Rank the IEM's you've heard

[Rockwell75]

I was late to the party, only finally getting to know the Andromeda this past summer-- I agree that it lives up to the hype if it embodies your preferred sound signature. Based on my experience you need to move into the $3K+ realm to top Campfire's offerings.

 

[CL14715]

Heck, I'll play!

1. Empire Ears Odin
2. Empire Ears Legend X (pair them properly and you'll understand)
3. 64 Audio Tia Trio
4. Campfire Solaris SE
5. 64 Audio u12t
6. Empire Ears Hero
7. 64 Audio Nio
8. Campfire Andromeda 2020
9. Campfire Andromeda Gold
10. Campfire Audio Solaris 2020

 

[Tristy]

Heck, I'll play!

1. Empire Ears Odin
2. Empire Ears Legend X (pair them properly and you'll understand)
3. 64 Audio Tia Trio
4. Campfire Solaris SE
5. 64 Audio Nio
6. 64 Audio u12t
7. Empire Ears Hero
8. Campfire Andromeda 2020
9. Campfire Andromeda Gold
10. Noble Sultan

Quite a list you've got there. I'm quite envious.

 

[CL14715]

Quite a list you've got there. I'm quite envious.

It's been quite an adventure and an endless black hole. I'm sure it'll change sometime soon again since I have zero self control. The number 1 and 2 spots are safe though

 

[cr3ativ3]

I try to put my rankings in Garde levels..(after my taste (not in order) , not exactly after technicalities ) cant decide at the moment which i like the most

S :
Sony ier-Z1r
Campfire Solaris 2020
Empire Legend X
64 Audio Nio

A:

64 Audio U18t
QDC Anole VX
Thie Audio V14
Campfire Andromeda Gold
Campfire Andromeda
Jomo Trinity Brass
Tin Hifi P1
Campfire Solaris OG
Sony Ex1000

B:

IMR Rah
BGVP DM6
Beyerdynamic Xelento
Shure SE846
Blon 03
Fearless Acme8
Orolius MK2
Sennheiser mtw2
RHA Cl2
JH Audio Rosies
Noble K10

C:

Shuoer Tape
Urbanfun YBF
Fearless Audio Roland
Campfire Comet
IMR R1 Zenith
Sennheiser ie80
Apple Air Pods Pro

D:

Shure SE215
Fiio FH5
Fiio FH1
Ibasso it01

 

[Green Golden Retriver]

There's a reason they call the Andromeda the 'gateway drug' to high-end IEMs. It gives you a taste of what's possible for 'reasonable' money, then makes you want more, more, more...

Very true. Very very true.

 

[ehjie]

Haven't heard nearly as many as you fine folks, but...

1) Campfire Andromeda 2019

LARGE GAP

2) Campfire Orion CK
3) JVC HA-FDX1
4) Moondrop Starfield
5) KZ ZS10 Pro
6) Tin T2

The Andromedas really live up to the hype. I kept trying to get them to fail at something, and all they failed at was failing at something. I think I might actually understand separation now.

By Sound stage alone, that "large gap" very much so applies...

 

[Solarium]

1.Layla Aion (awesome soundstage, detail)
2.Sony M9
3.Fender Thirteen 6 (surprising good at bass, and superb detail in low mid and sub bass. Dark sound signature, might be picky for sb)
4.W80
5.Andro

I’m actually debating between the W80 vs the Andro. What made you put the W80 over the Andro? I’ve listened to the W80 before and loved it, especially the soundstage, imaging, bass and comfort. I haven’t seen many people put W80 over Andro on this thread, and I have not listened to Andro yet.

 

[kdphan]

I’m actually debating between the W80 vs the Andro. What made you put the W80 over the Andro? I’ve listened to the W80 before and loved it, especially the soundstage, imaging, bass and comfort. I haven’t seen many people put W80 over Andro on this thread, and I have not listened to Andro yet.

The W80's fit and size is much better than the Andromeda. Best universal shell by far.
It's warmer than the Andromeda and so some might find that a negative.
I enjoyed the bass on the W80. Andromeda's mids and treble have an edge over the W80.

