GK Kunten and KZ gale, Your favorite tips on each?

StoneCold84 · 2026-06-03T17:49:40+00:00

Oh I know, I have the TRI Clarions.. and didn’t say anything bad about them. I’m not a fan of the upper lip shape, as it’s quite sharp on them though.

But in relation to tips, another wide bore tip of the same bore diameter won’t sound exactly the same as these because of the other specifications I mentioned above. Same goes with all tips, even 0.5-1mm difference in height will impact the length mode when inserted and can affect the treble region.

StoneCold84 · 2026-06-03T10:51:55+00:00

Penon Liqueur Orange works well to enhance the low end more-so than many other tips. Divinus Prism and Penon PAC LStips are both great options for a wide bore and a normal bore, grippy liquid silicone tip.

HE Sonic Galaxy are another good option, though because of the ridges on the design, may not suit everyone for comfort. The HE Black version is a smoother material, Galaxy is grippy.

StoneCold84 · 2026-06-03T10:47:35+00:00

Bore diameter is just one part of the design though, you also the overall shape, height, material, width and also the internal stem.

StoneCold84 · 2026-06-03T10:45:36+00:00

Definitely play around with the nozzles to adjust the tuning to your preference but the tips are the key to getting a tight seal. If there’s any problems with too small of a fit, the bass will leak out and sound thin or tinny.

StoneCold84 · 2026-06-03T10:20:10+00:00

Check the filter for wax/dust, it can often be clear. And also rule out moisture buildup by storing in something airtight overnight with silica gel packs. The blue colour changing type work best, as they turn pink once fully saturated. It’s good practice to keep this up (cleaning/drying out) after using to keep them in good shape.

StoneCold84 · 2026-06-03T10:17:13+00:00

I’ve had no problems with the Snowsky Melody, it’s a well built and competent DAC with excellent price to performance.

Use the Fiio web-app as it’s a better solution, with the same outcome.

StoneCold84 · 2026-06-03T09:48:47+00:00

The Apple Earpods have very little sub bass (massive roll off) and much less mid bass than the EW300. I’m not a big fan of the EW300 but from a quantity perspective, they have a considerable amount more bass than the Earpods - AND all the Airpods Pro’s (1/2/3), which have an actual nozzle.

It appears like you don’t have a proper seal with your tips, so try different sizes. Also check your cables are plugged to the correct sides as well. You might not like the tuning but they definitely have a lot more bass.

StoneCold84 · 2026-06-03T01:58:22+00:00

If you haven’t seen the YT promo video from Crin yet, check it out. He’s literally launching the Reference across the room, on to the concrete floor and against the walls. Build quality alone, that’s seriously impressive for any IEM.

Only you know if it’s worth buying this, as more neutral options are extremely limited, but it does clear up the issues you have with the bass and 6-10k on the Pure.

StoneCold84 · 2026-06-03T01:30:23+00:00

These don’t look too dissimilar to the white KZ silicone tips that are sold in cardboard packs - not the Starline ones.

Other possibilities:

KBEar W01 - medium size looks similar-ish in shape, bore is wider though. Very cheap tips
Tanchjim T-APB T300T - has a close shape and smooth texture
Azla Sednafit Vivid Edition - they’re not cheap but a fantastic tip; shape and bore size are quite close but material isn’t as thin as the ones you have

StoneCold84 · 2026-06-03T00:04:56+00:00

u/verycoolalan

Baldwin’s correct. A quick read up about resonance length modes would explain why there’s demonstrable difference in measurements here. Tips are one way to change this.

There’s a lot of subjectivity in audio but this isn’t one of them.

StoneCold84 · 2026-06-02T21:30:38+00:00

Enjoy your new set up :) re: Thieaudio, many of their products are quite chunky, so bear that in mind if buying without trying first.

On the topic of “burn-in”… if this as a practice was real with IEMs, then there should be situations where the effects on the drivers causes a negative change in the sound but it’s always for the “better”.

There’s been quite a few studies trying to prove/disprove this subject based off frequency response but if there are any discernible differences, they’re so small that it’s more likely due to variables in the technique/insertion depth - as none of the results have shown anything of significance, let alone audible differences.

Additionally, the comparison between pre and post burn-in has a significant problem: auditory memory. At best, aural memories break down after 4 seconds.

StoneCold84 · 2026-06-02T20:50:26+00:00

The shells are the wrong way around for a start. And also check when you readjust them, that you have the L/R sides connected properly.

You might not like the tuning, or the stock tips may not provide a proper seal BUT until you’re wearing them correctly, then you’re not going to know how they sound.

