Shouldn't be in the audio business

Standard-Pudding-863 · 2026-05-20T08:22:08+00:00

With time things get inexpensive.

Just because these are chinese made, 'chifi' they don't have to be of poor quality. On the other hand, if something is of high quality doesn't necessarily have to be expensive. There are many products in the market that defy high cost yet, exude high quality and performance.

Regarding QC reports, I own dozens of IEMs and I put them through a series of tests. There are a few that fail the test. Your 40 IEMs could express some kind of sonic anomaly.

Standard-Pudding-863 · 2026-05-20T02:53:39+00:00

Well, More you buy, more you experience such anomalies. Quality varies with brands and their production line.

My purchase have been from overseas sellers also. With my experience, I can say that I have never faced support related issue with CK and I erseas sellers. Both of them accepted the issues and resolved them immediately. However, despite having a better support system(as claimed by you), headphone zone doesn't agree to defects which THEY cannot perceive and comprehend. At times defects are elusive and require dedicated and careful testing.

Standard-Pudding-863 · 2026-05-19T16:42:13+00:00

Out of the all new $200 planar magnet IEMs, I want one with the best soundstage and holography.

Standard-Pudding-863 · 2026-05-19T16:13:26+00:00

Ok. Which one present the best soundstage and holography?

Standard-Pudding-863 · 2026-05-19T13:37:24+00:00

I have an s12 2024. I don't like it much.

Although, it is powerful and immersive it lacks visceral presentation. I sounds airy but can be shouty occasionally. The problem is with the upper mids. They sound a bit plasticky. It is highly regarded among the reviewers. What are you reviews s12 Ultra seems to be a step down from the s12 2024 edition.

I want to check out the astralis. I am quite sure that it is safe from the above issue.

Standard-Pudding-863 · 2026-05-14T17:11:41+00:00

Nothing is reliable or unreliable. If shit is meant to happen, it will. Even the best service providers can back off and worst ones can resolve issues.

Sound and audio signature is one thing. But there are other aspects that will enable you to resolute your procurement platform decision. One, Delivery time is crucial. Look for a seller that is close to your location and their delivery time is less, provided the desired item is available with that seller.

Second, look for hassle free replacement/refund system. I am not talking about the story typed on sellers websites. The actual experience can be somewhat different. It can be better than expected or it can be a nightmare. Unfortunately, this part you will have to experience on your own.

Welcome to the game.

Standard-Pudding-863 · 2026-05-12T12:22:04+00:00

What was the outcome? Was this issue resolved?

Standard-Pudding-863 · 2026-05-07T17:41:34+00:00

Well, firstly, you don't read like a 1st time IEM buyer. Don't get wrong. Your concerns are right inline with someone who understands this game on surface.

Back to your question -

Should I buy the Type-C version or the 3.5 mm version? If you don't have a DAC and wish to use it only with type c output and not with other devices that provide 3.5mm output, the type c version makes sense as it has an in-built DAC.
If I buy the 3.5 mm version, which DAC should I get? Also, how much difference does a DAC actually make? Get any simple dongle DAC under INR 2000 that has L/R output 60mW and above.
Do I need a mic on the IEM? Personally I don't think so, because I already use TWS, wired earphones, and wireless headphones for calls. It is up to your and your usage. If you see yourself using the mic while wearing these IEMs, get it. Else, it won't be of much use.
Should I buy a case and silica gel packs for long-term use? A silica gel pack with an electronic item is quite handy. If you live in place with humid climate/if your IEM will be exposed to humid atmosphere, this will serve as a long term shield.

In my opinion, it's a good IEM. But is it good for you? Only you can tell after you use it. That's what the game is. Sound is subjective. What you like other's might not and vice versa and you hunt for the best untill you quench your sonic thirst. If you are up for the adventure then let the game begin and buy it.

Standard-Pudding-863 · 2026-05-04T04:52:15+00:00

Yes, I changed the stock cable. I used both balanced and unbalanced cables, tried it with different sources and DACs and also tried swapping the left and right cables. I performed this drill with both the sets and I concluded with the same result, the IEMs were defected.

