Cheap on-ear or iems that you'd trust to make bouncing-to-audio decisions.

el_bo

Took my iPad out, yesterday, with the intention of doing some music stuff. But I quickly realised that the little iem's I had would be no good for my use. They have no isolation at all, and the sound sucks (Not used them for years, but thought they'd have done a better job).

Wouldn't be such an issue if I was just jamming around. However, i really want to use that time to edit samples, resample/bounce etc. which means that I have to trust that the sound I'll be ending up with is at least close enough to what I'm hearing in the moment.

I know what I'd buy if I wanted over-ears, but for portability's sake I'd rather have either on-ears, or, better still, some decent-ish iem's

Any recommendations?

Cheers

el_bo

Bad examples linked.

MadGav

What’s your budget?

Something supported by TB Morphit might be an idea? (though I haven’t got to buying that yet - got distracted by a friend selling off some eurorack modules)

I have Sennheiser HD25 but these cost over £100 so not cheap cheap.

richardyot

Shure SHR440 are probably the best budget headphones available:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Professional-Headphones-accurate-extended-collapsible-Black/dp/B08KFPVPK6?th=1

IEMs are a bit more of a crapshoot, but the Sony WF-1000XM3 recommended in another recent thread could be worth a look. If not check the detailed rankings on crinacle.com to see if you can find something suitable in your price range:

https://crinacle.com/rankings/iems/

el_bo

@MadGav said:
What’s your budget?

Something supported by TB Morphit might be an idea? (though I haven’t got to buying that yet - got distracted by a friend selling off some eurorack modules)

I have Sennheiser HD25 but these cost over £100 so not cheap cheap.

Thanks!Didn't know Morphit was on iOS. I eventually stopped using all headphone modifiers on desktop, so not sure i want to go back down that route. Did think of the HD25's, but yeah...bit out of my current price-range.

el_bo

@richardyot said:
Shure SHR440 are probably the best budget headphones available:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Professional-Headphones-accurate-extended-collapsible-Black/dp/B08KFPVPK6?th=1

IEMs are a bit more of a crapshoot, but the Sony WF-1000XM3 recommended in another recent thread could be worth a look. If not check the detailed rankings on crinacle.com to see if you can find something suitable in your price range:

https://crinacle.com/rankings/iems/

Thanks!

For over-ear cans, Id likely go for the Samson 850's (Actually will do when my current KRK8400's die), as for the price they seem to be true giant-killers. But for on-the-go I'm trying to avoid bulky over-ear stuff. Also, when it comes to iem's they need to be cabled (Will amend the first post), as I will also want to play stuff in so need to avoid BT latency.

Thanks again

el_bo

@CapnWillie said:
KZ ZS10 Pro, Linsoul 4BA+1DD 5... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QKYTGH9?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

You’ll be hard pressed to beat those 👆🏼on any budget at any price. Shure, Sennheiser, Nunu…all great but you’ll need to spend over $700 to find anything comparable to these cheapies. Guaranteed.

*get some foam tips.

Thanks! But to be honest, I was looking for something with a few more drivers

These look perfect, and at an incredible price!

Will do some more reading about them. Do you use them yourself? If so, any downsides?

I have many foam tips left over from other iem's, but I never got on with them. Would always prefer triple-flange, although I don't ever put anything that deep anymore. Just found manipulating the foam to be unworkable, and very prone to getting dirty. Considering these will be being used away from home, I need to be ready at any time to just jam 'em in.

klownshed

When I last auditioned headphones I like the audio technicas best.

There’s a definite personal preference and fit and comfort make a big difference.

The MTH30X are pretty reasonably priced (£42.50 deal at the moment).

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00HVLUQW8/

I ended up going with the 40s. The 50s are even better but were just a bit too far out of budget at the time.

