crossposting from reddit but i didn’t get much response there so i’d like some more feedback! excuse the newbie account
a few years back, i got the Etymotic ER4XR and loved its great isolative qualities and detail. however, it hasn’t all been sunshine and rainbows. i’ve had to replace the proprietary cable multiple times, even opting for AliExpress options which also broke (cutting out on one side with movement of the cable). and it’s not like it’s from misuse - sure, it was ‘heavy’ use (everyday for at least an hour while commuting), but i used the provided soft case. regardless, i was pleasantly surprised to see the Etymotion cable after they were acquired by Lucid Audio, and bought them for the hefty price tag. i used these just the same, but after a year the same issue mentioned prior occurred again. the warranty had just expired by a month, and the replacement price when sent back to their provider was $150, which i couldn’t pay for something that could easily break within another year.
i’m now in the market for an upgrade for commuting: an IEM/earphone (or maybe closed back with good isolation if recommended). bluetooth not essential (but not necessarily unwanted either)
a regular, replaceable cable would also be very welcomed (thanks etymotic…)
budget: probably VERY max £500-600, but flexible (as long as it lasts)
source: android phone running spotify, bandcamp flacs if i’ve got them downloaded, maybe my rotel a11 tribute amp for home use as well?
isolation: definitely needed for commuting hence why i bought the ER4XRs. when i move into my uni’s halls, this will be less of an issue, but still useful.
tonal balance: from messing around with my amp EQ, it seems i like a sparkly, boosted treble. or maybe that’s just what i needed to get these speakers sounding good for my room. i also like a bit of extra bass for some genres, so maybe a slightly neutral bright V-shape? i don’t like my speakers sounding too warm to my knowledge; i appreciate lots of detail. the description of the Classic Andromedas sounded good but out of my range…
genres: rather varied - a lot of alt. rock type stuff (shoegaze, noise rock, lo-fi), experimental, folk music, IDM, sometimes alternative hip-hop
previous gear:
ATH M40X (not much isolation, quite a flat sound but good for mixing)
Koss Porta Pros (cheap, and neutral sounding for less than 100. even less isolation)
Etymotic ER4XR (very good isolation, slightly uncomfortable at times and cable was awful. sound was good for me but could be a tiny bit more ‘fun’ sounding)
I think you should consider the Moondrop Kato. The pinna gain is different than Andro so it will be brighter but it matches the ER4. it’s 180 USD and comes with good accessories.
firstly, thank you very much! good measurements too. how does it compare with the blessing 2 (dusk?) and the OH10 (the others ive been considering) zeos seems also to be fond of a few fiio models like the FH7.
Maybe pushing a bit here but why not throw EJ07M into consideration too
On their U.K. website I can see for immediate delivery £519
But you’d need some sorts of DAC thou, even a small capable dongle I would say. For the money you gonna spend, might as well get one of most technical capable and ER4X type tuned set.
The OH10 is very V shape (boosted bass, boosted treble).
Blessing is indeed a good option.
I have no experience with Fiio products. The only thing I know is that the hybrids in the FH series are known for plasticky timbre.
I haven’t listened to nay planar yet. Check out the Timeless and the S12. They have similar tonality but people seem to prefer S12. If you check out Dan’s sound demo he has a bunch of those sets compared (but take sound demo with a grain of salt).
Taste is personal but I don’t think that Blessing 2 or Dusk can be described as fun.
EJ07M and OH10 are probably the best options that people suggested so far.
My personal rec from iems that I have actually heard would be Tanchjim Oxygen. It’s versatile and fun IMO. Fit is not the best because of the short nozzle therefore it would not be ideal for commuting.
However, it is tough to rec right now since it’s $270 and Tripowin Olina just came out at $100. It uses the same driver and graphs the same, so maybe that’s the one to get. Waiting for reviews rn
from what i’ve heard of Dan’s sound demos, i’ve always preferred the OH10s over the Dusks it even seems a little better than the Timeless here, just sounding a little more airy and less boxed in with those brushed hi-hats.
thanks! i’ve done some research and a lot of people are calling them rather dark with not much treble extension… have you found that to be the case?
i’m getting a little overwhelmed with all the choices…
rn i’m considering:
MD Variations - not as pricy as the S8 but the ‘fun’ sound intrigues me. i want good treble extension so this looks like a good option. maybe sub-bass not the most important for my full library
MD Blessing 2 (original) - might be good as a basis/reference point to go forth from
7Hz Timeless
ThieAudio Oracle
Shuoer EJ07M - lots of recommendations here
MD S8 - good extension
and as far as a dac is concerned my current USB-C->3.5mm is too quiet. maybe a BTR5 or something.
excuse the newbie account
it even seems a little better than the Timeless here, just sounding a little more airy and less boxed in with those brushed hi-hats.