New here but it’s been fun reading everyone’s rankings/impressions. Ranking seems to be helping me learn about my own preferences better so here’s mine.
For context, I listen to mostly pop (western, jpop, kpop) and EDM with some R&B, hip-hop, acoustic, and classical. Ones with * are ones I currently personally own. Everything else I take with a huge grain of salt since I only heard them at CanJam
1. 64audio U12T*
Went in thinking I would be bored based on all the reviews I’ve read but this turned out to be the only thing I’ve heard so far that I fell in love with in less than 10 minutes. I’ve given up on finding a true all-rounder for my library but this is the closest I’ve heard for now.
2. Sony IER-Z1R*
This is what I use when I’m craving engagement and miss DD bass. I love U12T’s bass too and actually prefer it for some EDM songs but it makes a few of my songs sound incoherent/just wrong to my ears. The best example of this where the Z1R is the clear winner for me is “edamame” by bbno$ feat. Rich Brian.
3. Empire Ears Odin
I thought I would love this more based on reviews but something about it didn’t really click for me. Maybe I need to hear it outside of show conditions.
4. UM Mest
Listening to a piano or violins in this was great but overall felt a little too warm for me.
5. Moondrop Variations*
In terms of bass, this is still my favorite over Z1R. The bass texture and sub-bass emphasis matches my preferences. Not a timbre-head, but the timbre for vocals started bugging me after listening to other IEMs and going back. In terms of price:SQ ratio though, Variations imo is the best bang for your buck.
6. Symphonium Helios
I think I like the tonality more than the Variations but I couldn’t get a good listen because of the egregious fit due to the shell design.
7. Dunu SA6
I actually like the tonality a lot. Kind of like a low-res U12T to me. The resolution was the deal-breaker for me but definitely a recommendation for someone looking for a fairly neutral-sounding mid-fi IEM.
8. Symphonium Meteor
Again sounded alright but Symphonium shells do not agree with my ears canals so doubt I got a 100% accurate listen.
9. 64audio U6T
10. Truthear Zero*
11. Moondrop Aria*
12. CCA-CRA*
13. All my trash TWS earbuds for when I’m being active
I regret not listening to more IEMs at CanJam especially the Elysian and Campfire IEMs. Was looking for a full-sized headphone so wasn’t paying as much attention. But realized half of the most popular headphones don’t fit my head so I’ve given up and joined the IEM bandwagon now.