AudioGus

@el_bo said:

@CapnWillie said:
KZ ZS10 Pro, Linsoul 4BA+1DD 5... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QKYTGH9?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

You’ll be hard pressed to beat those 👆🏼on any budget at any price. Shure, Sennheiser, Nunu…all great but you’ll need to spend over $700 to find anything comparable to these cheapies. Guaranteed.

*get some foam tips.

Thanks! But to be honest, I was looking for something with a few more drivers

These look perfect, and at an incredible price!

Will do some more reading about them. Do you use them yourself? If so, any downsides?

I got a pair for the wife based on the Capn’s previous recommendation and my wife loves them, has been using them for months. She has tried many over the years and is very picky. I gave them a quick whirl just to see and yes they were pretty darn good. I just ordered an extra pair for her as a backup as they would be sorely missed.

Littlewoodg

@CapnWillie said:
KZ ZS10 Pro, Linsoul 4BA+1DD 5... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QKYTGH9?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

You’ll be hard pressed to beat those 👆🏼on any budget at any price. Shure, Sennheiser, Nunu…all great but you’ll need to spend over $700 to find anything comparable to these cheapies. Guaranteed.

*get some foam tips.

Dude, now I have earphone GAS…

I have Klipsch from earlier days, and they’re pretty great, but.

NeuM

A good old pair of Sony MDR-7508 headphones were considered studio standards when I first bought them and I've continued to buy them since they are decent middle of the road headphones.

The problem with going with a pair that is too high end or too low end is you'll be mixing for headphones the majority of people do not use.

Also, consider that most people listen to streaming audio over AirPods or the standard issue iPhone earbuds, or they have some garbage earphones they got with their Android phone... or they just listen to the music/audio over the phone speaker itself.

Unless you're mixing for movie soundtracks and home theater sound systems, the vast majority of music is being heard over substandard audio sources.

Oh, and let's not forget the single-speaker audio systems like Amazon's Alexa and Apple's HomePod mini... even worse!

mrufino1

@el_bo said:

@CapnWillie said:
KZ ZS10 Pro, Linsoul 4BA+1DD 5... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QKYTGH9?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

You’ll be hard pressed to beat those 👆🏼on any budget at any price. Shure, Sennheiser, Nunu…all great but you’ll need to spend over $700 to find anything comparable to these cheapies. Guaranteed.

*get some foam tips.

Thanks! But to be honest, I was looking for something with a few more drivers

These look perfect, and at an incredible price!

Will do some more reading about them. Do you use them yourself? If so, any downsides?

I have many foam tips left over from other iem's, but I never got on with them. Would always prefer triple-flange, although I don't ever put anything that deep anymore. Just found manipulating the foam to be unworkable, and very prone to getting dirty. Considering these will be being used away from home, I need to be ready at any time to just jam 'em in.

If you don’t get custom IEM’s then the KZ are awesome (any of the models). I can’t wear any universal fit for very long because my ear canals are narrow, but the dynamic driver in the KZ made me find my AAW custom IEM’s, which use the same driver layout. I had the ZSR, which are 3 drivers, as are my AAW.

el_bo

@klownshed said:
When I last auditioned headphones I like the audio technicas best.

There’s a definite personal preference and fit and comfort make a big difference.

The MTH30X are pretty reasonably priced (£42.50 deal at the moment).

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00HVLUQW8/

I ended up going with the 40s. The 50s are even better but were just a bit too far out of budget at the time.

Thanks! But I'm really not looking for over-ear.

The main reason is that I want something that is always with me. Iem's can always squeeze into my small rucksack. It's not just the size either. Once Spring hits, it starts getting pretty hot around here. I can't be outside and moving around with such clunky things on.

I've always heard good thing about the AT's though. But I think the bass emphasis is not a good fit for me.

el_bo

@AudioGus said:

@el_bo said:

@CapnWillie said:
KZ ZS10 Pro, Linsoul 4BA+1DD 5... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QKYTGH9?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

You’ll be hard pressed to beat those 👆🏼on any budget at any price. Shure, Sennheiser, Nunu…all great but you’ll need to spend over $700 to find anything comparable to these cheapies. Guaranteed.

