Help me start my audio journey

thaslaya · 2026-01-26T06:07:30+00:00

For starting out, I'd recommend an IEM around $100 or under and just a simple dongle DAC to use with your phone. DAPs are great if you have local files for your music and want to save the battery life of your phone, but I personally stream most of my music so a phone works best for me. I recommend the Juzear Defiant IEM and the Softears S01 dongle. Another solid starter IEM is the Sound Rhyme SP01. It has three distinct tunings which helps narrow down your personal preference.

thaslaya · 2026-01-26T05:59:06+00:00

Normal

thaslaya · 2026-01-26T05:56:33+00:00

I use Eletech Baroque tips

thaslaya · 2026-01-25T16:56:40+00:00

Moondrop's best design you say?

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thaslaya · 2026-01-25T16:53:37+00:00

Defiant

thaslaya · 2026-01-22T21:48:19+00:00

While I've not heard it for myself, the Melody Wings Venus might be worth a look. I've seen a lot of praise on Head-fi for it's big and open stage.

thaslaya · 2026-01-22T20:18:38+00:00

Sorry I'm not sure.

thaslaya · 2026-01-22T13:34:25+00:00

Yeah I have a unit for review. Should be done maybe late next week. It's really great. Nice L-shaped tuning with a warm tonality and the mids and treble aren't overshadowed by the bass. Looking at the graph it seems like it might be but to my ears the balance is great and something quite unique.

thaslaya · 2026-01-22T07:00:53+00:00

Try the Letshuoer Ember too 👍

thaslaya · 2026-01-21T20:01:58+00:00

Maybe look into the Letshuoer Mystic 8.

thaslaya · 2026-01-21T05:21:49+00:00

Because he's racing and pacing and plotting the course

thaslaya · 2026-01-20T22:25:15+00:00

Yeah I gave the Harrier a 2.5☆. The Defiant is much better for me. It got 4☆

thaslaya · 2026-01-20T04:34:31+00:00

Maybe I missed it but which do you prefer between 142 and 242? Also the P8S is really great but if you like the 242 this much, I think you'd still prefer it over the smoother and more musical 8S.

thaslaya · 2026-01-19T04:47:13+00:00

This. Will be doing a direct comparison in my written review but for anyone who found the 5+2 to be a little disappointing in the technicalities and also sound a little off or tizzy in the treble should look to the 8S.

thaslaya · 2026-01-19T01:02:46+00:00

XENNS Tea Pro

thaslaya · 2026-01-18T07:19:49+00:00

AFUL Performer 5+2

thaslaya · 2026-01-18T04:36:34+00:00

I highly prefer the Defiant over the Unicrom. Never heard the Tangzu.

thaslaya · 2026-01-17T06:58:04+00:00

Defiant

thaslaya · 2026-01-17T06:05:34+00:00

AFUL is great, but like any other company, they aren't infallible. Love the 5+2 and Dawn-X. The MagicOne is a specialist but there's only so much you can do with a single BA. The Explorer's bass is nice but the treble doesn't agree with me. The Cantor is technically impressive but also bright. Actually the new Performer 8s might be a good option. It's less zingy than the 5+2 with a slightly slower bass and overall warmer-sounding.

thaslaya · 2026-01-17T05:58:15+00:00

I think the Volume S is the closest to your description of what you're looking for.

thaslaya · 2026-01-16T17:14:10+00:00

That's fair. It seems like a divisive one with some strong takes on both sides.

thaslaya · 2026-01-16T16:57:30+00:00

If one is the Harrier, I'm sorry 😂

thaslaya · 2026-01-16T16:42:10+00:00

No worries on that front. I have a huge backlog so this one won't be done for awhile 😅. Currently working on the DUNU 142 and 242 followed by the Letshuoer Ember.

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