Haven't looked at any numbers, but a consensus for "best IEM" will be pretty hard to get. There are far too many individual differences in preference for that to happen.
Haven't looked at any numbers, but a consensus for "best IEM" will be pretty hard to get. There are far too many individual differences in preference for that to happen.
would anything change in your view, if manufacturing quality was factored in (build, longevity) or is that presupposed? I continue to enjoy your writing style at blog.
I have a hard time making a standalone rank since I know people look after very different characteristics in their purchases. Even so, something like RE2000 / RE2000 Silver / Atlas would surely be among the first places, as well as Dita Truth. UM Martians would follow slightly behind because they are very specifically tuned, although the build quality is incredible with them as well. CTM VS-4 and IMR R1 are also ranked fairly high
If we factor in the manufacturing quality, I can add that I have had ATLAS for little time, but it is holding up fairly well. I wouldn't rate it any lower because it has some driver flex, as Campfire has confirmed that it will not be posing issues with its life
RE2000, I had the gold version for almost 1.5 years now, and it has seen good usage, yet it has no issues, so I can confidently say they hold up well to usage. Some rough edges exist in the build quality, like, minor aesthetic inconvenieces, but they are long-lived IEMs.
I had to sent IE800 back two times, because of their cables hardening though....
I had Ditra Truth for almost one year, and I can't notice any usage signs, plus it is going strong. No complaints here either.
If anything is to complain about flagships, I think that ATLAS having some driver flex is a little inconvenient, and the cables of Dita Truth are a bit springy, but all of them have lasted well to usage so far
Now this seems to be a fun / interesting thread (thanks @Bosk for mentioning it in another thread)
I've heard approx 30+ IEMs (which can be found under my profile) so far, and this came out when I tried to rank them based on my preferences over the past 10 minutes.
Preferences of course doesn't mean that I say it is better, only that I like it better. And especially the first 3 depended a lot(!) on the source (synergy) to my ears.
1) Empire Ears Zeus XR (from RW modded AK380Cu)
2) Empire Ears Phantom (from LPG, close to the above but completely different strengths)
3) Spiral Ear 5-Way Ult (2x loaner, from LPG)
4) 64 Audio A18 Tzar (loaner for weeks)
5) Vision Ears VE8 (loaner for weeks)
6) Warbler Prelude (wrote a review on that one)
7) QDC Gemini (loaner for weeks)
8) Rhapsodio Solar (basshead / thick notes iem, but still love 'em)
9) CA Andromeda / EE Spartan ADEL (close call to my ears)
10) Tralucent 1plus2 (gone, but not forgotten because of its wonderful soundstage)
Now I'm gonna read (should be fun) the 104 pages before this one in the upcomming days
Cheers to ya'all and happy listening!
1. 64 Audio A12t - easily best IEM I've heard in every way.
2. Unique Melody Miracle (original version) - my first CIEM and I still love it. Presentation is balanced (maybe slightly less bass impact than I'd like), neither warm nor cool. Clear but not bright. Loses to modern flagships A12t in terms of low-end extension, headroom, and airiness.
3. Hifiman RE2000 Silver - Better bass than UM Miracle, and more open / spacious sound stage. However, not quite as even across the frequency spectrum. Mids a bit recessed. The most warm and relaxed IEM in my collection.
4. CustomArt FIBAE 3 - I use these on the go because the silicone body blocks external noise most effectively. Sound wise, its much too bass shy, but I can adjust to it after a while.
I don’t think there will ever be a consensus per se as everyone’s tastes are different. That being said, it is more or less the same makes and models dominating nearly everyone’s top 10. As is evident from my list I am something of a basshead. Unfortunately travel to Sydney is needed for experiencing anything from 64Audio and Empire Ears.
Updated list for me:
1. Noble K10
2.Oriolus mkII (auditioned) / Noble Encore
4. Campfire Audio Atlas / CA Vega
6. Sennheiser IE800 (original - currently own) / Sennheiser IE800S
8. Shure SE846
9 Noble Katana
10.CA Jupiter
I don’t think there will ever be a consensus per se as everyone’s tastes are different. That being said, it is more or less the same makes and models dominating nearly everyone’s top 10. As is evident from my list I am something of a basshead. Unfortunately travel to Sydney is needed for experiencing anything from 64Audio and Empire Ears.
Updated list for me:
1. Noble K10
2.Oriolus mkII (auditioned) / Noble Encore
4. Campfire Audio Atlas / CA Vega
6. Sennheiser IE800 (original - currently own) / Sennheiser IE800S
8. Shure SE846
9 Noble Katana
10.CA Jupiter
Not only are everyone’s preferences different from everyone else’s, but their own tastes can change from week to week. The lists are not written in stone.
Empire Ears Legend X
64 Audio u18t
64 Audio Tia Fourte
Campfire Audio Andromeda
Campfire Audio Solaris
Empire Ears Zeus XR (preferably the XIV configuration)
Campfire Audio Vega
Shure SE846
I have SE846 and am mostly happy with it except sound staging.
I am aware that there's certain limitation with IEM on that particular area but wondering what could be alternatives, if any, for better sound staging effect among the products which do not show 3k or above on their price tags?
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