EDC for IEM at the moment… HBBxQKZ. Good vocals. guitars, deep strings, electric bass. Easy fit. Not quite the layering of more expensive sets, but probably the best value rec for lowest-money-for-a-great sound I can give within IEMs, like the KBear Stellar for earbuds.
I wish the shells were different, it’s true that they’re in my ears so it shouldn’t matter but I like having objects that all fit an aesthetic if possible, and these definitely don’t. I’d buy the same exact IEMs with classier shells for $50-60, and it would be easier for me to not look for sidegrades / the same sound but a look I prefer. I love that I could liquidate everything in an emergency and have only $20ish invested in a good sound that works for just about everything.
The heavier bass is a perk, I usually get plenty out of less bass emphasis, but unfortunately with background noise situations, the bass can nearly disappear from a perfect tuning. This extra compensation keeps the weight and warmth if I’m wearing then in noisier environments.
I like the Artti T10 atm too. That’s a minimalist look I can make work, might even put circle stickers of red on right side blue on left side ig I can find the right diamter, for a full Ikea look.
Even I find the recent Azla Sednaearfit Mithryl already expensive as shit, but luckily I got it for like 8 dollars, only a single pair only for I am not insane enough to go get a pair of expensive ear tips that simple. Some things are just plain ridiculous in this hobby, but as long as the item is worth it in a way, I guess it is worth it.
I think I’ll just take the Tangzu Sancai Noble Edition instead, for those are much better in value but cheaper. I guess this one is gonna be a trend, liquid silicon tips with a metal tube inside and it will be freaking expensive as hell.
The Tanchjim SODA is a $310 USD hybrid IEM featuring a 10mm dynamic driver, four balanced armatures, and two passive “Silk System” units (essentially passive BAs) per side, with an impedance of 15.5 ohms and sensitivity of 120 dB/Vrms. Thanks to the IEM Tour Group Europe and Tanchjim for the opportunity to hear this one!
The clear light-blue aesthetic is appealing, though the clear plastic shell feels a little cheap for this price bracket — solid clear resin for the whole shell including the faceplate would be a nice step up. The cable, while nice, is also quite thick.
My recent favorite in this price range has been the Ziigaat Horizon, and the SODA makes for a great complement to that set. While the Horizon offers extra sparkle and air, the SODA brings more bass heft and warmth in the mids while keeping things crystal clear and well separated. It’s a very satisfying and dynamic presentation overall, and a very nicely tuned IEM, easy to recommend in this price class.
The more you know, thank you for the suggestion. I could even use more ear tips since I have sold some of them along with the IEMs I have bundled them with.
I just shot em an email to see before I start messing with the pics, last time I emailed they wanted me to send it in and pay like 180 bucks. I could’ve done it then but now I literally have 0 money
Here we go: Kiwi Ears Orchestra II, 10 BAs, priced at $350 USD. With 19 ohms impedance and 109 dB/mW sensitivity, a 4-way crossover routes to two subbass BAs, four low-mid BAs, two mid-treble BAs, and two super-tweeters. Thanks to IEM Tour Group Europe and Linsoul for arranging the tour!
The build is quality: a solid, clear resin shell with the bass BAs embedded directly in the acrylic rather than in the usual metal cubes. Very fun to look at. I just wish they’d used a different font for the “Orchestra” text; it looks like Comic Sans on an otherwise premium product. The unvented construction gives above-average sound isolation, but those sensitive to that occlusion effect should be aware of that.
The Orchestra 2 does its thing well: a mids-forward presentation with good vocal clarity and separation, and a treble that’s engaging but smooth — a nice complement to the mids, not too hot. The bass comes through when it needs to, with good snap and clarity. Not for those looking for a punchy, thumping low end. The emphasis is more in the subbass, clean and controlled. It’s not a lush or full-bodied presentation.
All in all, this is a well-executed Harman-style tuning. If this signature appeals to you (vocal-forward, subbass-supported, smooth and inoffensive treble) and you want the extra isolation of a sealed all-BA set, the Orchestra II should be on your list.
Kiwi Ears do seem to have settled into a bit of an inoffensive rut. I have a few of theirs laying around and aside from the Melody they’re all pretty safe tunings. To quote High Fidelity:
It’s a shame Faith Audio E1000 is 3.8k because its a single DD good enough for me to wish the hobby at large could enjoy it to a larger degree. If you feel like it I wrote about it on Head-fi.
