What are good CIEM options under/around €1k?

[Kukikoki]

Hi all, so I’ve owned many IEMs but nearly all of them have had a bad fit (except Aful Explorer — love that thing), so I’m looking to try out CIEMs. The thing is, I’m really not willing to risk €2k on a product I’m not sure I will love. So I’m looking at the ~sub-€1k range. So far, here is what I’ve found as being good options in 2025:

• Hisenior T4
• Hisenior Mega5EST
• Sound Rhyme SR8
• Sound Rhyme DTE900
• Penon Voltage
• ISN EBC80
• Upcoming Penon Archangel?

Any other suggestions are much appreciated. Ideally, I’m looking for a relatively small shell (I really do have tiny ears, not sure how important this is for CIEMs), a relaxed warm signature (like Aful Explorer, Yanyin Moonlight), and excellent pressure release. So far the SR8 looks the most promising, but I’m unsure about the single vent providing enough pressure release.

Thanks in advance for any replies and I wish you a great day!

 

[LFC_SL]

Assuming you have tried all the SS / S universal tips on the market,

Another idea is to buy custom fit ear plugs or custom fit tips for universal IEM to get an idea of custom fit. It will be one-tenth the cost of a 2k CIEM

Nothing wrong with jumping feet first into CIEM of course. Read this thread first:

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/thi...-iem-impressions-done-the-perfect-fit.578855/

 

[Kukikoki]

Assuming you have tried all the SS / S universal tips on the market,

Another idea is to buy custom fit ear plugs or custom fit tips for universal IEM to get an idea of custom fit. It will be one-tenth the cost of a 2k CIEM

Nothing wrong with jumping feet first into CIEM of course. Read this thread first:

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/thi...-iem-impressions-done-the-perfect-fit.578855/

I have indeed wasted embarrassing amounts of money on tips. Explorer with Spinfit CP100+/Neo in SS is the only thing that works comfortably, but looking for something just a bit more technical. Night Oblivion Butastur and U12T were some of the best I’ve owned, which is why I’m looking at the all-BA SR8.

The company I’d go with does custom sleeping earplugs (€110), so I’d first get those and see how comfortable they are before diving into CIEMs of course. Thank you very much for your advice.

 

[Seyley]

Assuming you have tried all the SS / S universal tips on the market,

Another idea is to buy custom fit ear plugs or custom fit tips for universal IEM to get an idea of custom fit. It will be one-tenth the cost of a 2k CIEM

Nothing wrong with jumping feet first into CIEM of course. Read this thread first:

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/thi...-iem-impressions-done-the-perfect-fit.578855/

I agree, with the solution above. I have problems with universal ear tips especially as my left ear is 12mm and the right ear is 14mm (see how many size 14mm are available).
So I went with CIEMs and love them all. At $1000 or £1000, you should be able to pick a nice set.