*get some foam tips.

Thanks! But to be honest, I was looking for something with a few more drivers

These look perfect, and at an incredible price!

Will do some more reading about them. Do you use them yourself? If so, any downsides?

I got a pair for the wife based on the Capn’s previous recommendation and my wife loves them, has been using them for months. She has tried many over the years and is very picky. I gave them a quick whirl just to see and yes they were pretty darn good. I just ordered an extra pair for her as a backup as they would be sorely missed.

Great to see they're getting more rep. Been reading up, and have pretty much decided on getting the KZ ZSX. Same brand, different model. Only a few dollars more expensive, but apparently has a slightly smoother delivery.

Still much reading to do, though. Can't afford them yet, so might as well be really sure.

el_bo

@Littlewoodg said:

@CapnWillie said:
KZ ZS10 Pro, Linsoul 4BA+1DD 5... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QKYTGH9?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

You’ll be hard pressed to beat those 👆🏼on any budget at any price. Shure, Sennheiser, Nunu…all great but you’ll need to spend over $700 to find anything comparable to these cheapies. Guaranteed.

*get some foam tips.

Dude, now I have earphone GAS…

I have Klipsch from earlier days, and they’re pretty great, but.

I know that kinda GAS! Ive been a member of Head-fi for over a decade, and things can get pretty damned crazy over there

el_bo

@NeuM said:
A good old pair of Sony MDR-7508 headphones were considered studio standards when I first bought them and I've continued to buy them since they are decent middle of the road headphones.

The problem with going with a pair that is too high end or too low end is you'll be mixing for headphones the majority of people do not use.

Also, consider that most people listen to streaming audio over AirPods or the standard issue iPhone earbuds, or they have some garbage earphones they got with their Android phone... or they just listen to the music/audio over the phone speaker itself.

Unless you're mixing for movie soundtracks and home theater sound systems, the vast majority of music is being heard over substandard audio sources.

Oh, and let's not forget the single-speaker audio systems like Amazon's Alexa and Apple's HomePod mini... even worse!

Thanks!

I already have KRK8400's, which I've been happy with for the last 8 years. Really not looking for over-ear for portable use, unfortunately.

And I generally agree with your points about mixing for the market who'll get to hear the music. But these aren't intended for mixing (They might work out good enough, perhaps). What I want these for is to make decisions I can trust when editing audio, editing samples etc. when I'm out for a hike etc.

For instance, yesterday i went for a looooong walk. Took my iPad with me, and when i got to the beach I found a nice shady place to do some music. Was using 'Finger Fiddle' into Lunar Lander, within AUM. I had this great looping thing going, which I just wanted to record straight to audio so it could be used later in a composition. The problem is that FF is already a little 'honky'. Thrown through a BBD, that honk starts to get unruly. To tame it needs some pretty aggressive EQ'ing, but the crap 'Sports' iems I had would never have given me close to an idea if all those cuts/boosts would leave me with anything usable. In the end I just gave up on it.

I just want to know that if I spend a couple of hours editing and resampling, that when I get home it hasn't been a complete waste-of-time. So they don't need to be the best or most accurate. They don't need to be comfortable for hours on end an they don't really need to be representative of what the consumer might use. Just need to be portable and as trustworthy as 50 quid can buy

Thanks, again.

el_bo

@mrufino1 said:

@el_bo said:

@CapnWillie said:
KZ ZS10 Pro, Linsoul 4BA+1DD 5... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QKYTGH9?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

You’ll be hard pressed to beat those 👆🏼on any budget at any price. Shure, Sennheiser, Nunu…all great but you’ll need to spend over $700 to find anything comparable to these cheapies. Guaranteed.

*get some foam tips.

Thanks! But to be honest, I was looking for something with a few more drivers

These look perfect, and at an incredible price!

Will do some more reading about them. Do you use them yourself? If so, any downsides?

