Going fully Wireless IEMs. Too soon? Or are we there yet?

[dmphile]

How have the FH9 been?

Can you compare them to other similarly priced IEMs?

Thanks

The FH9 were great, until I discovered the CA Dorado 2020s which is now my main IEM attached to the UTWS5. The Dorados basically took what the FH9 did really well in terms of clarity, detail and slam and took it up many notches. Dorado has a very emotional and full mid range that I didn't expect, but it also has much better low end extension and precision both in sub and mid bass. I love it. Before I bought the FH9, I was trying to decide between Xenns up, Andromeda, vega 2020, clairvoyance, monarch, Dorados. Needless to say, I'm glad I went with the FH9s first and then the Dorados because it helped me discover the sonic profile that suits my taste and even tho some have reviewed the Dorados poorly, there are many on here that can appreciate what it bring to the table in terms of comfort, looks, musicality, and the emotional response they illicit on various genres.

 

[tiagopinto]

Agree! It's very smooth and VERY comfortable for my ears. Big stage and very impressive and precise imaging. Different than the OH10 stage and imaging. Not sure why but the OH10 staging sometimes felt alittle artificial and messed with my head and almost disorienting at times but not with the FH9s. As you said, it just gets the entire frequency range staging and imaging just right. FiiO really did a great job on tuning this set with a little extra oomph on the bass which gives it that full body, dynamic and immersive feeling, which I love. Thankfully, the wireless adapters don't cause me any discomfort and the FH9's are equally comfortable for my ears. Will be settling on these for some time but as we all know, the itch always wins so this will be my temp end game. Lol

@Phaethon did you get the titanium or black colour?

I’m torn between:

IKKO (OH10) (I can easily get these for 200€)
Fiio (FH5 FH7 FH9) (easily attainable too, ~300/500/700) (heard good things of the 5 and 9 but not the 7)
Moondrop (B2 Dusk VERY hard to get for me but seem like the best from descriptions and also Variations 450€)
Campfire (too much torn between Honeydew/Satsuma and Holocene/Mammoth, would definitely have to try)
Thieaudio (much harder to get but the Clairvoyance seem to be special; Monarch Mk2 is maybe too expensive for me; would have to figure out how to get these from here)

I’m roaming within the 200€ to 500€ budget (I could try to go a bit higher if there is a unicorn in sight). From all the reviews I’ve read and seen and, most importantly, the comments of folks in here, I can kind of read between the lines... or at least try to. So, I’m leaning more towards the easily attainable OH10, risk taxes and order Dusk (which seems like one of if not the best) or go higher and reach for Variations/Clairvoyance.

Where I live it’s harder to buy and return, buy and return... and this would be online, let alone a retailer with listening samples. Doesn’t exist here.

I own the Rai Solo which I’m happy with but I crave more refinement, overall better sound quality. No one here has commented on these Meze. I don’t know if people here haven’t owned them or just don’t like them.

I’m getting the Shure TW2 so I can alternate between wired and wireless for more quality out and about. I will not invest more in pure TWS until the tech significantly improves. A wireless adapter plus better IEMs will bring me closer.

So, as you can understand, I have very few units and I’m looking for the unicorn. Not easy I know. HELP!

Cheers all!

 

[Devodonaldson]

This just looks physically ridiculous. I just don’t see it working sonically. I’ve been proven wrong in the past, although not by Sony.

Seems to me like too big of a budget for this type of r&d, which should be used to improve sound elsewhere.

I will eat my words if I’m wrong. But this just looks plain weird.

Ha e the Samsung buds live. They definitely had their purpose in my bag. These link buds beat them in every imaginable way EXCEPT for slight noise reduction, but wanting noise reduction isn't why I would use them. The sound quality is on point for an earbud. Nice open airy sound that works great as background music, or just adding a soundtrack to your daily grind. At work I switch between these and my Noble Fokus/Falcon Pro, depending on my mood at the time. Definitely a first world issue, when you're not concerned with a couple hundred dollars, but I'm certainly happy I have them now

 

[dmphile]

I’m torn between:

