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[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

Searching for headphones under $100.00 has been quite the undertaking. Especially ones that are more balanced with good midrange clarity, and not bass cannons or treble shy. Anyone have any suggestions for headphones (on ear or over ear - wired) that would have good mid bass punch, clean and clear mids (not recessed), and extended treble?

Top 5 (really 6) IEM I've listened to in 2024-2025 :

1. Lime Ears Terra
2. ISN EBC80
3. AFUL Cantor
4. ISN H60
5. Elysian Noir/Soft Ears Volume S

Honorable mention : Letshuoer Cadenza 4

All of these are supremely special in their own way. What a pleasure it's been, and soon, the Elysian Annihilator 2023 and Cadenza 12 will hit my ear holes!!

 

[pmichaelro]

DIY as in cables, interconnects, opamp rolling, tube rolling etc. Sure, those are some nice woodworks, but not everyone can do that. That takes a shop setup to make that happen. DIY for those who can do smaller things to improve their sound. Headphones are rarely talked about at length in the Disco thread, and the same for more upper mid-fi or kilobuck gear. Usually, the immediate answer after a post of that cost of gear is, almost inevitably "That belongs in the Watercooler thread more than the Discovery thread." I don't want that type of label. I want folks comfortable to discuss any range of gear, from $6.00 to $6,000, even out of curiosity. I also want folks to get comfortable enough with one another to start tours and auditions, which frankly, you've benefitted from, but not many others have, despite the inquiries about how you make it happen? This again, is something that is rampant in the Watercooler thread. They are constantly announcing tours, setting up tours, or organizing meets. Now granted, this is more a longer term goal, but it's something that hasn't materialized in Disco thread, and after 14 years, I don't see it happening. That's just not something the Disco thread is about. This isn't an attack on the Disco thread, as I love that thread, but it's just one, and it's ok to have variety, and COMPLIMENTARY choice. It doesn't need to be about tribalism, but a compliment. More freedom of expression and share of information. That's the best I can express that for you. Hope that provides just a touch more clarity?

Yup having this context makes sense now for me as well

I see your point. I focus my “real” IEM related posts to the other thread and leave this one for more s**t talk

BEST POST EVER!

There's no splitting content. I see your posts in all sorts of different threads. There seems to be some "illusion" that posting outside the Discothread (i.e. here) somehow is suddenly something NEW? You post about tube amps in Disco thread, in the Cayin thread, in the iBasso thread, and even in Watercooler. That's tube amp chat in 4 different threads. So adding it to this thread isn't going to cause those others to suddenly shut down, or lose all it's members. So the idea of somehow you are splitting themes isn't accurate, as it already exists.

Plus @o0genesis0o mentioned earlier that certain topics or themes that are posted in the Discothread or the Watercooler are met with "that doesn't really belong here" posts or attitude. I don't want that pigeonhole. I want any topic to be something that we can embrace within reason.

Circling back n forth between threads were I'm looking for info from "specific" groups of people perhaps?
I mean, I have been looking into gear from iBasso, Cayin and some are "Watercooler" level perhaps?
I won't ever look down on Disco and consider it the "cheap zone" and Watercooler "the hi end zone"...

I love to be able to talk with anyone about anything...I understand the reasoning of having topics so we can have more "topic" based discussion, even though sometimes it may become divergent.

My "worry" was not to have to post exactly the same thing in x places vs one and done. If I'm looking to pull more people in that are surveying only specifics topics then yeah...need to go there.
I've got you now, thanks

Searching for headphones under $100.00 has been quite the undertaking. Especially ones that are more balanced with good midrange clarity, and not bass cannons or treble shy. Anyone have any suggestions for headphones (on ear or over ear - wired) that would have good mid bass punch, clean and clear mids (not recessed), and extended treble?

Top 5 (really 6) IEM I've listened to in 2024-2025 :

1. Lime Ears Terra
2. ISN EBC80
3. AFUL Cantor
4. ISN H60
5. Elysian Noir/Soft Ears Volume S

Honorable mention : Letshuoer Cadenza 4

All of these are supremely special in their own way. What a pleasure it's been, and soon, the Elysian Annihilator 2023 and Cadenza 12 will hit my ear holes!!

Can't hardly wait to hear you thoughts on Anni 2023! Doing backflips around it...as well as it's "new apprentice" (not sure about the appropriate title yet) for the Apostle

Also headphone under $100 that are not sounding like total s***....hard to figure this one out.

 

[o0genesis0o]

Also headphone under $100 that are not sounding like total s***....hard to figure this one out.

I’m surprised that there haven’t been more progress in the Chifi headphone space. To be fair, headphone has a lot of material costs vs IEMs. Even DIY components are expensive.

