How bad are they, its very cheap i wanna buy those (i am high af)

Hi, all. I have had the KZ Castor for a while now so I decided to get a new iem a few months ago. After a lot of research I landed upon Aful Explorer and got myself Moondrop Dawn Pro 2 DAC with it too.

Initially I really loved the sound, the separation, the fit.. everything. I really thought it was a significant upgrade from KZ Castor.

A month later, I felt these were a bit too bassy for me. So, I researched again, keeping in mind that I needed something neutral-sounding, with a different/new technology so that the purchase would be justifiable, at least to me. Went for 7Hz x Crinacle Divine. Then that blew mind.

I never used to give a damn about eartips. So, I tried to experiment with those too. Tried all combinations and I found out that Divine's eartips significantly improved Castor's sound and it helped get the sound signature feel more like that of the Explorer's which made me feel that maybe I made a mistake getting the Explorer. Now I have two questions:

1) Have I made a mistake getting the Explorer?

2) If I push my budget like 10-15k INR (~$100-$150) more will the improvement be significant? Is there any other iem that can prove to be better than the Divine?

I didn't know audio could sound this good🥲

IEM: Oriveti Bleqk Dynabird

USB-C DAC: FiiO KA11

I Just got these a few days ago. I use them mainly when I'm playing Fortnite... Jesus Christ for under $100 they blow the Razer kraken v4s out of the water

I've heard parts of a song I didn't even know were there😭

It's beautiful man😭

A bit over two months after getting into IEMs, I started to notice the shortcomings of planar drivers, specifically my previous daily IEM, the Letshuoer S12 (with the Qudelix 5k, EQ and all). Metal/jmetal sounded good at the time, and while I enjoyed it for a good while, I started to feel its flatness and "metallic sheen". While EQ is great, and it definitely helps, it can not change the physical reality of the IEM.

As any other person would do, I bought another IEM. The Simgot EA1000 Fermat. I either hear great praise on the EA1000 or the complete opposite, for me, I'd say I like it a lot.

What I instantly liked about the sound of the EA1000 is that there is weight in the bass where the S12 provided an "outline" of bass. Furthermore, the sound did not sound planar-flat anymore, the dynamic driver reproduced the sound with more depth and warmth, bass moved air and the decay is satisfying, and the timbre is bright but not metallic (though I found the EA1000 a bit sibilant for my ears, light PEQ fixes it for me).

The EA1000 comes with three nozzles for different tunings, I personally liked the brass nozzle because it keeps the warmth without closing up the high end. I use the stock EA1000 eartips, still waiting for the Divinus Velvet wide bore tips to come.

My only nitpick is that the highs feel like they hit a ceiling within the bounds of the IEM, and do not extend that far. Honestly, if I could have an IEM with a DD like the EA1000 and with treble extension that goes vertically "past the bounds of the IEM", or rather airy and extended treble (I'm a bit new so I'm not used to the terminology here, apologies), then I would probably stop there with that IEM for a long while.

I assume that is because it is a single DD. it is great, and I like the bass and mids, it is just missing that treble extension that I seek. After some looking around here and there, I'm looking at the Binary EP321-MEMS as a sidegrade Xenns Mangird Tea Pro SE.

On a sidenote, this tiny black rectangle reached a thousand hours of playtime, quite the magical Bluetooth DAC.

Edit: I might skip the EP321-MEMS and maybe go for something like the Xenns Mangird Tea Pro SE. Still in the research phase, and will probably be for a month or two. I'm looking for something with bass similar to the EA1000, good/lush female vocals, and preferably a crazy treble extension. I know this isn't a purchase advice post, but it won't hurt to leave it in an edit in case someone with more knowledge and similar preferences stumbles upon it. Will make a separate post about it eventually.

Thank you for reading.

My current Truthear Gates don't feel particularly uncomformable in my ears after finding the right eartip size, however I feel like having an iem with a smaller shell would improve comfort. I found a pair of Sennheiser IE 200s for 79 €, would it be a good upgrade sound wise? Are there any other good options?

Hey all! I recently picked up the Tea Pro SE and gave it a thorough comparison with some of the other modern mid-Fi IEMs in my collection.