I have many foam tips left over from other iem's, but I never got on with them. Would always prefer triple-flange, although I don't ever put anything that deep anymore. Just found manipulating the foam to be unworkable, and very prone to getting dirty. Considering these will be being used away from home, I need to be ready at any time to just jam 'em in.

If you don’t get custom IEM’s then the KZ are awesome (any of the models). I can’t wear any universal fit for very long because my ear canals are narrow, but the dynamic driver in the KZ made me find my AAW custom IEM’s, which use the same driver layout. I had the ZSR, which are 3 drivers, as are my AAW.

Haha...Customs. Maybe, one day. But this is a grab for the best I can get at an 'I'm unemployed' kinda price I know there are a lot of budget giant-killers to be found, but wasn't expecting something that came in at such a low price-point that could be ordered via Amazon.

klownshed

@el_bo said:

Thanks! But I'm really not looking for over-ear.

Np. Title said ‘on ear’ and in my mind the ATs are kinda on my ears ;-)

Perhaps I just have big ears 🤣

el_bo

@CapnWillie said:

@AudioGus said:

@el_bo said:

@CapnWillie said:
KZ ZS10 Pro, Linsoul 4BA+1DD 5... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QKYTGH9?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

You’ll be hard pressed to beat those 👆🏼on any budget at any price. Shure, Sennheiser, Nunu…all great but you’ll need to spend over $700 to find anything comparable to these cheapies. Guaranteed.

*get some foam tips.

Thanks! But to be honest, I was looking for something with a few more drivers

These look perfect, and at an incredible price!

Will do some more reading about them. Do you use them yourself? If so, any downsides?

I got a pair for the wife based on the Capn’s previous recommendation and my wife loves them, has been using them for months. She has tried many over the years and is very picky. I gave them a quick whirl just to see and yes they were pretty darn good. I just ordered an extra pair for her as a backup as they would be sorely missed.

Glad to hear y’all love em ‘Gus!🤘🏽😝🤘🏽 I have a few pairs myself plus they make amazing gifts. Because of the look and quality, people always assume I’m lying about what I spent for em.

@Littlewoodg said:

@CapnWillie said:
KZ ZS10 Pro, Linsoul 4BA+1DD 5... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QKYTGH9?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

You’ll be hard pressed to beat those 👆🏼on any budget at any price. Shure, Sennheiser, Nunu…all great but you’ll need to spend over $700 to find anything comparable to these cheapies. Guaranteed.

*get some foam tips.

Dude, now I have earphone GAS…

I have Klipsch from earlier days, and they’re pretty great, but.

Can’t go wrong really…Amazon returns are a breeze.

@el_bo said:

@CapnWillie said:
KZ ZS10 Pro, Linsoul 4BA+1DD 5... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QKYTGH9?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

You’ll be hard pressed to beat those 👆🏼on any budget at any price. Shure, Sennheiser, Nunu…all great but you’ll need to spend over $700 to find anything comparable to these cheapies. Guaranteed.

*get some foam tips.

Thanks! But to be honest, I was looking for something with a few more drivers

These look perfect, and at an incredible price!

Will do some more reading about them. Do you use them yourself? If so, any downsides?

I have many foam tips left over from other iem's, but I never got on with them. Would always prefer triple-flange, although I don't ever put anything that deep anymore. Just found manipulating the foam to be unworkable, and very prone to getting dirty. Considering these will be being used away from home, I need to be ready at any time to just jam 'em in.

Haven’t experienced any downsides personally or from anyone I’ve recommended them too. They came highly recommended from another pro and exceeded expectations. I have some with more drivers but these outperform or are comparable to many of the better known brands I have or have tried.

I can’t do silicone tips for longer than an hour before I sweat and eventually get irritated. However, like silicone, there are various levels of quality foam and I have had issues like you’ve described with cheaper foam tips.

Thanks for adding some more detail.

