Headphone random conversation

[Kaamos_Llama]

Got my new Creative Zen Hybrid 2. Build quality is good, they look nice and are comfortable. Sound wise they seem decent with the ANC on, but without it everything starts to mash together a bit. Theyre really comfortable though, and perfect for some TV headphones. Wont be replacing my wired ones for the PC but great for €50.

 

[ZedClampet]

Apart from breaking the cable, I am technically still using the oldest pair of IEM I bought. Sure, it is a replacement set that are only about 3 months old, but I originally got them last February, actually listening to them now.

I haven't listened to them much as I only wear them when I am travelling and I haven't had to go anywhere for almost a month now - apart from shopping and I don't listen to music on such a short trip. They have more bass than the Hifiman do, just less top end. Can make songs sound different.

Only listening to them now as storms around and its easier to use my DAP than listen out for a storm with headphones on. Since I had to send the entire package back when they replaced cable, its a new unit mostly still. Probably only listened to them about 5 times since I got them back.

I just make sure they in a safe spot when not in use. Cable can't be replaced so easily next time. Though I can use my other cable if I really need to - other IEM I own is also 2 pin connection. Those IEM work too, I just don't use it as much. New ones probably use same connector just to make it consistent. I was going to buy some now but they can wait. Who knows, by time I look there be 300 new IEM to sort through.

I have no idea why mine break so often other than that I use them 14 hours a day. Every time I take them off, I hang them on the screen of my laptop. I'm actually fanatically careful with them because they are always breaking, and when they break, it's always the earbud, not the cable, and it's always the left one, which makes me think that the manufacturing process if flawed in some way.

Maybe I should try Fiio, but their low-end IEMs don't sound nearly as good as KZs, so I'd have to actually spend money on higher end ones, and then they'd probably still die after two months.

 

[Colif]

i haven't used any Fiio headphones, I just knew that existed as I saw it on a video in recent weeks. They seem to make good hardware.

If all the IEM you buy are from same company and all fail same way, could be manufacturing or they might just use cheap parts.

KZ were involved in a scandal 2 years ago when it was found they didn't have the number of drivers per ear as they said. Some weren't connected

So maybe try another brand. I have only had one pair of Dunu and apart from cable, the earphones themselves were okay for about 11 months. I pretty sure that was the cable that time as moving its connection to both dap and amp would cause sound to die.

 

[ZedClampet]

I was looking in the user reviews for KZ IEMs and I found a few other people who were complaining that the left earbud keeps dying for them, so apparently it's a design flaw.

 

[ZedClampet]

It's going to be hard for me to pull the trigger on Dunu just because of my experiences with KZ always breaking and Dunu costs 10X more. I guess I could buy the warranty, though.

 

[Colif]

I don't know many brands, I haven't taken notice of IEM for a few months.

i would probably go through these and look at reviews

Travel Deals

Whether you're heading out on a weekend getaway or a globe-trotting adventure, HiFiGo's Travel Deals have you covered. Enjoy exclusive discounts on portable DACs, wireless earphones, and travel-friendly audio gear that bring high-fidelity sound wherever you go. Pack light, listen big — now’s the...

hifigo.com

the last on that list is Dunu.

Main difference with most Dunu sets is the cables are generally better and you get more accessories. I know the cable on my Dunu IEM is longer than the one on the other IEM which wasn't as expensive. Cable more supple too.

I will buy some of these this year

DUNU | DK3001BD

1 Dynamic 4 Balanced Armature 4 Planar Configuration | New "Hyperdream" Design | Zirconium-Ceramic Coated Shell Dual-System, Four-Way Crossover | Flagship “Glacier” Low-Frequency Dynamic Driver | Custom Mid-High Balanced Armatures | High-Performance Planar Ultra-High Drivers | Premium Stock...

www.dunu-topsound.com

just not sure when - saving for a new PC.

 

[ZedClampet]

I don't know many brands, I haven't taken notice of IEM for a few months.

i would probably go through these and look at reviews

Travel Deals

Whether you're heading out on a weekend getaway or a globe-trotting adventure, HiFiGo's Travel Deals have you covered. Enjoy exclusive discounts on portable DACs, wireless earphones, and travel-friendly audio gear that bring high-fidelity sound wherever you go. Pack light, listen big — now’s the...

hifigo.com

the last on that list is Dunu.

Main difference with most Dunu sets is the cables are generally better and you get more accessories. I know the cable on my Dunu IEM is longer than the one on the other IEM which wasn't as expensive. Cable more supple too.

I will buy some of these this year

DUNU | DK3001BD

1 Dynamic 4 Balanced Armature 4 Planar Configuration | New "Hyperdream" Design | Zirconium-Ceramic Coated Shell Dual-System, Four-Way Crossover | Flagship “Glacier” Low-Frequency Dynamic Driver | Custom Mid-High Balanced Armatures | High-Performance Planar Ultra-High Drivers | Premium Stock...

www.dunu-topsound.com

just not sure when - saving for a new PC.

