Wired Earbuds, Best of the Best Recs?

I think it might be easier to use the mx500 shells to show tuning variety as that is where you get the widest representation within the ultra budget sector and the lack of options in the other shells means all the buds in the pack would lean on the warm side as @Rikudou_Goku pointed out.

Full Bell
Stemmed Bell
PK
Qian/ Monk Kite/ RG39
Mx500 Dark
Mx500 Bright
Mx500 Neutral
(not many bassy Mx500 at that price range otherwise that could be a category)

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Yes true, if all you want is to try different tonalities then mx500 will be the most common and easiest way.

Does Ks DBX sound noticeably different/ better than Ks DB1?

It’s hard to understand, but they are in different categories in his guide. I weighted DBs at 3.3g each earbud.

But DBX says Damascus, whether it’s real or lasered, maybe shell material is the key difference? Anybody can weight the DBX to compare?

It’s this the only guide that we have? I could’ve sworn that I saw another with price tiers. Which I know this one has it’s price rankings as well, I just couldn’t sworn I’ve saw another.

And anyone have any info on the yinman 150ohm? I only know of one person that had it(quark) and he sold them right away. They’re on sale right now but having someone immediately sell them after they received them makes me uneasy about them

The DBX does sound a bit more refined compared to the DB1, with a smoother and more detailed tuning. The Damascus shell might not drastically change the sound, but it can affect how it feels and resonates. If you’re after a premium feel, the DBX might be worth it.

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The Yinman 150ohm, I’ve heard mixed things about. The fact that Quark sold them quickly could be a red flag, but sometimes it’s just about personal preference. If they’re on sale, it might be worth a shot if you’re curious, but maybe check if there are any more reviews out there before jumping in!

Thank you for the info. I’ll definitely search for more reviews first.

For any recommendations for sub $50 buds? I’ve been eyeing the DX7 for the longest time, but don’t want to spend $100 just yet. I guess with 11.11 coming I should just keep browsing AliExpress. Maybe I’ll get the Dunu Alpha for a steal.

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. :slight_smile:

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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 :slightly_smiling_face:

Edit: Unfortunately it’s a no go for me. :pensive: 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.

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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.

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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
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
  • DIY earbud build guide: Link
  • How to add silicone tape around MX500 shells (or others) to promote sealing by TheRunningIr0n: Link
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

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I’m interested to hear more about all four but especially the two above :+1:

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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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