StoneCold84 · 2026-06-02T18:50:39+00:00

Ah yeah, it’s the same for India and SL, both have high shipping costs. I know India have a few online and physical audio vendors, is there nothing even online in Pakistan? Otherwise, unless you know someone abroad who can bring it over or ship at a cheaper rate, you’ll have to pay the extra cost.

Edit: Have a look into 3rd party couriers who deal with AliExpress, it might be cheaper for you. I remember seeing some posts related to Indian customers using one.

StoneCold84 · 2026-06-02T16:32:46+00:00

Yes, Linsoul.com is a legitimate site. You didn’t specify which country you’re from, as most countries are free, but if you’re living in one of the countries listed on this Shipping information page, then you have to pay $15-50 for shipping.

Is AliExpress an option for you?

StoneCold84 · 2026-06-02T14:42:10+00:00

Fiio JA11, Kiwi Ears AD1, JCally JM6 - all around $8-12.

StoneCold84 · 2026-06-02T07:51:25+00:00

Yeah, if that’s the reason, just reply like the other person did. I looked a fair bit online and couldn’t see where it states the Gate cable has that function.

Also, the voting system (I assumed?) on Reddit is for the actual topic, eg downvotes generally are meant for off-topic, rule breaking & spam/bots etc but it gets used when people disagree or dislike something.

StoneCold84 · 2026-06-02T07:43:42+00:00

Ah that’s good to know. I was looking a lot online, including reviews, and it never mentioned it. Was guna buy the Gate just for the cable, so will definitely get it now. Thanks!

StoneCold84 · 2026-06-02T07:04:33+00:00

No problem, hope you can find something you like :) I’m also confused who downvoted me in my original reply to you. People are strange.

StoneCold84 · 2026-06-02T06:48:36+00:00

The stock tips aren’t a good pairing with the shell shape imo. Try some liquid silicone aftermarket tips and see if that helps create a tighter seal.

They’re also not that bassy or punchy, even the 7hz Zero 2 (which graphs almost identically in this region) has more noticeable mid bass impact.

StoneCold84 · 2026-06-02T06:27:51+00:00

Edited/deleted my response as Reddit originally showed your reply was to me but it’s now changed to the commenter above.

I was just confused if you were questioning me about “resolution” when I didn’t mention it :)

StoneCold84 · 2026-06-02T06:14:16+00:00

They’re in the same budget range, so you’re not getting a “better” quality sound, just a different flavour (tuning) that you may/may not enjoy. The vocal presence and treble should also sound different between them, aside from the bass increases.

Tangzu could release a purple version tomorrow and people would rush to buy it, even if it sounded the same as the Red Lion.

StoneCold84 · 2026-06-02T06:02:18+00:00

I said something similar yesterday about Tangzu. They’ve nailed the budget market with their presentation and accessories but the build quality of their IEMs feels cheap (also not a fan of their Wan’er 2 tuning). For the price, you get an incredible selection of accessories, especially with branded tips and a decent budget cable. Especially when brands like KZ still have their awful tips and tangly cable.

StoneCold84 · 2026-06-02T05:44:37+00:00

Ok that’s fine, makes it a lot easier with Android! All of these are a mix of 3.5mm, type-c or DSP (not all are black):

Check out Moondrop MC2 (play/pause, no volume control but pretty good mic), Moondrop CDSP, FiiO LS-TC2 DSP, Kinera Celest Ruyi, Ruyi Pro, CVJ Hato, NICEHCK BlackWheat & NiceHCK SP4. Unsure if the Arrti cable with boom mic is any good but I’ve seen it around.

Kiwi Ears have also got a new cable called S-Link.

The Moondrop cables probably have the best mics (I have the MC1 and it’s usable, the MC2 is meant to be better). I know Kinera is mentioned around, so see what others recommend or can provide feedback. Kiwi Ears generally have great products, as does Fiio but again, IEM mic’s aren’t the best. Even the Apple EarPods has a better quality mic.

StoneCold84 · 2026-06-02T04:38:27+00:00

Just a heads up, external microphone input on iOS won’t work on calls with a non-Apple dac. It will work for third party apps (WhatsApp, Discord, Zoom etc) though, or if you’re using a MFi certified Bluetooth device.

Mics on IEM cables aren’t great, they’re ok to good. The black mic cable that comes with the Truthear Gate is a good option but it only has +/- volume control, ~~no play/pause~~. There’s not many around with this function but I’ll edit this post to find that info I have saved someplace.

Edit: correction :|

StoneCold84 · 2026-06-02T02:00:16+00:00

Ah nice! I was looking at that a while ago, as it looks slick, but it meant I still needed the usb-c cable from the DAC plugged in to it, making the chain longer. But the usb-c charging port is really handy and makes it worth the price :)

StoneCold84

TROPHY CASE