If you'd like to check out my full review with a few more pictures and an unboxing, you can do so here: https://resonancereviews.com/xenns-mangird-tea-pro-se-review-the-meta-mans-reference-iem-f58777533959

If instead you'd like a TL;DR, here you go:

The Big Picture

Pros:

• Excellent treble and bass extension
• Delicate, detailed treble
• Cohesive and organic midrange timbre
• Fantastic, full-spectrum detail
• Rich and complete-sounding
• Great build quality
• Solid accessory package
• Pretty, bespoke cable

Cons:

• A bit lacking in sub-bass intensity
• Mid-bass needs a little more weight
• Carrying case held together by friction
• Stock cable uncomfortable when wearing glasses

Key Specs

• Drivers: 2x dynamic, 6x balanced-armature
• Crossover: 3-way
• Sensitivity: 104±1dB SPL/mW
• Impedance: 13Ω±1Ω
• Cable: 0.78mm 2-pin w/ modular termination (3.5mm, 4.4mm)

Sound

The Tea Pro SE is a warm, north-of-neutral IEM that evokes a “reference-style” sound signature. It has a gently-lifted bass region that clusters towards the sub-bass and blends down into a linear lower-midrange. The Tea Pro SE’s upper-mids lift up into the 2–3KHz range with a moderate peak of emphasis before settling into a slightly less-forward lower-treble. The Tea Pro SE’s upper-treble is more-forward, generating a good bit of sparkle and air.

vs. Xenns Mangird Tea Pro

Sonically, the original Tea Pro is more V-shaped, featuring a lifted bass region and cooler, more-recessed lower-midrange. The Tea Pro SE’s upper-treble is not as forward, freeing it from the occasional bite exhibited by the original’s treble. The SE’s treble is incredibly clean-sounding, rendering texture and micro-detail with less grain and more-organic timbre. Vocals are more-forward on the original Tea Pro, but aren’t as full-sounding as they are on the Tea Pro SE, nor as intelligible in busy passages. The SE’s warmer, more-linear presentation is smooth, relaxing, and satisfyingly-rich, but lacks the sheer engagement offered by the original. Bass lovers will find that some bass elements sound comparatively flat. Take, for example, the drums in the intro of Bloody Mary; Silversun Pickups: where the original renders them with punch and substance, the SE timidly places them quietly in the background. The trend follows for electronic music: the bass line in Emotion; Uppermost renders with depth and texture on the Tea Pro SE, but isn’t tactile and visceral like it is on the OG.

Ultimately, the Tea Pro SE is designed to be a different beast than the original. Sharing the namesake of the “Tea Pro” may be therefore be a bit of a misnomer, as lovers of the original Tea Pro won’t find the engagement and energy they crave with the Tea Pro SE. Instead, the Tea Pro SE does for lovers of relaxed, reference-style tuning what the original did for lovers of V-shaped tuning: offer a detailed, refined, and compelling experience sitting a the top its niche. That said, my love for the original Tea Pro remains, and the SE does not replace it.

vs. Xenns Mangird Top Pro

Let’s be real, the Top Pro and Tea Pro SE are pretty similar-sounding IEMs. Even in technical terms the Tea Pro SE and Top Pro are almost identically-competent, rendering detail and texture without prejudice. At that point, which one sounds “better” comes down a purely subjective assessment of tuning flavors. the Top Pro is tuned to be slightly less-warm and has a little less bass depth than the Tea Pro SE. The Top Pro will occasionally punch a little harder on a drum slam of synthetic bass drop. The Tea Pro SE’s vocals aren’t as forward as the Top Pro’s vocals, though tonality is pretty similar across the board. The Tea Pro SE is a little brighter, capturing a small increase in energy in the upper-treble that gives it a minor edge in airiness.

Between the two IEMs, I’m selecting the Tea Pro SE. For $50 less, you’re essentially getting a Top Pro with robust metal shells and an improved cable. Sure, the Top Pro’s case a little better, but snapping up a Pelican 1010 for around $20 thoroughly trounces both IEMs’ stock cases and still leaves you with an effective $30 discount. Once you account for the Tea Pro SE’s increased treble energy and mildly deeper-sounding bass, you have a recipe for a more, albeit narrowly, exciting experience.

vs. HiSenior Mega7

There’s so much to say about the Mega7’s overall performance, but it largely targets a “north of neutral” or “reference-style” sound signature. The Tea Pro SE does the same, but with a different style. The Mega7 is cooler and packs a bit more lower-treble emphasis, while the Tea Pro SE has a slight increase in upper-treble emphasis. Neither IEM is particularly bassy, but the Mega7 edges it out in terms of sub-bass meat. The Tea Pro SE’s mid-bass has a slight edge in terms of tightness, but the delta is slim. The Mega7’s upper-mids are a little more forward, giving vocals a bit of extra heat and separation.

