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

[cresny]

We have another Xmems model TWS...https://electrify-music.jp/products/nexiem

Cowell with an LCP film diaphragm, QCC5171 and does LDAC and aptX loseless and IP54. The bad is 5.5 hours per charge ANC off and 4.5 ANC on at 60% vol. Also a rather sluggish for today 15min charge for an hour of play. "Combining the latest MEMS driver" with battery life from 4 years ago.

That's the problem with XMems Cowell, needs high current.

 

[subguy812]

JLab Epic Lab Edition​

66% discount is not usual. No idea if they are any good just pointing out the steep discount.

https://www.amazon.com/JLab-Wireless-Bluetooth-Multipoint-Charging/dp/B0CGGM1CQ9/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1MTU96IT6V2QA&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LyQqfHGkQlE7rwItSsUv1XZfpXCTfoIdpEOtxU5T9tO5mas-iTcrzK0EKMpl1YOkz6j3C6trhaEEhOJfv216MpVVtJeKkgMnK-ozJjX1Guip6auE_a4Llc6C-81rzU1Wzb661E6nFNzE3AsIsq13slkKVjL6INsx1Ws2ioo22b_mJhsBJ3t8TPtDeh8JWCVWQtDw-i5gi4HbV6LyoGP4l8eIQMI-8F_E-GJ66LgGv_4.btCfbRTqmVrjzJhWDoZV4wrtzwwnwhJAdOk7RySM8og&dib_tag=se&keywords=JLab+Epic+Lab+Edition+True+Wireless+Earbuds,+Hybrid+Dual+Drivers,+Spatial+Audio&qid=1747074269&sprefix=jlab+epic+lab+edition+true+wireless+earbuds,+hybrid+dual+drivers,+spatial+audio,aps,171&sr=8-3

I bought those back in December of 2023. I can barely remember what I ate for lunch today, so to think I can remember their sound signature after all of this time, its not happening. I do remember liking them. I think it was another try them out thing. But I am tempted because of the price. Dual driver with LDAC. I can't remember how well the dongle worked.

edit: just found this https://www.loudnwireless.com/recommendations

 

[erockg]

I bought those back in December of 2023. I can barely remember what I ate for lunch today, so to think I can remember their sound signature after all of this time, its not happening. I do remember liking them. I think it was another try them out thing. But I am tempted because of the price. Dual driver with LDAC. I can't remember how well the dongle worked.

edit: just found this https://www.loudnwireless.com/recommendations

I remember getting them the same time as you. They were very good for a Jlab, but had fit issues. For that blowout price though, might be worth a revisit…

 

[jant71]

That's the problem with XMems Cowell, needs high current.

Indeed but not really so bad. Some of it is smaller batteries as well. They should have been able to do better though. Probably using 52's instead of 65's. Creative uses the 52's with the stick design and gets 6. Noble has the in-ear design and got 7.5. That shape size they seem to be still using 50 or 52's probably. They could have done better than they did. You got all the codecs, the MEMS, get both dust and liquid rating etc. so you seem to be bringing something solid so don't stop with the batteries. Let it down and a couple more hours might just be the deal breaker for people giving it a shot or skipping it.

 

[Luchyres]

So I now have and the Shokz Opendots One and the SoundPeats Pearl Clip Pro for a day, and I think I’m keeping the Shokz:

- Better, fuller sound, with more bass and EQ flexibility
- I prefer the controls
- Not very important, but the case and overall feel is nicer/more premium.
- wireless charging for the case
- a little easier to get the fit right for audio purposes
- I like how the Shokz cling closer to my ears.

Both have worked well on my calls. Both cases are very portable.

The soundpeats may be slightly more comfortable but they’re both comfortable and both hold on well for exercise.

Is it worth the extra money for the Shokz? I think so, but that’s for me. That being said, the Pearl Clip Pro are great for $40, I just like spending to then only have one pair, and value the bass.

Photos for your enjoyment:

 

[erockg]

So I now have and the Shokz Opendots One and the SoundPeats Pearl Clip Pro for a day, and I think I’m keeping the Shokz:

- Better, fuller sound, with more bass and EQ flexibility
- I prefer the controls
- Not very important, but the case and overall feel is nicer/more premium.
- wireless charging for the case
- a little easier to get the fit right for audio purposes
- I like how the Shokz cling closer to my ears.

