Thie Origin is sick. I don’t think I’ve heard anything as good as these under 1000. John Park absolutely outdone himself with Origin
3 Likes
The Origin seems like a beast. How’s the bass on it though? I’ve heard it’s pretty well-balanced, but I’m curious how it stacks up with other bass-heavy IEMs.
Another update and a revision on my end, here are the following IEMs.
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AFUL Performer 5+2 - What the hell man?! IEMs are just getting damn good recently and this set is one of the best I have ever bought. Truly a great all-around set for I have no issues with my library with these on and my god so far it has been a pleasant experience. I will break these in more, and of course some tip rolling if possible. Also right now, the best IEM set that I have ever have so far in my opinion.
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Kefine Delci AE - Yep, on what everyone has said about this set is really been great and one of my favorites right now when it comes to the budget oriented IEM set. Yeah it’s a bit warm and chill for my tastes but there are those days that I just want to chill overall and not get critical on every note and sound of the track I am listening to. I love both nozzles, but I prefer the gold nozzles more.
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Hidizs MP145 - Ah planar, planar, planar sets. Planars for me have been for a while but to me it’s time for a change in terms of the drivers and tone. This set is still right up on my alley but I am going to need a break from it since I am just tired of Planars right now and thus the Performer 5+2 is doing that to me. Still a great set though, hence it replaces the Letshouer S08 since those broke at an unfortunate time.
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Moondrop Kato - Yes! It’s still alive and I use from time to time when I am in a hurry or in need of a set that is going to be a beater one. Yes it’s now a beater set of mine nowadays due to its age and it’s overall looks now for I had to change its cable and as well as open it up and make it work again, and I’m glad it did work again. The Kadenz is coming out or is out I know but, I think I am good with this already.
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Tangzu Wan’er SG (Jade Green Edition) - Ah, still a good set imo when it comes to the budget range but unfortunately being toppled by the Delci AE that I have. These are my go to workout IEMs or the Truthear Gate when I am in need that set that I know I am not gonna cry about it too much once it stops working. Still a great set for the neutral heads and I am one of those, also a perfect cheap Christmas gift to those who need a better earphone than their crappy ones.
9 Likes
After getting my 11.11 and black friday hauls and then spending a bit of time+tip rolling, i can finally make my top 5 list.
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Letshuoer S08 - Good technical performance with nice quick bass. Super comfy to use for long session. Nice unboxing experience, nice cable, switchable connector, nice case. Settled with Dunu S&S on this one and it’s just super smooth (in a good way) for my ear.
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Kefine Klean - Using the silver nozzle because the black nozzle sounds weird to me in ways I can’t describe. A V-Shape ish iem but for me I don’t have any problem with its treble. Using the Tri Clarion tip with this one. It’s definitely a good starting point for anyone who wants to get into the hobby but don’t wanna splurge much. Nice cable and case.
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Ziigaat Cinno - Can’t explain my feeling with this one. First time I used it I hated it. Gave it a bit of tip rolling, settled on Dunu S&S and I’m satisfied now. It wouldn’t blow your mind or anything but the tuning for me is very safe very inoffensive and I can use it for long period of time like the S08. Underwhelming unboxing experience especially at its MSRP Price. No case, pretty stiff cable with memory effect. Not helping that my right connector doesn’t even work properly.
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QOA Gimlet - Engaging fun sound with nice sastifying bass. I would say a mild V or warm U for me. Nice packaging, shell, case and cable. Well worth the price for 50$ if you want a fun one. Using this one with Tri Clarion but Dunu S&S close second.
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Tripowin Vivace - Warm leaning sound. For my ear it has the most bass quantity in this list, but lacking in quality compared to the others here. Using this as my daily beater for gaming and settled on Dunu S&S for it. Stiff cable, no case but forgiveable considering its 30$.
List subject to changes when I can spend more time with it.
5 Likes
My top 5:
- Aroma Thunder - my current favorite all rounder. It does everything great. Vocals, bass and details.
- Thieaudio Prestige LTD - my other go-to all rounder. Incredible.
- Dita Perpetua - these. Laid back and beautiful.
- Legend X - need I say anything…
- UM Mest MK2 - I reach for them often and, with the Legend X, they are staples.
I have a few more but these are the most often listened. I am seriously looking at the FatFreq Grand Maestro as an addition to round out my all rounders.
10 Likes
EJ07
IE600
RA
Monarch
Timeless
7 Likes
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Plunge Unity : still best wow factor
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AFUL Explorer : gets the most time
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Simgot EN1000 : still very impressive, vocal perfection, not too similar to the other twoq
All through BTR7 single ended most often.
