A small update after a few acquisitions and comparisons. My preference remains the same, neutral with slight warmth and a big soundstage.
1. Advanced Acousticwerkes W900
The HD800S has been my go-to for a reference, yet pleasant all-rounder. In comes this guy who competes blow-for-blow with my full desktop rig. Just a touch of warmth in the bass, insane detail levels and transients, and the best treble I've ever heard in an IEM. Game over? Game on!
2. 64 Audio Adel A12
The king of imaging, depth and separation, with a very likeable signature to boot. Warm and immersive without being closed in. Paired with the correct source and cable, it stands tall even amongst current flagships. I can't afford A18 anyway lol.
3. Oriolus MK2
Arise, airmaster. Cast your midfi pricing bias aside and line up amongst the best IEMs. A fun tuning done right. Bloomy bass, sweet mids, detailed treble, and air, air, air.
4. Rhapsodio Galaxy V2
Coherence and details up the wazoo, but not as smooth as originally thought. A few friends can't tolerate the 5Hz peak that is characteristic of Rhapsodio IEMs. Superb bass and treble, but mids are drier and thinner than many people might like. Still my showcase single dynamic, and the metal housing looks boss.
5. Campfire Audio Andromeda (sold)
Before I heard W900, I thought Andromeda was it. This was the kind of treble I'd like to hear for the rest of my life. The balanced tuning also makes it a great all-rounder, not to mention the awesome soundstage size. But alas, the courtship was not meant to be, as the fit bothered me enough to sell it eventually.
6. Perfect Seal AR6
Oftentimes in our sonic conquests, we want boosted bass, boosted mids, boosted treble, biggar stage, moar imaging, everything! The AR6 is the palette cleanser, the home button. Neutral and lightning quick with excellent extension in both ends. It's a home button worth pressing.
7. Ocharaku Akazakura
The resident unicorn of the collection has the best DD bass I've ever heard, and an amazing out-of-the-head soundstage width. The wood housings work some special Mojo to give the mids and vocals some amazing texture and timbre, but the IEM is quite unforgiving for poorly-recorded tracks.
8. CustomArt Harmony 8.2
The mids machine of the group. They are organic, captivating and natural as hell. Details are a bit too smoothed out, but that makes this IEM a favourite to relax with. CustomArt's stellar customer service and superb fit are commendable too.
9. JH Audio JH13 Pro FreqPhase
The genre specialist, rock music comes alive with the JH13. The first notable TOTL CIEM and the only IEM to score 10/10 in SQ for ljokerl. Fast, aggressive, punchy, and cocky. Not for vocal lovers, but one of the most fun IEMs to have.
10. AK T8iE MkII (sold)
I miss this fella. Owned it for a month with fond memories. The sound was dynamic and instantly accessible, with class-leading imaging that puts you in the centre of the action. Also the most comfortable universal IEM I've owned. I can only imagine what Xelento has improved on.
The list has been condensed since the others have been sold and my memory is wonky.