Budget IEM recommendation list

Budget IEM Recommendation List


This is a recommendation list for IEMs under 100$. It is recommended to choose one of the cheaper IEMs and EQ that set of IEMs by preference, then choose one of the IEMs which fit the description of the preferred sound signature. You can still ask the sender for help, which one to choose, when you like a specific kind of sound.

If you don't have any preference in terms of sound signatures, choose the one which aesthetically looks the best for you.


< $30

Truthear GATe (balanced)

7Hz-Salnotes Zero (bright)

7Hz x crinacle Salnotes Zero:2 (warm/balanced)

Tanchjim ONE/Tanchjim ONE DSP (mild V-Shape (3.5mm)/variable (DSP)) - for tiny conchas/bullet IEMs enjoyers

Tangzu Wan’er Shang Guan (Jade Green version if possible) (balanced/mid-forward) - often abbreviated as Wan'er or Wan'er S.G.

Tangzu Wan'er Studio Edition (mid-forward/bright)

QKZ x HBB (warm/bassy) - made for bassheads

Moondrop Chu 2 (bright V-shape) - quality control gamble, bad Bass

Kinera Celest Wyvern Pro (V-shaped) - for people who need a headset but in IEM form

Kinera Celest Wyvern Abyss (balanced)


< $60

Truthear x crinacle Zero:RED (mid-forward or bassy neutral with high output impedance [10 Ohms or higher]) - WARNING: very big shell, wide and long nozzle

BLON x HBB Z300 (warm) - Truthear Hola alternative

Artti T10 (bright)

Moondrop May (variable with DSP/balanced with analog cable)

Kiwi Ears Cadenza (V-shaped) - for those who want a comfortable set but want the cable over the ears

Moondrop LAN (mid-forward) - for smaller ears

Floaudio Lily (dark-neutral/mid-centric) - for Treble-sensitive people, high isolation, bad accessories, unvented


< $100

Truthear Hexa (neutral) - for those who don't mind poor Bass quality

Letshuoer DZ4 (mid-forward) - Etymotic ER2SE/XR alternative with less isolation

Tangzu x HBB Xuan Nv (mid-forward) - Truthear x crinacle Zero:RED alternative

Artti R1 (warm) - very big shell

Letshuoer S08 (warm)

Simgot EA500LM (V-shaped)

Floaudio Bluelover ("Meta") - not widely available, bad accessories, high isolation, unvented

Etymotic ER2SE/XR (SE: mid-centric/XR: neutral) - for people who want the best isolation, very deep fit/very intriguing

Comments

  1. seedguyMay 20, 2024 at 8:42 AM

    I feel like there should be a "- considered the best by the community" on some of the options like hola and zero red

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. RazanMay 21, 2024 at 11:59 AM

      I feel like that this would influence the beginners' opinions too much - I want them to freely choose between them.

      Delete
    2. seedguyMay 22, 2024 at 4:30 AM

      I guess that's fair.

      Delete
  2. seedguyJune 21, 2024 at 9:01 AM

    This list is great but i think adding a list showing the "Non-Reputable IEM Brands" (stuff like kz) at the bottom will be nice just in case

    ReplyDelete

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