[wintermute]

Hi, I've been on the forums many years ago. I've picked up a few semi-decent headphones over the years: AKG K518, which I love. Then I thought I needed to get on the bluetooth train so I picked up an AK Y50BT, and it's okay. Then I decided I needed something that I could throw in a pack, or use when shoveling snow - something I didn't have to worry about - Massdrop Koss KPH30i - which I like for what it is.

Now I'm looking for something cheap, portable, that I can wear on a train, plane, etc. I started looking at chi-fi IEMs. Last time I looked at IEMs - 10 or more years ago, they were very expensive. Anyway, I'm looking for something cheap that I don't need to replace much on - maybe just tips. Don't feel like shopping around for cables, so a decent cable is a plus. I listen to rock/metal/industrial but I also listen to some coastal country and bluegrass and a decent amount of period-correct baroque. I'll also be watching movies/shows. Source will be iPhone or a Samsung pad, no amp. I've been reading tons of reviews and I've been thinking about several IEMs:

- TRN IM2 - cheap, good reviews, a good place to start
- Blon BL-03 and TRN V90 - great reviews but concerned about fitment
- LZ Z04A or Z05A - I like the idea of a single DD, but haven't seen many reviews on these
- TRI I4 - seems like it gets decent reviews
- KZ ZSX - great reviews, more is better, etc.

Suggestions?

 

[baskingshark]

Hi, I've been on the forums many years ago. I've picked up a few semi-decent headphones over the years: AKG K518, which I love. Then I thought I needed to get on the bluetooth train so I picked up an AK Y50BT, and it's okay. Then I decided I needed something that I could throw in a pack, or use when shoveling snow - something I didn't have to worry about - Massdrop Koss KPH30i - which I like for what it is.

Now I'm looking for something cheap, portable, that I can wear on a train, plane, etc. I started looking at chi-fi IEMs. Last time I looked at IEMs - 10 or more years ago, they were very expensive. Anyway, I'm looking for something cheap that I don't need to replace much on - maybe just tips. Don't feel like shopping around for cables, so a decent cable is a plus. I listen to rock/metal/industrial but I also listen to some coastal country and bluegrass and a decent amount of period-correct baroque. I'll also be watching movies/shows. Source will be iPhone or a Samsung pad, no amp. I've been reading tons of reviews and I've been thinking about several IEMs:

- TRN IM2 - cheap, good reviews, a good place to start
- Blon BL-03 and TRN V90 - great reviews but concerned about fitment
- LZ Z04A or Z05A - I like the idea of a single DD, but haven't seen many reviews on these
- TRI I4 - seems like it gets decent reviews
- KZ ZSX - great reviews, more is better, etc.

Suggestions?

Hi if u like an allrounder, I would suggest the KZ ZSX. I don't have it, but I have its predecessor, the KZ ZS10 Pro, and based on early reviews the ZSX improves the treble timbre and has some other small improvements. The ZS10 pro itself is my daily commuting driver, good isolation, good separation of instruments/clarity/details. V shaped sound signature and suitable for most music genres. And easy to drive, no need DAC/AMP.
It is pretty cheap too, I think if u use the aliexpress app and follow some stores (to get a fan exclusive discount), I just saw the ZSX at $39 USD at some Aliexpress shops today. I think it will be very suitable for pop, EDM, rock.

Only thing I read from the early reviews about the ZSX is the shell is a bit large and some people complained that the long nozzle presses on their ear. YMMV.

The TRN V90 seems to have quite good reviews too and may be comparable or better than ZSX. Maybe wait for more reviews to filter down. I think u won't go wrong with either the ZSX or TRN V90.

If u like genres that have more acoustic instruments and have tonally correct instruments, I would go for the Blon BL-03 which is a single DD IEM. The DDs usually have less clarity/details but they sound more organic and musical. I'm gonna get this set at the next sale too.