[mr.twabfish]

Hi folks,

I'm in the market for a new pair of in-ear headphones. I'll try to do my best to describe my preferences for sound and shape/comfort/style etc.

In the sound department, I find I prefer a warmer signature overall, and a little bit of a V-shape. Not too heavy, enough to maintain punch in the low end, but not overshadow any mids/vocals too much.

For the other stuff: I find I have a relatively average ear size/shape, if not a bit larger than average. I am looking for a fairly robust set of earphones, I'd be bringing them with me most anywhere I go. I use a variety of devices, but no dedicated amps or anything. (iPhone 8 plus, Macbook, MSI Dominator, a couple Linux based dells etc blah blah). I'm a Spotify Premium user (I set everything to the "max" quality not sure if that does a whole lot). The best pair of headphones/earphones I own are a $20 pair of Sennheiser's so I'm sure anything would be an improvement.

I've been looking at both the 1MORE Quads, along with the FiiO FH5.

If you kind folks can give me any insight or advice, I'd much appreciate it!!

 

[buke9]

The Triples would be a bit warmer than the Quads and bass is not too far off between the two.

 

[serman005]

I would personally add an iBasso IT01 to your list. Very high-sound quality, v-shaped, great separation and detail. Not tremendously warm, IMO, though. Outstanding high-quality cable that would be at home on a much more expensive IEM. Worth reading about for sure. It might work for you.

 

[Will Chiu]

i think the final e5000 should be a nice choice. Also, you can take a look at the iBasso IT03, too.

 

[Will Chiu]

I would personally add an iBasso IT01 to your list. Very high-sound quality, v-shaped, great separation and detail. Not tremendously warm, IMO, though. Outstanding high-quality cable that would be at home on a much more expensive IEM. Worth reading about for sure. It might work for you.

IT01 is also a good one, I will say it is one of the best under $100

 

[mr.twabfish]

I would personally add an iBasso IT01 to your list. Very high-sound quality, v-shaped, great separation and detail. Not tremendously warm, IMO, though. Outstanding high-quality cable that would be at home on a much more expensive IEM. Worth reading about for sure. It might work for you.

The ibasso looks really good! exactly the sound signature I think I'm looking for. Anyone know if the IT03's are worth the extra $$?

 

[Will Chiu]

For me, the it03 provides a better fit. Also, the it03 has a better resolution. The treble is more controlled in the it03.

 

[mr.twabfish]

For me, the it03 provides a better fit. Also, the it03 has a better resolution. The treble is more controlled in the it03.

Any secluded places on the internet where I might be able to get the it03's a bit cheaper?

I am sensitive to harsh/sharp treble. would you say either earphone gets fatiguing in the high end?

 

[Will Chiu]

Any secluded places on the internet where I might be able to get the it03's a bit cheaper?

I am sensitive to harsh/sharp treble. would you say either earphone gets fatiguing in the high end?

Sorry I don't know much about getting it online. My friend and I went to a local earphone store and he bought it 2 months ago for about $220 (hkd1650 to be exact)

For the treble part, I will say it is not hurting at all. But my friend told me that it does need some running in. Before that it may sound a little bit fatiguing but after the running in it is absolutely enjoyable

 

[Theabs]

I have Cardas A8, I really love them.

 

[serman005]

The ibasso looks really good! exactly the sound signature I think I'm looking for. Anyone know if the IT03's are worth the extra $$?

It is controversial. There are those that feel the IT01 is the better IEM. I personally have not heard the IT03, so cannot say. I do believe there are more IT01's sold, though.

 

[kukkurovaca]

The IT03 is an older model, and I think folks who are enamored with the IT01 are more looking to the IT04 as an upgrade rather than the IT03. The IT04 has the same dynamic driver as the IT01 IIRC while the IT03 does not.

I would definitely second the IT01 recommendation, at its price point. I'm in the minority that has a minor complaint about the IT01's mids, but if what you have now is in the $20 range, the IT01 should be a massive upgrade.

 

[mr.twabfish]

The IT03 is an older model, and I think folks who are enamored with the IT01 are more looking to the IT04 as an upgrade rather than the IT03. The IT04 has the same dynamic driver as the IT01 IIRC while the IT03 does not.

I would definitely second the IT01 recommendation, at its price point. I'm in the minority that has a minor complaint about the IT01's mids, but if what you have now is in the $20 range, the IT01 should be a massive upgrade.

Okay. That about settles it. I think I'll go for the IT01's. Thank you all for your recommendations!