You’re welcome! For sub-$50 buds, the Dunu Alpha could be a great pick, especially if you can snag a deal during 11.11. I’ve also heard good things about the Qianyun Qian39 if you’re into a more balanced sound. Definitely worth keeping an eye on those AliExpress deals!
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This seller (me) has a barely used Dunu Alpha 3 for sale, and other great earbud deals. 
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Thank you. I forgot about the Qian39. I’ve never tried a shell like that and I’ve read that they’re pretty good. Maybe I can get the Dunu and the Qian39 at the same time at a discount.
I’ll most definitely be watching those sales. Thanks
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I didn’t even see your post at first. Sorry about that. I’m gonna check out your classified. Thanks 
Edit: Unfortunately it’s a no go for me. 
I don’t have anything to run 4.4mm on. But that’s a great price for the 3. I have the last 2. Somebody should snag up with a quickness.
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What library/genres do you have? Cuz those 2 are pretty damn different.
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I’m mainly a jazz listener. Like 95%. The other five would be a sprinkle of classical and classic rock. But I have jazz pumping and into my ears most of the time
You want something a bit on the warmer side then. That qian39 should be doable but that Dunu is pretty bright. At that price range you are in my Gen 1 area, Rider 1 is my rec.
3 Likes
I was looking at your site again and saw the gen 1 and their prices. Let me think about it for a minute. I’d like to keep it at $50 or under. And with shipping it’s gonna put me over that.
I’ve always wanted a pair from you though. Thanks for the recommendation. It sounds like something I would love actually. I’ll let you know if I can swing it or not. I may have to save a bit more.
2 Likes
Need to add:
- TGXEar Serratus 2
- LREY Raptor
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My time with the Penon Conductor has been my most positive earbud experience to date
My review is here
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Flathead Society’s Earbuds Ranking List
Version 24112024
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] 34ohm, 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] 32ohm 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 Serratus 2 ($250) [FIXED CABLE] new custom driver, 130ohm N55 magnet, 15.4mm. Brushed metal MX500 shells
TGXear Ripples ($) [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] 32ohm custom beryllium driver, N55 magnet
Penon Conductor ($199 before shipping) [MMCX] 16ohm 14.2mm Sapphire Diaphragm Dynamic driver, N55 magnet + 11.2mm bone conduction driver, with a knob to adjust BCD level.
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 ($) [FIXED OR MMCX] 32ohm Custom titanium driver
- Proteus ($) [FIXED OR MMCX] 80ohm 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 130ohm 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
Ksearphone Temperament DM7/DM7 Ti
Rikubuds Berserker 3 (€100 before shipping) [FIXED CABLE]
Rikubuds Caster 3 (€100 before shipping) [FIXED CABLE] 14.8mm driver
9 Likes
I’m interested to hear more about all four but especially the two above 
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I actually need to place Conductor - will do that now! And i’m eager for more DM7 reviews/impressions…i only know 1 person who has ordered one so far
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Need to add NiceHCK EBX25Ti
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Hi there! What did you end up buying as an upgrade to the EBS2 Pro? Asking for another budder
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I’m wondering the same. I have the Pro’s incoming cuz I got them for $13, and used to have the non-Pro’s, and absolutely loved them. So I know I’m gonna love the Pro’s. But I wouldn’t mind of knowing of a direct upgrade for down the road. Something that won’t break the bank,
Maybe Riku’s Alter 1?
EDIT: Actually I see it was this thread the Riku recommended the Rider for me. I wonder if he recommends that as an EB2S Pro?
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Never heard the pro so cant really tell. Just give me your music genres (and budget) and I can give you my rec.
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Hey Riku!
I’ve read the EB2S sounds very similar to the Pro’s. How similar? I won’t know for a few more days. But I absolutely loved the non-Pro’s, so if you’ve heard those …
Ok so my main genre is jazz. Instrumental. But sprinkle in a little bit of blues and folk/americana in there. Vocals aren’t a huge deal to me. I mean I want vocals to sound good(not recessed), but I’m more into instrument separation and stage as I listen to main instrumental only music.
I recently got the Kefine Klean iem. To my ears they’re neutral with a slight bass boost. They sound sublime. I’d love to have that in a bud. I’m not really a bass head, but I do like it present and well done.
My budget is around $50. But if there’s something in Gen 2 that you think would be perfect and worth saving up for, then I’m open to that. I’m in no rush.
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Rider 1 it is then. Gen 2 is discontinued so if you want my best it is the gen 3 models, with what you mentioned the GAS3 would be my rec there. If you dont like mx500 shell then get the gen 3 models as those use my RG39 (God tier) shell.
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Thank you for the recommendation! The description sounds pretty spot on to me. I’ll DM or hit you up on Gmail when I’m ready to get it.
Thank you Riku
2 Likes