I might get those cheap Dunu, and then if they don't break down on me I'll have confidence to put out decent money on a better set. I'm a little concerned that a company that makes $1100.00 IEMs might not be so good on the low end, but I'm sure they don't want to sell trash under their brand.

 

[Colif]

 

[Colif]

I just realised I have only used my Dunu IEM on a bus once since they were replaced in November. Next time I will use them outside of my room will be 24th March.

IEM beat over ear headphones if its a hot day as they don't make head sweaty. I remember a few days ago I swapped from my Arya to my IEM (it could also be the fact I turned my amp off at same time, it is hot all the time while its on, even if not making any noise).

I need to use dap + IEM to find new music as its easier to navigate than in the Wiim app and the music suggestions more match me on the dap ... wiim is mostly pop music.

I haven't bought any audio gear since August. Next might be speakers (after my new PC)

ADAM Audio - D3V Desktop Monitors [Active]

Designed for producers, and music lovers, the D3Vs can be connected via USB-C and offer a wealth of features, plus incredible audio performance.

www.adam-audio.com

 

[ZedClampet]

In my new quest to get away from KZ and Linsoul I was going to try the cheap Dunu, but got distracted and bought something else. I'll try the Dunu next time.

So I was reading a review from someone who didn't like the Fanmusic TRUTHEAR x Crinacle Zero, but the way he didn't like them sounded like they might be perfect for me.

First of all, the quality of the bass is the best I've ever heard outside of my most expensive headphones. I don't mean that it's loud. I just mean the bass reproduction is stellar.

So these are tuned, apparently, to the Harman Target Curve, which is mostly flat. I turned on my EQ and did a slight V-tune, and listened to some music and was extremely impressed. For $50 they are amazing. They are punching way above their weight.

I will probably still try the Dunu next time I'm in the mood to try something different, but as long as these don't break on me like the KZ and Linsoul do, I think I may have found my solution.

 

[Colif]

There are new Blues now... or will be soon anyway:

Truthear x Crinacle Zero:BLUE2

Measurements by Hangout.Audio Rediscover the Truthear x Crinacle Zero:BLUE2 Honey, I shrunk the nozzle. Building upon the success of the original Truthear x Crinacle Zero, the Zero:BLUE2 refines the formula with a smaller nozzle for enhanced comfort and a meticulously retuned sound signature by...

hangout.audio

Bass amount is cause it uses 2 dynamic drivers, so I expect one is just for bass.
they don't take much to drive, I would have to be careful plugging those into some of my stuff if I had them. Less drivers they have seems to equal how easy they are to drive. More drivers doesn't automatically = better, it depends how they tuned.

review echoes what I said

Truthear Zero

Configuration: 10mm+7.8mm Dynamic Driver Diaphragm material: PU + LCP composite diaphragm THD: THD@1KHz≤1% Sensitivity: 117.5dB/Vrms (@1KHz) Impedance: 10Ω±15% (@1kHz) Frequency Responce: 20Hz-39500Hz (IEC61094，Free Field) Cable: Oxygen-free silver-plated

www.head-fi.org

The bass on my IEM is better than the bass on my Arya but they tuned differently and there are areas the Arya leaves the IEM in the dust. Width of soundstage comes to mind. Both have their place in my collection, impossible to wear Arya on buses and not annoy everyone else. Or get funny looks or have them stolen... some things stay at home for a reason

Crinacle has his own IEM maker now, and a online store. He runs the one above.

He originally just had ranking list of over 1000 IEM but thats been discontinued

I looked at his list but the prices of the better ones made me run away. That and at time I was restricted to only knowing local shops to buy IEM. So I couldn't find many I could buy on his list. Now it might be different, but he doesn't update list anymore, too busy making his own money.

In other words, he has opinions on what a good IEM should sound like, and also the accessories. I don't necessarily agree with him on everything...

 

[ZedClampet]

There are new Blues now... or will be soon anyway:

Truthear x Crinacle Zero:BLUE2

Measurements by Hangout.Audio Rediscover the Truthear x Crinacle Zero:BLUE2 Honey, I shrunk the nozzle. Building upon the success of the original Truthear x Crinacle Zero, the Zero:BLUE2 refines the formula with a smaller nozzle for enhanced comfort and a meticulously retuned sound signature by...

hangout.audio

Bass amount is cause it uses 2 dynamic drivers, so I expect one is just for bass.
they don't take much to drive, I would have to be careful plugging those into some of my stuff if I had them. Less drivers they have seems to equal how easy they are to drive. More drivers doesn't automatically = better, it depends how they tuned.