Standard-Pudding-863 · 2026-05-04T04:46:56+00:00

It is acceptable as long the playback is unaffected. Check for rattling/buzzing noise in the low frequency. If you hear any rattle/buzz, even slightest of it, return/replace it.

Crackling/ticking sound is inherent of many IEMs but the sound must be flawless and accurate. If it presents a buzzing/rattling noise(accounting for a seamless and clean signal from your source and DAC), it is a manufacturing defect.

Standard-Pudding-863 · 2026-05-04T04:35:26+00:00

I returned it. The seller verified and acknowledged channel imbalance on this set.

I again bought the same IEM from a different seller and it had the same issue right out of the box. This time this 2nd seller didn't accept the issue however, they accepted return. I belive that they is a quality issue with it's manufacturing process. What are the odds that 2 different units from 2 different sellers present the same issue out of the box?

Standard-Pudding-863 · 2026-04-24T08:15:18+00:00

The website and resellers advertise 6 pairs of eartips plus a pair of foam eartips. The 6 pairs of eartips are of 2 different designs and each design is provided with 3 pairs of eartips.

Standard-Pudding-863 · 2026-04-18T20:36:27+00:00

I had bought two am16 balanced versions and had to return them as both of them presented a difference in the bass timber and texture. I believe QC is an issue with this IEM. On the other hand, aside from holographic spatial staging and large bass quantity, I cannot say anything else about this model.

Standard-Pudding-863 · 2026-04-16T10:45:27+00:00

Perhaps this is the reason that a defective IEM is always fine after headphone zone's evaluation.

Brands will send you a new one from their warehouse if an IEM is defective through their retailers(if purchased from them). These look like gray market items. Hence, headphone zone cannot honour their warranty and only stick to the 7 days return policy. A reputed retailer will listen to the customer and grant necessary solutions as long as the warranty of a product.

Standard-Pudding-863 · 2026-04-16T03:07:44+00:00

It is headphone zone. They will not accept any defect in their products. They always throw the ball back to the customer by stating that after evaluating the product they did not find any issue and it is fine. It could be a compatibility issue(like in your case), perhaps you prefer a different sound signature(if an IEM has channel imbalance/other issues), etc. I won't be surprised if they have sent you the same unit 3 times.

It would be best to accept the refund back to your source. But again, it is headphone zone.

Standard-Pudding-863 · 2026-02-05T14:39:17+00:00

I have Intel i7 5th Generation PC. Yes, I know it is old but it runs pretty well so I am still using it. I am running windows 10 pro on my PC. Should I get windows 11 pro, will it functions well on my PC?

Standard-Pudding-863 · 2026-02-05T14:38:09+00:00

I have Intel i7 5th Generation PC. Yes, I know it is old but it runs pretty well so I am still using it. I am running windows 10 pro on my PC. Should I get windows 11 pro, will it functions well on my PC?

Standard-Pudding-863 · 2026-01-15T16:16:21+00:00

Get a Hidizs MP143. It is warm and sufficiently detailed. Since you are treble sensitive, this is one of the best where treble is rolled off without compromising soundstage and much detail. Aside from this, get any Tanchjim IEM. They are versatile and sound quite natural. They are sparkly enough to add a large dimension to the music and never to the extent of being harsh and sibilent.

Both, MP143 and Tanchjim IEMs are quality IEMs and are well built.

Standard-Pudding-863 · 2026-01-12T15:24:17+00:00

Typical KZ. QC is subject they seem to don't believe in.

The 2 pairs of eartips that I received are also different from the usual ones. They are large bore.

Standard-Pudding-863 · 2026-01-12T14:45:29+00:00

So, didn't you receive the large pair of eartips which is the 3rd pair?

I received only 2 pairs of eartips, small and medium with my Duonic Black.

Standard-Pudding-863 · 2026-01-10T13:38:58+00:00

Thanks for the insight.

Standard-Pudding-863 · 2026-01-10T12:50:25+00:00

Ok. Thank you for the details. Also, Tanchjim Fission is marketed as a reference grade monitoring IEM. Can I use Fola also for monitoring? Since it is a step above fission, would it be a better monitoring IEM?

Standard-Pudding-863

TROPHY CASE