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?
Totally agree with this. But it’s nice we have options. Honestly I would start skipping into end game if you’ve tried a couple $200 ones. I have the Timeless AE (consider this over the regular timless btw) zero Red, IE 200 and I recently just got the IE 900 during the Black Friday sale. It feels nice to just know I don’t need to keep looking for side grades or slight upgrades. I got a feel for what I wanted trying the cheaper stuff but after I felt the IE 200 fit I knew I wanted that comfort but with top tier sound so I just went for the IE 900. Very happy so far.
Maybe go for the IE 600 it’s a great deal right now. Save the money on the timeless and jump
tape mod and tip rolling is too much effort First world problems lmao
Pick a sound signature, pick 2 or 3 with a good return policy, test em out. A LOT of these IEMs sound similar, you really cannot go wrong with just picking a few you hear are good and deciding for yourself.
Seems like the only option so far. Just have to convince myself to spend over 500$ to select one under 200$.
tape mod and tip rolling is too much effort
First world problems lmao. Bro adding a piece of tape to a nozzle takes less than a minute, wym too much effort?
I like my blessing 2 dusks
Exactly,I am also stuck with this unlimited option for under 200$ IEM , since my first iem was the KZ Zs10 pro and wanted a good upgrade from that,but I am overwhelmed with so many options. Initially I was planning to go for aria but now most are saying it’s not worth it now then I decided to go for hexa then I hear it’s lacking in some categories. If only I could try all those IEM from my country,it would literally save my time researching based on reading the graphs etc.
I’m sold on the newer planars. My MP145 does everything I want it to. I would recommend that with an apple dongle as a first purchase.
What eartips are you using with MP145? I am using the balanced ones but I feel discomfort after a few hours.
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?
So just buy pretty ones. If there’s waifu on the box that’s even better
The waifu part is debatable (or not) but I was gonna say the same. Go for looks and comfort. These factors probably make the iem more enjoyable than a slight improvement in audio quality.
Genuinely asking, why don’t people just go for a TWS if at the $200 mark? I get TWS will die in a few years, but I also don’t expect cheap iems to last long either.
Is 200 considered cheap? Cause if so I need your job, lol. In all seriousness besides the tws items dying in a year or two depending on usage the cheaper tws options probably have a lower quality battery that will have a potentially catastrophic failure (fire/explode) depending on use.
They serve different purposes. TWS are great for portability and lack of cable which make them good for commuting and listening outside but they lack in sound quality.
We don’t all hear sound the same way. So, no matter how many reviews you read or watch, in the end, you have to decide if this is the right product for you and the type of music that you like to listen to.
Watch Akros on youtube for the deepest comparisons and reviews (with graphs) of all current IEMs. I am a full on addict and have most of them in the $80-$500 range and then I have the Monarch 2s. If I can help advise on some that might match your preference hit me up. Right now my favorite IEMs in that range are the Letshuoer Galileo and the Tri Starsea.
JVC HA-FDX1 when they’re offered again on Drop. That’s my go-to suggestion for something in the $200 range. It isn’t perfect, but it’s good and fun and very well balanced.
Unfortunately it’s been a long while since I’ve played in the budget space, so there’s tons of lower priced products I simply haven’t used.
You have an IE200 and Hexa and you mentioned using the Timeless etc. Why do you need more $200 IEMs?
Got the Olina SE as my first decent IEM and it’s my to-go choice when I travel to this day, even though I have the Mest MK2 and the infamous Z1R. I leave the expensive stuff at home and it’s more than enough to have a great experience when i’m far from home or at work. I wouldn’t recommend getting a handful of sub $100-500 IEM’s. You’re just looking at slightly difference sound signatures and personal taste dictates the rest, it’s a waste of money to buy a lot of stuff unless you really feel like doing it for some reason. And what would I recommend? Know what kind of sound signature you like and start to work from there. Don’t get too much stuff. It’s way better to invest in two or even a single very good IEM than having a handful of sub $500 stuff. You’re not gonna have any WOW factor, just different sound signatures. Don’t fall for the consumerism, this hobby is not about it. If you already have the Hexa and the Timeless, you don’t need any more stuff. Maybe just the Kato, but that’s it.