Standard version, not mic version. But yeah lol
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Nowadays the āotherā STD is standard as well? 
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An intense one: the DUNU BrainDance (DK3001BD) is a $500 USD hybrid IEM with one dynamic driver, four balanced armatures, and four planar drivers (tweeters), with 26Ī© impedance and 108 dB/mW sensitivity at 1kHz. Theyāve got a premium feel with nice aluminum alloy shells witha white ceramic coating. Thanks to AudioGeek EU for the tour unit!
The BrainDance has a confidently U-shaped tuning focused on subbass with lots of treble sparkle. I think itās the most truely U shaped tuning Iāve heard. The subbass is really nicely done with top-notch impact and control, creating great bass rumble. This was the highlight for me. The bass lacks midbass punch for kick drums and bass guitars though, making it more suited to electronic and pop rather than rock.
The treble is intense with good detail retrieval, but something in the treble region can be fatiguing, making this more of a low-volume set or for those who like that intensity. Vocals, especially male voices, sound a bit recessed and thin. The mids overall take a backseat to the emphasized subbass and treble.
I tested the set with a 25Ī© impedance adapter too, which added warmth and makes the bass massive. I think Dunu should include their impedance adaptor, as this makes for a fun tweak to the tuning. Sancai wide bore tips help tame the treble slightly. Theyāre easy to drive from most sources given the high sensitivity.
The BrainDance is for someone wanting intense treble presence and exceptional subbass rumble in a nicely put together package. Not so much for those looking for a mids-focused or vocal-centric set, or for midbass slam. An interesting and well built specialist for those who can handle it.
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Whatās a good pick for classical music? Iāve been using two SimGod models, the EW200 and the SuperMix 4, both technically excellent, but they donāt sound realistic, and can even come across as harsh. The EW200 in particular initially sounds very spectacular because itās so bright, but after a while, it all becomes a bit silly since, I insist, they donāt sound realistic. Lately, Iāve been opting for the Afull Explorer; I know theyāre darker, but for some reason, they sound a bit more realistic.
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Iām not sure if āwhere the rainbow river singsā is better than FEBOS 
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In January I started a mission to refresh my ancient IEMs. Since then Iāve had over 40 sets for evaluation. Thereās a lot to take in when starting with current IEM art vs 20 years ago or more. Some of the sets were a quick and easy rejection based on fit or sound profile or both. Others of course took longer to realize they just didnāt work for me. Iāve set a self-imposed limit of ~$300 USD. Itās also largely what is available to me to try for 30 days. If I could easily try $4000 sets, I certainly would
Each of the 40 or so sets has informed my opinion, experience and desires thus I consider the time, effort and outlay well worth it
Of the 40 Iāve kept NiceHCK Himalaya single DD titanium shells. I find them quite relaxing for low level listening when Iām tired or fatigued. Theyāre most definitely in the warm bassy camp. Comfort is near perfect. And titanium, come on, yes please
The next up Hifiman RE2000 Pro silver. Quite the mouthful of a name. At $180 itās a steal for a neutral leaning warm with nice sub bass. Timbre is ācorrectā for me. Also an easy listen but really shines when played in the upper 70dB-85dB range. Funky shell shape but also quite comfortable and super light. My āneutralā reference/reset set
Two very recent additions that Iām feeling more and more confident Iāll keep are the twins from Kiwi Ears - Septet and Astral - Wow are both of these really lining up with my preferences. They share a good deal but also have their unique personality. Like brothers from another mother.