Both have worked well on my calls. Both cases are very portable.

The soundpeats may be slightly more comfortable but they’re both comfortable and both hold on well for exercise.

Is it worth the extra money for the Shokz? I think so, but that’s for me. That being said, the Pearl Clip Pro are great for $40, I just like spending to then only have one pair, and value the bass.

Photos for your enjoyment:

I like the Opendots so much I sold all my other clip on buds.

 

[The Grongle]

Today I received my ultrasone lapis earbuds. I have to say for the $80 somthing i paid for them. Im very satisfied for bluetooth buds.
They lack impact in the lower mids but the treble and bass is good with a nice holographic sound and beautiful aesthetics.

I haven't worn wireless buds before so this is a nice entry.

 

[davescleveland]

just want to say that I have for years been obsessively chasing the dragon with tws.

Among all of my wireless iems, noble is clearly the winner.

I have the fokus pro, fokus mystique, prestige, Rex 5, triumph, and now the falcon max. Every one of these are truly wonderful and better than anything else.

As much I like Sennheiser momentum tws 4, b and o ex, svanar, geekfly (old model), pearl pros, and the final ze 8000, the nobles and every model completely blow them away. I'd say senna are 2nd to nobles. Surprised that the falcon max is so good. As resolving as triumph with more bass and its own eq app

 

[dweaver]

So I now have and the Shokz Opendots One and the SoundPeats Pearl Clip Pro for a day, and I think I’m keeping the Shokz:

- Better, fuller sound, with more bass and EQ flexibility
- I prefer the controls
- Not very important, but the case and overall feel is nicer/more premium.
- wireless charging for the case
- a little easier to get the fit right for audio purposes
- I like how the Shokz cling closer to my ears.

Both have worked well on my calls. Both cases are very portable.

The soundpeats may be slightly more comfortable but they’re both comfortable and both hold on well for exercise.

Is it worth the extra money for the Shokz? I think so, but that’s for me. That being said, the Pearl Clip Pro are great for $40, I just like spending to then only have one pair, and value the bass.

Photos for your enjoyment:

Just got the Pearl Pro and so far I get their bang for buck appeal. Definitely a nice signature and sound.

This style is definitely more comfy than the earhook design.

The controls are finicky though, but may get semi used to them. A physical button system though would be better.

The app buries the dynamic EQ which is on my default but off the moment you play with the EQ settings.

It looks like this but if you scroll down you get this.

Dynamic EQ sounds MUCH MUCH better than anything I can create or select from their EQ options.

Will do more testing but this dynamic EQ sounds alot like the Openfit 2 from memory and more dynamic than the Aerofit 2.

The Opedot looks better and looks like it would be more stable regarding moving around.

I can see them in my future maybe at Christmas season when they might go on sale.

 

[GreatGeorge]

just want to say that I have for years been obsessively chasing the dragon with tws.

Among all of my wireless iems, noble is clearly the winner.

I have the fokus pro, fokus mystique, prestige, Rex 5, triumph, and now the falcon max. Every one of these are truly wonderful and better than anything else.

As much I like Sennheiser momentum tws 4, b and o ex, svanar, geekfly (old model), pearl pros, and the final ze 8000, the nobles and every model completely blow them away. I'd say senna are 2nd to nobles. Surprised that the falcon max is so good. As resolving as triumph with more bass and its own eq app

You need to try Aviot zx1

 

[galaxygrrl]

You need to try Aviot zx1

They both sound great but they have pretty different sound signatures. I listened to them both. Chat GPT did a nice write-up. Learning about sound signatures really made a difference for me. Noble works for me, and Beoplay does, while the less warm and more analytical sound signature does not.

This is from Chat GPT, and I think it rings true.

AVIOT TE-ZX1​

The AVIOT TE-ZX1 delivers a highly detailed and analytical sound signature, thanks to its tribrid 5-driver system combining dynamic, planar magnetic, and balanced armature drivers. High frequencies sparkle with clarity and precision, making it ideal for instrumental music and genres that benefit from crisp detail like classical, jazz, and acoustic. The mids are clean but can feel slightly recessed when tracks get busy, and while the bass is tight and well-controlled, it doesn’t deliver the kind of punch that bass enthusiasts crave. This is a tuning for listeners who prioritize clarity, separation, and micro-detail over warmth and emotional engagement.

