So feels like quite a jump in performance to Aurora if W03 Pro in Eggs and you believe Aurora goes in GTears.
Dammit I was hoping the difference was a lot smaller. Makes my backing out of aurora on @ttorbic group buy even more painful 
2 Likes
I think when you backed out, there were some serious QC concerns, so I wouldn’t feel too bad! Even now, a fella in US received his Aurora with one of the pipes semi-detached…he glued it back down.
On the other hand, LREY has jacked up his prices since then
1 Like
Tom Nook The Crook isn’t here? Bring him in already!
@Kenyon the difference is substantial. And his latest flagship Silvanus is even better than Aurora! Of course, at a price of 275 USD one would expect it to be.
3 Likes
Send me the Silvanus bro, wanna listen to it.
Let it come from Ravi, will send you next week.
Flathead Society’s Earbuds Ranking List
Version 04082024
README
We’ve prepared this post to collate all the wonderful knowledge and information on earbuds that exist on various forums and websites. The recommendation list is, like all audiophile ranking list, subjective, albeit we have tried to make it less so by only including earbuds that are reputable, as in, reviewed by multiple trusted earbud lovers.
We will try to keep this list as updated as possible. Our aim is not to reproduce an earbud release timeline like Woodyluvr’s famous document - rather, we want to make a one-stop shop for newcomers and veterans alike who are considering a new purchase.
Hope you find the info below useful! Note: within each category, the earbuds are listed in alphabetical order and do not reflect any prioritisation.
USEFUL LINKS
Rankings from veterans
- Carbon’s ranking list (Carbon’s Earbud Ranking - Google Sheets )
- AWSMDanny’s ranking list (AWSMDanny’s Audio Gear List - Google Sheets )
- AWSMDanny’s YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@ImAWSMDanny )
- DungLe’s ranking list (DungLe’s Ranking List - Google Sheets )
- Drew’s ranking list (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/u/0/d/18fUXLnjVkM-ye_YM-nWS7nQ6nJ19ghZt3c9U0OnnOrs/htmlview# )
- Telestar’s ranking list [outdated] (Telestar’s Archive - Google Sheets )
- RikudouGoku ranking list [outdated] (RikudouGoku’s Database - Google Sheets )
- Nymz [outdated] (nymz’s Ranking List - Google Sheets )
Shell types, fit, how to wear
- One and only Woodyluvr’s timeline: Link
- Woodyluvr et al guide to shell types and fit: Link
- Woodyluvr’s explanation of earbud sound signatures: Link
- TGXEAR video on how to wear earbuds: Link
- Rikudou_Goku (of Rikubuds) tutorial on how to put on foams: Link
- mt877’s shell measurements: Link
- Photo (unknown source) comparing earbud shell diameters:
Other
GOD'S TEARS
View
Cypherus Audio Black Dragon Susvara (and its variants) ($1200) [FIXED CABLE?] 32ohm,15.4mm
TGXear DS Black Sand ($599) [FIXED CABLE] 130ohm, N55 magnet, with sand as dampener
TGXear Desolation Sound ($599) [FIXED CABLE] 180ohm, N55 magnet
Venture Electronics (VE) SMG (VE sVIP only) [FIXED] 32 Ohm titanium driver
VE Sun Copper ($598) [FIXED CABLE] 180ohm, 15.4mm, lifetime warranty
><-CEPTIONAL
VIEW
BLOX TM11 (~$180) [MMCX heads only] 34 Ohm, unknown 15.4 mm diaphragm
TGXear Serratus Black Sand ($250) [FIXED CABLE] 180ohm, N55 magnet, with sand as dampener
TGXear Totem ($299) [FIXED CABLE] 700ohm, 15.4mm beryllium PVD N55 magnet
VE Zen SL ($298) [FIXED CABLE] 300ohm, 14.8mm LCP
Yincrow RW-4000 ($432) [MMCX CABLE + MODULAR] 16ohm, 15mm dynamic
EGGSELLENT
VIEW
Ksearphone Temperament DBX
Lrey Aurora (LREY is on FB; or DM @ttorbic for email) [FIXED OR MMCX] 32 Ohm beryllium driver, N52 magnet. Note: has history of QC issues so be aware
Rikubuds Grand Alter Saber 3 ($175) [MMCX OPTIONAL] 180ohm, 15.4mm PET, N55 magnet
Symphonio Dragon 3+(could not find 3) ($529) [FIXED CABLE] 120ohm, 14.8mm dynamic N52 magnet
TGXear OG/Red Serratus ($199) [FIXED CABLE] 300ohm, 15.4mm PET diaphragm
TGXear Ripples ($) [FIXED CABLE] 100ohm biofiber diaphragm
VE APWS ($900? Contact VE) [FIXED CABLE] 150ohm
VE Sun Dice ($298) [FIXED CABLE] 180ohm, 15.4mm driver
Yincrow RW-3000 ($196) [MMCX CABLE] 16ohm, 15mm dynamic
VERY G00
VIEW
BGVP DX7 ($100) [MMCX] 14.2mm diameter, PU/PET/carbon composite diaphragm, N52 magnet
Ksearphone 600 ($)
Ksearphone Bell-Ti ($363) [FIXED CABLE] 30ohm, 15mm dynamic N55 magnet
Ksearphone DB1 ($286) [2-PIN CABLE] 30ohm, 15.4mm dynamic, pure copper voice coil
Longyao Yinman 600 ($118) [FIXED CABLE] 600ohm
