JAY's audio memes (and reviews/ranking too I guess)

Hello there,

New to the forums but I would like to say thank you Jay for all the work that you’ve put into your reviews but as well as all the work you’ve put into compiling your listening & research. It is greatly appreciated.

I’m looking for a recommendation: I currently own the Truthear Novas and I like them very much. However, I was wondering if there’s an “upgrade” from them if I’m looking for IEMs that are as clinical/analytical as possible for professional work. What would be the choice to make here? I’m all in favor for a neutral/all-rounder/balanced tuning as long as there is still some bass (even if it’s not as much as the Novas) but my main concern is instrument separation and just generally a very “clean” sounding signature where I’m able to make out what’s happening with what I’m listening to accurately (compared to large studio monitors (ie. PMCs, Genelecs, etc.), as I’m in and out of studios often and would like relatively good translation between those and my IEMs).

I’ve got my eyes on the Moondrop Blessing 3 but what I’m wondering if those might be too bass-light and if the treble might be a bit too peaky. I’m also thinking it could be redundant to get those given I already have the Novas. Either way, I’m open to all of your suggestions.

4 Likes

Welcome man, and appreciate the kind words :sunglasses:

Try the Thieaudio Oracle MK1s, might be closer to what you’re looking for. The B3 is a bit thin and little too bight for me, the OG Oracles is a little fuller and less shouty and smoother:

6 Likes

Oh wow. Those do look very promising.

Before I look into those further, anything to recommend in the $150-300USD range? Canadian dollar isn’t doing too well and these come out to almost $800CAD with taxes :cry:.

2 Likes

I just scooped a used pair, but the Softears Volume S is in that ballpark ($319 new, can be had for less used) and have a very clean and detailed presentation while not being anemic in the lowend.

4 Likes

Volume S would be good for something warmer, for a neutral set the EPZ P50 would be the go to at around that price.

3 Likes

Thank you all for the recommendations. For the price, the EPZ P50 looks really tempting. Any other studio-appropriate neutral/all-rounder sets to consider?

2 Likes

Kiwiears Astral if you want more sub-bass and air, not as neutral tho, but better all-rounder, I’m outta town rn so can’t graph it till I get home but this is pretty accurate:

6 Likes

2025 Vocal tierlist!!

7 Likes

Astral vs Meta soon



9 Likes

Jeez, those graphs are riding each other hard. Hopefully the KE is good for everyone who missed Meta

3 Likes

Better than Meta for $50 more imo, or cheaper depending on where you look :joy:

5 Likes

3 Likes

Very good all-rounder, pretty much hits all the right spots without being boring

5 Likes

Like an Odyssey, or not so much?

3 Likes

Have you heard Elysian Pilgrim? How’s pilgrim vs Volume S. I trust your ears

1 Like

I didn’t like meta that much. Personality volS & Arcadia is far better. Now just need a tea pronto complete my collection

2 Likes

I have not tried the Pilgrim nor the Noir, sorry.

1 Like

giphy
I haven’t listened to either Astral or Krin Meta, but from now on I can vote for Astral. :wink:

4 Likes

Sidegrade I’d say, it’s more technical but doesn’t scale as well. Works better for instrumentals/slower stuff. Both are great, really depends on your library

4 Likes

A whole lot of people bought Pilgrim in the $229 sale. Some of em are gonna sell theirs in the next month. That’s why I was asking

1 Like