But there aren't different targets for speakers. There are only untrained ears.Yep. That's why there are endless IEMs/headphones available to cater everyone's preferences
But there aren't different targets for speakers. There are only untrained ears.Yep. That's why there are endless IEMs/headphones available to cater everyone's preferences
But there aren't different targets for speakers. There are only untrained ears.
Chi-fi is where value is these days. I'd look into getting three to four different, cheap Chinese IEMs under USD50, and auditioning them yourself to find the one(s) you like. Start with the following:
All three are well regarded and under $35.
- Tin T2
- BLON BL03
- KZ ZS10PRO
TL'DR: Don't know anything about IEMs. Please suggest a neutral/accurate one that's around US$150-200.
Long version: I'm looking for an "everyday carry" IEM for when I'm traveling, commuting, etc. Not familiar with the IEM realm but I do know that headphones in general should not measure flat. But I need an accurate and neutral one with the least coloration. My benchmark for headphones is the HD6XX. If I can get an IEM that sounds like the HD6XX that would be good enough.
I plan to use it to listen to Spotify with my Samsung S8 (upgrading to S10 soon) and an AudioQuest Dragonfly Cobalt. I know that AQ isn't an objectivist darling but the Cobalt seems to be the best out there for my purpose: an uber portable DAC/amp to drive $200 IEMs for Spotify playback. I've used having a cigarette carton sized DAP in the past but it's just too bulky and cumbersome. Now I just want to listen with my phone.
The Etymotic ER3SE ($179) seems to fit my requirements, but I haven't tried one out. Darko raved about the Campfire Audio Comet ($200) but are they neutral?
By the way, here's the recommended frequency response curve (green) to look for with IEMs according to Harman research:
View attachment 50332
https://www.innerfidelity.com/content/harman-tweaks-its-headphone-target-response
Any iem that tuned to this will literally sound like shit.By the way, here's the recommended frequency response curve (green) to look for with IEMs according to Harman research:
View attachment 50332
https://www.innerfidelity.com/content/harman-tweaks-its-headphone-target-response
Any iem that tuned to this will literally sound like shit.
1 I'm not a random guy.Harman's extensive research versus some random guy on the internet with an opinion? Yeah, I know who I'm sticking with, and it isn't the latter...
Interesting, why the V shape? lowered mids do actually sound flat if coming from IEM's?
I think he meant the IE ref to OE.IEMs sit in the ear canal and bypass the outer part of the ear (pinna). So the Harman IE target compensates for both listening preference and the effect that the pinna would normally have on frequency response (see pinna notch)
1 I'm not a random guy.
I have Sony HF755 which is by it's own closest to that curve and it sounds as you described (but not only thanks to the curve).Any iem that tuned to this will literally sound like shit.
755 is pretty good on its own and for the price you can't argue. It is closer to the OE target which is acceptable. I was referring to the IE target which is simply WTF. It's still much better than majority of iems on the market.I have Sony HF755 which is by it's own closest to that curve and it sounds as you described (but not only thanks to the curve).