I'm fine with bog-standard tips. Was out walking for about 7 hours, yesterday, and had my BT iem's in for most of that time. No irritation. The foam ones I tried came with a 200 pound pair of Shures, which I had back in the day. Id be surprised if they weren't at least reasonable quality. My issue with them is that I can never get the squeezing action good enough, then get 'em in quick enough. I find the whole process irritating,

Also, when you say you've had some with more drivers, are you referring to the KZ ZSX?

https://www.amazon.com/Linsoul-Earphones-Faceplate-Detachable-Audiophile/dp/B07WTTJSCF?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1

Others seem convinced these are an improvement. Would be curious to find out if that's not the case.

Cheers!

el_bo

@klownshed said:

@el_bo said:

Thanks! But I'm really not looking for over-ear.

Np. Title said ‘on ear’ and in my mind the ATs are kinda on my ears ;-)

Perhaps I just have big ears 🤣

Hahah! Perhaps

For on-ears, I'm thinking these:

https://www.amazon.es/Yamaha-HPH-50B-Auriculares-color-negro/dp/B00X3L05VM/ref=sr_1_17?crid=2OX10P9BEP86X&keywords=samson+sr850&qid=1644757846&sprefix=samason+sr,aps,98&sr=8-17&th=1

or these:

https://www.amazon.com/Bowers-Wilkins-P3-Headphones-Wired/dp/B008F440HC

Looking at the AT 40's: They definitely seem smaller, but I'm pretty sure they're circumaural

Tones4Christ

Less than $25 bucks!!
See this review on YouTube:

Tones4Christ

Thinking of getting these for our band at church.

mrufino1

@el_bo said:

@mrufino1 said:

@el_bo said:

@CapnWillie said:
KZ ZS10 Pro, Linsoul 4BA+1DD 5... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QKYTGH9?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

You’ll be hard pressed to beat those 👆🏼on any budget at any price. Shure, Sennheiser, Nunu…all great but you’ll need to spend over $700 to find anything comparable to these cheapies. Guaranteed.

*get some foam tips.

Thanks! But to be honest, I was looking for something with a few more drivers

These look perfect, and at an incredible price!

Will do some more reading about them. Do you use them yourself? If so, any downsides?

I have many foam tips left over from other iem's, but I never got on with them. Would always prefer triple-flange, although I don't ever put anything that deep anymore. Just found manipulating the foam to be unworkable, and very prone to getting dirty. Considering these will be being used away from home, I need to be ready at any time to just jam 'em in.

If you don’t get custom IEM’s then the KZ are awesome (any of the models). I can’t wear any universal fit for very long because my ear canals are narrow, but the dynamic driver in the KZ made me find my AAW custom IEM’s, which use the same driver layout. I had the ZSR, which are 3 drivers, as are my AAW.

Haha...Customs. Maybe, one day. But this is a grab for the best I can get at an 'I'm unemployed' kinda price I know there are a lot of budget giant-killers to be found, but wasn't expecting something that came in at such a low price-point that could be ordered via Amazon.

I totally understand. My customs were only $300, but right now if I had to replace them I couldn’t. I’m in the “decided to leave the day job world and go freelance in audio in 2020, 2 months before a worldwide pandemic cancelled live events for quite a while” price range…😂

I do sound at a church in NYC and we just switched the musicians to in ears last week. We got 10 pairs of the 2 driver KZ (Zst I think?) for anyone who didn’t have their own earbuds already. The bassist has ultimate ears but forgot them today, so I gave him a set of KZ, and he couldn’t believe how good they sounded. When he found out they were $18, he really flipped.

For over the ear headphones, I had been using my Sony 7506 for about 18 years, but over Christmas time I bought a pair of the status audio Cb-1 that were discussed on this forum. They were on sale for $39 and for live sound I like them more than the Sony because they isolate a little more. My Sony’s were starting to get tired, so they stay at home now.

I also have a set of Akg q701 that I received as a Christmas gift from a bandleader and I love those for mixing in the studio. They are especially great with morphit and the waves ocean way nx plug-in.

