So what are the major differences between the NF Audio NA1, NA2, and NM2? How do they compare to the iBasso IT00?
There are so many single DD IEMs around the $50 to $100 range, it‘s overwhelming.
I'm a DD sucker due to their better bass decay/rumble and better timbre than multi BA sets. Haven't tried the NF series, but they look to have quite good reviews so far.
These are the single DD sets I've tried so far:
1)
BLON BL-03 - harmanish with midbass bump, great timbre/tonality, comparable with some $100 sets in these areas, but technicalities not the best. Rubbish fit for most westerners, so we have to resort to aftermarket longer eartips eg spinfits, or do spacer mods. A benchmark IEM at sub $30, especially for those who want great timbre. Midbass may be a tinge too prominent (with bass bloat), but this can be fixed to some extent with tips or amping.
2)
BLON BL-05 - supposed successor to the BL-03 but with tamed midbass and boosted upper mids. Better clarity and soundstage than the BL-03, better fit too. However, upper mids may be fatiguing.
3)
BLON Cardinal - bigger brother of the BL-03 that is no longer in production. Better subbass extension and slightly brighter, but otherwise keeps the same timbre/tonality as the BL-03. Better fit, soundstage, isolation, slightly better technicalities.
4)
KBEAR Diamond - an all round improvement over the BL-03 in all areas (timbre, tonality, technicalities, isolation, fit). Maybe except it loses to BLON BL-03 in soundstage width, but it has deeper and wider soundstage than BL-03. Bass quantities is about comparable with BLON BL-03, but it has faster and more textured bass than BL-03.
5)
KZ EDR1 - cheap, not too bad for the price, suitable as a real daily beater set. Rubbish microphonic fixed cable, overly recessed mids for me.
6)
MEE Audio M6 - rubbish muddy sound. I bought it cause it was purportedly waterproof, so I use it for gym/exercise.
7)
Semkarch SKC-CNT1 - another hidden gem that is no longer in production. Comes with 2 filters (neutralish and more bassy). Fast bass for a DD, so so timbre, good technicalities and very comfortable. On black filters, the lower mids are > upper mids, which is rare in CHIFI tuning.
8)
Sennheiser IE80S - has bass dial to adjust bass quantities, but I found this underwhelming in sound quality considering the price (and considering the BL-03 is 10 times cheaper but gives about the same performance). Not worth the money.
9)
Sony MH755 - cheap as chips at $5. Harmanish with good timbre. Slightly shouty at upper mids, and bang for buck. Super short J shaped microphonic cable is a pain, and it would be better to get an extension cable or MMCX mod/recable. Lots of fakes (especially black coloured shells), so go for white shelled ones from reputable shops.
10)
TFZ No. 3 - basshead set with good subbass quantitiy/rumble. Midbass bleeds and is not the tightest. Above average technicalities. Upper mids and 8 Khz areas a bit sharp for me especially at higher volumes, but is my go to set for bass predominant music.
11)
Toneking Nine Tails - looks weird, fits well and is comfortable. Has a front and rear filter to give a total of 9 sound signatures (non gimicks), from V shaped to basshead to neutralish. Above average technicalities.
Edit:
I went to audition a IKKO OH7 flagship and Final E5000 just a few days back.
12)
IKKO OH7 is quite nice and balanced, with good tonality and timbre, slightly boosted upper mids but not harsh. It is expensive though, $1000 USD at least. Nice baroque style design on the shells, though the shells feel a bit plasticky.
13)
Final E5000 - requires amping for sure. Didn't really like the bullet style fit and isolation. I felt it was too dark for my tastes (considering I'm treble sensitive). I'm basshead and like the bass quality and quantity.