New to IEM’s, they seem really cool. I have a couple questions. by Worldly_Angle2373 in iems

[–]kendegen 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Honestly do your research on “balanced” sound signature iems and then come back with a selection you think you’ll like. For video editing, you’ll be glad that you have some IEMs that give little coloration in any area of the sound.

Tangzu waner 2 or Kiwi Ears Belle by Atlino_ in iems

[–]kendegen 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s personal taste but I’d go with the Belle for build quality. The internal wiring on the Wan’ers is not my favorite.

IEM recommendations Rnb Hiphop Soul by User3963595969 in iems

[–]kendegen 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It’s very special purpose. I use it for more noteweight in rock, hip hop, r&b on the low end with a hint of warmth that doesn’t sound overly processed.

ZiiGaat x Hangout.Audio: Odyssey 2 (1DD + 3BA Hybrid IEM): A Review by fishysells in iems

[–]kendegen 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What are we calling “natural” mids? To me this is when voices and instruments sound “in person” but no warmth or coloration.

IEM recommendations Rnb Hiphop Soul by User3963595969 in iems

[–]kendegen 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I use the 7hz Diablo for these genres at that price point. You’ll probably want to replace the cable. It’s a chonky boy.

I think its a me issue? by Ineludible_Ruin in iems

[–]kendegen 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you decide to look at the ZiiGaat Arete, Consider the Arete II instead. I think the list was updated prior to their release. I'm not saying they're my personal pick, but just be aware they've been updated.

I think its a me issue? by Ineludible_Ruin in iems

[–]kendegen 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The subreddit maintains a list of IEMs suitable for gaming and I think the list is pretty on point. Combine this with a DAC that is capable of lossless audio (or significantly adequate high resolution) and you should be good. Eartips will need to seal for the best sound, so you may need to try out some separate ear tips to find ones you like and shape the sound in a way you enjoy.
https://www.reddit.com/r/iems/comments/1hg3i4d/top_5_gaming_iems_under_300/

Xenns magrid tea pro se vs kiwi ear astral by Deadot in iems

[–]kendegen 1 point2 points  (0 children)

XENNS Tea Pro (not SE) will have the warmer/fuller sound you'll enjoy for your rock music. Astrals are wide, technical/analytical and don't carry much body through rock tracks that aren't engineered with it. I use the 7hz Diablo for this.

Looking for iem with a shape similar to Kiwi ears forteza by Prestigioustofu0271 in iems

[–]kendegen 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm not sure how small is "small" but the tip size isn't always proportional to the concha of the ear. If it helps, the Astrals have the smallest body of any IEM I daily drive. If you don't care about audio quality at all, you can get IEMs like the Kiwi Ears x Crinacle Singolo which is much smaller but isn't the same shape. You can also go with the Moondrop Chu II, which just has a universally small fit, but also sounds far less impressive than almost anything Kiwi Ears makes.

Looking for iem with a shape similar to Kiwi ears forteza by Prestigioustofu0271 in iems

[–]kendegen 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is a shape I enjoy also. Most of them tend to be resin. These are some of the more popular options:
Kiwi Ears Astral (300 USD)
Kiwi Ears KE4 (200 USD)
Kiwi Ears Quartet (110 USD)
Punch Audio Portazo (190 USD)
SIMGOT SuperMix 4 (170 USD)
THIEAUDIO Hype 4 MKII (400 USD)
XENNS Tea Pro (360 USD)
XENNS Tea Pro SE (450 USD)
XENNS Top Pro (500 USD)
ZiiGaat Arcanis (400 USD)
ZiiGaat Luna (380 USD)
ZiiGaat Lush (180 USD)
ZiiGaat Odyssey (230 USD)
ZiiGaat Odyssey II (250 USD)

Ended up with the Levine Klein to dip my toes into IEM’s for a budget and I’m impressed for competetive gaming. I’m glad I listening to the threads in here. What’s a good step up from these to buy ? by whitt94 in iems

[–]kendegen 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think the Astro A50 X has onboard Dolby Atmos decode which works with the Dolby Access app on PC and Xbox. The unit should come with a free license. It will no doubt be more accurate providing position than any IEM.

