IEM discussion thread (Part 2)

Exactly, something like that would be interesting! Would be nice with about 10x the power of the TRN though (13mW at ? ohms). Maybe with one of the Cirrus chips.

Based on what I’m seeing on AliE, gonna be hard to beat just using a Qudelix 5k with a custom short cable. :thinking:

The only higher end neckband adapter I know is the MOONDROP LITTLEWHITE. It has a single CS43131, which would mean it is rated at 1.4vrms@32ohm (61,25mw@32ohm) (generally afaik)

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Thanks, that’s pretty much on par with the 5k, so might be interesting!

It has all the power you need so that is what I would go for if you want neckband type.

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Good Tuning ofc
Feels a bit gloomy as of now

The Ziigaat Estrella ($300) is a hybrid IEM with dual 10mm PET dynamic drivers and four BAs (two full-range, two super tweeters), with 108dB/mW sensitivity and 7Ω @ 1kHz impedance. Thanks to Jay and Linsoul for providing a free unit to the AudioGeek EU tour group!

I got to enjoy this IEM for about 3 weeks. One word to describe the sound signature is engaging. It’s got tight, impactful bass and forward but smooth treble. There’s good extension in the air frequencies without sounding unnatural. Vocals are nicely forward for both males and females, with excellent instrument separation throughout. Compared to my TSMR X, the Estrella has less mid-bass punch but offers tighter, snappier bass reproduction and is more balanced throughout the mids.

At first, extended listening to pop music (e.g., Beyoncé) could make the treble feel a bit hot expecially when turning up the volume (I usually listen at low volumes), this became more noticeable. However, I didn’t notice this happening by the 3rd week.

I found them comfortable for hours-long sessions. Moondrop Spring tips worked best for me as usual. The Estrella worked well with all my sources: iPod 5th gen, Qudelix 5k, Chord Mojo, and Venture Electronics RA2B-FE.

As intended by Jay, you can place a piece of tape over the vents on the shells to modify the tuning a bit. It’s easier than tip-rolling or flipping a microswitch. I found it brought the mids forward very nicely, taking a bit of emphasis from the bass while still keeping it satisfying. I generally still preferred it without the tape, but nice to have the more mid-forward option too.

Despite strong competition in this price range, I think the Estrella is good value. Its engaging tuning with tight, satisfying bass and good extension made it my go-to choice 9 times out of 10 over my pricier TSMR X ($400). This one’s easy to recommended if you’re looking for an engaging, bang-for-buck IEM with a fun yet detailed sound signature.

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Rocking the old portable CD player :+1:

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The clear iPod looks dope!:star_struck:

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Thanks! I put a 256gb SD card in it, as well as an iphone 7 taptic engine to replace the clicker so it gives a very satisfying tap as you scroll around :vibration_mode: :grinning:

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I watched a review today and the reviewer had at the bottom of his notes “fu@! Sharur”(sp). I had nooo idea what it was. Now getting caught up on the forum and i see your post so now it all makes sense. Hehehe, thought the mystery was gonna last longer than it did.

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Btw, how do your audio source setup look like?

This is how mine will look in a few weeks (waiting for fiio ja11 and speaker stands for the S400).

EDIT: More detailed:

Use this to draw yours: https://excalidraw.com/

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Neat! Home Setup:


My office Setup isn’t worth mapping, it’s just my Hiby R6 III to a Topping A90D (and if i’m on the road, R6 III to Topping G5).

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HA! That was kinda fun. Here is the desktop setup:

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Cool little web app! :+1:

My current super simple (but good sounding, to me) setup. :notes:

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Is there any great option at 10-15$, or 20$ price IEMs now guys? Already have some 200+$ already, I just need some cheap, budget IEMs just to change taste sometimes lol.

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Damn, I must admit I spent a lot longer on this tool than I expected to. How fun!

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QKZ x HBB for the tuning
Tanya DSP for the convenience

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I should have choose IEMs to better fit in with the discussion but I wanted to try out the tool. It’s addictive.

I could add in my DAPs as portable setups since they tie in via wifi to the network and the roon server, and then what ever IEMs I choose to pair with them at the moment. I suppose I could choose and IEM for one of the desktop setups too - maybe next version.

FWIW the Symphonium Titan, Oracle MKIII, Aful Explorer and Letshuoer S08 all work pretty nicely on Setup #1 using the balanced output via a 4.4mm to 4pin XLR adapter

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