review echoes what I said

Truthear Zero

Configuration: 10mm+7.8mm Dynamic Driver Diaphragm material: PU + LCP composite diaphragm THD: THD@1KHz≤1% Sensitivity: 117.5dB/Vrms (@1KHz) Impedance: 10Ω±15% (@1kHz) Frequency Responce: 20Hz-39500Hz (IEC61094，Free Field) Cable: Oxygen-free silver-plated

www.head-fi.org

The bass on my IEM is better than the bass on my Arya but they tuned differently and there are areas the Arya leaves the IEM in the dust. Width of soundstage comes to mind. Both have their place in my collection, impossible to wear Arya on buses and not annoy everyone else. Or get funny looks or have them stolen... some things stay at home for a reason

Crinacle has his own IEM maker now, and a online store. He runs the one above.

He originally just had ranking list of over 1000 IEM but thats been discontinued

I looked at his list but the prices of the better ones made me run away. That and at time I was restricted to only knowing local shops to buy IEM. So I couldn't find many I could buy on his list. Now it might be different, but he doesn't update list anymore, too busy making his own money.

In other words, he has opinions on what a good IEM should sound like, and also the accessories. I don't necessarily agree with him on everything...

It's not nearly as easy to drive as the KZ, which is fine with me. KZ is crazy easy to drive. Can barely have my volume up at all. I move the volume about a half an inch from "mute" and it's almost too much. For these I have to take it up about halfway to get the music where I like it. And, yeah, one of the drivers is just for bass, but it's the same with KZ, yet this one has better sounding bass, even though it isn't as overwhelming as with the KZ

 

[Colif]

Its easier to drive than both the ones I have. My Dunu are fairly easy and I don't need my dap to be on anything other than middle gain level and middle volume, whereas the other set that have planar drivers need my dap to be on high gain and almost full volume. I generally try to get high sensitivity IEM to match my dap. My Amp can run anything and could probably kill my IEM if I took it to 100...

The over abundance of bass on less expensive headphones has always been the case. It must be what most people think they need. Some go overboard

Some people like it, I know my brother used to turn the bass up to max on a family stereo years ago. I always prefered something more natural sounding I guess. as I would move the bass back to middle - I still avoid bass boosted headphones so I mostly ignore all the ones Zeos - guy responsible for headphones in video - likes. he is a headphone reviewer himself.

I mainly pick the ones that every reviewer likes, I am bound to like what one of them does, if its a big enough group.

 

[ZedClampet]

Its easier to drive than both the ones I have. My Dunu are fairly easy and I don't need my dap to be on anything other than middle gain level and middle volume, whereas the other set that have planar drivers need my dap to be on high gain and almost full volume. I generally try to get high sensitivity IEM to match my dap. My Amp can run anything and could probably kill my IEM if I took it to 100...

The over abundance of bass on less expensive headphones has always been the case. It must be what most people think they need. Some go overboard

Some people like it, I know my brother used to turn the bass up to max on a family stereo years ago. I always prefered something more natural sounding I guess. as I would move the bass back to middle - I still avoid bass boosted headphones so I mostly ignore all the ones Zeos - guy responsible for headphones in video - likes. he is a headphone reviewer himself.

I mainly pick the ones that every reviewer likes, I am bound to like what one of them does, if its a big enough group.

I wouldn't say these have an over abundance of bass. They do after I turned on my equalizer, but they didn't start that way They are capable of it is probably the best way to put it, and not all of them are.

I'm not really sure what is driving my headsets. This laptop has some sort of proprietary HP soundcard. I use my DAC/amp on my other laptop, but I haven't felt the need to do that on this one. Plus, the Dolby Access helps. That was an excellent purchase.

By the way, I linked the wrong earbuds. I have the Red, not the Blue.

 

[Colif]

Truthear Zero: Red - Reviews

www.head-fi.org

there isn't a massive difference between Blue and Red, the red is the newer of them.

what model HP laptop? I see what I can find

 

[ZedClampet]

Truthear Zero: Red - Reviews

www.head-fi.org

there isn't a massive difference between Blue and Red, the red is the newer of them.

what model HP laptop? I see what I can find

eh, I can look it up

 

[ZedClampet]

Truthear Zero: Red - Reviews

www.head-fi.org

there isn't a massive difference between Blue and Red, the red is the newer of them.

what model HP laptop? I see what I can find

It's the HP Audio Boost with tuning by Bang & Olufsen

 

[Colif]

Bang & Olufsen don't make soundcards, but they probably supplied software to drive the speakers (they do make those). They are owned by Samsung once you go through the layers. Bought by Harman who in turn owned by Samsung.
I see HP Audio Boost is software which appears to be part of the drivers for the sound chip.
The sound on the laptop is actually made by a realtek chip. 99% of PC devices use realtek so its hardly a surprise. Mine does. Its really rare to find anything else.

