The sub 200$ IEM market is just flooded with so many options that it’s nearly impossible to decide on an IEM. Even when you narrow it down your sound preferences you have minimum 10 options with slight variations between each other. For example, some fit your sound preferences but have large nozzles which causes discomfort (Zero: Red). The IE200s are extremely comfortable but it took so much of effort from tape mod, tip rolling and cable change to be worth it. On the sound aspect, we have planars, single DD, hybrids (DD + BAs) with each of them tuned very similarly with some differences in technical performances and overall characteristics. Some of them does bass + mid well but lack in treble others do the opposite. The 7Hz Timeless does everything good enough but timbre does sound unnatural in certain tracks.
Do we have too many options with IEMs now that it causing choice overload? How do you typically decide on IEMs if you don’t have the option to demo them before buying?
Honestly, it’s very hard to find trust in the iem market. My advice, keep it simple and buy cheap say under 120 or so. Great value can be had in the market.
A lot depends on comfort, if the cable bothers you, and a bit on scource gear as well.
Honestly, I listen to a Gizaudio x Binary Audio Chopin at work with an Apple Dongle. It’s magical and all you need imo. Could probably even go cheaper for some. Truthear Red, or EW200 from Simgot are hella good for the price. Start small, then ask youself what does this iem not do for me?