I have been eyeing DIYing some headphones. I mean, they are just like larger ear buds, so how difficult would they be? (Famous last word )

 

[pmichaelro]

I’m surprised that there haven’t been more progress in the Chifi headphone space. To be fair, headphone has a lot of material costs vs IEMs. Even DIY components are expensive.

I have been eyeing DIYing some headphones. I mean, they are just like larger ear buds, so how difficult would they be? (Famous last word )

I think if there's not that much interest for lower price tiers in the headphones, there hasn't been any trickle down in tech advancements over there...it's more about "fashion", wireless headphones on the cheap and so on...
You can print an IEM nowadays...you cannot do the same for a headphone (at least not entirely)

 

[EnigmaFotos]

Yep. I'm super excited! Hope you can get that lobby in the round pre-show auditions you bring up in your videos LOL That would be glorious! This is going to be me...

Can’t wait. As Warren has said many times, best part of the shows are these meet ups hanging out with old friend and new friends and sharing the love.

You're intimidating cause you're a YouTube star

I’m going to send twenty boxes to your house

I won't ever look down on Disco and consider it the "cheap zone" and Watercooler "the hi end zone"...

I love to be able to talk with anyone about anything...I understand the reasoning of having topics so we can have more "topic" based discussion, even though sometimes it may become divergent.

Way I feel too bro. Agree

 

[jbfps116]

Searching for headphones under $100.00 has been quite the undertaking. Especially ones that are more balanced with good midrange clarity, and not bass cannons or treble shy. Anyone have any suggestions for headphones (on ear or over ear - wired) that would have good mid bass punch, clean and clear mids (not recessed), and extended treble?

the Tozo HT2 has a fantastic app where you can you can custom EQ to your heart’s content. Still won’t sound stunning, but for the price, it’s good. Noise cancelling is pretty dang good too, especially wind reduction when walking outside. Does not mess the tone of the music up like the unfortunate KZ T10s.

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

Yup having this context makes sense now for me as well

BEST POST EVER!

Circling back n forth between threads were I'm looking for info from "specific" groups of people perhaps?
I mean, I have been looking into gear from iBasso, Cayin and some are "Watercooler" level perhaps?
I won't ever look down on Disco and consider it the "cheap zone" and Watercooler "the hi end zone"...

I love to be able to talk with anyone about anything...I understand the reasoning of having topics so we can have more "topic" based discussion, even though sometimes it may become divergent.

My "worry" was not to have to post exactly the same thing in x places vs one and done. If I'm looking to pull more people in that are surveying only specifics topics then yeah...need to go there.
I've got you now, thanks


Can't hardly wait to hear you thoughts on Anni 2023! Doing backflips around it...as well as it's "new apprentice" (not sure about the appropriate title yet) for the Apostle

Also headphone under $100 that are not sounding like total s***....hard to figure this one out.

Thank you so much for taking your valuable time to participate. Means a lot. I'm not intentionally ignoring the Disco thread. I wouldn't do that. It's just something I can't do at the moment. I'm super stoked about the Anni 2023. Not too much longer!

I’m surprised that there haven’t been more progress in the Chifi headphone space. To be fair, headphone has a lot of material costs vs IEMs. Even DIY components are expensive.

I have been eyeing DIYing some headphones. I mean, they are just like larger ear buds, so how difficult would they be? (Famous last word )

Yeah. I've been running into that reality. Most things are wireless. I don't need or want wireless. I need wired, because this is for my FiiO cassette player. Thanks for participating btw. Much appreciated.

I think if there's not that much interest for lower price tiers in the headphones, there hasn't been any trickle down in tech advancements over there...it's more about "fashion", wireless headphones on the cheap and so on...
You can print an IEM nowadays...you cannot do the same for a headphone (at least not entirely)

Yep. As I mentioned, it's mostly wireless at that price point, or junk builds.

Can’t wait. As Warren has said many times, best part of the shows are these meet ups hanging out with old friend and new friends and sharing the love.



I’m going to send twenty boxes to your house



Way I feel too bro. Agree

Thanks for commenting and being just a cool dude, looking forward to meeting up, and yeah, no labels with this thread. All things welcomed.

 

[Jmop]

@Jmop - The Nunchaku might be a great dongle to pair with the RS2? Not sure it would appease you on any other source, but maybe? It's warm, but there's an incisiveness to the notes that definitely doesn't make it smoothed over or tame.

Oh yeah I saw your comment about it being a smoother sounding Elite, might be up my alley. Cool thread btw!

 

[o0genesis0o]

Thank you so much for taking your valuable time to participate. Means a lot. I'm not intentionally ignoring the Disco thread. I wouldn't do that. It's just something I can't do at the moment. I'm super stoked about the Anni 2023. Not too much longer!

