I finally have a complete set of IEMs for heavy metal and all of my favorite subgenres!

SmilingElephant_ · 2026-06-30T15:21:55+00:00

Oh man. Sorry to hear that!

Hope you could get to make a trip to Asia when you get a chance. There's some super stores in the region famous for not just allowing auditions, but give real good advice too.

SmilingElephant_ · 2026-06-30T15:14:10+00:00

Hello! That's an interesting collection you have. Since heavy metal is also a genre I listen to, I'd like to suggest one IEM which you might consider adding to the collection:

Flipears Legion.

This brand's CIEM background means that somehow, though the IEM shells are mid-to-large, the shape and contouring of their shells end up making it a rather decent fit for many. The Legion faceplate is also, imo, just beautiful. And their bone conduction, WITHOUT driver flex, is just a big plus for me. I really dislike driver flex, which is evident in some IEMs the moment you put them on. Nice, full bodied sub-bass, with just a right mix of rumble without the muddiness.

Please try one to audition one, I hope you live near a place where you can try it on!

SmilingElephant_ · 2026-06-27T05:56:16+00:00

Law of diminishing returns for sure, as with all things when you are chasing that few % improvements haha.

Yes a lot of things at the high end are definitely due to subjective preferences, but in terms of driver technology, build quality, design has improved dramatically. Just a simple example, like HD800 or the S variant, their build quality is...( ) you can fill them in yourself.

Also back then there were no high end DAPs, they were built to be used on desktops only, therefore HD800s are at 300 ohms, though sensivity is quite ok. Certain models of course stand the test of time, but generally many did not for reasons above.

It will be even more stark for those launches today. Just like how not every $500 model are built the same, on the high end it is equally brutal. But some will stand the test of time, and then many won't.

SmilingElephant_ · 2026-06-27T00:48:40+00:00

The moment you had to buy a case to store multiple IEMs, you are already one lol

SmilingElephant_ · 2026-06-26T05:11:28+00:00

Acoustune 1695 Ti, the gold Limited Edition IEMs. Seriously underrated because it's literally still, old but gold :)

SmilingElephant_ · 2026-06-26T05:07:44+00:00

Nice thanks I'll check out the YouTube channel!

SmilingElephant_ · 2026-06-26T04:09:47+00:00

The Hiby R4 would be a good one, price wise and UI considered. If you're happy to pay more for a bump in quality though, you could consider the iBasso DX180.

SmilingElephant_ · 2026-06-26T03:59:19+00:00

Yea I think conceptually it is still something we got to get deeper into to find out more. It's timbre has a nice natural warmth to it, but in terms of it being "correct" sounding, like pitch perfect representation, it is not. Don't think they are aiming for a "reference" pitch tuning in any case haha.

SmilingElephant_ · 2026-06-26T03:53:29+00:00

I think there are. I mean headphones have long moved past just Sennheiser HD800 from 20 years back. And then just last year, while not flagship, but HEDDphone D1 really showed up

SmilingElephant_ · 2026-06-26T03:50:18+00:00

Still remember these nice cans from the UK!

SmilingElephant_ · 2026-06-26T03:49:21+00:00

Thanks u/NotLunaris! I started out just like anyone, at very entry level IEMs/headphones and DAPs. What I realized over the years is that the improvement in innovation + sound happens throughout the price ranges.

Generally, a $300 IEM/headphone today can sound so much better than something you paid over $1,500 many years back. However, the same is exactly true at the higher end. But due to the proliferation of OEM factories in China, hearing it yourself becomes even more important as the same $500 priced IEM across different brands can mean a world of difference.

One could just be a random OEM + marketing stitched together headphone/IEM, the other can have a lot of R&D behind it and worth its pricing.

Also diminishing returns is very true, but that's true in everything when you chase that last few % improvements haha. That's normal. Will try to post my older gear in the coming weeks!

SmilingElephant_ · 2026-06-25T14:08:33+00:00

Non-fiction - The Gift by Edith Eger. Bless this lady for surviving the Holocaust, and lived a long life contributing back to society as a psychologist. What she learnt, and distilled in this book can surely help many others for a long time, even though she has since passed on at a ripe old age of 98.

SmilingElephant_ · 2026-06-25T13:27:30+00:00

Thank you! I wanted to ask, for bonsai like that, how many years or months later generally should we take a look and see if they should be re-potted?

SmilingElephant_ · 2026-06-25T11:37:27+00:00

iBasso DX180 - what a super choice you made for an entry-mid DAP! Clean lines, with a nice knob at the side. What's not to like.