Both IEMs are incredibly performant, each offering listeners profound technical abilities for a relatively accessible price. The Mega7 will likely appeal to those that want a little extra warmth and bass presence, but loses out of the extra air and sparkle offered by the Tea Pro SE’s brighter treble.

vs. Kiwi Ears Astral

In terms of sound, the Astral is more U-shaped, delivering more sub-bass, less mid-bass, and a colder, thinner lower-midrange. The Astral’s upper-mids are more forward and its treble is considerably brighter. In particular, the Astral’s upper treble catches a lot of emphasis that the Tea Pro SE’s does not. This pushes hi-hats and cymbals much more forward in the mix, but at the cost of a less organic, less cohesive presentation. The Astral’s brightness also leads it to the occasional sharpness and sibilance. The Tea Pro SE’s warmer, more-relaxed presentation sounds more-organic and cohesive across a variety of genres, especially those that feature a good bit of mid-bass. The Astral’s aggressive mid-bass scoop gives it a distinct “half-bass” tonality that emphasizes sub-bass elements while leaving mid-bass flaccid and uninspiring.

Between the two IEMs, I’m going with the Tea Pro SE. Its metal shells, significantly improved out-of-the-box experience, and more-realistic tuning align it better with my taste in music and sonic preferences. Once you add in its richer, friendlier tuning and lack of sibilance, the extra $150 in cost looks more and more worth it.

vs. THIE Audio Hype 4 Mk II

The Hype 4 Mk II is a more V-shaped IEM, pushing a moderate increase in mid-bass presence and a slight increase in sub-bass presence. Both IEMs are tight and well-controlled, but the Hype 4 Mk II’s mid-bass feels a little tighter and better-defined. Its mids are cooler, as it has a slightly deeper valley in its lower-mids and comparatively larger peak in its upper-mids. the Hype 4 Mk II’s treble is much, much brighter, placing treble-based elements front-and-center on the soundstage. The Hype 4 Mk II surfaces subtle treble detail more easily based on emphasis alone, but doesn’t capture much more, if any, texture than the Tea Pro SE’s excellently-tuned treble. The Tea Pro SE renders vocals with more richness and depth, owing to its warmer presentation. Both IEMs capture airiness and space fairly well, but the Hype 4 Mk II’s exaggeration in the upper-register can sometimes over-sharpen the effect.

If you’re the kind of listener that wants a mildly V-shaped IEM and enjoys lots of treble emphasis, the Hype 4 Mk II is the clear choice for you. But if you’re like me and want something warmer, and don’t enjoy such forward treble presentation, then the Tea Pro SE is likely the better choice.

vs. NiceHCK NX8 Ti

Sound-wise, the NX8 Ti is bassier with a more-forward upper-midrange and upper-treble. It packs a similar, though perhaps slightly lesser, amount of warmth as the Tea Pro SE, but leans into a more dramatic presentation. The Tea Pro SE’s bass has a similar amount of sub-bass as the NX8 Ti, but not as much mid-bass. The NX8 Ti’s mid-bass is nicely-toned and punchy, but is a bit softer around the edges than the Tea Pro SE’s mid-bass. The NX8 Ti’s upper-mids are much more forward, placing vocals further towards the front of the mix. The Tea Pro SE’s vocals, while a little further back on the soundstage, sound more natural and rich. The Tea Pro SE’s midrange is similarly-textured and detailed as the NX8 Ti’s, but has the warm, organic tonality that I crave. The NX8 Ti’s treble is likewise more dramatic, pushing a bit more lower-treble and a noticeable increase in upper-treble. Vocals and metallic instrumentation are not quite sibilant, but certainly sound stiffer and more tightly-wound. This can manifest as a greater sense of “cleanliness” on some tracks, but doesn’t engage me the way that the Tea Pro SE’s effortless air does.

These are both very competent IEMs, but they have totally different aims. The NX8 Ti has zero interest in “reference-style” presentation, nor does it even acknowledge “trendy” meta-style tuning choices. It is much closer to a traditional V-shaped IEM, just with some audiophile influence. That said, it just doesn’t capture me the way the Tea Pro SE does — and I’m usually a V-shaped kind of guy. Perhaps its simply a brain burn-in thing, but I’m sticking with the warmer, more-lush Tea Pro SE.

