Beautiful looking build. What drivers are you using?
And thank you @ttorbic for all you do with the list and rankings!
1 Like
Updated with Lavender Sound EchoForce ranking (Successful at Niche) and added a new open source 3D print shell design
2 Likes
I have discovered another hidden gem, unfortunately it is the very last one, another one will not exist as the tuner has left the scene.
QLabs Athena 2
These are matte green PK shell earbuds with 13.5 mm DDs inside and the cable is VJC Sonic (SPC). The first unique aspect that grabbed my attention was the closed off back vents with red and blue plates from the inside. I have seen PK buds with one actual vent and one fake vent, but this is the first time I have seen deliberately closed off vents! Which means the only acting vent is the one at the tail. I wondered why this was done, as with more vents the tuning possibilities could have improved.
But then I listened to it and I immediately realised the purpose. The bass it has goes deep, way deep, almost 95% of my LREY buds. That is no small feat. With those back vents open, it would have bulked up even more, muddying the whole signature - at least that is how I formulated it, I could be wrong. If I am, please enlighten me.
But why am I amazed at this level of bass? I have heard bassy buds before, few managed to impress me despite the distinct depth and volume. Well, because with that deep and robust bass the Athena 2 also has a forward, transparent, and crunchy midrange, paired with a brilliant and well-extended treble, with surprisingly precise and crisp notes. Now that is a true feat, given the price of just 50 USD (+ shipping).
I am being very honest here - the midrange and treble notes are incredibly tactile and highly resolving. And yet they are not thin, rather very well-bodied as well. They are unapologetically forward but still quite nicely layered. The separation is distinct. The soundstage extends well beyond the ears horizontally. The depth seems a bit compromised due to the forward nature, and the height is decent.
And all the while the bass is full, fun, slams hard, digs deep with rumbles that can be felt, not just heard. The textures are very prominent. This is a combination I have so far come across only in LREY buds, and very recently in Aful Polar Night.
Granted, foams play a big role here. Put on the regular high density full foams, and the bass becomes a bit boomy, warming up the midrange even more and pushing the treble slightly behind. Despite that, the midrange and treble notes hold their precise and crisp definition quite well. Using the NiceHCK full foams had a similar effect.
On the other hand, putting on a thin full foam brings the midrange and treble a bit too forward, very in the face and bright. However, the subbass still extends nicely with just sufficient midbass slams.
My solution - two full thin foams, one on top of the other, gives that blissful point where both side of the scales become balanced. In this setting the sound is as explained above. They also provide a better fit as one thin foam was making the fit a bit loose.
For 60 USD, the warm balanced sound that Athena 2 offers is really respectable. I have heard the Polar Night may be 2-3 weeks back, and from memory I can tell that it does not outresolve the Athena 2. Sure, the PN is a bit more spacious sounding and not as intimate, but in terms of sheer resolution, the Athena goes toe-to-toe with it. For around 1/3rd of the former’s price, I would say Athena 2 offers an incredible value for money.
It is sad that this is the last existing model from the limited batch QLabs made. I am going to treasure it.
@ttorbic this falls into EGGSELLENT category IMO.
6 Likes
thanks for sharing! i’d need a few more impressions before I can add it to the tier list - are you going to tour it with your local budders?
2 Likes
I’ll send to Harish for sure, there are not much more local buddies. But he has heard FQL earbuds so perhaps his impressions will be more relevant.
2 Likes
I need to add this new DIY build to my ranking post
Post in thread ‘DIY Earbuds’ DIY Earbuds | Page 340 | Headphone Reviews and Discussion - Head-Fi.org
2 Likes
This was such a great read—thank you for sharing in such detail. It’s rare to come across a pair of buds that manage to strike that perfect balance between deep bass and a resolving, forward midrange without one overpowering the other. The venting insight is especially fascinating—I wouldn’t have thought that such a small change could impact the signature so intentionally. Really makes me wish I’d discovered QLabs sooner. Athena 2 sounds like a true hidden gem, and it’s a shame it’s the last of its kind!
3 Likes
Flathead Society’s Earbuds Ranking List
Version 27052025
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 | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| VE EX-PACK LITE | NA | Thick; thin | Ex-pack Venture Electronics 微翼音频 |
| Hiegi full | High | 2.5 & 3.0 mm | link |
| Hiegi donuts | High | NA | link |
| TGXEar stock (note, Jim had issues with suppliers running out of stock, so can’t promise this is the exact ones) | Medium | NA | Out of stock |
| Trig Rain (aka body scrubbers) | Low | NA | link |
| Fiio bass | High | NA | Contact Fiio via AliX |
| Fiio balanced | Medium | NA | Contact Fiio via AliX |
| Fiio crisp | Donuts | NA | Contact Fiio via AliX |
| FAAEL | Medium | NA | link |
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
AFUL PolarNight ($180) [MMCX] 32 Ohm PET composite PU driver, N52 magnet
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)
Lavender Sounds EchoForce ($75) [MMCX] 180 Ohm, Ag PP diaphragm
Lrey variants:
- W08 ($) [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 [($35 before tariff issues)] (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005008663535894.html?srcSns=com.discord&spreadType=socialShare&bizType=ProductDetail&social_params=21780884082&aff_fcid=4236dc79d991489498265527d9056419-1748380049711-08921-_mPTYrb1&tt=MG&aff_fsk=_mPTYrb1&aff_platform=default&sk=_mPTYrb1&aff_trace_key=4236dc79d991489498265527d9056419-1748380049711-08921-_mPTYrb1&shareId=21780884082&businessType=ProductDetail&platform=AE&terminal_id=26aa80f50b0f4687af7158124a5c0e81&afSmartRedirect=y) [FIXED CABLE] 32 Ohm beryllium coated PET driver
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
enginEar L300
2 Likes
Updated with AFUL ranking
1 Like
If it will make you feel any better I like your GAS3 way more than SMG 
My favorite earbud tonality so far.
3 Likes
Is it possible for me to get a new working invite/link?
1 Like
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Thanks a lot!
VE SMG sounding great actually better than my kilo bucks gear and iem its like HD600 with a good tube amp more body from top to bottom unlike hd600 for me SMG is much better than HD600 because of that.
2 Likes
Thanks for the feedback. Found this recently. Looks like they are really dark, guess I pass. I know graphs with earbuds are meh but when they are from the same person with the same measuring method they should at least show the difference between 2 pairs.
I have the Riku´s Saber 3 which has a nice warmth to it but even warmer than that would be too much (for me).
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I don’t think the SMG is dark - more like a mild V if anything. Caveat: I don’t own one but many members of the Flathead Sanctuary do.
Are you looking for a new set or just browsing?
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Only being curious about the 200 bucks top tier entry. Not really searching for what flathead to buy next (would buy a Grand Rider 3 though if it gets shadow dropped). Busy wasting money on buying and selling headphones recently. Just changed from a Fiio FT7 to a Dan Clark Noire XO and not sure if I should keep it. If I would (could) stop doing this I could just try the SMG myself… but it is what it is…
1 Like
Between sun copper and SMG which one is better in terms of micro details and clarity??? Im planning to buy the SC but i keep searching for more info before i upgrade