@InvisibleInk Yes, they do seem to be recommended even now but I’m scared of the fit.
@Rikudou_Goku I had the Fiio FD5 at one point, a good set but I had issue with fit, it created a pressure point that got uncomfortable fast. The FD15 seems to share the same shell.
@Sonofholhorse Will check them out, any chance you have heard the Albas as well?
Unfortunately I have not heard the Albas, so I can make no comparisons.
Understandable, a lot of potential buyers are. You can get a set of Westone ear tips, which are a more comfortable alternative to the stock flange-style. The Drop collaboration with Etymotic, the ERX (balanced armature), comes with them.
I’ve tried the Alba briefly and I thought they were overly smooth and lacked extension on both ends.
For context my current favorite 1DD is the QKZ x HBB and my favorite warm leaning set is the Doscinco.
I agree with you on the Alba. Got it and sold it a few days later.
Just a kindly reminder - there is still 1 week left for the poll on the HiFi Guides IEM of the year + miscellaneaous stuff around. There are still some major, prominent figures from community that did not put their votes in (and we are only 3 votes away from last year record), so you’d better hurry! 
How does Titan S2 handle vocals—are they upfront and engaging or more laid-back in the mix?
Male vocals can be very slightly pushed back on certain tracks, although lower tenors and baritones are not. Female vocals are right where they need to be in the mix IMO. That said, vocal quality is great in either case.
IMO the Titan S2 isnt anything special to me.
We all hear different, it hits really well for me. My first rec would have actually been the Aful Explorer, but since the request was made for a single-DD that’s obviously out of the running. Titan S2 has been one of my favorite ‘budget’ sets of the last year, but I don’t mess with a lot of single-DD units (earbuds notwithstanding).
[Nostalgia Audio] is a brand that nails the basics and then adds a little something extra to elevate the sound. Many brands tend to compromise on the core sonic quality in their quest for something unique.
With their previous model, Camelot, they created a setup that adapts well to any genre, allowing you to enjoy your entire music collection with just one IEM.
Durandal, on the other hand, is different. It delivers a strong bass punch and slam, which isn’t always what I personally seek in a bass-heavy IEM, but I know that 95% of audiophiles appreciate the bass performance that Durandal offers. It has tight, fast, clean, and textured bass that’s not harsh at all, setting it apart from typical chifi options.
While the tuning isn’t my terminal point in this hobby like the Camelot, it still offers a polished yet enjoyable listening experience. Durandal is a solid choice like Camelot but with a bit more fun added to its core.
@Sonofholhorse Thanks for the feedback! It sounds like the Titan S2 has a bit of a nuanced presentation when it comes to vocals.
@Rikudou_Goku What would you recommend instead, in a similar price range?
My favorite single DD currently is the Sivga Que, at only $80. It is the new & improved Olina SE with bit better bass response ( the driver is beryllium ). It still has a nice wide stage, and good extension. It is one of the few non hybrid sets that are getting listening time for me currently.
I also hear very good things about the Kefine Kleen and Delci. Both are a bit warm, and lots of people talk about them. I still haven’t heard them, but I was trying to not buy so much stuff … until the fall lineup got me.
I will also give an honorable mention to the Artti R1, but it is a slightly warm 3DD set.
This was my take on them too, and I love some sets that sacrifice treble extension for smoothness ( looking longingly at the Explorer on my desk ).
For vocals? Honestly if you dont also need isolation, earbuds will shit on iems for that…
Lancer 1 goes hard for vocals…
Any Rikubuds Or Que
I think I’d take Grand Alter Saber 2 or 3 for my vocal bud pick, although I have a Grand Archer 1 on the way and that may take top spot for that.
New budget contender BQYEZ BQ10
This IEM does two impressive things for the price. First, the low end is really good tonally. It has everything that I look for in a bassy IEM. Then, the resolution is good, too, for the price, especially for the tonality. It might not satisfy trebleheads out there and might sound intimate, but the tonality wins it for me.
In my upcoming video, I will compare it with Tanchjim Bunny and Roseselsa Aurora Ultra. 7hz G1 7hz ELUA. Stay tuned.
I think I have a set coming - these are encouraging descriptions! I think the look is svelte too.
Indeed. When I want some extra sound stage and to focus on vocals, I have been getting out the Grand Rider 1 ( thanks to @Sonofholhorse for that ). It is nuts how good they sound.
I can’t say enough good about the overall buds experience. If you find a comfortable fit with any of the shell styles, and don’t need extreme fit security ( they aren’t great for running ), they are basically small open backs that cost a fraction of price. I keep a pair of KBear Stellar on my desk at the office, and the only downside is that coworkers don’t know I have them on, so I get bothered a bit more than I would with full size over the ear cans.