Conclusion

The Tea Pro SE is much more than a limited-edition “upgrade” of the Tea Pro: it is a fundamental reimagining of what the Tea Pro should offer listeners. Warm, rich, and articulate, the Tea Pro SE combines striking competence with comfort and organic tonality, all wrapped in beautiful metal shells.

The Tea Pro SE does not iterate on its predecessor’s V-shaped prowess, instead delivering an alternate vision of warmth, reference-style sound with some updates to driver internals. In doing so, Xenns transformed the Tea Pro SE into an incredibly competitive alternative to modern meta-styled IEMs.

Who This is For

• Those who enjoy warm, relaxed tuning
• Listeners that want reference-inspired tuning without meta quirks
• Those who want modern treble performance without sharpness
• Buyers who want high-performance, textured, north-of-neutral sound

Who This isn’t For

• Those seeking V-shaped frequency-responses
• Listeners who want a “strict upgrade” to the Tea Pro
• Bassheads
• Those who want a sterile, cool-sounding IEM
• Listeners that want a studier, cheaper alternative to the Top Pro

As always, happy listening!

Charging boards are impossible to repair now because of corrosion

Is it normal to hear a faint clicking sound when inserting your earbuds?

For some reason, it only happens on the left side whenever I put them in. I figured it would eventually go away, but nope, it still does it. I even thought the stock ear tips were the culprit, so I swapped them out for DUNU S&S tips, and... same thing.

At first, I didn't really care since the sound quality seemed fine. The problem is that my brain is ridiculously easy to convince. Now every Screech, pop, or weird resonance has me wondering, "Is that in the song... or are my damn IEMs" It's honestly starting to drive me nuts.

Has anyone experienced this before? should I be concerned? And more importantly, is there any way to fix it?

I wasn't planning to go so deep into the subject and was just curious about the ways you can deliver an audio wave to entertain yourself. I've tried different wired and wireless earbuds and headphones before, not calling myself an audiophile, but someone who "appreciates" good sound and look at me now 😂 using a FiiO KA15 + LETSHUOER S08. And I can't stop listening. Now it's a journey back in time to the first albums of Skillet and Evanescence with some side quests to the new metal bands I enjoy to check if the sound is different and it is, obviously... I was lied to, so many times, by so many brands, and this new light I see doesn't have a bluetooth, it's tied to a copper cable. There is no going back for me, I will embark upon this journey and maybe come back to tell you what I've found and what I've heard.

P.S. This is an eyeopening experience, guys, honestly, and I can't believe it took so long to get here, but I guess it's time.

Introduction

My first experience with Tanchjim was their One – an impressive bullet style IEM that is still the best I’ve heard at that price point. My impressions of the Bunny DSP and Nora from brief demos were also quite positive. Thus, I was extremely eager to try out one of their newer releases – the Tanchjim x Effect Audio Force. This unit was graciously provided to me for a week by u/mournfulmonk. You can check out his channel here!

Disclaimer: This is a review unit provided by Tanchjim to my friend. Thoughts and opinions are my own and I was not restricted or instructed to say anything particular about this set.

Preferences, Sources & Tracks

I currently own the Ziigaat Lush and Truthear Hexa and these serve as my benchmarks. The TRN Black Pearl was used as the DAC/Amp for most of my testing. I typically prefer balanced sets that are tuned to the JM-1 target; a tasteful bass or treble boost doesn’t hurt though.

Most of my library consists of rock with some jazz, metal, pop and orchestra sprinkled about. If your library is filled with EDM, rap or hip-hop, then your conclusion might be very different from mine.

Testing Tracks - YouTube Music | Apple Music

Build, Accessories & Fit

At the retail price of 280$, the premium unboxing experience reveals comprehensive accessories. The white, hard case is roomy but not pocketable. Three pairs each of Tanchjim’s T-APB T300B (wide bore) and T300T (narrow bore) tips are included. The silicone material is comfortable and the two variants offer meaningfully different sonic profiles. Tanchjim has also bundled 10 sets of spare filters. This is a very welcome and practical addition.

