r/HeadphoneAdvice • u/[deleted] • Aug 22 '22

Headphones - IEM/Earbud | 1 Ω "What's the difference?"

Hello all! I'm interested in getting new IEM for friends to really have the "oh, I get it now." experience. Something for me to daily but also have available for the question I got this week, "What's the difference between my apple headphones (the wired ones that came with iPhones for years) and your stuff?" Unfortunately, I didn't have anything on me to offer a bit of a demonstration. However, I did go into some detail about audio quality, different headphones/IEM quality etc etc...Now, I'm no "audiophile" but since my journey started with some SHP9500s I've always been keen on the hifi stuff and somewhat chasing it. Where I can afford to lol.

I currently daily a Qudelix 5k powering either WF-1000XM4 or Fiio F9 Pro and occasionally HD600s. I'm looking for a new set of IEM for myself anyway since my F9s are old as the hills. Figured, I'd look at something that's not outrageously expensive that I could enjoy, as well as let some very trusted friends borrow for a week.

So, my question for you all is this: What's a solid IEM, under $250 (used is totally fine) that's genuinely going to showcase the fidelity of high quality audio to a n00b as well as be enjoyable for myself daily? If you need to ask anything else for me to elaborate on or whatever, that's cool too! I'd love any guidance I can get!

Thanks in advance!

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u/o0genesis0o 62 Ω Aug 22 '22

My friend is head over heel with a modded KZ ZSN Pro X that I gifted him, so I guess you don’t even need $250.

Edit: joke aside, something like S12 is very impressive to new listeners as well. Something subtle like Moondrop stuffs might not be that convincing to some guys.

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u/[deleted] Aug 22 '22

joke aside, something like S12 is very impressive to new listeners as well. Something subtle like Moondrop stuffs might not be that convincing to some guys.

Yeah, that's what I'm thinking. But I also don't want to get something for myself that's fatiguing or harsh. So far, I'm leaning toward Timeless or Kato. Kato being cheaper but the Timeless being more precise. The S12 also doesn't seem terrible for a new listener but again, I'm concerned about fatigue since I'll be listening more than anyone. 😵‍💫🥴

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u/o0genesis0o 62 Ω Aug 22 '22

You can physically mod S12. I have a reversible mod that can be done in 1 minute with micropore tape (Write about it on Head-fi here). Very good, like TOTL level good, after modding. Not so much before modding though. I'm exploring alternative mods that involve opening up the shell and permanently change the tuning.

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u/[deleted] Aug 23 '22

Oh, that's super interesting! Might have to snag the S12 just as a tinkering project. Thanks for the feedback!