I would really on @M0N when it comes to sources. I havent researched much in that area due to me already being satisfied with my current sources and also due to the cost.
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Been there and yes @MON is down with L&P In my situation (agreed) but I reckon heās still amped about a HUGO 3? lol
For headphones for sure, but for iems, once you get into that price point, some daps do preform better with iems overall than some desktop amps surprisingly in a semi similar price range, I guess itās not that surprising though since I mean desktop amps arenāt really geared for iems most of the time, and daps main focus are iems
I mean you already have pretty nice sources, and given most of the iems you review it most likely isnāt worthwhile to go much higher source gear wise imo
Which will happen first, a new hugo or another attachment for the 2 like a 2go lol
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Indeed, I have noticed that with the jds atom. It has quite poor volume control with sensitive iems, I can basically only turn the volume wheel a tiny bit (close to the channel imbalance section) before the volume gets to loud.
Reckon theyāve had time + lock down = Hugo 3 how long since the the Hugo 2ā¦slacker than iFiā¦ iDSD Micro Signature Pro with tubeāsā¦this is all coming I reckon 
Its funny how Samsung AKG EO-IG955 (these used to come with samsung flagship phones) are sitting in C+ with three stars 
Thatās why I use -20dB preamp when using iems with atom 
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lol, guess thats a solution.
But I wouldnt recommend the atom for iem users for that reason. Although I dont know if the other desktop amps in that price range have that problem as wellā¦
Just remember if you choose to go with the NCO, to do it quickly. Iāve been told they are now out of production.
Hey guys!
Long time lurker hereā¦ Iām in search of new iem and thereās so much options these days that Iām really confused what to get.
I used to have JVC HA-FXT90 which will always have special place in my heart, they really sounded special and different compared to all other iems I had.
So Iām searching something similar that will wow me, donāt care if itās either single DD or hybrid. What would you recommend?
80% of the time I listen to trance music, but I do enjoy sessions listening to Nils Lofgren, Jocelyn B. Smith, Dire Straits etc.
P. S.: I almost pulled trigger on Fiio FH3 but read that KZ ZAX is cheaper and better. Then saw some hype over Jade EA1. Thenā¦you know why Iām confused what to get
I already own Blonās but fit is an issue for me, KZ ZS5 are nothing special, CCA12 are a bit harsh on highs
You should also try Olafur Arnalds. Iāve been digging his stuff lately.
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CCA C12 and KZ ZAX - they are nearly identical in frequency range graphing (from bass thru pina gain).
FiiO FH3 appears to be a different animal. But FR graphs donāt always tell the whole story.
Thanks for the suggestion, will check it out.
@Flatlander3kgt so it seems that I wouldnāt make any difference if I bought ZAX
It is somewhat difficult to pin it down, since graphing doesnāt always indicate similar sound characteristics. But when I was purchasing sub-$100 iems, I was choosing similar v-shaped signatures. And sure enough, they sound similar to my earsā¦ with subtle variances like punchier bass on one, a bit more treble on another, etc, etc. Generally, plenty of bass and treble, with a bit of recess in the mids (vocals).
Here is a graph showing the iems that I purchased.
Thank you for the answer. Looking at the graph, it looks like Tripowin might be most similar to JVC I had
Do be aware that you cant really compare 2 different graphs measured on 2 different systems like that.
Thatās true, thanks for pointing that out. So Iām back at step 1.
@Flatlander3kgt, out of those you own, which have nice, deep bass but are still airy enough without being sibilant?
Egads, I knew it was comingā¦ a recommendation, lol.
This is very difficult for me, as I am in no way an audiophile expert. But here are some examples. I am currently using iPhone SE 2020 and EarStudio ES100. The ES100 has a pretty good equalizer and I utilize it to some extent, but not ferociously.
iBasso IT01- probably about the same as the new IT00ā¦ punches big and deep, more than the others. But because of that, I also increase the 1 to 4 kHz range about 2-3 dB to get the treble/vocals a bit more accentuated. A warmer feel to it compared to the others. It is the easiest to drive. It has driver flex when inserting, but not during playback. Single DD.
Tripowin TC-01 (donāt confuse with TP10, a disaster) - very good bass and treble. I leave it flat on the equalizer. Easy to drive. This one has a very flat profile in the ear, doesnāt stick out at all. Can get just a bit shouty when the volume is increased beyond what I would normally listen. Other than thatā¦ great sounding iem for 50 bucks. I would say this one has the most āairy-nessā. Plays EDM better than the rest, imo. Single DD.
Blon 01 - very good bass and treble. I leave it flat on the equalizer. A bit harder to drive, not extreme though. Probably the best āmusicalā one in my v-shape group. I guess it could be referred to as having very good tonality? Plays all genres very well. Too bad the Blons are a fit issue for some. Single DD.
Shozy 1.1 - a bit more balanced sig, with good bass and smooth treble. I touch it with a bit more dB in the upper range. Seems to to do everything well, not super aggressive in bass or treble, and not very airy. 1 DD/1 BA
Mangird TEA - the outlier, balanced throughout with some sub-bass focus. The most realistic playback iem that I own. A risky choice, since it is a bigger $$ iem. 1 DD/6 BA
Iāve had no problems getting a good seal on any of the above, using silicone tips.
Well, thereās my grain of salt. Others may not agree with my assessment on these, since everyone hears things a bit differently I suppose. And you are right, there are so many chi-fi ear phones out thereā¦ making a choice is difficult.
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Thank you, it seems that Tripowin might suit me best.
Iāll also buy Jade Audio EA1 to get feel of berylium drivers
Might want to look into the TFZ No. 3 or TFZ Live 3 as well. Iāve heard people say good things about them, big bass for sure.