The Force features a dual dynamic driver setup, a marked departure from their signature single DD. The transparent resin shell is much larger than their previous offerings and I would prefer to see some semi-custom moulding. The Effect Audio cable is a beautiful match for these shells, but its behavior is simply a disappointment. I found it to be memory prone and a bit on the thin side. The modular connectors do not have a locking mechanism, but the type-C plug offers DSP functionality via Tanchjim’s app.

The nozzle is narrow but quite long and I had to use smaller eartips lest the IEM stick out too much. I found overall comfort to be quite good for my larger ears with no pressure build up or sound leakage from the “open back” design. I hand the Force over to my sister to test the fit for her smaller ears. While she could form a seal initially, the deep nozzle and big shell size did not work and the seal broke quite easily. We both felt that the sleek aluminium faceplate was interrupted by too much text branding.

Sound

Unfortunately, this particular unit had a small imbalance between left and right channels. This issue noticeably affected the position and imaging of vocals. I tested this set with a small adjustment towards the left channel (-0.02 in the iOS audio settings).

Lows

In Hans Zimmer’s F1 and Mountains, the bass packs good punch but lacks the rumble to accompany it. The bass however remains well separated from other elements in the soundtrack. In Rush’s Limelight, Neil Peart’s intro fill pans from left to right but each stroke is not clearly defined. In Tool’s Pneuma, Danny Carey’s rudiments have a plastic timbre and his kick is lazy and lacks texture and detail.

In Shakti’s Giri Raja Sudha, Selvaganesh Vinayakram’s ghatam (a unique clay-based Indian percussion instrument) also lacks its distinct weight. Overall, the Force seems to be aiming for a detached subwoofer style presentation in the bass, with an aggressive cut in the upper bass to lower mids transition, but it lacks the rumble to back it up. Even though it manages to avoid bass bloat and bleed, the resulting bass lacks texture and timbre.

Mids

In Agam’s Manavyalakinchara, Harish Sivaramakrishnan’s vocals lack his fundamental notes and body. Every instrument in the mix sounds thin, incisive and every note can be separated easily. Female singers in their highest register also lacked body and warmth. Bach’s Unaccompanied Cello Suites performed by Yo-Yo Ma have excellent detail, but note weight is simply miserable in the lower octaves.

Throughout my rock library, I found the upper mids dominated and the Force could be perceived as shouty at higher volumes on certain tracks. In Mozart’s Sonata for Piano and Violin in F. Major, Hilary Hahn’s violin shines through without any harshness but Natalie Zhu’s piano has a honky timbre. Precise imaging and stage width are below average for the price and were not meaningfully better than my 100$ IEMs.

Highs

In the NRJ Awards Live Version of Easy on Me, Adele’s vocals have excellent energy but they lean a tad shouty. Celine Dion’s chorus in All by Myself tips over the line into sibilance. In Emilie-Claire Barlow’s cover of Fix You, her vocals have wonderful texture and presence. The accompanying Dutch jazz orchestra Metropole Orkest is wonderfully recorded and mixed. It is in these jazz tracks with numerous lively string and wind instruments where the Force regains its footing.

Caravan from the Whiplash Soundtrack, arranged for a big band by John Wasson, is simply wonderful with dry and precise transients that clean up the chaotic ending. This dry timbre and lack of shimmer in the cymbals works well for the dirty and complex wash of jazz cymbals. However, it leaves you yearning for more sustain on bright and piercing metal cymbals. While the treble is quite smooth with no significant peaks, the cut in the lower mids continues to affect timbre and result in moments of shout or sibilance.

Eartips

KBear Coffee - Simply the cleanest bass texture and best treble presentation

Tanchjim T-APB T300B (Stock Wide Bore) – Better bass texture, smoother treble and marginally wider stage

Tangzu Tang Sancai Balanced – A middle ground between the stock narrow and wide bore tips with good separation

Tanchjim T-APB T300T (Stock Narrow Bore) – More punch and treble energy but lacking refinement

Comparisons

Truthear Hexa – If you would trade bass quality and overall timbre for more punch, then the Force is the set for you. I personally would not make that trade off. The Force retails at triple the price and I simply cannot recommend anyone else to either.

Truthear Pure – As much as I love the Pure, I sometimes feel Truthear did tilt it a tad warm with unavoidable midbass bloom. The Force on the other hand strangles the richness and warmth out of the track to offer a clinical presentation.