IKKO (OH10) (I can easily get these for 200€)
Fiio (FH5 FH7 FH9) (easily attainable too, ~300/500/700) (heard good things of the 5 and 9 but not the 7)
Moondrop (B2 Dusk VERY hard to get for me but seem like the best from descriptions and also Variations 450€)
Campfire (too much torn between Honeydew/Satsuma and Holocene/Mammoth, would definitely have to try)
Thieaudio (much harder to get but the Clairvoyance seem to be special; Monarch Mk2 is maybe too expensive for me; would have to figure out how to get these from here)

I’m roaming within the 200€ to 500€ budget (I could try to go a bit higher if there is a unicorn in sight). From all the reviews I’ve read and seen and, most importantly, the comments of folks in here, I can kind of read between the lines... or at least try to. So, I’m leaning more towards the easily attainable OH10, risk taxes and order Dusk (which seems like one of if not the best) or go higher and reach for Variations/Clairvoyance.

Where I live it’s harder to buy and return, buy and return... and this would be online, let alone a retailer with listening samples. Doesn’t exist here.

I own the Rai Solo which I’m happy with but I crave more refinement, overall better sound quality. No one here has commented on these Meze. I don’t know if people here haven’t owned them or just don’t like them.

I’m getting the Shure TW2 so I can alternate between wired and wireless for more quality out and about. I will not invest more in pure TWS until the tech significantly improves. A wireless adapter plus better IEMs will bring me closer.

So, as you can understand, I have very few units and I’m looking for the unicorn. Not easy I know. HELP!

Cheers all!

The OH10 served it's purpose in my search and I did enjoy them for a bit with their wide staging abilities but I also felt the bass and the staging was a little artificial for my taste. When I moved to the FH9, I felt that I hit my sweet spot. They were pleasantly detailed, wide and had precise imaging. But they just didn't evoke any emotion for me throughout my library. They sounded great...bass extension was fantastic but it was missing the little bit of lushness in the mid-range and vocals. I was looking for a fun IEM with respectable clarity and detail but one that didn't have to be absolutely clinical or analytical. I would have been pretty happy with the FH9's if I didn't discover the Dorado's TBH.

You've got some tough decisions given the various challenges you're facing from access to budget. I can't speak to any other IEMs personally aside from the Timeless, FH3, OH10s, FH9's and Dorado's. The rest of the evaluations in my journey were done through research and others experience within this thread. That being said, my preferences were leaning towards a more bass emphasized profile with better staging and imaging qualities so I narrowed my search from the FH9s to Dorado's, XENNS UP and Clairvoyance. Based on reviews and what I've read through others experience with the B2 Dusk, it wasn't for me but I know many here enjoy it and I respect the sonic qualities it produces. It just wasn't for me (again) based on what I read. I know @Ceeluh7 @erockg and @Phaethon definitely have had more time spent with the IEMs you mentioned above and could likely lend their 2 cents with your audio dilemma.

 

[tiagopinto]

I think I remember you had OH10 as well?
Lows - The FH9 has a vastly improved bass and sub bass presence over the OH10. Bass on the FH9 is not as artificial as on the OH10, in terms of quality or as pushed forward. The CAs have a lower bass shelf, more forceful subs, a more natural presence in the audio mix.

Mids - I think the OH10s are very disappointing in its mids. They are more an inchoate wall of sound and pushed back somewhat. The FH9s solve the separation but the mids seem still recessed. This places the vocals less prominently although their quality is a mile above the OH10s. I think this is a real strong point for the CAs. The quality is very natural and it is placed in a more sensible forward position.

Trebles - For me, this where the OH10s do a face plant. The highs have almost no openness, sparkle or definition to my ears. The FH9s were a revelation to me here, getting things just about right. The CAs up it a notch and everything is there and right-er.

Separation - CAs are the clear champ. Every instrument is distinguishable even when they are seconding a powerful primary. I’m hearing bass lines that I’d perceived as synthesized being actually seconded by a plucked bass. Blew my mind.

Soundstage - Once again the CAs. I have such a sense of 3d-ness that instruments seem to come from impossible places slightly behind my ears.

Overall - OH10s are a lot of fun but with a lot of bass quantity. Everything else in the sound seems like an afterthought. FH9s sound like IEMs for grownups. Much more balance, quality, and quantity in the mids and highs. I really loved these. CA Dorado 2020s take all of the good qualities IEMs like the FH9 have and improves them. Then they add a little magical fun to the mix that I’m still struggling to describe. The FH9s raise things up to a level that my ears find superlative. The CAs are extra superlative and fun as well.

