Wired Earbuds, Best of the Best Recs?

IEMs / Other Earbuds / Clip-Ons / Other
203

Hi there! What did you end up buying as an upgrade to the EBS2 Pro? Asking for another budder

1 Like
204

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?

1 Like
205

Never heard the pro so cant really tell. Just give me your music genres (and budget) and I can give you my rec.

1 Like
206

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.

2 Likes
207

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.

3 Likes
208

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
209

Flathead Society’s Earbuds Ranking List

Version 03022025

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:

1000016699
1000016699960×600 127 KB

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] 130 Ohm, N55 magnet, with sand as dampener
TGXear Desolation Sound ($599) [FIXED CABLE] 180 Ohm, N55 magnet
Venture Electronics (VE) SMG ($198) [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 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] 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 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

2 Likes
210

Updated with NiceHCK EBX25Ti ranking. I’ve posted my impressions here: Earbuds Round-Up | Page 5239 | Headphone Reviews and Discussion - Head-Fi.org

1 Like
211

You should update SMG and add link to VE website now that they sell it to everyone from the get go.
and drop it like a tier or two, haha

1 Like
212

Updated! But not sure about dropping it down :sweat_smile:

2 Likes
213

Upcoming new buds from AFUL:

Hope we get to add it to the ranking list!

5 Likes
214

Another earbud review from AwsmDanny! Nicehck EBX25Ti

5 Likes
215

Hope there’s a good reason for those awkward flat stems. Resonators?

216

Hmm the stems were a bit unwieldy, but overall the buds were quite comfortable. I mean, the shells were super comfy, and when worn with stem straight down and a cable shirt clip, I had no comfort issues

1 Like
217

oops, it has been 12days back, but here is what is happening inside of this monstrous shell.
Don’t ask me about the snapshots of the random comments on the screen, those are actual on the marketing material of the PolarNight on the hifigo website :man_facepalming:

image
image1920×1280 128 KB

3 Likes
218

Bumped NiceHCK EBX25Ti down from Exceptional to Excellent following more input from members

2 Likes
219

First post here in HifiGuides. :grinning: How about LREY Silvanus? Where is it in the ranking? Planning to purchase v2 but not sure what’s the consensus here by the veterans. Hope you could include it. Also is the SMG that good for a god-tier rank? Sounds tempting to try.

2 Likes
220

Welcome! You can also join us on discord as there are more active members: Flathead Sanctuary

Silvanus isn’t featured as we don’t have enough community veterans who’ve heard it.

SMG is much loved, yes. But do note it’s sound signature, which leans warm.

3 Likes
221

Flathead Society’s Earbuds Ranking List

Version 9 March 2025

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
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](Post in thread ‘Earbuds Round-Up’ Earbuds Round-Up | Page 5268 | Headphone Reviews and Discussion - Head-Fi.org).

Print it yourself shell designs

  • From Ascii (maker of Valbuds) has released their design for a qian39-like shell. (Needs to be in resin, FDM wont work). Link
  • Riobuds shells: link

DIY earbud build guide: Link

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:

1000016699
1000016699960×600 127 KB

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] 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

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 Successful at Niche
VIEW

BGVP DX7 ($100) [MMCX] 14.2mm diameter, PU/PET/carbon composite diaphragm, N52 magnet
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 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

6 Likes
222

Added a 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!
3 Likes