@Kenyon do you know which model is the K’s earphone 600 that’s listed in the Very Good tier? I didn’t add it and I’m wondering if it’s from your original list?
1 Like
Yes from my original list. It’s a very old bud probably 2016ish. Around that time the 600 & 500 by ks were top top performers and that probably continued until the DIY maker push. Unfortunately I do not have either anymore as they were loaners - so can’t check against new models but wouldn’t imagine it to be so highly regarded nowadays.
1 Like
Maybe now the initial hype has died down the DX7 should probably move down a tier also. It doesn’t feel like it fits that current grouping on SQ alone. Feels closer to Alpha 3 level.
1 Like
Yeah good point. I think one recent discord member said they didn’t like DX7 much.
1 Like
Bumped DX7 down based on recent feedback
1 Like
How did the VE SMG get into the god tier category? I can only find one review on headfi. Any other reviews / impressions available?
$200 for an earbud in the highest category while all others are $600 sounds tempting…
1 Like
None of my sets above the third tier makes me cry…
5 Likes
Bear in mind that this doesn’t factor in price to performance ratio. Your GAS3 is one of the most affordable sets in the top 3 tiers - that’s saying something too! We really appreciate you and all DIYers on the list
7 Likes
There are many on our Flathead Sanctuary discord server
2 Likes
I think the only 1 that may be questionable is the
Blox TM11 - everyone who raved about it then tried to sell it 
I’ll compare the SL to the 3rd Gen buds I have - though still don’t have a GAS3 
May try and pick up a TM11 but SMG was my more likely next purchase.
3 Likes
Since it’s difficult to buy and we don’t have that many owners to chime in with wisdom, I’m going to remove the K’s 600. It’s captured in the older versions anyway.
1 Like
I think that’s a good call chap 
Added more DIY buds and shells! Thanks for everyone who contributed!
5 Likes
I need to add a Recommended foamies section
1 Like
This you do 
1 Like
Moondrop has released their next flagship earbuds, the Pavane
Thread ‘MOONDROP Pavane, Composing a New Chapter’ MOONDROP Pavane, Composing a New Chapter | Headphone Reviews and Discussion - Head-Fi.org
2 Likes
Moved EBX25Ti back to Exceptional
Added new sets that need more impressions before being ranked
4 Likes
One of the best build qualities out there and for the first time ever a set I ended up playing with eq 
…
6 Likes
Flathead Society’s Earbuds Ranking List
Version 14042025
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:
Recommended foams
| Manufacturer | Estimated density | Estimated height | Use case | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trig Rain (aka body scrubbers) | Very low | NA | Reveal as much upper frequencies as possible | link |
| VE EX-PACK LITE (mix) | Medium | Thick; thin | Good all-rounder | Ex-pack Venture Electronics 微翼音频 |
| TGXEar stock (note, Jim had issues with suppliers running out of stock, so can’t promise this is the exact ones) | Medium | NA | Good all-rounder | Out of stock |
| Fiio balanced | Medium | NA | Contact Fiio via AliX | |
| FAAEL | Medium | NA | link | |
| NiceHCK | Likely medium | NA | link | |
| Trig Rain (more dense option) | Medium/High | NA | link | |
| Hiegi full | High | 2.5 & 3.0 mm options, although most common is 3.0 mm | To tame sibilance, or to boost bass a lot. Warning: can often muddy the sound and technicalities | link |
| Hiegi donuts | High | NA | link | |
| Fiio bass | High | NA | Contact Fiio via AliX | |
| Fiio crisp (donuts) | Unknown | NA | Contact Fiio via AliX |
DIY section
DIY bud models
- User @mt877 opensource bud, called Artiste Nightingale. Instructions here. These cost ~30-40 USD for the parts, and is relatively simple to build. Nightingale is mid-centric, so it is a really nice set if you want clean and natural mids. It has a nice stage as well. I think these would be up in the 100-150 USD category if a known brand had released them. I hope more DIYers release opensource builds!
- Destiny, from mt877 again, is a basshead DIY set. Instructions here.
Print it yourself shell designs
Other
- 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] 130 Ohm, N55 magnet, with sand as dampener
TGXear Desolation Sound ($599) [FIXED CABLE] 180 Ohm, N55 magnet
Venture Electronics (VE) SMG ($199) [FIXED] 32 Ohm titanium driver
VE Sun Copper ($598) [FIXED CABLE] 180 Ohm, 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] 180 Ohm, N55 magnet, with sand as dampener
TGXear Totem ($299) [FIXED CABLE] 700 Ohm, 15.4mm beryllium PVD N55 magnet
VE Zen SL ($298) [FIXED CABLE] 300 Ohm, 14.8mm LCP
Yincrow RW-4000 ($432) [MMCX CABLE + MODULAR] 16 Ohm, 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
NiceHCK EBX25Ti ($329) [MMCX with stock 6N OCC&silver cable] 32 Ohm, 117dB/mW sensitivity, 14.2mm beryllium driver
Rikubuds Grand Alter Saber 3 ($175) [MMCX OPTIONAL] 180 Ohm, 15.4mm PET, N55 magnet
Symphonio Dragon 3+(could not find 3) ($529) [FIXED CABLE] 120 Ohm, 14.8mm dynamic N52 magnet
TGXear OG/Red Serratus ($199) [FIXED CABLE] 300 Ohm, 15.4mm PET diaphragm
TGXear Serratus 2 ($250) [FIXED CABLE] new custom driver, 130 Ohm N55 magnet, 15.4mm. Brushed metal MX500 shells
TGXear Ripples ($) [FIXED CABLE] 100 Ohm biofiber diaphragm
VE APWS ($900? Contact VE) [FIXED CABLE] 150 Ohm
VE Sun Dice ($298) [FIXED CABLE] 180 Ohm, 15.4mm driver
Yincrow RW-3000 ($196) [MMCX CABLE] 16 Ohm, 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] 30 Ohm, 15mm dynamic N55 magnet
Ksearphone DB1 ($286) [2-PIN CABLE] 30 Ohm, 15.4mm dynamic, pure copper voice coil
Longyao Yinman 600 ($118) [FIXED CABLE] 600 Ohm
Lrey W03 Pro ($) [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] 16 Ohm, 15.8mm neodymium
TGXear Sunniva ($299/350) [FIXED CABLE] 180 Ohm, beryllium N52 magnet. With bass mod, it is Excellent
TGXear Tantalus ($) [FIXED CABLE] 500 Ohm beryllium diaphragm
TGXear Alpha ($249) [FIXED CABLE] 600 Ohm, 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 ($298) [FIXED CABLE] 300 Ohm, 15.4mm driver
Good or Excellent at Niche
VIEW
Blur (PK150 Wraith LE, PK32, MX64 OFC)
Dunu Alpha 3
Fiio (FF5, FF3)
Ks (DB1E, K300 Samsara)
Lrey variants:
- W08 ($) [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] 320 Ohm
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
VIEW
VE (Monk Pro Vita, Monk LL)
Yincrow (Rhino, Calf)
DQSM Panda PK2
Faael Rosemary
Nobunga Labs
Best sets under 70 USD
VIEW
Flathead Audio FH-01
NiceHCK EB2S Pro
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
Moondrop Pavane
Lavender Sound EchoForce
AFUL PolarNight
enginEar L300
4 Likes
Beautiful looking build. What drivers are you using?
And thank you @ttorbic for all you do with the list and rankings!
1 Like