Hope that helps

If only I lived in the US, I’d be getting these right now. Thanks for your input.

Edit: do you own or have owned other CA which would not fall far behind the D2020? Or the Andromeda 2020? Do they compare?

 

[Ceeluh7]

I’m torn between:

IKKO (OH10) (I can easily get these for 200€)
Fiio (FH5 FH7 FH9) (easily attainable too, ~300/500/700) (heard good things of the 5 and 9 but not the 7)
Moondrop (B2 Dusk VERY hard to get for me but seem like the best from descriptions and also Variations 450€)
Campfire (too much torn between Honeydew/Satsuma and Holocene/Mammoth, would definitely have to try)
Thieaudio (much harder to get but the Clairvoyance seem to be special; Monarch Mk2 is maybe too expensive for me; would have to figure out how to get these from here)

I’m roaming within the 200€ to 500€ budget (I could try to go a bit higher if there is a unicorn in sight). From all the reviews I’ve read and seen and, most importantly, the comments of folks in here, I can kind of read between the lines... or at least try to. So, I’m leaning more towards the easily attainable OH10, risk taxes and order Dusk (which seems like one of if not the best) or go higher and reach for Variations/Clairvoyance.

Where I live it’s harder to buy and return, buy and return... and this would be online, let alone a retailer with listening samples. Doesn’t exist here.

I own the Rai Solo which I’m happy with but I crave more refinement, overall better sound quality. No one here has commented on these Meze. I don’t know if people here haven’t owned them or just don’t like them.

I’m getting the Shure TW2 so I can alternate between wired and wireless for more quality out and about. I will not invest more in pure TWS until the tech significantly improves. A wireless adapter plus better IEMs will bring me closer.

So, as you can understand, I have very few units and I’m looking for the unicorn. Not easy I know. HELP!

Cheers all!

I have not heard or owned the Meze. Judging by the graph they are a hair bass lite but should have nice vocals. Reviews state they are really nice. It's a good set from what I hear but I just haven't tried them out, I would like to. The OH10 are really nice. The Mangird Tea is really nice (I just picked them up on a deal). The fh7 is very very good, a more refined fh5 and the Fh5 is an awesome balanced set. It kind of depends on what sound sig you are after. I think I remember you telling me awhile back (I thought that was you) but I can't remember. Have you exhausted all reviews out there for these sets?

 

[dmphile]

If only I lived in the US, I’d be getting these right now. Thanks for your input.

Edit: do you own or have owned other CA which would not fall far behind the D2020? Or the Andromeda 2020? Do they compare?

They retail for the same price point but I haven't listened to the Andromeda 2020 personally, but judging from what I read and hearing from other people who do own it, the difference between the D2020 and A2020 is that the Andromeda is more analytical/detailed/resolving in it's tuning, and less emphasized in the bass region given that it doesn't have a DD to assist with the slam and punch from it's BA architecture. A2020 also has slightly better staging and imaging capabilities compared to the D2020 but less dynamics.

 

[raymanh]

You mean small like this...
In this "case" you have 62 x 37 x 27 for the 75T vs. 40 x 40 x 28 for the S-Nano.

or jeans pocket flat small like this...

Thanks! Haven't heard of those two. What's the second one called?

And yes I'd prefer it to be thinner so it protrudes less in the pocket. So while the S-Nano is smaller, the smallest dimension is still actually bigger than the 7t's smallest dimension.

 

[guitarizt]

Well I feel like an idiot. Finally got ldac working on linux with my btr5 over BT. It was easy. I can't tell the diff between this and wired with my vidos, and really doubt I could with olinas or timeless. Wired vs SBC on the other hand was a noticeable diff.

 

[samandhi]

This just looks physically ridiculous. I just don’t see it working sonically. I’ve been proven wrong in the past, although not by Sony.

Seems to me like too big of a budget for this type of r&d, which should be used to improve sound elsewhere.

I will eat my words if I’m wrong. But this just looks plain weird.

Yes, they do look ridiculous, but these are very well tuned. There aren't any major dips or spikes that I can discern. They have enough bass to be musical, while clarity is still there. You might be surprised by these IMHO.