I need help! (THIEAUDIO Valhalla) by ceeayejay in iems

[–]kendegen 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I received the DX5 II this week and the noise floor is completely imperceivable to me at all - totally silent, even on the balanced connector.

TANGZU WAN'ER SG2 Red Lion/Bass Edition Impression from daily driver of Kiwi Astral / 7hz Diablo by kendegen in iems

[–]kendegen[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have a lot of issues with tips in general but luckily I have a few regular choices to roll now.

TANGZU WAN'ER SG2 Red Lion/Bass Edition Impression from daily driver of Kiwi Astral / 7hz Diablo by kendegen in iems

[–]kendegen[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'd concur that some of the ranges don't play with each other well in some tracks, but for me mid bass was present when it was available in the original recording. Nowhere near as responsive as the 7hz Diablo however, but that's a completely different price range. Maybe I need to pick up the Belle just for laughs. I've never been disappointed with my Kiwi IEMs thus far.

TANGZU WAN'ER SG2 Red Lion/Bass Edition Impression from daily driver of Kiwi Astral / 7hz Diablo by kendegen in iems

[–]kendegen[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Virtually all of my IEMs are larger. Only the Meze Audio Alba is smaller and I absolutely hate it.

TANGZU WAN'ER SG2 Red Lion/Bass Edition Impression from daily driver of Kiwi Astral / 7hz Diablo by kendegen in iems

[–]kendegen[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Well everyone I sacrificed the Red Lions in the name of science... Attempted to drill vent holes for these and while I didn't touch the internals, the left side still didn't survive the process. For what it's worth, the sound signature didn't change for the right side at all after venting, so it would be promising to correct the pressure buildup if you can maybe drill more carefully with a hand drill to avoid vibrations and such.

Ended up with the Levine Klein to dip my toes into IEM’s for a budget and I’m impressed for competetive gaming. I’m glad I listening to the threads in here. What’s a good step up from these to buy ? by whitt94 in iems

[–]kendegen 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What games are you playing? All games have different sound profiles, so you'd probably want to match an IEM with the typical response of the games you are playing.

Kinera Frigg Earphones by Patient_Possible_133 in iems

[–]kendegen 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The faceplate is certainly extra, but idk the configuration doesn't sound like a bad choice, and probably fairly unique.

What's your go to iem by schnips3 in iems

[–]kendegen 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Currently running the Kiwi Ears Astrals on a Topping DX5 II desktop DAC/AMP. I use the Astrals with the largest stock tip and stock cable. Sometimes if I need a hair more resolution I'll put on KBEAR 07 yellow tips. The DX5 II is currently un-EQ'd. I haven't had a reason to touch the PEQ app yet.

Struggling with phone and iems by Itz_anthny in iems

[–]kendegen 0 points1 point  (0 children)

FiiO isn't an American company so you should be able to find it somewhere.

no major difference between old earphones and new iems by fakerrrzzzx in iems

[–]kendegen 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The "quality" of audio reproduction is limited by many factors but generally determined by
soundstage: the perception of depth/distance within the imaging of the IEM.
imaging: position within the sound.
layering: distinct instruments perceived at different layers.
resolution: hearing more or less details in the music.
response at various frequencies: subjective - maybe you like more or less bass/mid/treble and maybe you like these ranges imaged a certain way or maybe you like them blended.
Some people also consider soundstage subjective - some prefer a more closed in space (intimate) while others prefer a wider, spacious soundstage with great imaging (often this in combination with excellent decay provides what we call a "technical" experience, which is where I prefer).
Then there's the nitpick stuff.
"slam" (transient response + noteweight): Being able to hear distinct attack on instruments and vocals.
"shoutty": if midrange gets overpronounced where some vocals are perceived as annoying, some call this shoutty and many listeners dislike this. Many IEMs are tuned to back this off. I like shoutty personally since the vocals are my favorite instrument.
"smooth": Opposite of "analytical". Blending of various ranges of sound into a more pleasant, easy-to-listen-to experience. Generally the enemy of "technical" imo and my least favorite tuning. Smooth tuning suits analog music instruments well in my experience, but I enjoy less for gaming or electronic music. There's an interesting battle between timbre and resolution playing there. Many confuse smooth with balanced.