DeTinux
100+ Head-Fier
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- Jan 8, 2008
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It’s been a while, so I’m looking for some new IEMs for classical music, but not the kind that gets described as “relaxing” or “laid-back.” I listen primarily to solo piano, romantic symphonic repertoire (Liszt, Wagner, etc.), opera and chamber music. What I value most is presence, natural timbre, realistic transients, and a sense of emotional immediacy. I don’t want something that smooths over or distances the sound. I’d rather have something vivid and alive, even if it’s not “perfectly neutral.”
Here’s what I currently own, with short impressions:
As a source I primarily use a Fiio KA11 (the dongle), iBasso DC07Pro, Fiio Q3 (I really love Fiio) and Fiio (BTR7).
As for budget: I’m still orienting myself. It could be something like the Kiwi Ears Cadenza or something in the range of a Hisenior Mega5EST. Preferably not more expensive than that, but I’m open to hearing recommendations across different prices, from budget to endgame, as long as they’re musically compelling. I’m also fine with certain trade-offs, if they’re well-matched to a specific strength (e.g. great piano timbre, or natural mids for chamber music).
I am also interested to know what to look for or to avoid when looking at graphs.
(Disclaimer: thread title made up by ChatGPT)
Here’s what I currently own, with short impressions:
- Etymotic ER4SR – Incredibly fast and detailed, fantastic for early music and precise textures. But too dry and uninvolving for late-romantic works or piano.
- FiiO FD5 – Great fun. Love the bass impact, slam, and size. It gives solo piano real physicality. Sometimes coarse, but enjoyable.
- Simgot EA500 LM – Technically impressive: fast, clear, spacious. But too cool and emotionally detached — doesn’t invite long sessions.
- 7Hz Salnotes Zero:2 – Very nice for the price, warm and musical without major flaws. Of course, limited technically.
- Final E5000 – Probably the most boring IEM I’ve ever heard. Soft, veiled, dynamically flat, and emotionally distant; even when well-amplified.
As a source I primarily use a Fiio KA11 (the dongle), iBasso DC07Pro, Fiio Q3 (I really love Fiio) and Fiio (BTR7).
As for budget: I’m still orienting myself. It could be something like the Kiwi Ears Cadenza or something in the range of a Hisenior Mega5EST. Preferably not more expensive than that, but I’m open to hearing recommendations across different prices, from budget to endgame, as long as they’re musically compelling. I’m also fine with certain trade-offs, if they’re well-matched to a specific strength (e.g. great piano timbre, or natural mids for chamber music).
I am also interested to know what to look for or to avoid when looking at graphs.
(Disclaimer: thread title made up by ChatGPT)
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