I’m torn between:

IKKO (OH10) (I can easily get these for 200€)
Fiio (FH5 FH7 FH9) (easily attainable too, ~300/500/700) (heard good things of the 5 and 9 but not the 7)
Moondrop (B2 Dusk VERY hard to get for me but seem like the best from descriptions and also Variations 450€)
Campfire (too much torn between Honeydew/Satsuma and Holocene/Mammoth, would definitely have to try)
Thieaudio (much harder to get but the Clairvoyance seem to be special; Monarch Mk2 is maybe too expensive for me; would have to figure out how to get these from here)

I’m roaming within the 200€ to 500€ budget (I could try to go a bit higher if there is a unicorn in sight). From all the reviews I’ve read and seen and, most importantly, the comments of folks in here, I can kind of read between the lines... or at least try to. So, I’m leaning more towards the easily attainable OH10, risk taxes and order Dusk (which seems like one of if not the best) or go higher and reach for Variations/Clairvoyance.

Where I live it’s harder to buy and return, buy and return... and this would be online, let alone a retailer with listening samples. Doesn’t exist here.

I own the Rai Solo which I’m happy with but I crave more refinement, overall better sound quality. No one here has commented on these Meze. I don’t know if people here haven’t owned them or just don’t like them.

I’m getting the Shure TW2 so I can alternate between wired and wireless for more quality out and about. I will not invest more in pure TWS until the tech significantly improves. A wireless adapter plus better IEMs will bring me closer.

So, as you can understand, I have very few units and I’m looking for the unicorn. Not easy I know. HELP!

Cheers all!

I would submit, my friend, that any of these that you have mentioned might be better in the category you are looking for. Not that they would sound "better" per se'; that will come down to the signature you are looking for. But as for refinements, technology moves so fast, even some of the cheaper IEMs nowadays are accomplishing feats that resemble TOTL or summit-fi stuff in many ways.

For instance, your Rai Solo uses a 9µm thickness diaphragm, where most nowadays are using 5µm or even 3µm thickness. This will make a DD almost planar(esc) in its ability to be fast and accurate in decay, etc... Also, let's not forget coatings, which refine this even further.

As an example, I would put the CCA CRA ($20 in USA) up against much higher priced single DD IEMs. Mind you, there is a TON of bass in these, but it is very tastefully done IMO (and you should know from our previous conversations, I am NOT a bass-head). But I would add to your (impossibly difficult to choose from) list the 7Hz Timeless (also boosted bass) planar, and iBasso IT-01x (a bit more analytical comparatively, but in a musical way; these might be the most similar to your Rai Solo). I'm afraid that I can't speak to the rest on your list because I have not heard them, but I have read good things on the IKKO so there IS that...

I have become very partial to the iBasso IEMs of late. I have the IT-07 (which are TOTL in sound, but not price @ $800), and IT-01, and IT-01s, but have heard the others (only sent the IT-01x back because they sound very similar to the IT-01s). All of these except the IT-01x and IT-07 have been discontinued, but you can still get them all if you dig into Amazon or Aliexpress. I got the IT-01s for $100 (were $200) new.

Just some food for thought. I hope I have not made it more difficult for you...

 

[Ceeluh7]

Well I feel like an idiot. Finally got ldac working on linux with my btr5 over BT. It was easy. I can't tell the diff between this and wired with my vidos, and really doubt I could with olinas or timeless. Wired vs SBC on the other hand was a noticeable diff.

Dude... Right. There is such a small difference in these devices anymore. I honestly can't really tell. That is why devices like the BTR5, qudelix, ifi go blu are such great devices to get your hands on. Awesome man... Enjoy

 

[Ceeluh7]

Yes, they do look ridiculous, but these are very well tuned. There aren't any major dips or spikes that I can discern. They have enough bass to be musical, while clarity is still there. You might be surprised by these IMHO.

I would submit, my friend, that any of these that you have mentioned might be better in the category you are looking for. Not that they would sound "better" per se'; that will come down to the signature you are looking for. But as for refinements, technology moves so fast, even some of the cheaper IEMs nowadays are accomplishing feats that resemble TOTL or summit-fi stuff in many ways.

