Budget would be the Koss family (Porta Pro, KPH30i, KSC75). Then go up to the Sundara for an open back or the 1More H1707 for a closed back.
3 Likes
I’d rec Hifiman HE400se, for great entry level planar, but must have good source for the power.
The most IEM-like headphone I’d rec is 1MORE Triple-Driver Over Ear, but specifically the graphene driver version. The impact was phenomenal, so good that I kept my flawed set from Amazon Warehouse (left driver had a component rattle and occasionally create a channel imbalance). The titanium driver version (gold) sucks. I bought the gold originally to replace the flawed one, but returned immediately due to the lack of detail and elevated bass compared to the graphene version (silver, or red/black). Also, 1MORE slacked off on the H1707 built quality, I could feel that the cups had sharp edges and had glue resin sticking out the sides of the pads. Simply put, if you can find it purchase the 1MEJH0006 model (top one, graphene), not the H1707 model (lower one, titanium):
Then the basic entry MUST-HAVE: Koss KPH30i og or Clear. Don’t need more explanation.
EDIT: @Rikudou_Goku HECK… look how close we recced! I was typing my reply before I saw your reply.
3 Likes
Yep, did see a lot of people saying the silver version of the H1707 is better than the gold version. I have the silver lol.
3 Likes
FIY; the Iem version of the H1707 is the LZ A6. If you like one of them, you will love the other. The LZ A7 pop-black + high-density tuning foams is also similar.
3 Likes
I use my Sundara when it’s quiet around and I want soundstage and deeep bass (EQ or warm source needed).
When I need better sound isolation, I go for IEMs. I also can’t use the Sundara for hours and hours because my ears get hot. And it squishes my hair lol.
3 Likes
Oh I own PP and Ksc75. I cant say they are my cup of tea but better than most stuff for the price and convinience. I should get kph30i and the new 40.
1 Like
I’d say just go with KPH30i.
KPH40 has a lot of accessories, but reviews on the sound are quite mixed. Besides, us folks owning so many IEMs, I don’t see why we need the utility function.
1 Like
I can Second the HE400se. Lovely pair of cans. I‘ve heard the Sundara as well and would recc the HE400se over it any day. I find it to be at least on par, if not better, and its also half the price.
But yeah, they do love some clean power. My Atom Amp+ makes them sing beautifully.
2 Likes
I use Porta Pro for taking work calls so can hear my surroundings aka my kids.
I have ATH-AD700x with Auto EQ that is so good for classical music.
IEMs get a lot more use on the daily.
1 Like
I always wanted to grab one of those 
I didn’t know there were multiple versions
1 Like
Nowadays the market seems flooded with the H1707 (gold/titanium driver) version, Amazon, Drop… even on 1MORE’s official site.
The 1MEJH0006 graphene silver or red/black (limited) ones are the highly sought after ones. So with a bit of luck, if anyone happens to find one, even a second hand one, snatch it up. Highly recommended. Closed back headphones normally can’t produce such a clear sound and impact like how IEMs do it; the additional tweeter in the cups works like a marvel. Most sub $200 closed backs are just bloated bass and veiled highs.
4 Likes
My go to closed back before going to IEM was the CAL! which is fine
1 Like
I heard in several reviews that it does need power but you don’t think so??
Do you happen to have the Timeless and the Oxygen by any chance? I love the Oxygen and I’m tempted by the Timeless but a lot of reviewers/forums say that it is very bright. Thanks
1 Like
I am also thinking in getting the Hiby R5, looking forward to hear your impressions about it. The iFI Gryphon is also quite interesting but as right now I would hold on, on head-fi that are a lot of people complaining about volume sync issues that can potentially explode IEMs (and your eardrums).
1 Like
I do not have the Oxygen, but do have the timeless, which is why I am saying, that it doesn’t need much power. I use it with my smartphone, no problem.
I think the timeless is somewhat weired in the sense, that it has a certain warmth to it, but at the same time it is very bright. I don’t like warm IEMs in general, but the timeless has so much treble energy and is so engaging that I do like it very much. I definitely wouldnt describe it as laid back.
3 Likes
I will let you know 
I cant precise when they are coming since it’s not express shipping, just standard. China shipments are a mess atm, and stuff with bateries is a pain. Im still hoping it arrives before christmas
Yeah, seems gryphon needs some firmware updates pushed, but should be fixed in the future. The whole package of the amp is so good. A pocket rocket 
1 Like
Im very curious about how the mids are done, after your description. I know Michael bruce didn’t love its mids, and our mids taste generally overlaps. I wish I could just try them 
damn customs and couriers
1 Like
Only open backs for me, in closed backs (as in K371 and DT770 my ears are being boiled alive after 40 mins)
Sundara is on my mind as there are plenty of 2nd hands in Poland for cir 230-250 eur even with some aftermarket cables.
HE 400SE is a cheaper, more favourable alternative as I never heard any planar, so I don’t know if I would like this type of sound. The problem with both is amplification as my only source is IFI hip-dac, which gives 280mW on SE and 400mW on BAL at 32Ohms and I don’t want buying anything else.
Kosses looks are no-no to me 
I also had HD560S/HD6xx/HD660S on my mind with emphasis on the cheapest. Do you have any experience with those?
1 Like
It’ll be interesting to see how well you think Timeless scales on that amp it also works well with my og P1 enjoy 
1 Like