Anyway, you will not be disappointed with the KZ!

AudioGus

@el_bo said:

@CapnWillie said:

@AudioGus said:

@el_bo said:

@CapnWillie said:
KZ ZS10 Pro, Linsoul 4BA+1DD 5... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QKYTGH9?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

You’ll be hard pressed to beat those 👆🏼on any budget at any price. Shure, Sennheiser, Nunu…all great but you’ll need to spend over $700 to find anything comparable to these cheapies. Guaranteed.

*get some foam tips.

Thanks! But to be honest, I was looking for something with a few more drivers

These look perfect, and at an incredible price!

Will do some more reading about them. Do you use them yourself? If so, any downsides?

I got a pair for the wife based on the Capn’s previous recommendation and my wife loves them, has been using them for months. She has tried many over the years and is very picky. I gave them a quick whirl just to see and yes they were pretty darn good. I just ordered an extra pair for her as a backup as they would be sorely missed.

Glad to hear y’all love em ‘Gus!🤘🏽😝🤘🏽 I have a few pairs myself plus they make amazing gifts. Because of the look and quality, people always assume I’m lying about what I spent for em.

@Littlewoodg said:

@CapnWillie said:
KZ ZS10 Pro, Linsoul 4BA+1DD 5... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QKYTGH9?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

You’ll be hard pressed to beat those 👆🏼on any budget at any price. Shure, Sennheiser, Nunu…all great but you’ll need to spend over $700 to find anything comparable to these cheapies. Guaranteed.

*get some foam tips.

Dude, now I have earphone GAS…

I have Klipsch from earlier days, and they’re pretty great, but.

Can’t go wrong really…Amazon returns are a breeze.

@el_bo said:

@CapnWillie said:
KZ ZS10 Pro, Linsoul 4BA+1DD 5... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QKYTGH9?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

You’ll be hard pressed to beat those 👆🏼on any budget at any price. Shure, Sennheiser, Nunu…all great but you’ll need to spend over $700 to find anything comparable to these cheapies. Guaranteed.

*get some foam tips.

Thanks! But to be honest, I was looking for something with a few more drivers

These look perfect, and at an incredible price!

Will do some more reading about them. Do you use them yourself? If so, any downsides?

I have many foam tips left over from other iem's, but I never got on with them. Would always prefer triple-flange, although I don't ever put anything that deep anymore. Just found manipulating the foam to be unworkable, and very prone to getting dirty. Considering these will be being used away from home, I need to be ready at any time to just jam 'em in.

Haven’t experienced any downsides personally or from anyone I’ve recommended them too. They came highly recommended from another pro and exceeded expectations. I have some with more drivers but these outperform or are comparable to many of the better known brands I have or have tried.

I can’t do silicone tips for longer than an hour before I sweat and eventually get irritated. However, like silicone, there are various levels of quality foam and I have had issues like you’ve described with cheaper foam tips.

Thanks for adding some more detail.

I'm fine with bog-standard tips. Was out walking for about 7 hours, yesterday, and had my BT iem's in for most of that time. No irritation. The foam ones I tried came with a 200 pound pair of Shures, which I had back in the day. Id be surprised if they weren't at least reasonable quality. My issue with them is that I can never get the squeezing action good enough, then get 'em in quick enough. I find the whole process irritating,

Also, when you say you've had some with more drivers, are you referring to the KZ ZSX?

https://www.amazon.com/Linsoul-Earphones-Faceplate-Detachable-Audiophile/dp/B07WTTJSCF?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1

Others seem convinced these are an improvement. Would be curious to find out if that's not the case.

Cheers!

A review I saw seemed to imply that the fit / size was slightly different between various models.

LinearLineman

@CapnWillie said:
KZ ZS10 Pro, Linsoul 4BA+1DD 5... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QKYTGH9?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

You’ll be hard pressed to beat those 👆🏼on any budget at any price. Shure, Sennheiser, Nunu…all great but you’ll need to spend over $700 to find anything comparable to these cheapies. Guaranteed.