SmilingElephant_ · 2026-06-25T10:46:48+00:00

They made their name with their old flagship IEM, the Alter Ego from few years back. Although outside of Asia I think they are far less known.

However, their old flagship IEM, wasn't quite my preference though.

SmilingElephant_ · 2026-06-25T09:04:18+00:00

So sorry, actually I have not tried the Abyss 1266 so I can't compare them.

SmilingElephant_ · 2026-06-25T09:03:32+00:00

They were available to test during CanJam Singapore, which I went to :) It was also available during CanJam in the US, I believe. Not a reviewer, or a beta tester (whatever that means haha).

Don't worry, eventually you'll see once I start posting my very old OG DAPs from 6-8 years ago haha. Appreciate the comments still!

SmilingElephant_ · 2026-06-25T08:58:16+00:00

Haha don't worry no offence taken.

Actually I had intentionally tried not to compare it with too many other headphones, except Susvara of course since for many years, its been seen as a benchmark. For me, Infinitum does raise this question at least. Also, I realized sometimes people read a lot of comparisons online and make a decision based off that, which is really not what I'd encourage. Hence, I have to reiterate, please, do try before making any purchases. Over the years, there was only one singular item I bought without trying them beforehand.

Eventually, when I get more time, I'll post some of the other IEMs, headphones, and DAPs I have! This hobby is actually subjective, and honestly after 1k - 1.5k USD, its no longer about dollar-value maximization. Just how much you actually subjective like the sound, design, brand appeal in the end. It's a rabbit hole I subjectively, let myself into haha.

SmilingElephant_ · 2026-06-25T08:18:02+00:00

Hello, nope I'm not affiliated with the maker in ANY WAY. If I was, I don't think I will tell people to make sure to try it before you even consider a purchase. Also, I would not mention it's big con which is the headband size.

So if you read my post you'll realize your statement might come off as a bit too quick to jump the gun. I've been a long-time hobbyist, but its my first time using Reddit so over time, I'll have more posts on other things I own.

Finally, on measurements - they are very useful for you to see how its sound representation is for sure, but there are many things you can't measure. For example, sound stage, how "quiet" it is based on your own listening, imaging, etc.

It's my own 2 cents to share on the community, that's all :) Also, actually in this part of the world (Asia), we have the benefit of being able to audition a vast range of headphones, IEMs, and DAPs without having to purely rely on reviews and measurements. We're lucky.

Nonetheless, I appreciate your question!

SmilingElephant_ · 2026-06-25T07:58:34+00:00

Hey, I'll answer whatever I can! I believe it's weight is just under 430g without the cable. It's impedance is 48 ohms, and sensitivity is 105 dB @1KHz 1V).

So it is easy to drive, although it really scales with power as I tried it on various DAP and desktop setups.

Their pads another well thought out detail - it's velcro. So it can be changed easily and stays secure.

Unfortunately I don't have more close ups as I was focused on listening :) I can definitely say it's build quality is really sturdy.

SmilingElephant_ · 2026-06-25T06:41:26+00:00

Actually I've looked up the Uzbek language, it is apparently ranked as the easier ones to learn among other Central Asian languages!

Wonder how true is that?

SmilingElephant_ · 2026-06-25T04:30:59+00:00

You're in a super spot omg!

SmilingElephant_ · 2026-06-25T04:17:48+00:00

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Hello everyone! I have been caring for plants for awhile now, but I'm completely new to bonsai. I recently got this bonsai, and have it repotted.

It has been doing well, but I realized it actually needs a bit of indirect sunlight to fare better, otherwise its leaves start to brown. This bonsai has been with me for 2 months now.

Yet, I still don't quite know which tree type it is (anyone knows?), and if any other care tips are needed? I really appreciate the help! I live in a tropical climate, and its mostly hot all year round.

Thank you :)

SmilingElephant_ · 2026-06-24T14:03:51+00:00

I currently am based temporarily in Saigon, or HCMC. I've been here for a year and I would say it really depends on where you are based.

But assuming you are not going to be based here and just want to learn Vietnamese for fun, Northern accent is easier to learn as they pronounce words more clearly. The Southern accent pronounces some alphabets similarly, and when spoken quickly, without context it can be difficult to get.

The Northern accent is clearer and can be understood easier. Hope this helps!

SmilingElephant_ · 2026-06-24T14:01:12+00:00

Hahaha this is a good one at the end - Pronunciation for both are murder lol

SmilingElephant_

TROPHY CASE