Noble Fokus REX5​

The Noble Fokus REX5 offers a warm-neutral sound signature with a rich, satisfying bass that feels deep, bouncy, and dynamic without overwhelming the mids. Vocals and instruments come through with energy and intimacy, while the smooth treble ensures fatigue-free listening, even over long sessions. Despite its warmth, the REX5 doesn’t sacrifice detail; its imaging and clarity rival even some wired IEMs, particularly when using high-quality codecs like LDAC. This makes it highly versatile, excelling across pop, rock, hip-hop, electronic, and even more nuanced genres like indie and folk.

Which One is Better for Who?​

If you’re a technical listener who loves picking apart the layers of a track, analyzing each instrument, and you lean toward genres like classical, jazz, or acoustic live recordings, the AVIOT TE-ZX1 is the better fit. It’s built for critical listening and those who value clarity above all else. On the other hand, if you’re looking for an emotionally engaging, all-rounder earbud with deep, satisfying bass, smooth highs, and excellent vocal presence, the Noble Fokus REX5 wins easily. It’s perfect for casual enjoyment, long listening sessions, and anyone who appreciates music that feels rich and alive rather than purely analytical.

 

[aaalexx]

just want to say that I have for years been obsessively chasing the dragon with tws.

Among all of my wireless iems, noble is clearly the winner.

I have the fokus pro, fokus mystique, prestige, Rex 5, triumph, and now the falcon max. Every one of these are truly wonderful and better than anything else.

As much I like Sennheiser momentum tws 4, b and o ex, svanar, geekfly (old model), pearl pros, and the final ze 8000, the nobles and every model completely blow them away. I'd say senna are 2nd to nobles. Surprised that the falcon max is so good. As resolving as triumph with more bass and its own eq app

Oh!
Could you rank and compare all your Noble TWS ? Is the Rex5 really the best sounding ?

 

[MikkiT]

My wife just made a purchase on eBay. Monster Airmars XKT10. Probably one of the worst earphones to ever have touched my ears. Thin sounding doesn’t convey how bad the are. No bass. No midrange. Treble that turns your brain to liquid.
It has a strange “ring” type case that seems very well made, the outer ring being a mix of metal and strong plastic. The fact they were only £25 doesn’t help considering how gawdawful they sound.

 

[jant71]

My wife just made a purchase on eBay. Monster Airmars XKT10. Probably one of the worst earphones to ever have touched my ears. Thin sounding doesn’t convey how bad the are. No bass. No midrange. Treble that turns your brain to liquid.
It has a strange “ring” type case that seems very well made, the outer ring being a mix of metal and strong plastic. The fact they were only £25 doesn’t help considering how gawdawful they sound.

That is Chinese Monster. Just shouldn't buy those. US Monster stuff is solid but prices are more. Real monster has names like DNA Go, Clarity, Mission, Verse. If you see KX or XT or letters/numbers or a stupid name like Airmars that is obviously trying to make you associate Air Max in any way in your brain. You have to run away from those things. Not totally sure if they are the same Monster but cheap stuff for Ali Chinese market or they struggled back when and lost exclusive naming like Aiwa which means different things in different countries like US Aiwa is not Japan Aiwa. Either way we lost the Monster of old and that is a shame.

 

[Luchyres]

Just got the Pearl Pro and so far I get their bang for buck appeal. Definitely a nice signature and sound.

Dynamic EQ sounds MUCH MUCH better than anything I can create or select from their EQ options.

Will do more testing but this dynamic EQ sounds alot like the Openfit 2 from memory and more dynamic than the Aerofit 2.

I agree - the Dynamic setting is the best on the Pearl Clip Pro - the bass EQ was... not good, and custom EQing did not bring me anything as good as the Dynamic. One reason I like the Opendots One is that the EQ-ing and the Bass setting both sounded good and didn't cause distortion the way they did with the Pearl Clip Pro.