Do You Own a Higher-End IEM? Let's See How Your IEM Ranks!

Julius on 01/10/2018 - 17:50
Last edited 01/10/2018 - 17:51

The user "Crinacle" on Headfi has made a fantastic ranking list for 220 IEMs that he has tested (link below). Pretty interesting ranking list where an A- type IEM would be considered exceptional for the average user. Some noteworthy picks would be (in $USD):

S- Rank
Sony MDR-EX1000 ($600)
Hyla CE-5 ($950)

A+ Rank
Audeze iSine 20 ($600)
Kumitate KL-Sirius ($815)

A Rank
Sony MDR-EX800ST/MDR7550 ($350)
JH Audio JH13v2 Performance Series ($1000)

A- Rank
Massdrop Plus ($300)
Etymotic ER4XR ($350)
Moondrop Blessing ($400)

Sony MDR-EX1000 still holds incredibly value even though it was released a decade ago. I'm surprised the MDR-EX800ST/MDR7550 is ranked 2 levels lower than the EX1000 as it is based off the flagship's design. Unfortunately the EX1000 has been discontinued. The best value IEMs would be the MD+, ER4XR, Blessing and the MDR-EX800ST/MDR7550 as they compete with IEMs above $1k+.

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/crinacles-iem-ranking-list-2…

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • smuggler on 01/10/2018 - 17:59
    +4

    Intel Extreme Masters?

    • Some Human on 02/10/2018 - 02:39

      That’s what came up when I googled it, too.

  • wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww on 01/10/2018 - 18:25
    +1

    At this pricepoint probably more worth it to get custom iem's? I haven't personally got anything over 100 but I've been considering if i was gonna pay over $300 to get into custom molded ones

    • Julius on 01/10/2018 - 18:37

      What CIEMs are you looking at? Personally, I would go with UE because of their long warranty.

  • Pikaloo on 01/10/2018 - 19:26
    +1

    Head-fi, where a $1000 cable makes a difference according to people. Head-fi wouldn't be a source to trust.

    • kahn on 01/10/2018 - 19:45
      +1

      That doesn't make any sense. Are you suggesting we shouldn't trust ANY of the users on that forum?

      • Pikaloo on 01/10/2018 - 19:49
        +1

        I wouldn't trust any of their opinions, it's all just circle jerking. I trust reddit/r/headphones, they're more reliable. Head-fi are a group of people that buy $200 cables going from your headphone to your phone and say that there's more sound stage.

        • Julius on 01/10/2018 - 19:51

          Are you referring to unbalanced and balanced cables?

          • Pikaloo on 01/10/2018 - 20:03

            @Julius: No just normal bloody cables. You get banned for speaking sense of half the crap they try to sell you on head-fi. https://www.head-fi.org/threads/some-hot-science-from-synerg…

            • Julius on 01/10/2018 - 21:47

              @Pikaloo: Agreed. The mark up on those cables are ridiculous. Note that this is a controversial thread and not everyone is agreeing. Nevertheless, there is a difference from going from poor quality cables/DAC/amp to good quality equipment. As we go pricier, the increase in sound quality from the source equipment becomes extremely marginal. For some audiophiles, these diminishing returns are worth it and they will splurge to get closer to that live music performance experience. The biggest difference you can make is by upgrading your earphones/headphones.

              • Pikaloo on 02/10/2018 - 06:40
                +1

                @Julius: There was some guy that actually did his investigation in another thread and literally cut one open, I can't find it. But yeah it's total rubbish. Cables don't do anything, unless you started off with crap cables to begin with or these cables are going a far distance and the difference can be measured with actual technical measurement tools and not ears. As for DACs and Amps they are all different, they make a difference. Just those stupid cables with those stupid add-ons.

                • Julius on 02/10/2018 - 18:23

                  @Pikaloo: Interesting and thanks for sharing. Yes, there's a lot of snake oil around audio forums. The discussion behind choosing better cables reminds me of the early days of HDMI. As audio is subjective, I think taking the cautious approach for any forum (even Reddit) would be best. What's your opinion on balanced vs unbalanced cables? Also, thoughts on headphone burn in - do you think its true?

                  • Pikaloo on 02/10/2018 - 20:15

                    @Julius: Burn in is real on dynamic drivers, not sure about BAs though. Balanced cables and unbalanced cables are real as well, but that can be achieved through a $10 cable, whereas a majority of anything above the $10 mark is either a propriety connection, a cable that looks fancy or is just snake oil. Whatever isn't measurable with electronic instruments to show a difference generally doesn't make a difference.

                    • Julius on 02/10/2018 - 20:36

                      @Pikaloo: The majority of headphones produced use dynamics anyways. Here's an interesting answer from Shure regarding burning headphones in:

                      https://www.shure.com/americas/support/find-an-answer/burnin…

                      Yes the science behind balanced cables is definitely real but question here is whether there is any real effect at the consumer audio level. Has this ever been measured?

  • gimli on 01/10/2018 - 19:47
    +1

    https://www.amazon.com.au/F3-Dynamic-Graphene-Monitor-Earpho…
    $45 out performing many IEMS >$1000.

    LOL

  • usbc activist on 01/10/2018 - 20:56
    +1

    Nothing in that range. I love my Audio Technica ATHLS70IS, Audio Technica ATH E40, Audio Technica CKR990IS

  • moto on 01/10/2018 - 23:47
    +1

    What the heck? But I'm in the list. Yes something to be happy about wasting $530AUD (left) and $350AUD (right) back in 2016. But my highest rank IEM is dynamic driver lol :)
    https://i.imgur.com/xzoQUrc.jpg

    Sorry no comparisons. Everyone has different ears and I disagree sometimes on peoples opinions and ranking lists because I've wasted money on bad advice. My OzBargain Xiaomi Hybrid Pro HDs sound as great or even better in my setup or a good phone with dedicated audio. Audio is very subjective that you need good objective headphone measurements or IEM websites to choose what to buy eg. Head-fi is all opinions, so Goldenears and Innerfidelity website is best for picking what to buy.

    • Julius on 02/10/2018 - 00:02

      Yeah I don't think he tested the Stax. I'm sure it'd be an S-rank though because of the electrostats tech. Agreed with your comments on subjective assessments of audio - its just like wine tasting! Always try before you buy. Still, such a guide points you where to look.

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