The Best Iem at Each Price, a guide to the Ever Changing Hobby.

Summary

This video offers an in-depth discussion on the IEM hobby, starting with budget-friendly options like the Simgot EW2 200 and progressing to higher-end models like the Moondrop Variations. It emphasizes the importance of personal preference and provides tips on reading frequency response graphs to compare IEMs. The presenter also shares their personal ranking list, offering insights into various IEMs' performance and value, and encourages viewers to engage with the audio community for a more subjective and enjoyable hobby experience.

Takeaways

• 🎧 The Sigma EW20 is praised as a great budget IEM under $40, offering excellent sound quality for its price.
• 🌟 The Truth Ear Hexa, around $80, is noted for its 'magic treble' and good technicalities despite being slightly lean in sound.
• 🚀 The Simgot EA500 LM is highlighted as a fantastic IEM around the $100 mark, with a particularly good bass and treble.
• 🎵 The Giz Audio Show Pan is recommended as a $200 benchmark with natural sound and excellent vocals.
• 🍎 The Apple AirPods Pro 2 is mentioned as a great TWFS option, even for Android users.
• 📈 The video emphasizes the importance of understanding frequency response graphs to evaluate IEMs.
• 🎶 The reviewer suggests owning multiple IEMs to experience different sound signatures and moods.
• 💰 As prices increase, the differences in sound quality become more subtle, with personal preference playing a significant role.
• 📊 The use of target curves from reviewers like Bad Guy Good Audio can help predict how IEMs might sound.
• 🏆 The video concludes with a personal ranking list of IEMs, emphasizing the subjectivity and diversity in the hobby.
• 👥 Engaging with the community, such as through Discord, is encouraged for shared learning and enjoyment of the audio hobby.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the video?

The purpose of the video is to discuss the IEM (In-Ear Monitor) hobby, suggest upgrade paths, and teach viewers how to read audio graphs to make informed decisions about IEMs.

What is the first IEM mentioned in the video, and what is its price range?

The first IEM mentioned is the Simgot EW20, which is in the $40 price range.

What is special about the Simgot EW20 according to the video?

The Simgot EW20 is considered a sonic miracle for its price, offering good sound quality, appearance, and comfort, making it desirable even to owners of more expensive IEMs.

Which IEM is recommended in the $80 price range and what are its notable features?

The $80 recommendation is the Truth Ear Hexa, which is praised for its 'magic treble' and good technicalities, despite being a bit lean in sound.

What is the Simgot EA500 LM known for, and why is it recommended?

The Simgot EA500 LM is known for its nice bass and slightly rich treble. It is recommended because it offers a good sonic value and is considered a fantastic set for its price.

What is the significance of the Giz Audio Show Pan in the $200 price range?

The Giz Audio Show Pan is a favorite in the $200 price range due to its nice bass, treble extension, and natural sound, particularly for vocals.

Why does the video recommend considering the Apple AirPods Pro 2 even for Android users?

The Apple AirPods Pro 2 is recommended because it is a fantastic true wireless option that even Android users enjoy, suggesting it's a good choice before investing heavily in wired IEMs.

What advice does the video give for those looking to spend more than $200 on IEMs?

For those looking to spend more than $200, the video advises attending shows to meet people and try different IEMs, as the differences between higher-priced IEMs can be subtle and subjective.

What is the importance of having a personal target curve when evaluating IEMs?

A personal target curve is important because it helps align the listener's preferences with the IEM's sound signature, making it easier to find IEMs that match one's desired sound.

How does the video suggest using graphs to compare IEMs?

The video suggests using graphs to compare IEMs by normalizing them and overlaying them with a preferred target curve to see how they align in terms of frequency response.

What is the role of ranking lists in the IEM hobby according to the video?

Ranking lists play a role in the IEM hobby by helping to communicate personal opinions and recommendations, guiding listeners in their purchasing decisions based on different price points and preferences.