Coming in soon to try:
BTR17
iFi Gryphon
Kotori Vampire
Acoustune 1670SS
Kinera Adonis New
Mimosa
Apavoix Grit
BQEYZ Frost
BQ10
Blon 03 II
Italics for what’s most exciting atm but will likely change after listening!
13 Likes
This week top 5
- ISN H60
- TANGZU NEZHA
- 7HZ TIMELESS II
- CLAVEON DELTA
- TMSR FEAT
8 Likes
Another update and it’s really quick for myself to have an update on this list on the current Top 5 that I have, but screw it! It’s 2025 now.
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Aful Performer 5+2 - My main set right now, it can play every genre that I love with no problems and issues. It even got better once I have gotten myself a new cable for it which is the Dunu Lyre Mini. I’ve settled with the Spinfit W1s on it, for it remained the most consistent when it comes to fit, seal and comfort.
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Pula Anvil 114 - These are really weird IEMs, especially with the implementation of the bone conductor drivers on this set and as well as its size for my god they are really chunky boys. Despite this being all chunky and can come off as a bit of niche, I love the tuning for it’s just balanced and the winning highlight of this one would be its vast soundstage and that is impressive from IEMs such as this one. Gotta admit, very damn tough to find the right ear tip and fit, but was able to eventually settled with the MS JVC SpiralDot++, some other tip rolling suggestions would be appreciated.
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Kefine Delci AE - My current budget set on the go when I am in need to take with me outside also yeah, I prefer using the gold nozzles more than the silver nozzles for it brings out more treble and clarity for me that I prefer, despite it being all shouty to some but as for me, it’s not really bad. Good for chilling and as well as one of my go to IEMs to use when I am going to sleep, for it’s really that small and compact.
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Simgot EA1000 - I think this is the only Simgot set that I have right now along with the Simgot EA500. Still a good set when it comes to its technicalities but the tuning for me, yeah I think it’s time for a change or something for that Simgot tuning for me is getting up there in terms of age, correct me if I am wrong though. Currently using the Divinus Velvet tips for this set and those fit it perfectly well.
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7Hz x Crinacle Salnotes Zero 2 - The current beater set and was not on my list, until my cousin gave me this as a Christmas present which I appreciate as a form of gesture. Not really an upgrade from the original Zeroes, more like a refinement of it, for there is more bass and the spicy treble for some has been eased up and reduced a bit, even though I don’t find the original’s treble that spicy which brings me to this. Hot take I know, but I prefer the tuning of the original more than this one for the original is much more clean, clear and that treble has more air on it, the Zero 2 is still good but the Zeroes are better in terms of its tuning for me.
7 Likes
This is my current top 5
ZiiGaat Aracadia
Aful Explorer
TheiAudio Hype 10
ZiiGaat Doscinco
FatFreq x HBB Deuce
I have been using the Sivga Que at the office lately, and it is my current pick under $100
10 Likes
Pardon my ignorance but isn’t the Arcardia just a more capable Explorer? Or are you using the two for different applications/in different locations?
Such a strong lineup, John!
2 Likes
Mine for the foreseeable future unless I can convince myself to get the Origin:
- QOA Adonis New
- Deuce
- S12 Pro 2024
- Fan 3
- Explorer
4 Likes
How are you liking the Adonis New?
Liking it very much, beautiful shell and cable, fits my library like a glove.
2 Likes
Good question, I don’t find them all that similar.
The treble is tuned very differently. The Explorer is almost flat through the treble, with a very low pinna gain that makes the vocals a bit recessed.
The Arcadia still has a typical gain, and is closer to a Doscinco with some of the treble in the 4-8k range turned down a little. The Arcadia treble tuning reminds me of the Tea2, but with a bit more bass.
6 Likes
Have you already shared your opinion on this compared to Doscinco?
Very interested in your opinion on Que.
4 Likes
1670SS is an oldie but goodie! Received one today, and very impressed.
6 Likes
Probably not much beyond some initial impressions. At the time two people were talking about them compared to the Kinda Lava, which somehow doesn’t surprise me. I was doing some listening of both Doscinco and Arcadia last night, and I think they are both great for classic rock, but Arcadia presents as a little darker with a bit more mid-bass. I got Arcadia on black Friday at Amazon for $160, which was a steal.
We had a sewage backup and my house spent 10 days with a bunch of industrial fans running in the basement ( they just got removed Monday ), so audio has been less than ideal at home.
My take on the Que is that it is the new & improved Olina SE, but with better and a bit more bass ( thanks to a beryllium driver ). They graph nearly the same, have good stage and bass, plus the decay sounds great on beryllium. The treble that is there is more than enough for most music, and very well controlled. Also the build quality and accessories are amazing at that price ( I got mine on sale for $61, and they MSRP at $80 ).
4 Likes