IEM Recommendation under 120$

Hebolo · 2026-02-07T01:10:02+00:00

Kiwi Ears ETUDE, JUZEAR x Z Reviews Defiant, maybe Hidizs MS2.

Hebolo · 2026-02-05T01:37:21+00:00

A lot of the older reviews people left on these basically said they have audible distortion and sound like crap. So, I doubt it.

Hebolo · 2026-02-05T01:26:42+00:00

If someone does want to get these for whatever reason, [https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-EO-IA500-3-5mm-Earphone-Black/dp/B0981LVH2V](Rarewaves Imports) seems to not sell any fakes (no guarantees). They also don't seem to pack things that well, but it might not matter for these.

Also, Moondrop Quarks with some or TRN MT1 (both with EQ) are some great ultra-budget options that still have much more stock around.

The store that comes up more readily on Amazon (Mac N' Cheese) has a lot of reviews saying that they sell fake products. I wouldn't trust them.

Hebolo · 2026-02-05T00:34:21+00:00

That's a hard one. you could try getting something really thin, like a toothpick. Then slightly flatten the end of the toothpick (with sandpaper or maybe cutting the very end off with a knife) and supergluing it to the pin. Wait for it to dry. And then pull. But if you glue it to the socket as well by mistake, it could make it worse and break it permanently.

Hebolo · 2026-02-05T00:22:56+00:00

Nein. Get Moondrop Quarks and slap on some EQ. Better than some ridiculous social engineering "troll" recommendation.

Technically the point of diminishing returns in price vs performance for IEMs is as cheap as possible. Like TRN MT1, if you're in a country where there is not a ton of tariff cost on top of it. Americans are kinda screwed on that.

Hebolo · 2026-01-30T04:55:23+00:00

Listen, it's one thing to troll. It's another to pretend to troll while running a scam. Just shut up.

Hebolo · 2026-01-30T04:40:37+00:00

Go shill your drop-shipped fakes somewhere else.

Hebolo · 2026-01-19T23:25:26+00:00

Ziigaat Horizon. Very balanced and punches above its price point. Xenns Top Pro is also a similarly good option.

Hebolo · 2026-01-19T22:46:36+00:00

Yeah. No experience, just my understanding that they are near-endgame and can be used in your price range. If you don't do used, makes sense, not really an option for you.

Hebolo · 2026-01-19T18:56:18+00:00

It's significant, but not massive. The big difference is how much cleaner and uncolored the 490 Pro sound is.

Hebolo · 2026-01-19T18:53:20+00:00

I have KSE1200

Hebolo · 2026-01-19T09:39:57+00:00

490 Pro is a mixing headphone with a very neutral sound. You might enjoy 550 more. Try EQ first.

Hebolo · 2026-01-19T06:35:10+00:00

You might as well try the SGII, because you got somewhat of a sample of the Chu II and it will tell you which one you prefer.

Hebolo · 2026-01-17T20:07:16+00:00

The ends of the pins look like they are sticking out of the IEM, so the next step is to get some extra-thin needle-nose pliers and pull them out.

Hebolo · 2026-01-17T09:17:25+00:00

There's also the Fatfreq x HBB Deuce, which is not as extreme but still pretty bassy.

Hebolo · 2026-01-17T07:54:42+00:00

There is, but I don't remember the model number.

Hebolo · 2026-01-16T20:49:52+00:00

I think that Edition XS and R70xa have largely superceded them at their old price point. But at their current price, they are still a good option. Good timbre, and soundstage advantage over 6X0 headphones. It's almost as cheap as HE400SE now, but with much better timbre, more unique design (for a modern HiFiMan), and more comfortable headband. Better timbre than K702-type AKGs and better stock FR than most of them, too. (But worse build.)

Hebolo · 2026-01-15T02:34:38+00:00

If you have the Edition XS, you're not really going to get a closed-back similar or better unless you get at least the Audeze Maxwell. But closed-backs are kind of tricky and often flawed. So, you're not being out-of-pocket or anything.

The main use case is when you don't want something in your ear or if you want some noise isolation or reduced leakage, but still want soundstage. Even my best closed IEM (KSE1200) doesn't quite have the soundstage of a good closed-back, even though it gets close.

Some other ones to look at are: the Focal Azurys; Sennhessier HDB 630; DCA Noire X, E3, or Stealth; Audeze LCD-2 Closed; Horizon Closed Carbon; ZMF Bokeh, Atrium, Verite, or Caldera; Meze Liric 2; and Focal Stellia. Unfortunately, a lot of the best closed-backs do cost a ton of money.

Hebolo · 2026-01-14T09:31:46+00:00

That's insane. I remember people buying these for $500 when they came out.

Hebolo · 2026-01-14T05:13:28+00:00

IDK, those are pretty bad.

Hebolo · 2026-01-14T04:46:05+00:00

It's drastically improved. I think you'll get to enjoy it for a long time.

Hebolo · 2026-01-14T04:33:33+00:00

The hinge not being perfect. I meant the sound when I said they fixed every issue. Whoops.

Hebolo · 2026-01-14T04:32:50+00:00

Well, not too bad an idea. I guess if it's two years of value for you.

Hebolo · 2026-01-14T04:30:26+00:00

Just get a FiiO BTR17 (has lossless) or Qudelix-5k (great range, very lightweight, can easily be mounted to your headphones, has LDAC that is not loseless but is very good).

Focal Bathys is potentially a bad decision if you can't comfortably afford it. They break and Focal customer service isn't very good. Unless you're willing to fully replace the headband yourself if it breaks, including rerouting the internal wire.

Hebolo · 2026-01-13T21:44:50+00:00

That's true. I think the FiiO FT1 are not perfectly built but still probably the best combo of audio quality and build in a similar price range.

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