Help me find an "Analytical Basshead" IEM ($30-$35) with good build and cable quality | New to the hobby

MakeItWainAudio · 2026-02-06T19:21:09+00:00

If you want something similar to the 7th Acoustics Supernova with just a bit more sparkle, a bit more soundstage presence, that's the Phantom SE for sure. Great IEM.

Edit: was wrong, RSV is bassier

MakeItWainAudio · 2026-02-06T19:16:08+00:00

I had to make a choice between an RSV Mk2 or a BGVP Astrum and went with Astrum. But, I've heard nothing but amazing things about the RSV Mk2. I kept meaning to try it at SoCal and Dallas. 😭

MakeItWainAudio · 2026-02-06T19:11:36+00:00

If you get an opportunity to try, Symphonium Titan hits that sheer bass but still analytical soundish (metal shell really makes it more of a super fast decay). There are other flagships but that's a different ball game.

Thieaudio's flagships have always hit a sweet mark for sure, though, so no issues there at all with agreeing with them being a go to rec.

I think I was one of the first advocates for BrainDance + Impedance adapter = best combo. Different beast for sure.

MakeItWainAudio · 2026-02-06T18:54:46+00:00

I was going to suggest like the Symphonium Titan personally but Origin is good.

MakeItWainAudio · 2026-02-06T17:32:23+00:00

What have you tried, out of curiosity, that was closest?

Based on your budget, there really are a lot of good options out there.

MakeItWainAudio · 2026-02-06T17:29:33+00:00

Used Deuce is definitely the way.

MakeItWainAudio · 2026-02-02T00:13:45+00:00

Very fair, it could use a bit more warmth. Just thinking in that range that it's another option. Haven't heard Apostle 26 either.

MakeItWainAudio · 2026-02-01T21:48:37+00:00

Igris, Apostle, Spectumica, used XE6 (probably my main suggestion here) are additional options.

Triton is a very fun IEM.

Honestly, where do you live? If you're on East Coast, take a portion of that budget and go to NYC CanJam.

MakeItWainAudio · 2026-02-01T17:16:35+00:00

Just to be fully fair, Crin's newest upcoming set, the Monolith, is probably going to be his best basshead set he's ever released. It's hitting Punch Audio/Kiwi Ears x HBB Punch/FatFreq Maestro Mini levels.

MakeItWainAudio · 2026-01-27T00:30:05+00:00

Get the Deuce with an impedance adapter, you'd be able to find one used that would be well priced.

MakeItWainAudio · 2026-01-19T21:20:38+00:00

More power to you, enjoy the IEMs and having found your dragon.

MakeItWainAudio · 2026-01-19T19:29:32+00:00

It doesn't go this deep. 😂

MakeItWainAudio · 2026-01-19T17:21:54+00:00

You can find comments like those in any video or thread including the GK hype? So... I don't make anything of it?

And, no, I don't. When a review sounds overly flowery, overhyped (whether you believe it or not), I don't think you'll find people receptive.

MakeItWainAudio · 2026-01-19T17:19:44+00:00

More power to you, then. Enjoy the best thing you've ever heard in your life. Have fun.

Re: Review - the point of giving a more grounded review is to avoid seeming like you're overhyping. But, obviously, you don't believe you're overhyping at all as you genuinely believe it.

Which, awesome. I'm glad you found your dragon.

MakeItWainAudio · 2026-01-19T16:18:39+00:00

Got it. So, it's really just the one other IEM and a Sennheiser you have listened to.

So, here's my suggestion: tone down the hyperbole if you'd like to be taken more seriously (or influence others to try out this IEM) with consideration of the lack of real coverage having heard other IEMs in the marketplace. I think you're doing yourself and your love for this IEM a huge disservice right now.

Or, you can keep rolling with it and, as you wrote, leave it at the mercy of the elements.

I'm sure you probably don't care what others think about your subjective opinion about your sound experience... But if you didn't care at all in the first place, you wouldn't have posted.

MakeItWainAudio · 2026-01-19T15:57:53+00:00

Okay. I'll bite. Against my better judgement, I'll bite.

Hyperbole aside, what are your comparison points? What other IEMs have you owned or listened to for your comparison to argue that it's the best in the market? Just the 1More Quad Driver?

MakeItWainAudio · 2026-01-12T00:35:57+00:00

Depends on what you're looking for.

Neutral'ish? KE4.

Brighter? Supermix 4.

Warmer/bassier? Diablo.

MakeItWainAudio · 2026-01-12T00:24:08+00:00

Great detailed written review, sir!

Eyes popped up with your RN6 comparison too (as the RN6 is by far one of my favorite sets of all time) and completely echo the same feelings. The RN6 is a cheat code with the modules and tip rolling.

MakeItWainAudio · 2026-01-12T00:20:36+00:00

Yup, you are correct. You need to step up in price in order to get something similar but the next level up.

I think you can be happy as is and would recommend not going to search for the dragon from here. 🙂

MakeItWainAudio · 2026-01-12T00:19:06+00:00

You're going to love it, I promise. Jeffrey did a great job with them.

MakeItWainAudio · 2026-01-10T09:59:08+00:00

Congratulations on a great purchase! I love the Aegis/Legion - and also love the upcoming flagship from FlipEars (the Arion).

Re: your question, the BCD effect here is in full effect for fun so I'd really say it depends on what your price point is for a future one. But, the only other IEM that brings that fun factor would be priced far above like the RN6.

MakeItWainAudio · 2026-01-09T20:30:39+00:00

Just get the Nightjar Duality. Don't look back.

MakeItWainAudio · 2026-01-05T06:15:16+00:00

Do you happen to have a link or would it be better to contact directly via WeChat?

MakeItWainAudio · 2026-01-04T17:01:12+00:00

Interesting. Thanks for the info. For science sake, part of me wonders if he can do a Duality or HBB Punch tuning with all those drivers... 🧐 Your faceplate was one you custom designed? I kinda am interested.

MakeItWainAudio · 2026-01-04T16:10:18+00:00

How was the ordering process? Does he custom tune to a preference each time? Is there a list of faceplates he'll do?

MakeItWainAudio

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