Been thinking about making a list of what I find to be the best IEMs of 2024(some might be 2023), not heard every set out there so I'll stick to what I have heard here. This is not ranked, maybe I'll post a rank list later. I have also tried way more sets, this is just what I think is the best ones now.
Could be some good contenders for the 11.11 sale or later on Black Friday.
500-1000$
Thieaudio Origin - for people who want rich fun sound while also being technical, maybe the best soundstage delivery under $2000 now. Also deliver better bass quality than I've tried from Fatfreq, please no pitchforks.
But beware, shell is on the large side and might not be for everyone.
Campfire Cascara - one of my most fun single DDs, big strong bass. Overall thick sound for the ones who prefer musicality over technical ability, not a perfect set but for me it's just pure fun. Bought this from my friend right after I demoed it, looking at measurement it is tuned same as Trifecta but is much more fast and normal in the stage.
634ears LOAK2-TX02 - warm single DD that is very open and has clear treble, some softness to the upper mids compared to the other 634ears variants. Bass is just epic on this one, one of the best bassy sets I've had my ears on.
Probably the best single DD I've tried, a ZMF of the IEM world. Doubt this will be on sale.
Thieaudio Oracle MKIII - still after having tried some of the best sets on the market this deliver such a clear and engaging sound thats highly competitive with much more expensive sets. Been praised by some as a mini Prestige Ltd.
Hisenior Mega5EST - still think this is one of the more safe and natural sounding tribrids on the market, new Meta tuning as they call it
This is a nice tuning specially for people who are sensetive to upper mids.
TSMR Shock - had very limited time with it, personally I would spend more for Origin. But this is a good alternative if you like the idea of the tuning dials, but it is a step below in resolution, tuning and stage.
But the versatility is the key here.
Alpha Omega RA - smooth and bassy set, clean bass tuck so the sound is not to thick. Not the most technical and a little dark, but the DD for bass is almost S tier quality.
1-499$
LETSHUOER Cadenza4 - a balanced set with clean coherent tuning, one of my favorite sets in this price range. A softer take on Harman, with nice ergonomic shells and good accessories.
Fiio FD15 - midcentric single DD, decent technical for the price. A large dynamic driver in a small shell, deserves more love in the community.
Dita Audio Project M - one of the most technical sets under $500, neutral bright. The upper energy can be to much for some, depends on sensetivity.
634ears Miroak-II - a more bassy and analog take on the Simgot tuning, highly colored and very fun.
Thieaudio HYPE 4 - one of the best hybrid sets in this price range, little V shaped with a coherent clean tuning. Deep strong sub bass, clean midrange and very well extended treble.
ZiiGaat x Jays Audio Estrella - similar as hype 4 but brighter and more mid bassy, lacks okay accessories. Was quite critical when it came, but it's a decent set.
LETSHUOER S15 - been many planars lately, this is still my top choice. Warm and smooth tuning, of people want more bite the S12 2024 is more correct. But S15 is to me just better tuned and also have more ergonomic shell.
Kiwi Ears KE4 - the new meta tuning cheap, bass is elevated and deliver a warm sound. Quite good treble extension, not the most refined but also not bad at all. Working on finishing the review for this, smooth and easy to like.