Folks, I'm hoping you can help me narrow down my short-list of hybrid IEMs to a single one for purchase. I'm also not adverse to considering others not on my list (see criteria below):
* Dunu DN-2002
* Flc 8s
* Oriveti Primacy
* IBasso Audio IT03
* Sony XBA (either A2 or H3)
About me:
I consider myself a 'casual audiophile' in that I like crystal clarity when listening to music, and don't mind paying a bit more than the average person for it - as long as the equipment lasts. My (only) previous IEM was a (pre-Logitech) Ultimate Ears SuperFi 5 Pro that lasted 9 years until the left unit died recently. My (current) musical taste is mostly electronic (psytrance, ambient), but I also frequently listen to jazz, funk, and sometimes classical. Over my life, I've also had blues, rock, folk, and jam 'phases,' and have an extensive collection of (FLAC) music across genres.
My criteria:
The SuperFi impressed me, but all I had exposure to previously were cheap earbuds. However one thing that I was not impressed with was the lack of bass. I've since learned that's a limitation of the balanced armature driver, and why I'm interested in hybrids. Apologies for the lack of proper audiophile vocabulary to explain myself (such as 'soundstage' and such), but I will take a stab anyway. 'Muddy' bass does not sound like something I'm after, and I like a clearly defined thump of mid-bass. However I must say that the rolling chesty rumble of a deep sub-bass on the right track is pretty freakin' awesome, too. But this doesn't mean I don't like a very clear treble end as well, with 'crisp and clear without being harsh' being the best way I can describe my taste there. Put these two together, and I suppose it means the 'V' shape I've read in comments so often concerning hybrids. That's where I suppose my broad taste across genres becomes a problem, because whereas the V might be fine in much electronic music, mid-vocals in rock or jazz (or even psytrance) tracks can simply get hidden away. I'd like to have a way to prevent that if possible.
Finally, reliability is a big thing with me in whatever I buy. Nine years on the SuperFi's is quite acceptable; and I kept my old Nissan truck for 15 (and still sold it for $3k, although the sound system was probably worth 1/2 that alone). So unless I made a mistake, every model above has replaceable cables (I did change the SuperFi cables about 4-5 times in that 9 years). But except for Sony, I know nothing about the other companies above. I would prefer buying from a company that has been around a while, has made IEMs for a while, and supports its products through interventionist customer service and long-term warranties.
There is a lot of knowledge on this site, and I am really hoping that I can get comparitive feedback concerning the sound quality of these selections, especially relative to my criteria above. Plus maybe some information on the reliability of the products, or at least of the companies selling them.
Thank you in advance.
Jon