*get some foam tips.

You got my attention, Cap’n. I read reviews…. Cable sounds sub par…. Your opinion?

mrufino1

@AudioGus said:

@el_bo said:

@CapnWillie said:

@AudioGus said:

@el_bo said:

@CapnWillie said:
KZ ZS10 Pro, Linsoul 4BA+1DD 5... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QKYTGH9?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

You’ll be hard pressed to beat those 👆🏼on any budget at any price. Shure, Sennheiser, Nunu…all great but you’ll need to spend over $700 to find anything comparable to these cheapies. Guaranteed.

*get some foam tips.

Thanks! But to be honest, I was looking for something with a few more drivers

These look perfect, and at an incredible price!

Will do some more reading about them. Do you use them yourself? If so, any downsides?

I got a pair for the wife based on the Capn’s previous recommendation and my wife loves them, has been using them for months. She has tried many over the years and is very picky. I gave them a quick whirl just to see and yes they were pretty darn good. I just ordered an extra pair for her as a backup as they would be sorely missed.

Glad to hear y’all love em ‘Gus!🤘🏽😝🤘🏽 I have a few pairs myself plus they make amazing gifts. Because of the look and quality, people always assume I’m lying about what I spent for em.

@Littlewoodg said:

@CapnWillie said:
KZ ZS10 Pro, Linsoul 4BA+1DD 5... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QKYTGH9?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

You’ll be hard pressed to beat those 👆🏼on any budget at any price. Shure, Sennheiser, Nunu…all great but you’ll need to spend over $700 to find anything comparable to these cheapies. Guaranteed.

*get some foam tips.

Dude, now I have earphone GAS…

I have Klipsch from earlier days, and they’re pretty great, but.

Can’t go wrong really…Amazon returns are a breeze.

@el_bo said:

@CapnWillie said:
KZ ZS10 Pro, Linsoul 4BA+1DD 5... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QKYTGH9?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

You’ll be hard pressed to beat those 👆🏼on any budget at any price. Shure, Sennheiser, Nunu…all great but you’ll need to spend over $700 to find anything comparable to these cheapies. Guaranteed.

*get some foam tips.

Thanks! But to be honest, I was looking for something with a few more drivers

These look perfect, and at an incredible price!

Will do some more reading about them. Do you use them yourself? If so, any downsides?

I have many foam tips left over from other iem's, but I never got on with them. Would always prefer triple-flange, although I don't ever put anything that deep anymore. Just found manipulating the foam to be unworkable, and very prone to getting dirty. Considering these will be being used away from home, I need to be ready at any time to just jam 'em in.

Haven’t experienced any downsides personally or from anyone I’ve recommended them too. They came highly recommended from another pro and exceeded expectations. I have some with more drivers but these outperform or are comparable to many of the better known brands I have or have tried.

I can’t do silicone tips for longer than an hour before I sweat and eventually get irritated. However, like silicone, there are various levels of quality foam and I have had issues like you’ve described with cheaper foam tips.

Thanks for adding some more detail.

I'm fine with bog-standard tips. Was out walking for about 7 hours, yesterday, and had my BT iem's in for most of that time. No irritation. The foam ones I tried came with a 200 pound pair of Shures, which I had back in the day. Id be surprised if they weren't at least reasonable quality. My issue with them is that I can never get the squeezing action good enough, then get 'em in quick enough. I find the whole process irritating,

Also, when you say you've had some with more drivers, are you referring to the KZ ZSX?

https://www.amazon.com/Linsoul-Earphones-Faceplate-Detachable-Audiophile/dp/B07WTTJSCF?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1

Others seem convinced these are an improvement. Would be curious to find out if that's not the case.

Cheers!

A review I saw seemed to imply that the fit / size was slightly different between various models.

For universal fit in ears, the fit depends on the tips you use and the angle of the tube. The coverage of the outer part of your ear doesn’t really matter much.

