm coating) is that you get much stronger push-pull action (which equates to better control). This is the reason that some "well built" DDs nowadays can rival electrostatic and/or planar transducers for control (speed, attack, separation, etc...). The least powerful magnet - that is still used in cheaper head gear, but was what basically everything used back in the day- is ferrite (aka ceramic), and the reason that DD transducers got such a bad rap (in comparison to ES and planar), because not only were they generally too weak to exert the same kind of control, but they were also not permanent magnets, and would lose strength over time (or even completely).

I can say with confidence that some manufactures have found a way to (almost) nullify the limitations that a "cone" type driver has (DD). The iBasso IT-07 IEM (for example) has 6 BA and one DD, which uses a Telsa magnet, and I can say that while it isn't "basshead" level bass, it is so authoritive, fast, textured, layered, etc... that it does indeed rival (or even surpass, in some ways) the planar sets that I have, at least in this regard.

 

[loveinbud]

That is glue used in manufacturing the speaker, don't try to remove it. The voice coil is glued to the diaphragm.

It is the same glue as the back of the speaker from your first picture.

How does it sound after removing the small iron dust? If back to normal, then removing the iron dust fixed your issue.

After remove the iron dust with paper tape, put it back to the new front shell. Sound back to normal now! But right now when compare to the right side, sound on the left is better a lil bit so I think right side might have the same issue but not that much compare to left side before cleaning. I will do it on the right side to check as well and put the new front shell to it. Thank for your help!

 

[samandhi]

Something arrived in the mail today. It was a package that contained a shiny new set of Destiny earbuds made by and gifted by our good friend @mt877.

I would like to share some pictures of them, as well as some first impressions (though I don't really have to listen very long to get my thoughts together on these because they sound so familiar). It is quite ironic that the subject came up in the first place, but I think @mt877 chose the name because of the irony (or destiny, if you will) of my story. I will keep it short:

Long ago, I bought a set of Hifiman HE400S (not to be confused with the OG HE400 or HE400I, HE400I (2020), or HE400SE; which is based on the HE400I (2020)). I have since bought and/or listened to many others, but this one just outshines its price tag IMHO. As many of you know, I usually like clarity, and analytical most times. Well, I found the sound so unique, that I started a quest to find a set of IEMs that sounded like the HE400S. I found them in the OG Tinhifi P1. They sound very much like the HE400S (not many remember these, and that they were actually the set that started the planar IEM craze).

My attention was brought to this thread via a good friend (at that time); @miserybeforethemusic. And, while I was familiar with flatheads (mainly the free ones that used to come with DAPs), I didn't know how far they had come. So, my new quest was to get a set of earbuds that sounded like the HE400S. It's been (something like) 5 years now, and I have yet to find a set, though there are some that come close (ala Yinman 600, etc...).......... until now, this very day.

Spoiler: MT Destiny

These sound so much like the HE400S to me, that it is a bit creepy, actually...

There ARE differences, obviously, but wow are they close. These do have a boosted bass, though I still wouldn't call them "basshead". It is just enough to make everything sound very fun. And there is enough lift in the upper bass, so as not to ruin the mids, but instead make them sound........ just warm and creamy (much like Hifiman is known for as well). While the treble is a bit blunted, I don't see them as veiled, and there is just enough mid and upper treble to lend a bit of air, and plenty of attack to notes.

Also, I wanted to mention the lil' box that he sent them in. This just absolutely fantastic (me being one of those bikers; or "motorcycle people" if you don't like the other word )! Best one I have for any of my head gear IMHO. I think that @mt877 remembered this from pictures of all of my bikes I posted here a long time ago, and since this was a surprise for an "early" birthday, included it accordingly. Most folks nowadays say "waifu, yes please."

But, I am a bit old school, and would much rather have a pin-up girl (especially next to a Harley Davidson Road King motorcycle)...

For now, the bottom line is that if you want a dark, warm, yet clear set of buds, these are a fantastic one to build. Do yourself the favor, you won't regret it (at least if you like that sort of tuning, which is pretty rare in flathead earbuds).

When comparing all of my buds, as many of you know the Yinman 600 often take the top spot for most things, but in the realm of a "good old fun romp" these top the charts. You won't get much critical listening done with these, but who the hell cares when you can't keep your head, or feet still anyhow... haha


Whether you truly meant for these to be a birthday present or not, you don't know how much of a great gift this is for me (5 years of searching is over whew). So, I truly thank you @mt877.

