I personally prefer IEMs to most closed back headphones I’ve tried, including the Focal Elegia and AKG K371, for most circumstances. However, I only say that because I use EQ and I’ve found that you can EQ an IEM to match tonality of an open back way easier than a closed back. Of the closed backs I’ve tried, they all exhibit a closed cup effect in some way, IEMs don’t have that problem at least in my experience. I much prefer the JVC HA-FDX1 equalized to match the tonality of the Clear MG, that is honestly an endgame portable solution for me. Only thing you miss with IEMs is large soundstage and physical dynamic punch, but many high end dynamic driver IEMs get you real close.
I also like using HRTF spatial audio plugins like CanOpener or TB Isone, IEMs can really give you an amazing out of your head experience with those.
2 Likes
EQing an iem to sound open, thats really interesting.
CanOpener is the bee’s knees.
Yeah it is a fun thing to experiment with, and it really works! Granted it took me a year or two to understand how to properly EQ headphones and IEMs for my own ears, but once you understand your sound preferences, EQ can transform almost any headphone into something you enjoy. Assuming the headphone has good technical ability and responds well to EQ, which is a whole other subject.
1 Like