AlmostAnonymous

Has anyone tried the Sonarworks SoundID?

LinearLineman

@CapnWillie said:

@LinearLineman said:

@CapnWillie said:
KZ ZS10 Pro, Linsoul 4BA+1DD 5... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QKYTGH9?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

You’ll be hard pressed to beat those 👆🏼on any budget at any price. Shure, Sennheiser, Nunu…all great but you’ll need to spend over $700 to find anything comparable to these cheapies. Guaranteed.

*get some foam tips.

You got my attention, Cap’n. I read reviews…. Cable sounds sub par…. Your opinion?

The Upgraded protective 2 pin 6N OFC detachable cable that comes with the ZS10 Pro model is stellar in my experience M-Easy. That’s my new monicker for you btw. Call you easy because you come up with hella tunes so quickly and, you make it sound easy.🤌🏽

Well, at least it’s not M-easly. I might get those on your recommendation. Thanks, bro.

LinearLineman

@CapnWillie, ordered.

mrufino1

@CapnWillie said:

@LinearLineman said:

@CapnWillie said:

@LinearLineman said:

@CapnWillie said:
KZ ZS10 Pro, Linsoul 4BA+1DD 5... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QKYTGH9?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

You’ll be hard pressed to beat those 👆🏼on any budget at any price. Shure, Sennheiser, Nunu…all great but you’ll need to spend over $700 to find anything comparable to these cheapies. Guaranteed.

*get some foam tips.

You got my attention, Cap’n. I read reviews…. Cable sounds sub par…. Your opinion?

The Upgraded protective 2 pin 6N OFC detachable cable that comes with the ZS10 Pro model is stellar in my experience M-Easy. That’s my new monicker for you btw. Call you easy because you come up with hella tunes so quickly and, you make it sound easy.🤌🏽

Well, at least it’s not M-easly. I might get those on your recommendation. Thanks, bro.

😂@measly. Certainly not. Definitely cannot beat KZs. They even offer amazing sets under $30 that can outperform bigger brands that cost a few hundred. It really is unbelievable what these guys are doing and why. i read some interesting information on the founders and why they started KZ on an audiophile site a while back. I’ll try to find it again.

Cool, I’d love to read that. I didn’t realize there was that kind of history with the company.

mrufino1

@CapnWillie said:

@mrufino1 said:

@CapnWillie said:

@LinearLineman said:

@CapnWillie said:

@LinearLineman said:

@CapnWillie said:
KZ ZS10 Pro, Linsoul 4BA+1DD 5... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QKYTGH9?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

You’ll be hard pressed to beat those 👆🏼on any budget at any price. Shure, Sennheiser, Nunu…all great but you’ll need to spend over $700 to find anything comparable to these cheapies. Guaranteed.

*get some foam tips.

You got my attention, Cap’n. I read reviews…. Cable sounds sub par…. Your opinion?

The Upgraded protective 2 pin 6N OFC detachable cable that comes with the ZS10 Pro model is stellar in my experience M-Easy. That’s my new monicker for you btw. Call you easy because you come up with hella tunes so quickly and, you make it sound easy.🤌🏽

Well, at least it’s not M-easly. I might get those on your recommendation. Thanks, bro.

😂@measly. Certainly not. Definitely cannot beat KZs. They even offer amazing sets under $30 that can outperform bigger brands that cost a few hundred. It really is unbelievable what these guys are doing and why. i read some interesting information on the founders and why they started KZ on an audiophile site a while back. I’ll try to find it again.

Cool, I’d love to read that. I didn’t realize there was that kind of history with the company.

Not so much history but the founding engineers worked for a big brand for many years. I think it was Shure or Sennheiser. They didn’t like how expensive the products were and vowed to prove that you could make wordclass IEMs affordable for all. The article broke down how they did it from sourcing materials, drivers and saving on packaging.

I looked it up, didn’t find tons of info, but one founder worked for audio technica. The other was a performing classical musician.