For instance, your Rai Solo uses a 9µm thickness diaphragm, where most nowadays are using 5µm or even 3µm thickness. This will make a DD almost planar(esc) in its ability to be fast and accurate in decay, etc... Also, let's not forget coatings, which refine this even further.

As an example, I would put the CCA CRA ($20 in USA) up against much higher priced single DD IEMs. Mind you, there is a TON of bass in these, but it is very tastefully done IMO (and you should know from our previous conversations, I am NOT a bass-head). But I would add to your (impossibly difficult to choose from) list the 7Hz Timeless (also boosted bass) planar, and iBasso IT-01x (a bit more analytical comparatively, but in a musical way; these might be the most similar to your Rai Solo). I'm afraid that I can't speak to the rest on your list because I have not heard them, but I have read good things on the IKKO so there IS that...

I have become very partial to the iBasso IEMs of late. I have the IT-07 (which are TOTL in sound, but not price @ $800), and IT-01, and IT-01s, but have heard the others (only sent the IT-01x back because they sound very similar to the IT-01s). All of these except the IT-01x and IT-07 have been discontinued, but you can still get them all if you dig into Amazon or Aliexpress. I got the IT-01s for $100 (were $200) new.

Just some food for thought. I hope I have not made it more difficult for you...

I completely agree. The Ibasso iems from the it00, it01, 01s, 01x, (didn't like the 03) or the 04 are really nice. It's good to get a bunch of opinions out there as none of us can hear everything. I would love to try out the it07 but it is unfortunately too rich for me at the moment. Those were good suggestions. There is just a ton of good iems to weed thru anymore.

 

[samandhi]

I completely agree. The Ibasso iems from the it00, it01, 01s, 01x, (didn't like the 03) or the 04 are really nice. It's good to get a bunch of opinions out there as none of us can hear everything. I would love to try out the it07 but it is unfortunately too rich for me at the moment. Those were good suggestions. There is just a ton of good iems to weed thru anymore.

The IT-03 are actually the only ones I have not heard (other than the AM05). Sounds like I might be glad to have skipped over them? Anyhow, if you DO get a chance to audition the IT-07 I would not pass it up. If I had to choose to keep only one of my IEMs those would be it (even over my beloved TinHifi P1).

One of the things I like about where IEMs are going is that they are easy to drive, so work well with even the least powerful BT adaptor. Hence, they can become all-rounders with the least amount of money spent.

If interested, and because I never put all my gear in my signature (it changes too often, and I am too lazy to update it), here are my current IEMs/earbuds (in no certain order):

Spoiler: My Collection Minus Headphones

IEMs

• Xiaomi Piston II
• DUNU DK2001
• Audiosense T800
• CCA CRA
• iBasso IT-01s
• iBasso IT-01
• iBasso IT-07
• 7Hz Timeless
• TinHifi P1

Earbuds

• Smabat ST10S Gold (150 Ohms)
• Smabat M2s Pro
• Moondrop Chaconne
• Yincrow RW2000
• NiceHCK EB2S
• Rose Technics Maria II
• DUNU Alpha 1

TWS

• Nuarl N6 Pro
• Cambridge Audio Melomania Touch
• Hifiman TWS600
• Sony Linkbuds

 

[Phaethon]

I completely agree. The Ibasso iems from the it00, it01, 01s, 01x, (didn't like the 03) or the 04 are really nice. It's good to get a bunch of opinions out there as none of us can hear everything. I would love to try out the it07 but it is unfortunately too rich for me at the moment. Those were good suggestions. There is just a ton of good iems to weed thru anymore.

I haven’t posted in a few days but here’s my latest two cents: my rotation right now are the Dorado 2020, Moondrop B2, and maybe the best deal and best all-rounder: the TRI Starsea. They are like the OH10s with more separation, stage, and livelier mids. A very happy pair. I want to love the IT07 but on the set I received the left unit spun quite loosely on its MMCX connection and had no sound. So back they went and were replaced by the IKKO OH7. Those are breathtaking in every imaginable way but the Dorados tick all those boxes and are more fun. On my radar right now are the TRI Starlight 4, Empire Ears Bravado MK II, DUNU Zen Pro and Thieaudio Monarch MK II. Whew!

 

[Phaethon]

All of my rotation above pair awesomely with the TW2s