Looking for recommendations for upgrading my Earsonics SM64 and Fiio X5

[scat5401]

Hello everyone, I am looking for suggestions to upgrade my audio gear. I am fairly new to the audio world so bear with me.
 
I own a pair of Earsonics SM64 (which is my go-to IEM), IE80 and RHA T20i. Being a newbie, I have not tried out as many IEMs as most of you do so I do not have a particular sound signature preference. I do want to go for CIEM this time, given my budget is around $1000. I have only done some very brief researches online and so far I have come across the Lear LCM BD4.2, 1964 A3, UE IERM, Perfect Seal Fusion 11, JH10X3 pro among many others. Unfortunately most of the flagship CIEMs are just way over my budget
That said, I do think it might not be sensible to go for the flagship models just yet given my audio experience is still very limited.
 
As for DAP, I used to own a Fiio X5 but my brother really loved it so I let him keep it. Currently I am relying on my iPhone 6s plus as my only source. But I have the impression that SM64 is pretty source dependent so my priority is find a replacement DAP (and AMP if necessary) over upgrading my SM64 since either way I would probably need a good source to pair it with. So far i have only read about Fiio X7, AR-M20, Opus Two (no idea when its out), Onkyo DP-X1. Budget is around $750.
 
I did not have time to go to one of the stores to test them out due to work, for now I am looking for ideas so I know what to try out when I do!!
 
Much appreciated!

 

[scat5401]

Bump
Any suggestions??

 

[gancanjam]

I would go for Earsonics Velvet if you like Earsonics sound signature. Sorry i dont have much idea in customs as it is tough to sell it, for $1000 - $1100 you can get an used Rhapsodio Solar which is getting great reviews  and have not seen any negative reviews.. Massdrop now has 64 audio Adel  A12 for $750 which is a steal as they retails for much higher price

 

[PinkyPowers]

Massdrop is over on the ADEL IEMs. Us late comers lost out big on that.

For a SM64 fan, I would recommend going for the 64 Audio A8 or the A12. That should be more in line with the warmth you love.

Also, Jerry Harvey Audio's JH13 v2. It's only barely over the price you want. The 13 is as famous as CIEMs go, and v2 only refines that perfection.

As to the DAP dilemma, I spent a couple of weeks with the FiiO X7, and it's a solid product. Especially now with the module options.

Other options:
Acoustic Research M2
QuestStyle QP1 and QP1R

 

[gancanjam]

Ahh come on, Adel A12 gone from Massdrop !! Jeez, had an eye on that :mad:

 

[scat5401]

I would go for Earsonics Velvet if you like Earsonics sound signature. Sorry i dont have much idea in customs as it is tough to sell it, for $1000 - $1100 you can get an used Rhapsodio Solar which is getting great reviews  and have not seen any negative reviews.. Massdrop now has 64 audio Adel  A12 for $750 which is a steal as they retails for much higher price

Yeah I did consider the Velvet but then it's not that much of an upgrade from SM64 given the price difference.
Also I am more inclined towards choosing a brighter and more high mids/treble focused IEM (given I have a pretty decent IEM of warm sound).

Speaking of the drop, I was aware of it and man it was a huge struggle for me I almost splashed the cash to get the U12... But then I am afraid I might keep thinking of a quick upgrade to A12. But hey I am just a fresh graduate with a small budget.

Massdrop is over on the ADEL IEMs. Us late comers lost out big on that.

For a SM64 fan, I would recommend going for the 64 Audio A8 or the A12. That should be more in line with the warmth you love.

Also, Jerry Harvey Audio's JH13 v2. It's only barely over the price you want. The 13 is as famous as CIEMs go, and v2 only refines that perfection.

As to the DAP dilemma, I spent a couple of weeks with the FiiO X7, and it's a solid product. Especially now with the module options.

Other options:
Acoustic Research M2
QuestStyle QP1 and QP1R

I still havnt got a chance to try out all the sound signature, so I wont say I have a definite preference just yet. But yeah I will definitely try them both the A12 and JH13 pro some time thanks

As for DAP, I did not like the UI of my X5ii, which was partially why I did not go for the X7 straightaway. AR M20 is definitely very high up there on my list. I keep seeing people mention QP1R saying how good it is, I havnt heard of them until recently so I might look more into that

Ahh come on, Adel A12 gone from Massdrop !! Jeez, had an eye on that :mad:

Correct me if I am wrong, the sale is only for universal fits right?

 

[gancanjam]

@scat5401 yes that was universal and the drop has ended sadly. But i think you can get on to request it again and get on the band wagon
 
https://www.massdrop.com/buy/1964-audio-u-series-iems
 
Hmm.. Bright IEMs , so you are looking for an IEM like a HD800 which has more than enough Mids/Treble but just adequate bass.  JH13 will fit your bill as Pinkypowers said but again it is in the $1K range. Hidition NT6  is another bright CIEM i know off which does not have a uber bass but bright treble for sure , it is also expensive though and have seen it in sale as low as $600 in FS
 
Alternate bright IEMs which are very reasonably priced are CK10 , ER4P/S and Fischer audio dba-02 (Mkii) , i do not own them now but recall them as decent bright IEMs. See their reviews and see if that is something you like.

 

[PinkyPowers]

As for DAP, I did not like the UI of my X5ii, which was partially why I did not go for the X7 straightaway.

The UI between the X5 and X7 have practically no common ground. The X7 is a full Android-based tough-screen device.