The great IEM experiment continues! The replacement cable showed up today for the PA02. I didn’t want to replace the stock cable really, but it was just too short to use in the system. The replacement is great, the same maker as the one for the P50, just in a different color combo and 2 pin. Having a 2M cable is a game changer for comfort and ease of use, and they both sound great.
So I now have 2 sets, (3 if you count those bullet IEMs) and for not knowing anything about these things, I feel like I picked 2 good ones. I’ll do brief impressions in their individual threads, but I am blown away by both of them. I underestimated the sound presentation quality these devices could deliver by a huge amount. I have the PA02 in now and it’s wonderful. Organic and so musical, amazing low end. These are a fantastic addition to the arsenal for sure! Could there be more IEMs in the future? I’m pretty sure that’s a yes.
I’m the baron of under $150 bucks, I guess. But among that group, nothing – and I mean NOTHING – gives me as much consistent pleasure across every genre as the MagicOne with Final Type E tips. Just a great IEM that touches my sonic preferences nearly everywhere.
So, dear IEM friends and much more knowledgeable aficionados who have owned the MagicOne, what IEM between $250-400 would have a sound signature closest to the MagicOne? I don’t care about driver type or number; it doesn’t have to be an all-BA set like the MagicOne.
That spend level is the next step in my IEM journey, and I want to be MUCH more careful with purchasing decisions at this higher price point. Thanks!
If it were me, I’d go to the teacher supply closet for a sheet of label paper, and then hole punch circles from it to use. Otherwise it reminds me of little round stickers when I was learning violin, something like this:
I was curious about these as well. But I just went on the Linsoul site and they are 4-6 weeks out. Actually for me that isn’t such a bad thing, as I am about 2 months out from my next purchase anyway. Gotta recoup from what I just bought!
I am trying to use discipline here. I can see how one can get very enthused about this segment and just start getting stuff!
I am going to confess, I still get the terminology confused. I am still not 100% sure about what an ear bud is as opposed to a bullet IEM as opposed to an earphone as opposed to what constitutes something being classified as an IEM!
Thanks for this. This sort of confirms my base understanding. I love the notion of buds, but unfortunately they don’t stay in my ears very well and I end up getting frustrated. And that is a me problem, my ears are just not right after all the cutting and rebuilding etc. Or perhaps I just haven’t found the right fit yet.
I got pretty jazzed when I found that set of what I thought were buds, but @Rikudou_Goku schooled me that they were actually bullet IEMs. The fact that they stayed in as well as they do and sound as good as they do blew me away and certainly opened the door to further exploration, which led me to make the purchases I have made so far, that being the 1More Penta P50 and the Pula PA02. Those little bullets were the gateway drug!
As for IEMs vs Headphones, it’s too early for me to have that conversation just yet. I need more time with IEMs to come to any sort of conclusion as to which I prefer, but these IEMs have made a huge impression on me. Probably the biggest surprise of my audio journey to date.
Yep me too bro…2 Channel would be my go to if space, set up was no issue lol…but as you said IEM’s and Bud’s sonically kick well above their weight …It’s just a music thing for me and I’m glad folks are also enjoying their journey
You are not alone, I also cannot wear flatheads as they fall out with my ear and shape. In junior high I used to tape them on my ears so they wouldn’t fall out…lmao…the things we do to listen to tech we enjoy.
What buds have you actually tried though? Buds come in a lot of different shapes and not everyone will work for you. And did you use them with foams? A lot of people from back then didnt do that and thats the reason they sounded horrible and fitted badly.
But among that group, nothing – and I mean NOTHING – gives me as much consistent pleasure across every genre as the MagicOne with Final Type E tips. Just a great IEM that touches my sonic preferences nearly everywhere.
but here’s a thing…between the two…
was no issue 