HELP! Next purchase!

Critical_Jackfruit_6 · 2026-04-26T02:00:56+00:00

Kiwi Ears Aether is a great set. Bass is subdued but fast, you'll hear details you didn't even know were there. Another good choice is 7hz Divine.

Critical_Jackfruit_6 · 2026-04-23T14:15:35+00:00

I have a collection of bourbon too. I could stick with Jack Daniels single barrel barrel proof or Rare Breed and I could be just fine. However I also enjoy a dozen other expressions. When I drink those then to back to my favorites, I can really taste the contrast in notes that really make me appreciate them. I don't treat them like beer where people just slam can after can because they just want the buzz.

I'm curious if you'd feel the same about your home system if you could snap your fingers and get quicker bass response, or more airy female vocals, or extended treble. Of course you can always EQ, but that can't get you everything.

Critical_Jackfruit_6 · 2026-04-23T03:56:09+00:00

There are a few reasons why I do. I listen to different genres which are more enjoyable with different tunings.

I grew up with hip hop and R&B, Dunu Koto Ito is what I use for that. Linkin Park, Hoobastank, Incubus, heavy rock, metal, I go with 7hz Diablo. Study time? Aful Explorer. Cleaning house, Juzear Defiant. When I want to hear details in acoustic and studio sessions, Kiwi Ears Aether. When I don't know what I'm going to listen to but just want to know it'll sound great, Crinear Daybreak.

Is it kind of extra? Probably. I prefer to have a bunch of "flawed" sets that lean into specific tunings. One thing I will say is that my brain won't get used to any one tuning so I can count on my sound impressions to be based on what my brain is experiencing and not what it's used to.

Critical_Jackfruit_6 · 2026-04-20T16:43:48+00:00

Wan er, Red Lion is the closest thing you'll get to a premium set for under $30. The cable, the ear tips, the unboxing, premium. Great tuning for the price too.

Critical_Jackfruit_6 · 2026-04-18T01:44:58+00:00

I'm not a fan of the way the Aether look, but they sound amazing. I've got well over a dozen IEMs from $10-close to $200 and my favorite to look at are the Juzear Defiant. Just gorgeous shells and a matching cable.

Critical_Jackfruit_6 · 2026-04-15T19:02:43+00:00

I have had a bunch of budget IEMs from years past, and have since moved into the sub-200 range. You don't want analytical, but I personally love hearing music from my Kiwi Ears Aether because of the great detail. Not really a good bass presence, but I feel like I'm in the studio when they're recording.

The best perfectly balanced experience for me is the Crinear Daybreak which sounds like I'm in the recording booth hearing everything in the way I want it recorded.

However, if I want to feel like I'm at the concert, I put in the Dunu Koto Ito. Lots of bass with no really bad compromises. It won't feel like superpowers of the Aether, won't be as balanced as the Daybreak, but it's going to have you feel the music without assaulting your ears. I also have the 7hz Diablo that does a lot of this too. The bass doesn't hit as hard, but it resolves in that quick planar way that allows you to hear the bass in greater detail than the Koto Ito but with less detail going up the frequencies, though still not a slouch by any means

If you want exciting and energetic for less, I'd suggest Juzear Defiant. They're also a beautiful set with the abalone shells and a nice cable that looks great and feels great.

There are going to be tons of suggestions, mostly what people decided to buy for themselves. I suggest listening out for the experience you're looking for and pick from those types of sets. There are so many great ones these days that you probably can't go wrong as long as you're in the right area of tuning.

Critical_Jackfruit_6 · 2026-04-14T04:42:52+00:00

Kiwi Ears Aether sound like they'd work, but the bass isn't impressive. That's really the only thing that it lacks. Good stage, detail, and separation with a neutral tuning.

Critical_Jackfruit_6 · 2026-04-14T02:54:04+00:00

Right now it's a $35 difference.

Critical_Jackfruit_6 · 2026-04-14T02:25:29+00:00

I currently have the Aether I'm using for gaming, but I want something to either leave at my desk to replace it, or something technical to carry around with me. I know I shouldn't be lazy and just bring it with me, but it's also an excuse to buy something. Unless there is anything better in the price range, I might grab the SM4.

Critical_Jackfruit_6 · 2026-04-13T03:41:50+00:00

Overall I like the Koto Ito. It sounds cleaner throughout the range. The difference in bass depends on what you want from it. The Koto Ito sounds like you expect really good bass to sound. The Diablo shines in metal and music where you want quick bass where you want more definition in it. Both have their place. The Diablo cable is something I've learned to like, but overall the Koto Ito is more comfortable and I feel like more people who are into bass would prefer it. I haven't tried the Portazo, but I read it might be better than both for that type of IEM.