Lrey W03 Pro ($) [FIXED OR MMCX] 32 Ohm custom beryllium driver, N55 magnet
Rikubuds Grand Alter Saber 2/Grand Saber 2/Grand Rider 2 ($145) [FIXED CABLE]
Rikubuds Saber 3/Alter Rider 3 ($120) [MMCX OPTIONAL]
Symphonio Dragon 2+ ($308) [FIXED CABLE] 16ohm, 15.8mm neodymium
TGXear Sunniva ($299/350) [FIXED CABLE] 180ohm, beryllium N52 magnet. With bass mod, it is Excellent
TGXear Tantalus ($) [FIXED CABLE] 500ohm beryllium diaphragm
TGXear Alpha ($249) [FIXED CABLE] 600ohm, beryllium diaphragm
Ucotech ES-P1 ($321) [MMCX CABLE] Custom 14.8 mm CNT double dome; note: ES-P1 is sold out, and replaced by ES-P2, but there are few reviews online. ES-P1 was highly regarded
VE Zen 3.0 ($298) [FIXED CABLE] 300ohm, 15.4mm driver
Good or Successful at Niche
VIEW
Blur (PK150 Wraith LE, PK32, MX64 OFC)
Dunu Alpha 3
Fiio (FF5, FF3)
Ks (DB1E, K300 Samsara)
Lrey variants:
- W08 ($) [FIXED OR MMCX]
- Rika ($) [FIXED OR MMCX] 32 Ohm Custom titanium driver
- Proteus ($) [FIXED OR MMCX] 80 Ohm custom driver
Moondrop Chaconne
Newbsound (Limited Runs)
NiceHCK EBX21
Pislo
Puresounds (PS-100 600, PS-100 500)
Rikubuds (Grand Berserker 2, Grand Rider 1, Grand Archer 1)
Rose Technics Maria 2
Shozy BK
TGXear Revelstoke ($450) [FIXED CABLE] Custom 130 Ohm diaphragm, 1+ Tesla neodymium magnet
VE (Asura 3.0, Zen 2.0)
VE Zen Su ($2980) [FIXED CABLE] 320ohm
Yincrow RW-2000
Above Average or Niche with failings
VIEW
Blur (MX150, MX400, MX300 Beautiful Witch, PK16)
DQSM (Turandot, PD21)
Fiio EM5
Ksearphone Temperament (X3, X6, LBBS)
Rikubuds (Berserker 2, Lancer 1)
Smabat M2S
Toneking (Dendroaspis Viridi, Black Manba)
VE Master
Yincrow RW-1000 Bass
Average or best under $75 USD
VIEW
VE (Monk Pro Vita, Monk LL)
Rikubuds (Assassin 1, Berserker 1, Alter Rider 1, Saber 1, Alter Archer 1)
Yincrow (Rhino, Calf)
NiceHCK EB2S Pro
DQSM Panda PK2
Faael Rosemary
Nobunga Labs
Waiting for moar impressions / reviews
Rikubuds Berserker 3 (€100 before shipping) [FIXED CABLE]
Rikubuds Caster 3 (€100 before shipping) [FIXED CABLE] 14.8mm driver
7 Likes
Updated with BLOX TM11 moving up to Eggsellent
3 Likes
@Kenyon I think you asked for more impressions on the DBX? Droenald on headfi is picking up the DBX on headfi classified and will report back 
1 Like
I find it weird nobody tried to create something like direct upgrade guide. Tierlist is great but it would be helpful to see which earbuds are logical step up from cheaper ones.
3 Likes
I think someone mentioned this to me before but I haven’t gotten around to it. Might ask in the discord community!
3 Likes
if You’re Considering Buying A9 AirPods with LC Display"
Updated 17082024
- Moved Aurora down to Eggsellent
- Moved TM11 up to Exceptional
1 Like
I was gonna protest but then saw Serratus in the same section too. Hmm…oh well.
Despite owning both the Rikubuds Saber 3 and the BLOX TM11, I consistently find myself reaching for the APWS during night listening sessions.
- The TM11 excels in technical performance, offering a wide, open soundstage where instruments are placed with pinpoint accuracy. However, this level of precision can sometimes lead to fatigue during extended listening.
- In contrast, the Saber 3 is tuned for casual listening, making it a versatile choice in my collection, with the Gen 3 shell providing an ideal fit.
- With the APWS, both male and female vocals feel satisfyingly rich, with a more emphasized midrange compared to the other two. The VE offers a smooth, relaxing experience, though it took me some time to adjust to its tuning—or perhaps the burn-in myth has some truth to it.
7 Likes
Nice collection! Are you on the Flathead Sanctuary discord channel by any chance? There is a more active earbuds community there
I think im good with headfi and hifiguides at the moment 
, discord comes with distractions
2 Likes
Aye discord’s not for me either 
All good! So does the TM11 trade blows with the AWPS despite being like 1/4 price? We’ve got it ranked pretty highly on our ranking already - just curious if you agree
This set takes work for sure, but it does deliver if you don’t crank the volume and your source is sympathetic…DX312 > XINHS 4 Core 6N Single Crystal Copper cable, NiceHCK rings, thick foams
5 Likes
I think the APWS and TM11 are in the same tier, but the APWS ranks higher because its sound becomes addictive once you get used to it. The TM11 stands out as a resolving earbud, but the APWS is uniquely special.
I’ve seen the APWS compared to the HD650, and I agree with that comparison.
3 Likes