IEMs instead of Wireless Headphones at work?

[OrangeStar257]

Hi. I am thinking about switching from a wireless headphone to an IEM with a portable dac for office use.

Is there anyone doing this already? How do you feel? Do you think it's a good idea?

Should I a BT dongle dac like Go blu or qudelix?

or a dongle like Go bar, RU6, W2

or a portable dac like Gryphon and Mojo 2?

What do you think?

I am going to use Moondrop S8 and UM Mest Mk2 (4.4mm)

 

[Tex Irie]

It may be a minor annoyance to stop and start music with a dongle or Bluetooth DAC/Amp, if people walk up to you with any kind of frequency. If you can get a DAP. If wifi is an issue an iFi Go Blu should be a great pick up. You can't really go wrong with any one of those devices you listed. It's just a matter of preference. Also the MEST MKII sounds rich, deeply engaging (fun), and full with the Chord Mojo v1. That's one of my favorite pairings with my MEST MKII.

 

[OrangeStar257]

It may be a minor annoyance to stop and start music with a dongle or Bluetooth DAC/Amp, if people walk up to you with any kind of frequency. If you can get a DAP. If wifi is an issue an iFi Go Blu should be a great pick up. You can't really go wrong with any one of those devices you listed. It's just a matter of preference. Also the MEST MKII sounds rich, deeply engaging (fun), and full with the Chord Mojo v1. That's one of my favorite pairings with my MEST MKII.

I was thinking about buying the mojo, then sadly it didn't have the 4.4mm connection

 

[o0genesis0o]

Hi. I am thinking about switching from a wireless headphone to an IEM with a portable dac for office use.

Is there anyone doing this already? How do you feel? Do you think it's a good idea?

Should I a BT dongle dac like Go blu or qudelix?

or a dongle like Go bar, RU6, W2

or a portable dac like Gryphon and Mojo 2?

What do you think?

I am going to use Moondrop S8 and UM Mest Mk2 (4.4mm)

I used to use Topping G5 with any IEM that I have for review. G5 is good because it can be used as a wired DAC for desktop (I have a USB-C cable on the table) and and bluetooth DAC for your phone. The problem with G5 is that you need to charge it. I often forget to do so, and the battery runs out in the middle of zoom calls. Another issue with all of these battery devices is that you would introduce tear and wear to the battery, rendering them useless sooner.

What I use nowadays is a S9 Pro dongle (nothing in particular about that dongle, it’s just something that I have lying around). No more worry about battery, no dead battery in the middle of zoom calls. Noted that I use a separate microphone connected to the computer via a USB cable. Only a few of these dongles have audio input to support the microphone on the IEM cable. I also keep a pair of TWS in my bag (Fiio FW5) for personal listening. When I am on a good mood, I might bring my DAP and a real IEM with me.

Also, I found that I turned off the music most of the time and used IEMs as earplugs. Music of any kind can be distracting. Music right up to your face (“intimate“ IEM soundstage) is even more distracting when I try to think.

In summary, your comfort level with IEM should be the determining factor. Can you stuff those earplugs in your ears for the whole day? Do you want to block your ear canals for the whole day (and get all sweaty in there?) Can you focus when listening to your S8 and Mest II? If you can, then think whether you want to charge a bluetooth device? Otherwise, grab a good dongle that is compatible with all of your devices.

Ironically, Apple dongle is the most suitable choice for this kind of situation

 

[Tex Irie]

I was thinking about buying the mojo, then sadly it didn't have the 4.4mm connection

You can purchase a 4.4mm female to 3.5 mm male adapter. This is what I use.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08V97K1LX?ref_=cm_sw_r_apan_dp_D15WEW2PF8HEA42ZSFJY&tag=headfi-20