Edit: you just HAVE to share where you got that box. I MUST have more.

 

[ttorbic]

Something arrived in the mail today. It was a package that contained a shiny new set of Destiny earbuds made by and gifted by our good friend @mt877.

I would like to share some pictures of them, as well as some first impressions (though I don't really have to listen very long to get my thoughts together on these because they sound so familiar). It is quite ironic that the subject came up in the first place, but I think @mt877 chose the name because of the irony (or destiny, if you will) of my story. I will keep it short:

Long ago, I bought a set of Hifiman HE400S (not to be confused with the OG HE400 or HE400I, HE400I (2020), or HE400SE; which is based on the HE400I (2020)). I have since bought and/or listened to many others, but this one just outshines its price tag IMHO. As many of you know, I usually like clarity, and analytical most times. Well, I found the sound so unique, that I started a quest to find a set of IEMs that sounded like the HE400S. I found them in the OG Tinhifi P1. They sound very much like the HE400S (not many remember these, and that they were actually the set that started the planar IEM craze).

My attention was brought to this thread via a good friend (at that time); @miserybeforethemusic. And, while I was familiar with flatheads (mainly the free ones that used to come with DAPs), I didn't know how far they had come. So, my new quest was to get a set of earbuds that sounded like the HE400S. It's been (something like) 5 years now, and I have yet to find a set, though there are some that come close (ala Yinman 600, etc...).......... until now, this very day.

Spoiler: MT Destiny

These sound so much like the HE400S to me, that it is a bit creepy, actually...

There ARE differences, obviously, but wow are they close. These do have a boosted bass, though I still wouldn't call them "basshead". It is just enough to make everything sound very fun. And there is enough lift in the upper bass, so as not to ruin the mids, but instead make them sound........ just warm and creamy (much like Hifiman is known for as well). While the treble is a bit blunted, I don't see them as veiled, and there is just enough mid and upper treble to lend a bit of air, and plenty of attack to notes.

Also, I wanted to mention the lil' box that he sent them in. This just absolutely fantastic (me being one of those bikers; or "motorcycle people" if you don't like the other word )! Best one I have for any of my head gear IMHO. I think that @mt877 remembered this from pictures of all of my bikes I posted here a long time ago, and since this was a surprise for an "early" birthday, included it accordingly. Most folks nowadays say "waifu, yes please."

But, I am a bit old school, and would much rather have a pin-up girl (especially next to a Harley Davidson Road King motorcycle)...

For now, the bottom line is that if you want a dark, warm, yet clear set of buds, these are a fantastic one to build. Do yourself the favor, you won't regret it (at least if you like that sort of tuning, which is pretty rare in flathead earbuds).

When comparing all of my buds, as many of you know the Yinman 600 often take the top spot for most things, but in the realm of a "good old fun romp" these top the charts. You won't get much critical listening done with these, but who the hell cares when you can't keep your head, or feet still anyhow... haha


Whether you truly meant for these to be a birthday present or not, you don't know how much of a great gift this is for me (5 years of searching is over whew). So, I truly thank you @mt877.

Amazing bromance and amazing write up. Thanks both!

 

[frkasper]

NICEHCK EBX25Ti for 240 bucks in the anniversary sale of AE...

Do it...

 

[ttorbic]

NICEHCK EBX25Ti for 240 bucks in the anniversary sale of AE...


Do it...

Oooh nice. There is also Ascii's set in classified for even cheaper

 

[samandhi]

I think there is something about the sound of earbuds that IEM dont quiet capture it. I bought the DM7TI, let's see how it is .

Congrats on your new shiny!

You sure got that right, though not all appreciate this difference.

I recently dipped my toe into this wonderful world with the NiceHCK EBS2 Pro and was throroughly impressed with its performance for both music as well as gaming. I became intrigued with using earbuds over IEMs for gaming, as their comfort, soundstage, airy/natural presentation, and treble response makes gunshots and footsteps in first-person shooters easy to identify, moreso than many of my headphones.