 

[Solarium]

Do they pair well with Mojo? How is the bass compared to other mainstream IEM’s like SE846 or W80’s? Is the nozzle big? Thanks again

 

[sphinxx]

I’m actually debating between the W80 vs the Andro. What made you put the W80 over the Andro? I’ve listened to the W80 before and loved it, especially the soundstage, imaging, bass and comfort. I haven’t seen many people put W80 over Andro on this thread, and I have not listened to Andro yet.

MHO, Andro has more treb presence than w80, just a bit but noticeable. If you’re a fancy-treb listener, you will appreciate this. Otherwise, the W80 has better bass and mid, especially the vocal is also better (both quality and presentation).
As an editor, I listen to music almost 6-7hrs everyday. And the fit, size and weight of 8 drivers of W80 is no competitor in the industry. On the other hand Andro is more “sit still to listen”, which is totally horrible fit even you shake your head too fast. The only drawback of w80 is their material, the paint coat on plastic/steel plate is fading easily. After 3 months of playing around my pants pocket, now I have no clue is it w80 or w60 or whatever model of Westone.

 

[Solarium]

MHO, Andro has more treb presence than w80, just a bit but noticeable. If you’re a fancy-treb listener, you will appreciate this. Otherwise, the W80 has better bass and mid, especially the vocal is also better (both quality and presentation).
As an editor, I listen to music almost 6-7hrs everyday. And the fit, size and weight of 8 drivers of W80 is no competitor in the industry. On the other hand Andro is more “sit still to listen”, which is totally horrible fit even you shake your head too fast. The only drawback of w80 is their material, the paint coat on plastic/steel plate is fading easily. After 3 months of playing around my pants pocket, now I have no clue is it w80 or w60 or whatever model of Westone.

From the sound of it, I would enjoy W80 more. It’s a shame it’s not usually considered as a top tier IEM. Based on my experiences it would not get S tier like KSE1500 but should be A tier, due to its sound signature, soundstage, bass, and comfort of one of the few universal IEM’s that will stay comfortable even 8 hours in. It’s utility and versatility trumps many other IEM’s especially if you’re not critically listening most of the time and don’t have to carry around an amp with you.

 

[sphinxx]

From the sound of it, I would enjoy W80 more. It’s a shame it’s not usually considered as a top tier IEM. Based on my experiences it would not get S tier like KSE1500 but should be A tier, due to its sound signature, soundstage, bass, and comfort of one of the few universal IEM’s that will stay comfortable even 8 hours in. It’s utility and versatility trumps many other IEM’s especially if you’re not critically listening most of the time and don’t have to carry around an amp with you.

Totally agree with you, just for the comfort, w80 is already on S- list. And Shure846, 64audio u12t are also my to go list for long hour listen. For comfort perspective, Sony and campfire is the worst
I usually listen it with Hugo2, and the dac/amp does pair very well with w80. But not fiio dap, I don’t know why. Everytime I on Fiio dac, it flats out my w80.

 

[shampoosuicide]

Tier 1

1. *Sony IER-Z1R. Not much needs to be said here, I think.

Tier 2A

1. Sony XBA-Z5. Incredible soundstage and cinematic presentation, edged out only by the IER-Z1R on this list. Azla Sedna/Symbio Peel/SpinFit greatly increase treble presence and extension. "Balanced with bass boost."
2. TRI i3. Excellent soundstage, wonderfully open and revealing mids. Refined, yet dynamic, engaging, and vivid presentation.

Tier 2B

1. Fearless S8F. Strong technicalities, but I found the all-BA configuration relatively unengaging. Less bassy than I was led to believe.
2. Sony EX1000. Wonderful soundstage and lovely organic timbre. Relative lack of bass made this a no-go for me.
3. iBasso IT04. Strong technicalities, let down by a relatively lean midrange and overly-pronounced treble.

