Wired Earbuds, Best of the Best Recs?

IEMs / Other Earbuds / Clip-Ons / Other
92

thanks! post updated

93

I’m not that much helpfull there, had the Serratus some time back. But never vibed with it, found it bright and lacking in warmth.

Had two Riku buds, Grand Berserker 2 and the Alter Rider 1.
Grand Berserker is very different tuned being a darker and more bass heavy tuning, and the Alter Rider is to long ago to remember now.

Had some entry level models from Yincrow.

I have been using VE buds for a good time since my good friend pushed them on me, so I started early with some very good sounding ones. I have also used about every model in the lineup.

I do want to get myself a desolation sand and maybe a Alter Rider 3 or Caster 3. Sometime later this year.

2 Likes
94

Looking forward to your review! Those are some sexy buds. I also dig the openheart leather cable tie thing! I have a couple of those somewhere…should use rhem

1 Like
95

@Kenyon I added Moondrop U-2, but not sure if it belongs on this list since it’s quite a budget set

2 Likes
96

@Leonarfd @Kenyon where should we put VE SMG? God’s Tears or Exceptional?

97

Ok, version 280524.

USEFUL LINKS

And there’s obviously the one and only Woodyluvr’s timeline: link

DIY earbud build guide: link

GOD'S TEARS

Venture Electronics (VE) Sun Copper ($598) [FIXED CABLE] 180ohm, 15.4mm, lifetime warranty
VE Zen Su ($2980) [FIXED CABLE] 320ohm
VE APWS ($900? Contact VE) [FIXED CABLE] 150ohm
TGXear DS Black Sand ($599) [FIXED CABLE] 130ohm, N55 magnet, with sand as dampener
TGXear Desolation Sound ($599) [FIXED CABLE] 180ohm, N55 magnet
Cypherus Audio Black Dragon Susvara (and its variants) ($1000?) [FIXED CABLE?] 32ohm,15.4mm

><-CEPTIONAL

VE Zen SL ($298) [FIXED CABLE] 300ohm, 14.8mm LCP
VE SMG (VE VIP only) [FIXED MMCX] 32 Ohm titanium driver
TGXear Revelstroke ($450) [FIXED CABLE] 130ohm custom 1+ Tesla Neodymium magnet
TGXear Totem ($299) [FIXED CABLE] 700ohm, 15.4mm beryllium PVD N55 magnet
TGXear Serratus Black Sand ($250) [FIXED CABLE] 180ohm, N55 magnet, with sand as dampener
Yincrow RW-4000 ($432) [MMCX CABLE + MODULAR] 16ohm, 15mm dynamic

EGGSELLENT

Rikubuds Grand Alter Saber 3 ($175) [MMCX OPTIONAL] 180ohm, 15.4mm PET
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
Venture Electronics Sun Dice ($298) [FIXED CABLE] 180ohm, 15.4mm driver
Ksearphone Temperament DBX
Yincrow RW-3000 ($196) [MMCX CABLE] 16ohm, 15mm dynamic

VERY G00

VE Zen 3.0 ($298) [FIXED CABLE] 300ohm, 15.4mm driver
TGXear Sunniva ($299/350) [FIXED CABLE] 180ohm, beryllium N52 magnet
TGXear Tantalus ($) [FIXED CABLE] 500ohm beryllium diaphragm
TGXear Alpha ($249) [FIXED CABLE] 600ohm, beryllium diaphragm
Rikubuds Grand Alter Saber 2/Grand Saber 2/Grand Rider 2 ($145) [FIXED CABLE]
Rikubuds Saber 3/Alter Rider 3 ($120) [MMCX OPTIONAL]
Ksearphone Bell-Ti ($363) [FIXED CABLE] 30ohm, 15mm dynamic N55 magnet
Ksearphone 600 ($)
Ksearphone DB1 ($286) [2-PIN CABLE] 30ohm, 15.4mm dynamic, pure copper voice coil
Longyao Yinman 600 ($118) [FIXED CABLE] 600ohm
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
Symphonio Dragon 2+ ($308) [FIXED CABLE] 16ohm, 15.8mm neodymium
Lrey Aurora (LREY is on FB; or DM @ttorbic for email) [FIXED OR MMCX] 32 Ohm beryllium driver, N52 magnet
Lrey W03 Pro ($) [FIXED OR MMCX] 32 Ohm custom beryllium driver, N55 magnet

Good or Successful at Niche

VE (Asura 3.0, Zen 2.0)
Rikubuds (Grand Berserker 2, Grand Rider 1, Grand Archer 1)
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
Fiio (FF5, FF3)
Ks (DB1E, K300 Samsara)
Yincrow RW-2000
Dunu Alpha 3
NiceHCK EBX21
Shozy BK
Blur (PK150 Wraith LE, PK32, MX64 OFC)
Newbsound (Limited Runs)
Puresounds (PS-100 600, PS-100 500)
Rose Technics Maria 2
Pislo