I was curious if any of y'all use earbuds for gaming and if so, what y'all would recommend? I'm generally looking for something with forward yet smooth treble, a wide soundstage, and good holography. I also would like them to be good for general music listening, so I don't have to switch around as much. I've been looking at the Penon Conductor as I've heard great things about its depth/soundstage and am particularly interested in the bone conductor (never tried one) and how it pairs with its dynamic driver, perhaps I would be able to "feel" where the gunshots are coming from if that makes sense . I mainly just think this is just a cool/unique earbud and would love to own and hope it's also good for gaming. I've also looked at the TGXEar Serratus, Yincrow RW-3000/4000, and some of the 3rd gen RikuBud offerings. Would love to hear some opinions and recommendations about earbuds for gaming specifically, thanks!

Congrats on your new shiny!

Thanks for sharing with us. As for myself it really depends on the game that I am playing. If i am doing one that is mainly dialog, then something like the RW3000 or similar, will be best for me. If I am doing something that has tons of sound effects, and even positional sounds the Moondrop Chaconne or Rose Technics Maria II are just unmatched (for my ears) because of their accuracy and superior staging (amongst my sets). Also the DIY drag-and-drop set Artiste, are right up there with the Chaconne for their forward but smooth mids and treble.

But, overall for anything positional, the chaconne cannot be touched IMHO. They are much like the Sennheiser HD800 in both clarity, and sound stage.

Also, keep in mind that bone conduction isn't about feeling the sounds. It is about hearing sound without having to go through your ear drums. You could actually put them between your teeth and hear them as if you had them in your .

Skull candy used to have a set of headphones that would vibrate (at different intensities) when the bass hit, so you would have the illusion of "feeling" the bass. It was actually implemented very well. It is just a shame that they sounded like . Haha

Congrats on your new shiny!

Those are certainly very beautiful looking. Thematically, they are right on the money, and look very professional. Did they come with a cable, or do you supply your own? I am curious to see what they look like assembled and ready for sonic enjoyment.

 

[sapporo444]

I recently dipped my toe into this wonderful world with the NiceHCK EBS2 Pro and was throroughly impressed with its performance for both music as well as gaming. I became intrigued with using earbuds over IEMs for gaming, as their comfort, soundstage, airy/natural presentation, and treble response makes gunshots and footsteps in first-person shooters easy to identify, moreso than many of my headphones.

I was curious if any of y'all use earbuds for gaming and if so, what y'all would recommend? I'm generally looking for something with forward yet smooth treble, a wide soundstage, and good holography. I also would like them to be good for general music listening, so I don't have to switch around as much. I've been looking at the Penon Conductor as I've heard great things about its depth/soundstage and am particularly interested in the bone conductor (never tried one) and how it pairs with its dynamic driver, perhaps I would be able to "feel" where the gunshots are coming from if that makes sense . I mainly just think this is just a cool/unique earbud and would love to own and hope it's also good for gaming. I've also looked at the TGXEar Serratus, Yincrow RW-3000/4000, and some of the 3rd gen RikuBud offerings. Would love to hear some opinions and recommendations about earbuds for gaming specifically, thanks!

I've tried a few headphones, IEMs and earbuds and I feel that when it comes to gaming, it all boils down to your DSP software, unless your headphones are total crap. Having said that, some people say that the Serratus Black Sand is pretty good for gaming.

 

[ttorbic]

Did they come with a cable, or do you supply your own?

Replying as I've also bought a pair - they are mmcx shells only.

They are advertised as bassyhead sets, so I wonder how they would compare to Destiny!

 

[h8uthemost]

Something arrived in the mail today. It was a package that contained a shiny new set of Destiny earbuds made by and gifted by our good friend @mt877.

I would like to share some pictures of them, as well as some first impressions (though I don't really have to listen very long to get my thoughts together on these because they sound so familiar). It is quite ironic that the subject came up in the first place, but I think @mt877 chose the name because of the irony (or destiny, if you will) of my story. I will keep it short:

Long ago, I bought a set of Hifiman HE400S (not to be confused with the OG HE400 or HE400I, HE400I (2020), or HE400SE; which is based on the HE400I (2020)). I have since bought and/or listened to many others, but this one just outshines its price tag IMHO. As many of you know, I usually like clarity, and analytical most times. Well, I found the sound so unique, that I started a quest to find a set of IEMs that sounded like the HE400S. I found them in the OG Tinhifi P1. They sound very much like the HE400S (not many remember these, and that they were actually the set that started the planar IEM craze).

