What IEMs are best to use with the FiiO E18 DAC/Amp?

[OakIris]

I am in the market for a decent set of IEMs for use with my Samsung Galaxy S7. I mostly listen to jazz, blues, classical, World and classical Rock. I started a thread last week asking for recommendations but it garnered little interest, so I thought I would try again with a slightly different twist to the request.

I have ordered an FiiO E18 DAC/Amp in hopes of improving the sound quality from my phone - the Samsung Snapdragon DAC is not very good. I still want to get some decent IEMS, but would like them to have a sound signature that will pair well with the FiiO E18 - something that will complement its strengths and not exaggerate its weaknesses. I don't want much!

General suggestions for nice sounding, comfortable IEMs in the $150 or less range would still be appreciated, too; I really don't know how many folks have really tried out the E18...

Holly

 

[buke9]

Most Fiio stuff that I have owned or heard have been fairly neutral so most anything would be fine I would think but have not heard the E18 so it might be different don't know but I doubt so much that it would need a tailored iem for it.

 

[OakIris]

Most Fiio stuff that I have owned or heard have been fairly neutral so most anything would be fine I would think but have not heard the E18 so it might be different don't know but I doubt so much that it would need a tailored iem for it.

Good to know, buke9.

You were kind enough to respond to my last IEM search thread. You recommended the 1More Triple Driver. I have upped my budget a whole $20 since they - wow, lol - but I don't know that anything else can squeak in under that amount. If so, please let me know, if not, please let me know what you like about the 1More TD. And I am still yearning for the as yet unobtainable-to-me FiiO F9...

Holly

 

[buke9]

Like I said in one of your other posts I like the 1More Triple Drivers a lot for the money. I like my EchoBox Finder X1's a lot too but they are a little on the brighter side and the mids are just a tad recessed ( my neutral tuning nozzle fell off on a plane so I'm stuck with the bass nozzle so it's been a bit for that) but for your music the 1Mores would probably be a better fit. If you could bump up your budget a bit the Quad drivers are very good everything good about the triples but with a bit more treble extension and maybe a tab more bass.

 

[OakIris]

Like I said in one of your other posts I like the 1More Triple Drivers a lot for the money. I like my EchoBox Finder X1's a lot too but they are a little on the brighter side and the mids are just a tad recessed ( my neutral tuning nozzle fell off on a plane so I'm stuck with the bass nozzle so it's been a bit for that) but for your music the 1Mores would probably be a better fit. If you could bump up your budget a bit the Quad drivers are very good everything good about the triples but with a bit more treble extension and maybe a tab more bass.

I did mention in my last post that your recommendation was for the 1More Triple Drivers. Ouch, 1More Quads are only $70 over my original budget of $130. Still, I am off to read some reviews. I am already intrigued.

So, no matter what, the 1More's are a better quality/better sounding/at least-better-for-me IEM than the FiiO F9? They certainly are already better in that they are actually available, lol .

I would like to throw another IEM in the mix, the Shure SE215-K. What do you think of that one? (Apples to Oranges a bit since they only have 1 driver, but are they worth considering for my setup and music needs?)

Holly

 

[buke9]

I have not heard the 215's so can't say on those but multi drivers do not always mean better. I have on loan a pair of Cardas A8 30th Anniversary model iems and they are a one driver design and I think I would pick them even over the quads so the amount of drivers is not all that matters they cost much more than the quads but I think are better to my ears.

 

[OakIris]

The 1More Quad Driver IEM is gorgeous and so far reviews are making me drool, lol. I am very, very tempted. (Wallet looks at me in horror and faints.)

Holly

 

[serman005]

The 1More Quads are well worth the cash.

 

[buke9]

My wallet has had many strokes to be sure ; )

 

[OakIris]

Well, that didn't take long. Just pulled the trigger on a set of 1More Quad Driver IEMs. My wallet is very disappointed in me but I think my ears and heart and mind will be very happy!

Thank you so much for your help, buke9 (see, you were right in the first place - 1More was the way to go!) and serman005. I couldn't get away from your voices whispering suggestively in my ears, lol: ....go Quad....go Quad...go Quad...

Holly