The "Too good for the price" list

Oh right the Kefine Delci is already here right when it comes to the “Too good for the price” list. But I think I should add the Delci AE version as well for the given price. It’s not an upgrade from the original more like a complete video game being given an expansion pack in order to make the game even more packed with content, is what I see about the AE version of the Delci.

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Hello everyone, Does the Aune ar5000 make sense for this list? I would also like to know if it is a good option for a warmer, more relaxed sound, with less aggressive highs, but not so basshead, let’s say. I’ve removed AKG K712 Pro from my list of future headphones, and am considering HD58X instead. but I don’t have a reference so I can’t say if it’s still something to looking for. I’m really curious to test x2hr too, but they say it has problems, perhaps fixable by buying other pads. And for something portable, is the cadenza still a budget iem for those who like that warm sound signature? Or maybe the delci is more viable these days? Thanks

I also consider the aful Explorer as pk said above

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This IEM can be a hit or miss to some but for me imo, it’s one of the best for its given price. The Pula Anvil 114 should be on this due to its unique configuration with its BC driver, the abundant amount of ear tips you get from it, the stock cable already that good and of course the casing of it, which might be a PU leather case but it feels almost like those leather casings that you often see.

The tuning though, can be a hit or miss for some but the tuning for me has been up there as one of my favorites.

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Do you think edifier s351db would be a good option? There is no Micca or Neumi where I live :confused:

I tried an Edifier model once. Not that one. But it was solid. I just liked the Micca better. But I don’t think you can go wrong with an Edifier.

Maybe someone else can chime in to help more. Sorry.

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These edifier 2.1 systems are pretty solid, i heard one many years ago but it was a pretty v-shaped fun tuning.

If you have a bit more space for the speakers I´d suggest Edifier SB1000 MK2…these are some seriously good sounding speakers and you can adjust the bass and treble
No subwoofer needed they got plenty of low end but can also sound neutral when you dial down the bass a bit

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Swan M10 Plus

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Does anyone think about updating this list sometime? Prices are dated and it would be really good to have a general review of recommended products.

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Yeah this is true and I think on given what the landscape is right now, it’s kind of tough to find an item nowadays that is like “Too good for the price” right now when most of the budget sets lately have been spectacular. If I am thinking about one right now, I think I’d consider the Tanchjim Bunny here on this list, for that is one of those rare instances where I love using a budget set all the time.

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Defo some OG HFG’s posters that contributed to this thread :raised_hands:

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To me it feels more like everything is starting to get competent enough that you just need to find something that aligns with your preferences and you be happy with anything pretty much.

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While $50 may not exactly be “budget,” that’s the Artti T10 and Kefine Klean for me. Both far better than their $50 sticker price. I enjoy them often.

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I’m still alive :wave: I was not here often. Done two edits for now (see below). AFAIK when I did that list in 2022 inexpensive planar IEMs did not even exist!

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If you can handle thin note weight and a small treble peak, the Edition XS are pure THEFT at $270. Ridiculous value.

Wow, I hear them quite differently. I hear thick mid/mid bass and no treble peak.

I compared them with the Ananda Stealth v3 and kept the Ananda for the more comfortable headband. They are exceedingly close in SQ. Very similar drivers. I have swapped to velvet cups though as the cloth was noisy against my glasses frame

I found they both like current and mimic what is driving them. Totally agreed on pure value, especially open box or ‘refurb’ from Hifiman

Hifiman like to release unexplained versions over time of the same HP. Mileage may vary even more so with these because of it

Silent retune since I sold them more than a year ago? Or maybe our ears and brains are that different.

I found the XS has thin note weight across the spectrum compared to my Audeze LCD-2C and LCD-X 2021, both now sold, too. I am sensitive to treble at certain peaks, too, and the XS hit me in the wrong spot with some tracks.

Still, a sensational headphone at $270 for those who aren’t bothered by its tuning like me. Imaging and soundstage are excellent. Very comfortable, too.

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Forgot about em, added to the list now.

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I’ll add that it’s quite incredible that you can now have an R2R for 160$ MSRP (Fiio K11 R2R), but it’s not “too good for the price”, it’s just… impressive that the technology now makes this possible. Sound quality definitely won’t “wow” you as much as the Airist R2R DAC… which is in the list. I don’t own it, I just know a few people here who got an Airist R2R and found it incredible for the price.

Thinking about that, one thing I had to add on the list was the Cayin RU6.

About R2R’s, the Topping Centaurus has some problems, so I don’t know if it will ever be added to the list. Yes, it’s 1000$. It still might be a contender for “too good for the price” for all its specs, if it’s ever fixed.

Also added some Schiit.

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Is there a reason why Edifier R1700BT was highlighted instead of other models like Edifier MR4? I noticed this and found it curious. The MR4 had significant hype for its performance relative to its price, similar to how MR3 is now receiving praise. I wonder if there’s a meaningful difference between these three models, or if it ultimately depends more on personal preferences (like Bluetooth connectivity) rather than which one is objectively the best value for the price.

Hi! The R1700BT’s were the first speakers Zeos found with integrated DSP correction – i.e.: Digitally enhanced speaker sound, done with good results. I always use passive speakers so I don’t know how popular it is now, but at that time (this list was created in 2019!) it was basically like “a Genelec thing, now available for 150$”. Impressive stuff.

For the MR4’s? I simply don’t know about em. They’re apparently worth their price. I personally already have Emotiva B1’s… which wowed a lot of people at the time (me included). The reason was they had ribbon tweeters for 300$… and now they’re 230$, even. Oh and they’re not even in the list yet lol. Fixed.

Edit: Damn it, Emotiva discontinued all their B1 and even B2’s. I don’t get it. Get em used!