My attention was brought to this thread via a good friend (at that time); @miserybeforethemusic. And, while I was familiar with flatheads (mainly the free ones that used to come with DAPs), I didn't know how far they had come. So, my new quest was to get a set of earbuds that sounded like the HE400S. It's been (something like) 5 years now, and I have yet to find a set, though there are some that come close (ala Yinman 600, etc...).......... until now, this very day.

Spoiler: MT Destiny

These sound so much like the HE400S to me, that it is a bit creepy, actually...

There ARE differences, obviously, but wow are they close. These do have a boosted bass, though I still wouldn't call them "basshead". It is just enough to make everything sound very fun. And there is enough lift in the upper bass, so as not to ruin the mids, but instead make them sound........ just warm and creamy (much like Hifiman is known for as well). While the treble is a bit blunted, I don't see them as veiled, and there is just enough mid and upper treble to lend a bit of air, and plenty of attack to notes.

Also, I wanted to mention the lil' box that he sent them in. This just absolutely fantastic (me being one of those bikers; or "motorcycle people" if you don't like the other word )! Best one I have for any of my head gear IMHO. I think that @mt877 remembered this from pictures of all of my bikes I posted here a long time ago, and since this was a surprise for an "early" birthday, included it accordingly. Most folks nowadays say "waifu, yes please."

But, I am a bit old school, and would much rather have a pin-up girl (especially next to a Harley Davidson Road King motorcycle)...

For now, the bottom line is that if you want a dark, warm, yet clear set of buds, these are a fantastic one to build. Do yourself the favor, you won't regret it (at least if you like that sort of tuning, which is pretty rare in flathead earbuds).

When comparing all of my buds, as many of you know the Yinman 600 often take the top spot for most things, but in the realm of a "good old fun romp" these top the charts. You won't get much critical listening done with these, but who the hell cares when you can't keep your head, or feet still anyhow... haha


Whether you truly meant for these to be a birthday present or not, you don't know how much of a great gift this is for me (5 years of searching is over whew). So, I truly thank you @mt877.

Edit: you just HAVE to share where you got that box. I MUST have more.

Lucky you! I'm super jealous. Lol

So glad that you're loving the new shiny though! They sound like a fun listen. @mt877 is a good friend.

 

[samandhi]

Replying as I've also bought a pair - they are mmcx shells only.

They are advertised as bassyhead sets, so I wonder how they would compare to Destiny!

That is a very interesting question to be sure. Maybe someone could measure those and post it here and compare to the Destiny graph that @mt877 posted?!

Though, as mentioned before, I don't really find them to be at "basshead" levels. Boosted? Yes, but not overly so.... The set that @FranQL made for me with the Smabat 150Ω B&G driver actually has much more bass quantity (take the bass quantity from the Destiny and add a PEQ low shelf of about +12dB and there you have it, though I don't know how he managed it without distortion). The Destiny is boosted but has not become "fatiguing(ly)" so even after about 5 hours (or so).

I would put the bass quantity levels for the FQL Grande Finale to be similar to the CCA CRA (yep, seriously). This makes them the "bassiest" set I have ever heard, and can even compete with some (known) "basshead" IEMs. Having said that, I am sure this is the "percieved" bass because flatheads, by their nature cannot make the same quantity of sub-bass overall.

Though the Destiny have a bit less bass, they are so yummy to listen to, that I am not sure it would make much difference that it has a bit less bass, even for "bassheads".

Lucky you! I'm super jealous. Lol

So glad that you're loving the new shiny though! They sound like a fun listen. @mt877 is a good friend.

I AM a lucky fella' indeed.

Thank you for your kind words. I am indeed enjoying the shiit out of them. And, yes @mt877 is indeed a good (thoughtful) friend.

I am also very sorry to hear that you are still having issues with your dongle. I hope you get things squared away.

 

[ttorbic]

I've tried a few headphones, IEMs and earbuds and I feel that when it comes to gaming, it all boils down to your DSP software, unless your headphones are total crap. Having said that, some people say that the Serratus Black Sand is pretty good for gaming.

I have said SBS but I don't game

It does have great imaging and stage

 

[mt877]

Something arrived in the mail today. It was a package that contained a shiny new set of Destiny earbuds made by and gifted by our good friend @mt877.

USPS delivery has been wonky as of late, so I'm glad they finally arrived.