I think many could go with only the Astral and be done. Itās bass can be just a slight bit too flabby with some tracks but a -2dB shelf at ~150Hz does the trick and perhaps more time will ātightenā it up as the suspension becomes more compliant
Lastly I have the Letshuoer DX1 inbound. Not sure this one will do anything for me but if this journey has taught me one thingā¦I have to insert them into my ears and listen
Iāve also churned through a ton of tips. My most used are Spinfit W1 M and L, Penon EP01 L only, and a handful of stock tips that serve as a change when my ears are fatigued for whatever reason. Recent addition Iām really into is the just released Shanling SE100. Very secure and very comfortable. Has the little jet engine nozzle thing. Ok sure. Easy try on Amazon
For sources Iāve got a old Qudelix 5K. Great software but not particularly inspired presentation, an iBasso DX180 for a daily driver. Small and light sound is good enough. I didnāt care for the two low end Hibys I tried. Too thick, warm and narrow stage. I also bought a used MuseHifi M5 Ultra for a song. Itās OK. Not sure it has a role to fill but the tubes do give just a touch of ease to overly bright tunings and itās cool looking in itās blue leather case
For cables, Iāve yet to like a single stock cable. I wear glasses so the thinner the better to fit and I donāt like earhooks, at all. I found a cheap simple one that just works and disappears. Amazon.com: Kinboofi 6 Core Silver Plated Earphone Cable, Black Upgrade 2PIN Detachable Earphone Wire for AS10 ZS10 Pro ZS6 ZS10 ZSR ZST C10 TRN V80 V20 TFZ (3.5mm Audio Jack, 2 Pin) : Electronics
After beginning with 4.4mm Iāve switched to 3.5mm. I had already had 4.4mm for my full-size planars but I simply find only downsides for IEMs. At least driven by DX180. SE gets the volume control more into the middle range, i.e. more steps vs. the extra power of the balanced that simply doesnāt add anything for IEMs. I do hear and often switch gain levels though. Low is slightly less transparent and recesses the vocals just a touch. High is less congested, straight no chaserā¦
Gain staging - the lost art of HiFi
I firmly believe that comparison is the thief of joy. The great audio listener conundrum Iām battled for nearly 5 decades. There is also the idea of one doesnāt know what they donāt know. Be careful what you ask for
Thereās a dutch saying, āDoor de bomen het bos niet meer zienā translates to āNot seeing the forest for the treesā. It means that someone is losing sight of the bigger picture or the main point due to being overly focused on the details or complexities of a situation
Get the transducers and fit right, for you and life is golden
I appreciate all of you, your experience, detailed reviews and fun banter here!
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Youāre lucky to have a shop where you can demo so many iemās
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I most definitely am. Spoiled by Amazon Prime and a place to drop returns within easy walking distance
Amazon?, it no surprise that many small businesses who sell on amazon are having a hard time dealing with returns as they cannot be resold, and you say youāve tried/returned 40odd pairs?..thatās abusing the returns option in my opinion and Iām surprised youāve been allowed to do so.
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I just cried a little tear for all those boutique american chifi retailers.
Kidding of course, valid concern in some contexts but seems a bit out of place in chifi.
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There are no shops that carry Hifi let alone the very niche IEMs anywhere near meā¦
No judgement though. I pay for the privilege monthly. I understand most returned small low cost items, such as IEMs, are sold in bulk and then parted out by third parties employing more people.
I donāt see why they couldnāt be resold though and I often do purchase āusedā items on Amazon that are functionally like new. I also return the IEMs in perfect condition not even opening the stock cable and tips.
I see it as the cost of doing business. Iām confident every competent small business will have factored in labor, cost of goods along with warranty and returns and of course profit into the margin. Knee jerk illegal tariffs, well now thatās a different topic all together
One way waste could be reduced: Include the option to buy the IEMs by themselves. I donāt need the cable or tips or other widgets and junk. Thatās a waste.
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They are not wrong though, to me they have been STDs but for IEMs, especially for people who are entirely new to the hobby, and I am included one of those for I did like bought 2 IEM sets from their brand, the ZSN Pro and the ZS10 Pro.
I am not a fan of them nowadays, and I advise some of my newcomer friends to the hobby to stay away from KZ overall.
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If the Afull Explorerās darker tonality feels more realistic to you, that actually makes a lot of sense. Classical often benefits from a more balanced or slightly warm tuning with good timbre, spacious staging, and smooth trebleā¦nothing overly sharp or clinical.
Itās not abuse. Amazon charges $130 annually for Prime, and one of the privileges you purchase is a lenient return policy. If Amazon didnāt want its customers to have the ability to return easily, then that wouldnāt be offered as a perk.
Plus, thereās almost absolutely no question Amazon sends those returns back to the manufacturer, which probably repurposes and packages them as new. If you think all these returns just sit on a giant mountain of inaction, I have oceanfront property in Saskatchewan to sell you.
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Amazon also does collect returns and sells them in pallets for below-market prices. There are influencers who do content buying these bulk packages, to try and find gems.
Amazon has policies to make sure theyāre not hurting, no matter what way it goes.
NOTE: Not an endorsement or justification of any actions, just pointing out that Amazon is like the Casino in this situation, they always win
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For sure, they wouldnt be one of the worlds top 10 richest companies otherwiseā¦the better question is if the product company is taking the hit for them or not.
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They are. once now and then can happen to anyone but this kind of systematic returning ruins the assortment and will of IEM manufacturers to sell on amazon and hence our places where we have customer rights to a larger degree. Not nice.
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Amazon eventually catches up with those who abuse the return policy and warn them of possible suspension of Prime benefits.
I know this from experience. 
So, everyone here concerned Jeff Bezos wonāt have enough scratch to buy his next superyacht can sleep easily tonight.
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