IEM price point and sound quality

scottp

scottp

Fractal Fanatic
I would like to start a discussion where we can get input from people who have used entry level IEM and worked their way up to (something great?) what they use now. How did you decide, this is good enough?

For example, some people don't really care how good of a sound they get, as long as they can hear their vocal.
For others, it's like fine tuning a Ferrari! Every positive change is worth it.

What do you really get for the $$, $$$, or $$$$? I understand the number of drivers.
Is there a point of diminishing returns?
Thanks!
 
I've used a few universal IEMs at various budgets and was finally able to get some custom molds, 64 Audio A3's. The difference between the universals and custom molds is staggering. I went with the 3 driver based upon recommendations from other guitar players and reviews showing 3 drivers are typically more suited for guitarists. I've had no reason to doubt their conclusions and have been extremely happy for over 10 years with them and have only had to replace the cable 3 times since I've had them.

The universal IEMs I've used are; Aurisonics Eva ($150) (Now Fender brand in-ears) KZ Audio ZSN ($25) and ZS10 ($50), Skullcandy Ink'd 2 ($15), Shure se215 ($120) and se535 ($500), and Westone W10 ($100). Of these, the Aurisonics were the best sounding and most comfortable. Believe it or not, the Skullcandy's outperformed the Shure se535's to my ears. I really like the KZ's for listening to music but they have a large mid-scoop that I don't care for with IEMs. However, some people really like them as IEMs, especially vocalists and bass players, so they may be worth a try given their cost.

Another brand to consider that I haven't tried is Ultimate Ears. Our drummer has access to many IEM options through his production company and he chooses them consistently when we play.
 
I recently again went down the rabbit hole. And I found this video fascinating.



I recently tried out the $58 Crinacle Zero Red based off the IEF neutral plus some sub bass boost and it was pretty amazing yet a little hard to drive. I think I’m going to try the Truthear Hexa next. An IEM that should be close to the JM-1 target.

Also anyone using IEMs should try Peace EQ and experiment with what “neutral” tunings they like best - JM-1, Harmon 2019, Ief neutral 2023/2020.

The graph.hangout.audio website is helpful to view IEM curves and there’s an EQ tab that you can export parametric EQs to PeaceEQ. Pretty help for comparing and listening.
 
If you don’t have any experience, start cheaply and develop an opinion. Recently, I tried the Nux brand wireless, for instance, and found they had a nasty digital artifact that I couldn’t live with. But I’ve read many reviews where people (including popular YT “influencers”) raved about them. I’d say we were all correct, at least for our own listening preference.

I’d used a Shure system some years back, and liked their middle of the range buds. I eventually moved to Westone’s UM3x buds, and have stayed with them. They are not particularly warm or enhancing, but are accurate and I like that. Some might consider them too flat.

I also moved to Sennheiser wireless last year, the EW G4 set, and it sounds great with the Westones, and has all the features I need. I don’t think I’ll move to anything beyond this.

So, there’s a range of about $150 to $1500 across those options. Some people were happy with the $150 setup. Wish I could have said that! I’m good at what turned out to be a $1500 kit, and some here have more than that in their custom molds alone. It really is a personal thing.
 
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I also used and tested IEMs at nearly every level and I ended up with a pair of custom molded Vision Ears VE7.
They are just awesome and a lifetime investment.
The VE7 are made to sound as flat and neutral as possible and I just love the sound of them.
Yes they are pricey but worth every penny.
My Ollo Audio Headphones are awesome but those In Ears are a whole new hearing experience!
IMG_4173.jpegIMG_4185.jpegIMG_4182.jpeg
 
I've tried everything from IEMs on Amazon, to the full Shure range and now use custom moulded ACS Evolve IEMs. They are - by far - the best of the bunch. And actually around the same price as the top-end Shure SE range.
 
Look at sensaphonics if some custom molded ones are in the budget. I have their musicians earplugs and will be getting custom IEMs in the near future. They make their custom molded parts out of silicone and not hard acrylic, so it’s extremely comfortable to wear and maintains a better seal, as it can flex a bit as you move your jaw. Their musicians earplugs are amazing, highly recommend getting a set of them as well.
 
There simply is no substitute for custom molds. I get that the price point is off-putting. But it's comparable to a couple of good wedge monitors, and you will be preserving your hearing for life.
Once you've tried them, you will never want to go back to floor monitors or rubber-tipped buds.
And just like good wedges, if you buy a nice pair, they'll last. I still have a good set of JH16s from 2015 I use. Sent them in twice for cleaning.
Any of the professional brands will work. Figure out what your favorite bands are using and try those.
You will never regret getting the customs molds.
 
The difference between inexpensive IEMs/earbuds and higher quality ones becomes apparent in a dense mix. With cheapies everything turns to mush, there’s distortion and smearing across the frequency spectrum, no separation of instruments. With higher end IEMs (and a good transmitter/receiver and monitor engineer), I can easily hear everything even in the dense low midrange, kick / synth bass separation, clear highs without harshness, etc. I have 64Audio A12. Upgraded from 10+ year old V6 stage and the difference isn’t huge. Only reason I upgraded was because I got them secondhand for a steal and had them remolded by 64audio.
 
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I had some custom triple drivers and used for a while, they were very neutral. Could never get enough bass in them. fitment was ok, but when I sang they would pop out sometimes. I went to a universal 7 driver and they sound way better. Customs you will need to get re-done over time as your ear changes. Universals you just replace the tips. YMMV.
 
One thing that frosts me about IEMs is that if i put a ton of money into them and my own little world sounds great, nobody else hears that unless they do the same. Also weird for jams, or you or others sitting in. They're really best for a consistent band or other show arrangement, not a more fluid musical life.
 
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