HBB’s set is great for focusing in sub-bass or if you’re really treble-sensitive. I’d say it’s a little more balanced with slightly less resolution than Mele (to my ear).
If mid-bass focus or enough treble so the music sounds clean and not cloudy is more important, then Rosefinch might work better
The Kai was relaxed, warm and overall pretty enjoyable. But they felt weak in technicalities, detail and have just a tad bit too much warmth for me. I enjoy more intimate sound, which the FH3 (Kai as well) have, but I’d like some more mids than the FH3 gives. I’m not the biggest fan of neutral-bright, or when treble is on the higher end.
Funnily enough, the Starsea checks most of my boxes (when in bass mode at least). Pretty decent bass that feels clean and punchy. Mid and vocals are intimate and nice. But the treble will feel like too much at times, even on the bass mode. Overall sounds great outside of the high treble. But man, that air pressure and fit I genuinely hate lol.
@rattlingblanketwoman might be able to chime in, but you sound like a candidate to go down the Penon rabbit hole. Penon Fan 2 is very close to what you want but I’d wager it’s likely too energetic for your tastes. I’d say Rosefinch is probably out for you too.
I’d suggest the QKZ and the CCA CRA, as cheap-o sets to decide what you actually want to upgrade to, rather than jumping right into another $100+ set.
The QKZ should be coming Thursday so I’ll see how they are. The Penon hole does intrigue me, I just wish they sold on Amazon.
Totally irrelevant to anything being discussed here but what a great video. It’s definitely worth a watch - a good reminder to not believe or fully invest in everything you read or watch when it comes to others opinions on IEMs.
Can’t go wrong with the Starfield
LOL I love it 
looking forward to your thoughts!
Me too. but my wallet does NOT love it
Ehhhh who cares what that guy says 
Your wallet is now much lighter and easier to carry around. Your pockets will thank you lol.
I had a full day of music listening now that I am back and work and I gotta say I think my IEM journey might be over. Between my “modded” IE600 for music and the Moonlights for meetings I don’t feel like I am missing anything… Well I do wish for a truly basshead headphone/IEM but thats still up in the air
How did you mod the ie600?
Nothing crazy but I put Tanya filter over the nozzle to bring down the upper mids and treble a bit as well as boost the lower mids and bass slightly. It is definitely more neutral now and the mids sound great to me. It didn’t lose any detail imo either.
No one is ever really “done” with this hobby however feeling like you’re not missing out on anything is really a beautiful thing to read.
Enjoy the ride, my friend. I’m happy you’ve find your happy place within this nutso hobby - it’s a rare thing I’ve yet to feel.
I decided to be reasonable and cancel my SA6 ultra order. I have a real issue with staying within my budget 
Very level-headed of you! You can always snap up a used one at some point, or maybe even demo someone else’s if the itch remains down the line.
Hey guys, how can i check if my iems are clipping? Any software or hardware? Equilizer apo peace ui blinks red indicating its clipping but it happens at any volume so its a bit confusing. Can anyone help?
clipping should only be happening if you are using EQ to boost something.
Or if you are playing excessively loud.
I tried to eq the treble lower throught a shelf but it didnt work, i had no eq applied and still showed it was “clipping”. Thats why its confusing because i wasnt boosting anything up to cause clipping and i thought maybe the pair i have is broken or smth went wrong.