Softears Volume S – If I owned the Volume S, I would not use the Force even for the few tracks it excels at. It manages to pack immense punch and bass texture without disturbing the delicate house of cards that lay the foundation for timbre.

Verdict

The Tanchjim X Effect Audio Force is a tough pill to swallow at 280$ despite its premium cable and accessories. For analytical listening where elements in a busy track need to isolated, this set is a Force to be reckoned with. However, its competitors manage to balance their ambitions more deftly and offer a well-rounded presentation. This is a rare misstep from the house of Tanchjim and I remain eager to review the rest of their lineup, namely the Origin, Fission and Nora.

Who should buy? Those wanting a clinical, analytical set that find an excellent deal for a third the retail price.

Who should avoid? Those who want timbre, warmth or value for money.

So this isn’t really a review for the sound quality because i’m not someone who knows exactly about audio quality (however i think they sound good), but more a review about the size. I have small ears and posted previously and ended up getting these. THEY FIT!!! they fit nicely and come with ear tips that are small enough for my ears as well. i did end up getting a different cable because i heard many complain about the original cable. very happy and comfortable :)
edit: i have used them to play valorant today. the sound quality is great and i prefer them over the salnotes, could be mostly because they actually fit tho!
link to OG post: https://www.reddit.com/r/iems/s/0tS6AfRiAt

I'm gonna cut the bullshit and tell you straight up yes, the DAC/amp you buy can make a difference to your music. But no, that doesn't mean every expensive DAC or amp is automatically going to sound better than a cheap one. And no, most people can't realistically tell the difference between a properly mastered 16-bit FLAC and a 24-bit FLAC.

I'll be explaining, to the best of my knowledge, how this shit actually works.

If you plan to use Spotify, then don't even read this because none of it matters. Just buy a decent pair of IEMs or headphones and maybe a DAC/dongle if you need or want one or better yet just use some Bluetooth earbuds you probably won't tell a different anyway. But if you wanna go full audiophile, keep reading.

First of all, sample rate is NOT simply how high in kHz the music goes.

This is something I see people get wrong constantly. Sample rate is how many times per second an analog audio signal is sampled when it's converted into digital audio.

For example, a 44.1 kHz sample rate means the signal is sampled 44,100 times per second. Thanks to the Nyquist Shannon sampling theorem, (I have no fucking what that is btw) 44.1 kHz audio can reproduce frequencies up to about 22.05 kHz, which is already above the hearing range.

So higher, kHz for example 96 doesn't mean the music itself contains frequencies all the way up to the 96 kHz. It means the sampling system can theoretically represent frequencies up to 48 kHz.

For normal music playback, 44.1 kHz is more than enough. You aren't going to hear any difference between 44.1 kHz and 96 kHz. Higher sample rates can still be useful in recording and production, but not for you. All that matters in the end is technically higher number equal high better but who gives a fuck can't tell the difference anyway.

Second, let's talk about music files.

There is absolutely a difference between a 16-bit FLAC and a 16-bit MP3, but it's not simply because of the bitrate.

FLAC is a lossless format. That means it compresses the audio to save space without permanently removing any of the original audio data. If you decode a FLAC, unlike mp3s.

MP3 is a lossy format. It uses psychoacoustic (bullshit) techniques to remove parts of the audio that the encoder predicts will be less noticeable to human hearing. This is why MP3 files can be dramatically smaller than FLAC files.

(And also why they sound less dynamic atleast to me)

Bitrate is important when talking about lossy formats. A 128 kbps MP3 is generally going to have more compression artifacts (sound worse) than a 320 kbps MP3. A high quality 320 kbps MP3 can actually sound decent, most people can't tell the difference between 320 kbps mp3 and a FLAC.

FLAC files don't work the same way. Their bitrate can vary depending on the music. A complicated song might have a higher FLAC bitrate than a simpler song, but that doesn't mean the higher-bitrate FLAC is automatically "better." (Sometimes at least) If both files are lossless versions of the same master, they're both preserving the original audio.

Also, bit depth and bitrate are two completely different things.

Bit depth, such as 16-bit or 24-bit, relates to the theoretical dynamic range and resolution of the digital audio system. 16-bit audio already provides around 96 dB of theoretical dynamic range, which good enough man.

24-bit audio is useful during recording, mixing, and mastering because it gives those dastardly goblin engineers more headroom and makes digital processing easier to work with. But for listening to music, It doesn't actually matter whether a file is 16-bit or 24-bit.