Yeah. I've been running into that reality. Most things are wireless. I don't need or want wireless. I need wired, because this is for my FiiO cassette player. Thanks for participating btw. Much appreciated.

Yep. As I mentioned, it's mostly wireless at that price point, or junk builds.

Thanks for commenting and being just a cool dude, looking forward to meeting up, and yeah, no labels with this thread. All things welcomed.

You seems like a handy guy to me. Maybe you can make a decent pair of headphones based on components from Aliexpress. You would only need to assemble, solder the wires, and play with filters to tune whatever your chosen driver can provide (yeah, “tuning” for mere mortals like us is just applying bandages here and there, not to reshape the entire response like those at AFUL/Symphonium/ThieAudio/etc.) I’m not sure you will be able to make one for less than $100, but I think it’s quite possible to make a good one with wooden cup, big drivers, detachable cable, for around $200.

Edit: I think you can even DIY planar headphones. I haven’t checked components for a while. Last time the price of planar drivers made me cry

---

Edit: Hallelujah my hearing is (mostly) back to normal Listening to Ghost of Tsushima OST with P7 via R6 Pro Max. Can’t sit still with this combo due to the dynamic.

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

Oh yeah I saw your comment about it being a smoother sounding Elite, might be up my alley. Cool thread btw!

Thank you! Yeah, I think you'd enjoy the Nunchaku, especially in NOS filter, tube mode. I look forward to your continued participation. Thanks again.

You seems like a handy guy to me. Maybe you can make a decent pair of headphones based on components from Aliexpress. You would only need to assemble, solder the wires, and play with filters to tune whatever your chosen driver can provide (yeah, “tuning” for mere mortals like us is just applying bandages here and there, not to reshape the entire response like those at AFUL/Symphonium/ThieAudio/etc.) I’m not sure you will be able to make one for less than $100, but I think it’s quite possible to make a good one with wooden cup, big drivers, detachable cable, for around $200.

Edit: I think you can even DIY planar headphones. I haven’t checked components for a while. Last time the price of planar drivers made me cry

---

Edit: Hallelujah my hearing is (mostly) back to normal Listening to Ghost of Tsushima OST with P7 via R6 Pro Max. Can’t sit still with this combo due to the dynamic.

If I don't find a competent headphone in the sub $100.00, I'll most likely PTT on the FT1 on Friday, even if it's the Walnut colored ones (I wanted and ordered Beechwood).

 

[Evldice]

Thank you! Yeah, I think you'd enjoy the Nunchaku, especially in NOS filter, tube mode. I look forward to your continued participation. Thanks again.

If I don't find a competent headphone in the sub $100.00, I'll most likely PTT on the FT1 on Friday, even if it's the Walnut colored ones (I wanted and ordered Beechwood).

I'm a little curious about the Ellipse - at $60

https://kiwiears.com/products/kiwi-ears-ellipse

Also, the Atheia - planar plus DD - could be interesting

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

I'm a little curious about the Ellipse -

https://kiwiears.com/products/kiwi-ears-ellipse

Nice catch! I'll have to do some research into these?



ISN H60 > iBasso Nunchaku (Tube mode) > Hiby R3 II (transport) > CB-19 + power bank.

Nubya Garcia - Nubya's 5ive (2017). Featuring members of Ezra Collective, Saxophonist Nubya Garcia brings together a mix of latin jazz, Nu Urban, dub, swing, and contemporary jazz with razor sharp focus and pep.

 

[EnigmaFotos]

Nice catch! I'll have to do some research into these?



ISN H60 > iBasso Nunchaku (Tube mode) > Hiby R3 II (transport) > CB-19 + power bank.

Nubya Garcia - Nubya's 5ive (2017). Featuring members of Ezra Collective, Saxophonist Nubya Garcia brings together a mix of latin jazz, Nu Urban, dub, swing, and contemporary jazz with razor sharp focus and pep.

Nubya is so freaking good. I use at least three of her songs to test.

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

Nubya is so freaking good. I use at least three of her songs to test.

Love her stuff, and likewise. I do the same. Like the H60's don't synergize that well with the Nun. Just something about the sound that isn't as incisive as thru some other sources, like the N3U or the A55. The production and mastering of her music is *chef's kiss*

 

[EnigmaFotos]

Love her stuff, and likewise. I do the same. Like the H60's don't synergize that well with the Nun. Just something about the sound that isn't as incisive as thru some other sources, like the N3U or the A55. The production and mastering of her music is *chef's kiss*

Agreed. Did you see this today?



Listening to his stuff and this guy is so good.