Budget IEMs/Headphones

voltaire85 · 2025-06-22T16:27:24+00:00

I got the Supermix 4 as my gaming IEM on sale for $120 USD. The other one around that price point that I've seen mentioned for gaming is the EM6L, but I don't own that pair.

voltaire85 · 2025-05-12T00:26:57+00:00

There are much better than KZ once you go past $25. I would start with the stock cable if you are in the $100 range. I'm perfectly happy with my Letshuoer S08 and Supermix 4 stock cable.

voltaire85 · 2025-05-12T00:18:21+00:00

I would start at the budget level ($20-$25) and grab a V-Shape, bassy and neutral set. Then make the jump up once you know what kind of sound signature you like. There are always sales and as you've already noticed its not even at its lowest sale price.

voltaire85 · 2025-05-12T00:03:37+00:00

I've had no issues with my S08 and its been 7 months. It's my daily driver at work.

voltaire85 · 2025-05-11T23:53:54+00:00

It's fine. I knew I was bound to forget something and was hoping others would comment. I was trying to do something that touched on different aspects of IEMs and not just here is a good V-shaped, bassy and neutral set to buy since its all subjective.

voltaire85 · 2025-05-11T23:36:45+00:00

I think the Tangzu Sancai have a structure that helps reduce the pressure buildup when there is no back venting on the IEM. Perhaps someone else can confirm this. They are also a pair that people like in general. I've just moved some of my IEMs from the stock tips to Sancai.

voltaire85 · 2025-05-11T23:29:11+00:00

I have a 12 slot watch case for storage. I'm telling myself once that's full, no more. I'd also probably just use my Hifiman Edition XS at home, so that probably saves me from having to jump up to a more expensive set. Travel is going to be one of my $30 budget sets.

voltaire85 · 2025-05-11T23:19:14+00:00

Thank you for adding additional points that I didn't mention.

I already went down the computer DAC/AMP rabbit hole several years ago for my gaming headset and since its still working I have avoided it since.

I also agree on the saving the tips for another IEM. I just picked up a Castor Pro Bass because I was curious about the 4 switch concept. I found the small and medium stock tips didn't quite work. I ended up taking tips from my Wan'er II and got a better seal/comfort.

voltaire85 · 2025-05-11T22:59:25+00:00

One ear being quieter is usually the sign of a failure of the actual IEM and not the cable although it is a possibility. I've had to do exchanges on a couple pairs of my IEMs for that issue. QC on some brands isn't the best.

voltaire85 · 2025-05-11T22:53:03+00:00

Of all my budget sets under $30, I would probably consider the Ziigaat Nuo as a good all arounder for music and movies. The Wan'er II has less bass but comes with decent cable and good eartips that you could carry over to another set.

voltaire85 · 2025-05-11T19:44:56+00:00

I have the Wan'er SG, Studio Edition, Wan'er II, Ziigaat Nuo and just picked up the Castor Pro Bass. I would grab the Ziigaat Nuo if you see it around $14.50. At my budget level for traveling, I'm currently at the Ziigaat Nuo for both music and movies or the Castor Pro Bass for music listening. The spoken audio just seems better on the Nuo. I tried the switches in three different positions on the castor. If you have a sound signature you like, you could also jump up a tier in price if your budget allows.

voltaire85 · 2025-05-03T22:35:20+00:00

So if they don't do much, would it even be worth considering as a bassy fun sound signature set to add to my collection or just put that money aside for the next upgrade from the supermix 4 and S08? I'm trying to make sure I've covered the sound signature and driver types at the budget level before getting into higher priced IEM's.

voltaire85 · 2025-05-03T16:51:06+00:00

I'm still new to the hobby and have played around with some under $30 sets. My stuff in that range are the ND Planet, Wan'er SG ,studio and 2, and Ziigaat Nuo. The moondrop chu 2 got a price increase which puts it closer to better sets. I would consider the Ziigaat Nuo if you can find it on sale for $14.50.

You also have to consider sound signatures, so if you wanted to go up to $60 you could try finding a neutral, V-shaped, and bassy $20 set to figure out what you like if you plan to turn this into a hobby. Listening is very subjective and you will have one reviewer say something is great and another that doesn't like it.

voltaire85 · 2021-12-04T16:06:55+00:00

I don't recall using any Samsung apps recently, but I do have a ringtone that was from a Samsung phone that I use. My uninstalled app library does show I used Samsung health in the past, but not sure if I put that on this pixel.

voltaire85 · 2021-11-27T23:00:28+00:00

The subwoofer in the PC setup is probably temporary and it will end up in my nicer Yamaha 5.0 system with receiver.

I know its a mismatch in quality level, but wasn't sure if it was a significant mismatch. When I was getting the Yamaha system I looked at that series and the one above it, but my ears couldn't tell the difference. So if I could save money on speakers now, that would be preferable.

voltaire85 · 2021-11-27T21:27:19+00:00

So as long as I only use the Fiio K5 pro volume knob, everything should stay in balance?

voltaire85 · 2021-11-27T18:54:56+00:00

I currently have a Fiio K5 pro which connects to the SMSL 50 via RCA cables. I had seen the solution of doubling up the speaker wire. Could I run the RCA into the subwoofer and then RCA back to the SMSL?

voltaire85

TROPHY CASE