Tier 3A

1. LZ A5. Superb clarity, but too heavily V-shaped, despite my usual predilections.
2. *Campfire Andromeda. "They're OK."
3. iBasso IT03. Very technically competent as far as mid-fi goes. Engaging U-shaped response. Bass extension, speed, and definition deserve special mention.
4. AK T8iE MKII. Somewhat unmemorable; distinct treble roll-off.
5. Sony XBA-N3. Fun as heck. Amongst my favourite U-/V-shaped tunings. As with the XBA-Z5, Azla Sedna/Symbio Peel/SpinFit tips go a long way to bringing out its treble.
6. Periodic Be. Up there with the EX1000 in terms of timbre: rich, organic, vibrant. Tricky to get fit right: poor fit results in a harsh, congested sound.
Tier 3B

1. LZ A4. Wonderful tonality, but surpassed by newer offerings in terms of technicalities.
2. FLC 8N. Very good clarity, marred by metallic treble and relatively small images.
3. Oriolus Forsteni. -

Tier 4

1. iBasso IT01. -
2. BLON BL-03. Again, not much needs to be said here. Tremendously enjoyable and good technicalities for the price.


Tier 5

1. *Final E5000. I auditioned these twice from a Chord Mojo. Even with a silver cable and wide bore tips, I found the bass far too exaggerated, and the treble roll-off was too much for me. Below average clarity for its price range.

With the exception of the Final E5000, Campfire Andromeda, and Sony IER-Z1R which are marked with an asterisk, I've owned everything else on the list. I've marked the IEMs with my favourite tunings in bold, for perspective.

 

[baskingshark]

Tier 1

1. *Sony IER-Z1R. Not much needs to be said here, I think.

Tier 2A

1. Sony XBA-Z5. Incredible soundstage and cinematic presentation, edged out only by the IER-Z1R on this list. Azla Sedna/Symbio Peel/SpinFit greatly increase treble presence and extension. "Balanced with bass boost."
2. TRI i3. Excellent soundstage, wonderfully open and revealing mids. Refined, yet dynamic, engaging, and vivid presentation.

Tier 2B

1. Fearless S8F. Strong technicalities, but I found the all-BA configuration relatively unengaging. Less bassy than I was led to believe.
2. Sony EX1000. Wonderful soundstage and lovely organic timbre. Relative lack of bass made this a no-go for me.
3. iBasso IT04. Strong technicalities, let down by a relatively lean midrange and overly-pronounced treble.

Tier 3A

1. LZ A5. Superb clarity, but too heavily V-shaped, despite my usual predilections.
2. *Campfire Andromeda. "They're OK."
3. Periodic Be modded. Up there with the EX1000 in terms of timbre: rich, organic, vibrant. Tricky to get fit right: poor fit results in a harsh, congested sound.
4. iBasso IT03. Very technically competent as far as mid-fi goes. Engaging U-shaped response. Bass extension, speed, and definition deserve special mention.
5. AK T8iE MKII. Somewhat unmemorable; distinct treble roll-off.
6. Sony XBA-N3. Fun as heck. Amongst my favourite U-/V-shaped tunings. As with the XBA-Z5, Azla Sedna/Symbio Peel/SpinFit tips go a long way to bringing out its treble.

Tier 3B

1. LZ A4. Wonderful tonality, but surpassed by newer offerings in terms of technicalities.
2. FLC 8N. Very good clarity, marred by metallic treble and relatively small images.
3. Oriolus Forsteni. -

Tier 4

1. iBasso IT01. -
2. BLON BL-03. Again, not much needs to be said here. Tremendously enjoyable and good technicalities for the price.


Tier 5

1. *Final E5000. I auditioned these twice from a Chord Mojo. Even with a silver cable and wide bore tips, I found the bass far too exaggerated, and the treble roll-off was too much for me. Below average clarity for its price range.

With the exception of the Final E5000, Campfire Andromeda, and Sony IER-Z1R which are marked with an asterisk, I've owned everything else on the list.

Nice list. I like the TRI I3 too. Needs amping though to get the nice soundstage and wake up the power hungry planar mids. Very coherent tuning despite the weird 1 BA + 1 planar + 1 DD config.

Do u find the 5.5 kHz region on the Sony EX1000 hot? A friend of mine said that was a deal breaker for him, I've been interested in getting it 2nd hand, but I'm a bit worried about that spike.