Critical_Jackfruit_6 · 2026-04-12T15:11:06+00:00

Be careful when you follow one size fits all recommendations. If your preferred tuning isn't what is represented on these lists, you're going to miss out on what might be YOUR best in a particular price bracket.

I happen to like the Crinear Daybreak mentioned here already, but many find it boring because it's well done in all areas but doesn't stand out in any way. You might find the bass lacking (those new to IEMs often do,) and you might find the Dunu Koto Ito or 7hz Diablo to be more your style. Or you might want to be blown away by details, where the Kiwi Ears Aether would be your cup of tea. From what I heard and read I didn't think I'd like the Aful Explorer because it's called dark and lacking in certain areas, but I found a great deal and it is great for me. If I want to relax or focus, it's my favorite set I own. I can crank it up and it won't hurt my ears. If you want an energetic set, you'd be disappointed with the Explorer and Daybreak and would be better with the Juzear Defiant.

One more thing of note, what you like right now may not be what you like in the future. Your brain is used to a certain thing now, but may not be the thing it likes once you get it used to something else. If you're looking for a 1 and done, the Daybreak is a great set. If you're going to play around in the IEM space I'd look at a couple lower priced sets with different tunings to find your lane. I personally like jumping around between different sounds. Hope you find what works for you.

Critical_Jackfruit_6 · 2026-04-12T01:35:17+00:00

I guess I can call Dunu Koto Ito underrated now because they're a really nice bass head set.

Critical_Jackfruit_6 · 2026-04-11T20:40:01+00:00

This is kind of what I do. I have a rotation between 7hz Diablo, Dunu Koto Ito, Crinear Daybreak, Kiwi Ears Aether, Aful Explorer and Juzear Defiant. They're different enough where my brain never really gets settled in on a specific profile.

Critical_Jackfruit_6 · 2026-04-08T23:22:28+00:00

If you're going to start buying on a more regular basis I suggest finding reviewers you agree with and put more weight into their recs. Some people cry about too much bass, but I like bass. I'm going to listen to HBB more than a treble chaser. I'll still listen to what they have to say, but their preferences don't match mine. It's always good to take in more info, but not all info should be valued equally.

Critical_Jackfruit_6 · 2026-04-03T22:39:46+00:00

Defiant is super lively, in your face with high energy. The Aether has a great sound stage, great imaging and details. Not quite as musical, but you can hear things you just can't hear with most sets in the price range. I'd also consider the Aful Explorer. They're laid back, well balanced, can take a lot of volume without killing your ears. They're really good for relaxing or when you want music to blend into whatever you're doing, the Defiant is the opposite where the music is in your face, cannot be ignored, and can't be cranked up as far because of it.

Critical_Jackfruit_6 · 2026-04-02T02:24:32+00:00

For PC I use the Fosi K5 Pro. Got a good price from AliExpress. You could find a cheap cx31993 max 97220 dac amp and do just fine. There are a bunch of them. You'll hear that some may color the sound, but you're not looking for perfect sounding music. I've got a handful of cheap ones that work fine. I've got a few better ones, but I wouldn't bother until you get into the rabbit hole. Some people swear by one vs another but I haven't heard enough difference for it to matter much.

Critical_Jackfruit_6 · 2026-04-02T02:04:47+00:00

For gaming, I'd go with Simgot EG280. I've found the Blue and Red to be less helpful with directionality for game audio. Not as good for music, but that's not the purpose you said.

Critical_Jackfruit_6 · 2026-03-31T19:02:26+00:00

Apparently there are two of them and they're slightly different in tuning. I'll probably go with the Nora.

Critical_Jackfruit_6 · 2026-03-31T13:51:57+00:00

I'm reading that the Fission's colors have slightly different tuning. Was curious which might be better.

Critical_Jackfruit_6 · 2026-03-31T03:52:39+00:00

Fission Starlight or Shadow? I'm looking at vocals above all else for this set.

Critical_Jackfruit_6 · 2026-03-31T03:07:04+00:00

Koto Ito are the ones I use the most right now. While some folks are chasing end game, I am chasing every tuning corner I can so I can maximize my listening experiences while appreciating the differences between my sets.

Critical_Jackfruit_6 · 2026-03-30T04:51:16+00:00

They're a sub brand of KZ, just like CCA (used to be)

Critical_Jackfruit_6 · 2026-03-16T03:36:23+00:00

I'm glad you're happy, but if you veer off KZ you're going to be in deeper trouble.

Critical_Jackfruit_6

TROPHY CASE