Above Average or Niche with failings

VE Master
Rikubuds (Berserker 2, Lancer 1)
Yincrow RW-1000 Bass
Fiio EM5
Ksearphone Temperament (X3, X6, LBBS)
Toneking (Dendroaspis Viridi, Black Manba)
Blur (MX150, MX400, MX300 Beautiful Witch, PK16)
Smabat M2S
DQSM (Turandot, PD21)

Average or best under $75 USD

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
Moondrop U-2

Waiting for moar impressions / reviews

BLOX TM11
Rikubuds Berserker 3
Rikubuds Caster 3

4 Likes
98

Tough to say, would love someone else to also get it that have used more of the buds you have in the tiers. I do belive my friend @charlyro222 have APWS and SMG as his faovorite VE buds, and he own them all.

We both find the SMG better tuned and more technical than Zen SL, but I’m not sure if it deserve tier above or not.

2 Likes
99

I think Exceptional works for the moment :+1:

1 Like
100

No more addition from me. But I would change the Sun Copper and W03 Pro positions though. W03 Pro deserves to be in the X-ceptional category at least, whereas Sun Copper is just very good for me now.

1 Like
101

Interesting! I guess I’d not put W03 Pro up to that level… Let’s see what Kenyon thinks once he gets his W03 Pro!

3 Likes
102

Think this is correct, for me it’s a 4.5star on my Head-Fi review, would translate into that tier.

2 Likes
103

Done!
Just need @Kenyon to get his own one of these so we can decide on the ranking :stuck_out_tongue:

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3 Likes
104

You’re almost there. Stretch it a bit more and tilt the foam so that it can cover the hole. That way both sides will be covered.

105

I’ve tried that, couldn’t detect any changes to the subbass :person_shrugging:t2: either your unit is tuned with more subbass or YMMV. Since he tunes by ear only, I suspect there is tuning variance between units.

2 Likes
106

It shouldnt do anything theorhetically since the foam isnt sealed over that vent.

2 Likes
107

What are these QC issues with LRay my 2 sets are holding up extremely well is there a need to baby these to ensure longevity? Or is it apparent immediately that somethings amiss?

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6 Likes
108

Should have been pretty apparent. I personally didn’t hear anything wrong with your Aurora, and my W03 Pro to my ears sound fine.

1 Like
109

Version 08062024. Updates:

  • Added guide to shell shapes and fit (from Woodyluvr, BaskingShark, Furyosa)
  • Added TGXEAR video on how to wear earbuds
  • Added a README
  • Added mt877’s shell dimensions
  • Formatted
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
  • mt877’s shell measurements: Link
Other
  • DIY earbud build guide: Link
GOD'S TEARS
VIEW

Cypherus Audio Black Dragon Susvara (and its variants) ($1000?) [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) APWS ($900? Contact VE) [FIXED CABLE] 150ohm
VE Sun Copper ($598) [FIXED CABLE] 180ohm, 15.4mm, lifetime warranty
VE Zen Su ($2980) [FIXED CABLE] 320ohm

><-CEPTIONAL
VIEW

TGXear Revelstroke ($450) [FIXED CABLE] 130ohm custom 1+ Tesla Neodymium magnet
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 SMG (VE sVIP only) [FIXED] 32 Ohm titanium driver
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
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 Sun Dice ($298) [FIXED CABLE] 180ohm, 15.4mm driver
Yincrow RW-3000 ($196) [MMCX CABLE] 16ohm, 15mm dynamic

VERY G00
VIEW

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 ($118) [FIXED CABLE] 600ohm
Lrey Aurora (LREY is on FB; or DM @ttorbic for email) [FIXED OR MMCX] 32 Ohm beryllium driver, N52 magnet
Lrey W03 Pro ($) [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
VE (Asura 3.0, Zen 2.0)
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
Moondrop U-2

Waiting for moar impressions / reviews

BLOX TM11
BGVP DX7 ($100) [MMCX] 14.2mm diameter, PU/PET/carbon composite diaphragm, N52 magnet
Rikubuds Berserker 3 (€100 before shipping) [FIXED CABLE]
Rikubuds Caster 3 (€100 before shipping) [FIXED CABLE] 14.8mm driver

5 Likes
110

Updated 8/6/24

1 Like
111

This is f*** great @ttorbic !

Do you think a quick start guide would be helpful for newcomers?

A struggle that I had to go through was understanding my sound preference and shell fit. For example, any newcomer could get 3-4 budget earbuds to…

  1. test their fit (which I think is more important on earbuds than IEM)
  2. Test their preferred sound signature

Something along the lines of:

  • Faaeal Iris: MX500 shell | Warm & Dark
  • NiceHCK EB2S Pro: Bell shell | Neutral & Bright
  • [another earbud]: [shell type] | [sound signature]

As a newcomer, after honing in your fit and sound preference it’s now easier to provide an upgrade path … Just a thought.

2 Likes