I would like to share some pictures of them, as well as some first impressions (though I don't really have to listen very long to get my thoughts together on these because they sound so familiar). It is quite ironic that the subject came up in the first place, but I think @mt877 chose the name because of the irony (or destiny, if you will) of my story. I will keep it short:

Long ago, I bought a set of Hifiman HE400S (not to be confused with the OG HE400 or HE400I, HE400I (2020), or HE400SE; which is based on the HE400I (2020)). I have since bought and/or listened to many others, but this one just outshines its price tag IMHO. As many of you know, I usually like clarity, and analytical most times. Well, I found the sound so unique, that I started a quest to find a set of IEMs that sounded like the HE400S. I found them in the OG Tinhifi P1. They sound very much like the HE400S (not many remember these, and that they were actually the set that started the planar IEM craze).

My attention was brought to this thread via a good friend (at that time); @miserybeforethemusic. And, while I was familiar with flatheads (mainly the free ones that used to come with DAPs), I didn't know how far they had come. So, my new quest was to get a set of earbuds that sounded like the HE400S. It's been (something like) 5 years now, and I have yet to find a set, though there are some that come close (ala Yinman 600, etc...).......... until now, this very day.

Spoiler: MT Destiny

These sound so much like the HE400S to me, that it is a bit creepy, actually...

There ARE differences, obviously, but wow are they close. These do have a boosted bass, though I still wouldn't call them "basshead". It is just enough to make everything sound very fun. And there is enough lift in the upper bass, so as not to ruin the mids, but instead make them sound........ just warm and creamy (much like Hifiman is known for as well). While the treble is a bit blunted, I don't see them as veiled, and there is just enough mid and upper treble to lend a bit of air, and plenty of attack to notes.

I swear I didn't cheat and purposely tune them like the HE400S. I don't even have a set of those headphones, so no way for me to even compare the two, but I'm glad you like how they sound.

Also, I wanted to mention the lil' box that he sent them in. This just absolutely fantastic (me being one of those bikers; or "motorcycle people" if you don't like the other word )! Best one I have for any of my head gear IMHO. I think that @mt877 remembered this from pictures of all of my bikes I posted here a long time ago, and since this was a surprise for an "early" birthday, included it accordingly. Most folks nowadays say "waifu, yes please."

But, I am a bit old school, and would much rather have a pin-up girl (especially next to a Harley Davidson Road King motorcycle)...

Yeah, I like those tins because they have character and exhibit plain ole Americana (even though they were probably made in China, hehe). I got them from Amazon. They come as a random assortment of 5 tins of Vintage Cars and Motorcycles with a Route 66 theme. You'll probably have to order a couple sets if you want to get all the motorcycles, but the cars are cool too.

Here's the link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CB9BHBX1

For now, the bottom line is that if you want a dark, warm, yet clear set of buds, these are a fantastic one to build. Do yourself the favor, you won't regret it (at least if you like that sort of tuning, which is pretty rare in flathead earbuds).

When comparing all of my buds, as many of you know the Yinman 600 often take the top spot for most things, but in the realm of a "good old fun romp" these top the charts. You won't get much critical listening done with these, but who the hell cares when you can't keep your head, or feet still anyhow... haha


Whether you truly meant for these to be a birthday present or not, you don't know how much of a great gift this is for me (5 years of searching is over whew). So, I truly thank you @mt877.

Edit: you just HAVE to share where you got that box. I MUST have more.

You are welcome Bro!, and thanks for giving your impressions. I hope that others will build them and enjoy them too.

 

[samandhi]

I swear I didn't cheat and purposely tune them like the HE400S. I don't even have a set of those headphones, so no way for me to even compare the two, but I'm glad you like how they sound.

Uh huh, sure.... so you say. I think that you were responsible for tuning the OG HE400S.....

Yeah, I like those tins because they have character and exhibit plain ole Americana (even though they were probably made in China, hehe). I got them from Amazon. They come as a random assortment of 5 tins of Vintage Cars and Motorcycles with a Route 66 theme. You'll probably have to order a couple sets if you want to get all the motorcycles, but the cars are cool too.

Here's the link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CB9BHBX1

I am all about it... Love em'! Thanks for the link.

I hope that others will build them and enjoy them too.

I hope they will build them as well. As for enjoying them, I think that this is more likely than not.