Fitment of Iems

[Newishtohifi]

I’ve been using IEMs for around 2-3 years, starting with the KZ ZSN Pro X, and now I’m rocking the Dusk from Crinacle. I got into the IEM space thanks to DankPods and quickly fell in love with it.

But enough about me—let’s get to the point: THE SEAL.

I recently learned that most people (or at least it seems that way) fit their IEMs deep in their ear-canal I could be wrong, but now I’m questioning if I’ve been wearing mine “wrong” this whole time. I consulted ChatGPT for some thoughts, but I’d love to hear from actual people as well. What’s your take?

Here was my discussion with chat gpt

when I use iems I normally use large ear tips but recently I saw that most people get the iems as deep in there ears as possible so I tryed small ear tips they also seal well in my ears but I don’t know which one to use, using the small tips and jamming them really deep feels uncomfortable but I feel like the sound quality is minamly better what do i do
ChatGPT said:
If both large and small ear tips provide a good seal, it comes down to comfort and sound preference.

Large Tips: More comfortable, sit shallower, but may slightly alter the soundstage.
Small Tips: Can go deeper for a bit more clarity and bass response, but may cause discomfort over time.
Since small tips feel uncomfortable, they might not be the best long-term option. Comfort is just as important as sound, especially for longer listening sessions. If the difference in sound quality is minimal, I’d say stick with the large tips for comfort.

But if you really like the deeper fit for the sound, you could try foam tips—they expand to fit your ear and can be more comfortable than silicone.

You said:
thats what I was thinking and my counter thought is I think my ear canal is weirdly shappen so the large ones create the seal much earlier in my ear than the small ones, so I feel that I was using iems wrong am I using them wrong???
ChatGPT said:
Nah, you’re not using them wrong. Everyone’s ear canals are shaped differently, and if large tips seal earlier in your ear, that’s just how your ears are built. The whole point of different tip sizes is to find what works best for you.

Some people get the best sound with a deep fit, but if you’re getting a good seal with the large tips and they feel more comfortable, then that’s the right way for you. The only time fit is really “wrong” is if there’s no seal (which messes up sound quality) or if it’s painful.

If you’re still unsure, you could try dual flange or foam tips—they might help bridge the gap between a shallow and deep fit while keeping things comfortable.

[h8uthemost]

I always use the large tips. Grab the top of your ear and open your mouth while inserting. You should get a better and deeper seal. The tips usually make a small popping sound when taking out of the ear.

Get yourself a pair of Dunu S&S tips. They go deeper and are the most comfy tips I’ve used. I use the large.

[pk500]

First, welcome to HiFiGuides!

It’s very rare that a person can find a one-brand-fits-all tip for all their IEMs. There are so many variables, such as nozzle width, length and angle.

Plus, tips change FAR more than just the fit. They mold the sound. So, bore diameter and other factors also affect the sound. For example, Final Type E tips add more bass. I wouldn’t want to use those with a bassy IEM. TriClarion tips add stage and treble air, etc.

I use DUNU S&S, Divinus Velvet, Penon Liqueur, Final Type E and TriClarion tips. But trial and error is the only true way, and I tend to avoid ChatGPT tips as much as possible.

[Oumuamua]

I wear them as shallow and loose as practical and of course seal. My ear canals don’t fit anything larger than 5mm as most are these days it seems.

In addition to general fit the differing materials used to make the tips varies widely. Liqueur feels like it’s removing a layer of skin coming out but otherwise really seal hard. I think Velvets are the perfect texture but they only make two variants, neither of which can I get a seal. ;(

[Rikudou_Goku]

You can easily tell if you have a seal or not by noticing if the environment noise gets noticeably lowered. Tip wise IMO you should go with the biggest size you can that is still comfortable. Bigger tips tends to still seal for me but comfort is the issue with too big ones.

As for the sound question, deeper vs shallower fit does affect the sound. Deeper fit will push what you see on most graphs on squigs as an 8k peak higher up.

[pk500]

Yep, the Lickies are sticky.

Bummer about you and the Velvets. You’re right – the name is a perfect description of the feel of the silicone.

[Oumuamua]

I have however found the Penon ePro EP01. They’re like W1 and Divinus wide bore had a baby

[ears-of-steel]

To keep it short … a good seal is a no-brainer, as long as those tips keep the earpieces securely in place and feel comfortable for some time.

As @Rikudou_Goku mentioned above, tips have an impact on the frequency range (as well as on the phase relations of the signal(s), transients, etc…)
This influence can be significant, like the difference between two completely different sets of IEMs!
For someone new to the hobby one of the ‘best’ investments would be a large selection of different tips, like dozens of different types, including different sizes.
Hint: they don’t need to be expensive, some cheap no-name stuff can do the job just as well, again as long as they provide a good, stable seal, keep the earpices in place and feel comfortable you’re fine.

Here’s what I do whenever I get a new set of IEMs (YMMV). I usually start with wide bore tips that (again) give me a good seal, don’t get in the way of the upper frequency range like tips with a narrow bore, feel comfortable and hold the earpieces securely in place (no need to fumble around during the listening session).
Now I go through my list of trusty test tracks and usually start with spatial qualities to check for any phase issues etc… finding tips that provide the most precise spatial rendering possible with that set (3D imaging, layering/separation, …) and move on from there (frequency balance, …) - always keeping a reference IEM on the side for comparisons sake!
Going back and forth between different test tracks, tips, reference IEMs and once I find some tips that work ‘best’ for me in that situation I make some notes, start to roll sources, later on cables (yeah, yeah).

Rinse and repeat until the cows come home, my kind of fun, YMMV.

BTW, I’m using 9 different sets of tips on my current rotation (10 sets), all wide bores but different types … go figure.