Good IEMs that don't hook round the back of the ear, has an in-line mic/control for under £100?
Dec 19, 2021 at 6:38 AM Thread Starter Post #1 of 21

adamt

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I know I've been asking for a lot of opinions but I now need an IEM that doesn't hook around the back of the ear and has a mic/controller with detachable cables

Are there many decent options for under £100?
 
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Dec 19, 2021 at 12:31 PM Post #5 of 21
I was actually looking at the quad drivers before but the reviews about one or both of the cables stop working in a few hal months of usage, it's a bit concerning especially as after contacting the company they said:

"Unfortunately, the faulty cable after a long period of usage belongs to physical damage, which is not covered under the 12-month warranty. Thanks for your understanding."

So this makes me reluctant to buy these headphones
 
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Dec 20, 2021 at 2:05 PM Post #8 of 21
The specificationI need for the moondrop aria is:
0.78mm with 2 pin


Only one I can find online is with a small remote with one button and I need one with the multifunction/volume up and down
But this is the closest I can find:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001177128476.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.782d6ddeK5gmyy&algo_pvid=992d1771-8941-44bd-809b-ede99dc99537&algo_exp_id=992d1771-8941-44bd-809b-ede99dc99537-4&pdp_ext_f={"sku_id":"10000015053895290"}

Any suggestions on where Else I should look?
 
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Dec 20, 2021 at 2:50 PM Post #9 of 21
The specificationI need for the moondrop aria is:
0.78mm with 2 pin


Only one I can find online is with a small remote with one button and I need one with the multifunction/volume up and down
But this is the closest I can find:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001177128476.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.782d6ddeK5gmyy&algo_pvid=992d1771-8941-44bd-809b-ede99dc99537&algo_exp_id=992d1771-8941-44bd-809b-ede99dc99537-4&pdp_ext_f={"sku_id":"10000015053895290"}

Any suggestions on where Else I should look?
I just put 0.78 2pin mic into Ali and got these. Both NiceHCK and Faaeal have been reliable budget cables for me (not these particular cables).

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001727329680.html

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002054036159.html
 
Dec 20, 2021 at 11:00 PM Post #11 of 21
The Tin HiFi T2 (and pro and evo models) can be worn downward, but you’ll need to get an aftermarket cable, but both of those together should be like ~$70-80, which is like ~£60.

As sound profile goes, the T2 is … fine. It’s not for me, but it is an incredibly capable little IEM, and consistently gets good reviews from others.

For the cable just search “mmcx cable with mic” on amazon or aliexpress and you’ll find a bunch of straight down options.
 
Dec 21, 2021 at 3:46 AM Post #13 of 21
Thanks but is the Tin Hifi t2 better than the Moondrop Aria?

The Tin T2 is quite neutral and the sub-bass is anemic. Moondrop Aria is more harmanish with more bass and is more coloured.

The T2 has some MMCX issues too, it is quite frequently reported on forums, so best to buy from somewhere with a robust returns policy in case. I also find the fitting of the Tin T2 quite uncomfortable, but YMMV. The Aria is more smooth and pleasing in tonality.

BTW the Aria 2021 cannot be worn cable down, it is only meant to be worn over ears and I think it won't fulfil your criteria as per your first post.
 
Dec 21, 2021 at 8:58 AM Post #14 of 21
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Dec 21, 2021 at 9:35 AM Post #15 of 21
Ok I think I'll have to sacrifice having straight down cables for the superior sound / bass quality of the Moondrop ArIa

On Amazon, how wil I mnow they are genuine Moondrop Aria's?
As these are not sold by the manufacturer:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B091DPF...abc_FMR8ZGK5WEBHCYQE0Z0N?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1.

And they're even cheaper on Ali Express,
https://m.aliexpress.com/item/10050...v-X9iuvf67I-llruCD9_UMsUzfWlK4DUaAqPsEALw_wcB

Both shipping from China

Amazon generally is safe with a good CS. They do honour warranty but may be a bit pricier than Aliexpress or third party sites. There are some shops in Amazon eg HIFIGO, Shenzhen Audio that are very reputable. Or you can even purchase directly from HIFIGO, Shenzhen Audio on their own online shops.

Aliexpress is a bit more dodgy. While they keep the money in escrow until you the buyer confirms you have received the product, Aliexpress does not have a good returns policy (returning gear to china may cost as much as the IEM or stuff gets lost). However, the link u sent (Shenzhen Audio store on Aliexpress) is legit, their shop is very safe.

I've bought almost 300 items from Aliexpress and about 10% of purchases have issues - eg item not sent when seller claimed it was, fake tracking codes, massive delays in transit time, defective products, wrong product etc. There are reputable sellers which I get stuff from on Aliexpress (like the above Shenzhen Audio), but do not buy from brand new shops, or those with < 95% positive ratings. Also pay by credit card in case, as the bank can protect you in case of charge backs.
 

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