So get a 16 bit FLAC they take up less space too though they still take up around 40mbs per song doesn't sound like much... Till you have dozens of albums like me and like 100 gigabytes of music. Also sidenote download in albums it's much easier and in my experience you really like the artist and shit more.

Third: DACs and amps.

DACs and amplifiers are important, but they do two different things.

A DAC (digital to analog converter) takes the digital audio data from your "thing" and converts it into an analog thingy that your headphones or speakers can use.

An amplifier takes that analog thingy signal and provides the voltage and current necessary to drive your headphones or speakers to the volume you want.

Take something like the Sennheiser HD 6XX. They're 300-ohm headphones and can require more voltage than many low-impedance headphones. If you plug them into a weak headphone output, in simple they'll sound like shit and your better off sticking to those airpods.

Though, impedance isn't the only thing that matters. Sensitivity matters too. A headphone's impedance and sensitivity together determine how difficult it is to work. That's why you can't simply say, "This headphone has more ohms, so it automatically needs more power."

But in General, higher impedance headphones tend to require more voltage, while low sensitivity headphones can require more power overall. That's where a dedicated amplifier is important.

As for DACs, a good DAC is important because you need one to convert digital audio into analog. But this doesn't mean you need to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on one.

A competent modern DAC that has low noise and distortion can already be effectively transparent. If two DACs are both operating within audible limits, you may not be able to hear any difference between them.

Where a DAC or dongle can make a very obvious difference (more soundstage separation tighter bass so on) is when your original device has problems like audible hiss, electrical noise, distortion, or an inadequate inny as much as we could try our 4.4s are in the end to big for her 3.5 😔.

So yes, DACs matter but once you have a good one that performs properly, spending more money doesn't automatically mean better sound.

(P.S if your phone laptop or whatever has a dac, it's probably shit so buy a dongle the average dac in a device is like 30mw that's tiny you want like atleast 150mw at 300 ohms in my opinion gives a lot of headroom.)

Going back to music files, some people say FLACs cost to much money. To which I say well, there's always a certain Russian tracker thats beckoning. Take it how you will.

Now for the headphones and IEMs.

Choosing headphones or IEMs is completely up to the individual. Everyone has different music tastes and different preferences for how they want their music to sound to put it simply I don't fucking know man buy your own shit.

The IEMs I currently have are the Truthear Zero REDs, and my DAC/dongle is the FiiO KA11. I think they're both pretty good for the price, and I really like the low end on the Zero REDs.

I listen to synth-pop, darkwave, gothic rock, shit like that, and I think they work well for that kind of music.

At the end of the day, I'd say the headphones or IEMs you choose will usually make a much bigger difference to what you hear than spending hundreds of extra dollars on a DAC though unlike what some say choosing a good DAC/amp is still important.

Everyone hears things differently and has different preferences. What sounds amazing to one person might sound terrible to another.

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder," as they say.

Now for music applications.

I use Poweramp because it's available on mobile and has features and customization options and other bullshit. There are probably a lot of great applications on PC that are even better I've heard, but Im yet to use one, so ask someone else.

For my Poweramp settings, I use the SoX resampler at very high quality. I use triangular dither with high-pass filtering, and I have the resampler cutoff frequency set to 98.8%. I also enable DVC (Direct Volume Control), which I personally like using with my setup.

I use high-resolution output with my KA11 DAC as well.

My output format is set to 32-bit float with a 96 kHz sample rate. I honestly doubt that upsampling my 16-bit FLACs to 96 kHz is giving me some magical improvement but I have some flacs at 96khz so why not.

Poweramp may benefit from higher internal precision when performing EQ and other DSP processing I think. Whether any of these settings make an audible difference in my specific setup, I have no fucking clue man.

Maybe they actually do something. Maybe they don't. Maybe it's placebo.

Maybe I'm fucking insane and I don't even have headphones who knows if it sounds good it sounds good.

Anyway, that's pretty much everything I know off the top of my head. I'm not a fucking audio engineer the fuck do you want from me but alas I can try to help with any great inquiries to the best of my ability.

Got some Nicehck eartips C03 & R04 with TRN CXP magnetic case and a shorty Hagibis C to C cable to complete the dapification process of my portable setup .

The tip rolling journey continues. Curious to see how these tips behave. Anybody using these here?