 

[ZedClampet]

The way they advertised it, it sounded like it did the job of a soundcard. It set the power and the tuning, so I just assumed. I never bothered to look it up. It sounds pretty good. The tuning is actually very flat, which is what you want for a base sound. B&O headphones are not quite flat, but pretty close. I basically prefer to be given a flat sound that I can adjust depending on what type of music I'm listening to.

 

[Colif]

I went to report a problem I had with my Digital Audio player on a forum just to find it won't let me... as I was last person to reply to thread and it doesn't allow double posts. If Here did that, this thread be half as long... if not less.

Took DAP on a bus and for some reason it kept reducing volume down to zero. I was trying to work out why I had no sound. Its possible something got in the case and was pressing down the entire time, but eventually it let me raise volume. Its not done that before.

 

[ZedClampet]

@neogunhero

One thing you can try is something like this:

IEM wireless adaptor

This turns wired IEMs into wireless IEMs, and they have the ear hooks so they won't fall out. This would give you many more IEMs to pick from. I know you are happy with how yours sound, but having them fall out of your ears is beyond annoying. They can bounce all over the place and take an hour to find.

 

[Colif]

In ear monitors that fall out or don't block outside noise are annoying and defeat their entire purpose.

I have had headphones that constantly fall out before, they weren't used for long. All of them were earbuds as I didn't know IEM existed until a few years ago. I feel that was intentionally hidden from me lol. I wouldn't have used them as long as I did... if phones had continued to hear headphone jacks I may not have noticed at all.

Its one reason I only really use one pair of IEM now. The planar IEM I own are really small and don't seem to block the outside world as much as I would like. That and they are less senstive compared to my Dunu and need more power to sound loud. their cable is also noticeably shorter, and thicker, than the Dunu one, and seems to weigh them down more.

Only have two pair of IEM, perhaps after I upgrade PC I will return to buying another pair of IEM. I had the money to buy the ones I wanted in December, and decided I was going to save for another pair of headphones instead, and then changed to just saving for a new PC. None of them were really essential. Only listen to IEM once every two weeks or so.
I have been resisting even watching headphones reviews. I can catch up once I can afford to look again.
The IEM will be the same colour as my next PC, so that makes sense (lol)

I like wired as I am less likely to lose them both at same time if attached to a wire around my neck. Its the main reason I ignored wireless earbuds. Lose one and the other is pointless and just a reminder of what you had.

 

[ZedClampet]

In ear monitors that fall out or don't block outside noise are annoying and defeat their entire purpose.

I have had headphones that constantly fall out before, they weren't used for long. All of them were earbuds as I didn't know IEM existed until a few years ago. I feel that was intentionally hidden from me lol. I wouldn't have used them as long as I did... if phones had continued to hear headphone jacks I may not have noticed at all.

Its one reason I only really use one pair of IEM now. The planar IEM I own are really small and don't seem to block the outside world as much as I would like. That and they are less senstive compared to my Dunu and need more power to sound loud. their cable is also noticeably shorter, and thicker, than the Dunu one, and seems to weigh them down more.

Only have two pair of IEM, perhaps after I upgrade PC I will return to buying another pair of IEM. I had the money to buy the ones I wanted in December, and decided I was going to save for another pair of headphones instead, and then changed to just saving for a new PC. None of them were really essential. Only listen to IEM once every two weeks or so.
I have been resisting even watching headphones reviews. I can catch up once I can afford to look again.
The IEM will be the same colour as my next PC, so that makes sense (lol)

I like wired as I am less likely to lose them both at same time if attached to a wire around my neck. Its the main reason I ignored wireless earbuds. Lose one and the other is pointless and just a reminder of what you had.

Speaking of losing them. I was exhausted last night after several nights of almost no sleep, and i kept falling asleep at my laptop. At some point that I don't remember, I went to bed. This morning I got up and went downstairs. My IEM cable was hanging over my screen as usual, so I picked it up only to discover that both earbuds were gone. I thought, "Oh no, what did I do?" I suffer from extreme insomnia and have done some crazy things before, like I once found my glasses sitting on the dining room table painted with peanut butter.

Anyway, after some searching I found my earbuds in the little wooden box where I keep my flash drives. They were fine.

 

[Colif]

Sleep and me are enemies. My sleep pattern is borked right now, I was in a pattern of 6 hour days and then got 12 hours sleep, then the next night got 3 hours, then last night... I don't know what time I crashed out last night, but I think I back to a long day today again.

Its fun waking at 6 and not knowing if its morning or afternoon. That happened yesterday. I had only been asleep 3 hours at that point.

I know better than to go out on days I have had little sleep. That is when i tend to do dumb things. Mostly involving dropping my phone. Being forgetful after a long day is normal. Brain needs a break.