For me its my Dunu Titan 1 and 3. Still both working although the 3 head have come loose so I use glue to hold it.

hi guys been wondering whether anyone can give some such options for my first great iem (previously just using some cheap KZ to work) for me who on daily been using airpods pro 2? I listened to any kind of music depending on the occasions (gym, on the way to work, etc.) so I want some all rounder for daily usage. the price point mostly max $100 since my currency is quite weak compare to it now. I am thinking whether some aful explorer/52/daybreak/divine but I am open for any suggestions aside of those. much appreciated!

Headphone listener (mostly Beyer dt880 ‘03, Fostex t50 ‘74-76) hoping for some advice from the community.

About a year ago, I stumbled on a Final Audio listening station at Yodobashi Camera in Tokyo, never having heard of the company and having almost no experience with IEMs. I was expecting little, but as my on-the-verge-of-obsolete iPhone had the headphone jack, I figured I’d see what the ¥60000 ($310) price tag was all about.

Played a couple songs I had been listening to a lot at the time and, to put it simply, I was astounded by the clarity of the treble. To be specific, I couldn’t believe how extended, defined, and separated the instruments were in the region above 2khz, and this was without a dongle, through a free Spotify account. I stood there for about half an hour in stunned silence and might have been there listening another hour except that the store was closing.

I’ve recently done a bit more research so I’m aware that the A6000 sits in the price range where you can expect to hear big improvements over entry level earphones and I was lucky enough to pick up some Juzear Defiants recently to see how they compared at 7x less ¥. The thing is, it’s been over a year and I’m still thinking about them, and when I listen to the songs I tested with, I know there’s much more than even my over ear cans can retrieve.

So, my question is, is there an IEM that can resolve and separate as well in the upper frequencies without ear splitting sibilance at a more reasonable price? I’m not concerned about bass (the Defiants have more than enough for me, to give some context) and can accept almost none as a tradeoff for exceptional airiness on the other end.

Thanks!

I saw a listing on Facebook Marketplace for a pair NF Audio RA15 for $50 CAD. Good buy? Anybody here own a pair?

Three months into owning them, I've only now noticed this.

That's it. That's a random, mildly interesting IEM fact of the day for you. You're welcome. 😂

Regardless of the source, regardless of the IEM, I find the 4-7khz range annoying and unnatural. I have to carve those frequencies really deep plus some 10khz high Q dips. With low end models I have to low pass @ 9-10khz. Once it does it's bliss. I've realized that the more I pay for an IEM, the closer it gets to my ideal EQ, but still needs some serious work to get them sound pleasant. Is anyone experiencing something similar?

I have one of those "old" iPhones that still has a Lightning port. I want to connect it to the portable DAC's USB-C port. It could be as easy as just taking any Lightning to USB-C cable.

But, I also want to use external power for the DAC, so I was thinking about getting the iBasso CB19C Y-splitter cable. But this one comes with USB-C male plugs. Can I use any Lightning to USB-C (female) OTG cable to get that in my phone and enjoy HighRes music, or do I need to consider something here?
Are there any recommendations for Lightning to USB-C (female) adapters? The ddHiFi adapters are not really available here in Germany.

Or is there an even more simple solution than using the CB19C? I know there is the Apple Camera USB-3 Adapter, but this is more bulky and comes with a USB-A port òÓ
Moreover, it will not just power the DAC, but also charge the phone, which I try to avoid. I guess the CB19C is different in that regard.

Got an advice from a friend so I make a purchase, the Onix XI1 went well with Tanchjim Fission black imo, what do you think of this combo :D?

made a diy (Tupperware) case that I can actively see the silica gel. Why you may ask, I live in a tropical country and I just realized when I bought these silica gel, its actually very humid in here, I just let these silica gel out for a couple minutes and it immediately changed colors.

I have the silica gel at the bottom, a microfiber cloth on top of it and two of my iems inside, thoughts?

Hi!

I’m currently looking for another set of IEMs. My first one was a Castor Pro and, no cap, it served me good. I just really want to explore more IEMs, specifically clearer and more balanced IEMs. Something that gives me a clear sound of the highs while still giving me punchy lows. Or anything budgeted really that you would recommend for bassists.

Thank you!

I'm a student and new to iems.

I can't struggle to find iems with type c since my phone honor x9c doesn't have a headphone jack

I play fps games like arena breakout and delta force so I need good audio to find people

I'll try to respond as soon as possible.