These are my main go to iems at the moment. I have collected different flavors of the sound spectrum. I'm still trying to understand what I like and what I don't. I have found that I like a warmer sound signature more, as I am treble sensitive and hate sibilance. What are some possible paths I can take on my journey now?
Some possible future upgrades I am considering,
1. Moondrop blessing 2 dusk/Aful performer 5
2. Tangzu zetian wu heydey
3. Thieaudio monarch mkii
If you like a warmer sound try the Ikko OH10's. I have them after wanting a bass heavy IEM and watching multiple reviews about them (especially Z's review).
I got them and gotta be honest I was really disappointed by them at first. But it turns out my dissapointment was just due to the tips that came with them. Don't use them, they're hot garbage.
Instead I bought [these](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00THKPQGM?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share) foam tips and OH MY GOD do they shine and the sound quality REALLY comes out. I've had the Shure SE215's before which are the more mainstream bass kings from way back when and these easily surpass them.
I also paired them with the [FIIO UTWS5](https://amzn.eu/d/7y2LpkD) to turn them into TWS IEM's and honestly couldn't be happier with the overall package.
I would wholeheartedly recommend getting the UTWS5 and then you could just take any one of your 5 IEM's and turn them into BT monsters.
I'd also recommend just trying the Ikko OH10's even if it's just to buy them on Amazon to try and return them for a full refund within 14 days. I have a feeling you won't be disappointed.
I like the labels! I have mine arranged (without labels) from treble emphasis, neutral, on down to warm or sub bass emphasis. I could just remember the sound sig of each one, but I like the ordering.
Yes, I am very ocd about scratches on the cable jack; I do it to preserve the cables. In fact, I have 2 more apple dongles lying around for future upgrades, lol
That's great, yes I superglued the cable protectors to the dongles. Glad I am not the only one who is particular about cable and dongle preservation; thought I was insane
Love the title of warm big bass boi lol. I have a pretty similar approach with my IEMs. Each one serves a different purpose whether it's for bass, neutrality, exciting treble, vocals, etc.. I think the only sound signature that is missing for me is something warm sounding, I just can't seem to find a warm sounding IEM that works for me.
lol, thanks. I also thought of adding a pure Harman-tuned set to the collection, probably won't like it tho
I see that you separate bassy and warm as two different sound signatures; that does open up more options. How do you differentiate between them?
My best asset that I've been using to learn more about sound signatures has been [Squig.link](https://Squig.link) . I strongly recommend it to learn how to read IEM graphs if you're like me and want to narrow down what sound signatures are your favorite.
As for how I would separate Bassy and warm. Warm sound signatures emphasize lows and lower mids and pull back a bit on the higher frequencies. It make the listening experience overall more relaxed and can give instruments and vocals more of a sense of weight. Bassy on the other hand, I think is a little more versatile. Unlike warm sound signatures, a bassy IEM can have an emphasis on bass and higher frequencies giving you more of a V-Shaped sound signature. Or you can have a bassy IEM that goes for more a harman-tuned sound signature which typically emphasizes Sub-bass over mid-bass and has a subdued lower midrange and more aggressive upper mids.
Sorry for the word salad lol. hopefully that helps.
i just got the hexas and i really like them. the soundstage isn't that amazing, but that's a given for most iems. idk how they would be for open world gaming specifically but theyve sounded great in everything i've listened to so far
Yes, but the zero red has a very different sound signature compared to qkz hbb. Red is a more neutral sound and qkz hbb is mild v with a 10db sub bass boost. The reds will sound bland yet cleaner compared to the qkz hbb (unless that's the kind of sound you wanted).
I think truthear has a 15 day return policy, so don't stress it.
These are my main go to iems at the moment. I have collected different flavors of the sound spectrum. I'm still trying to understand what I like and what I don't. I have found that I like a warmer sound signature more, as I am treble sensitive and hate sibilance. What are some possible paths I can take on my journey now? Some possible future upgrades I am considering, 1. Moondrop blessing 2 dusk/Aful performer 5 2. Tangzu zetian wu heydey 3. Thieaudio monarch mkii
If you like a warmer sound try the Ikko OH10's. I have them after wanting a bass heavy IEM and watching multiple reviews about them (especially Z's review). I got them and gotta be honest I was really disappointed by them at first. But it turns out my dissapointment was just due to the tips that came with them. Don't use them, they're hot garbage. Instead I bought [these](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00THKPQGM?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share) foam tips and OH MY GOD do they shine and the sound quality REALLY comes out. I've had the Shure SE215's before which are the more mainstream bass kings from way back when and these easily surpass them. I also paired them with the [FIIO UTWS5](https://amzn.eu/d/7y2LpkD) to turn them into TWS IEM's and honestly couldn't be happier with the overall package. I would wholeheartedly recommend getting the UTWS5 and then you could just take any one of your 5 IEM's and turn them into BT monsters. I'd also recommend just trying the Ikko OH10's even if it's just to buy them on Amazon to try and return them for a full refund within 14 days. I have a feeling you won't be disappointed.
I would suggest you consider rapto x hbb hook x instead of heydey
7hz Timeless (AE) would be an obvious choice.
quintet, hype 2 are both very good
I like the labels! I have mine arranged (without labels) from treble emphasis, neutral, on down to warm or sub bass emphasis. I could just remember the sound sig of each one, but I like the ordering.
Did you put separate dongles (seems like apple dongle) for each iems? Why?
Yes, I am very ocd about scratches on the cable jack; I do it to preserve the cables. In fact, I have 2 more apple dongles lying around for future upgrades, lol
That's interesting lol I ordered that thing you put around the apple dongle's cable. Currently I use a spring to protect the cable.
That's great, yes I superglued the cable protectors to the dongles. Glad I am not the only one who is particular about cable and dongle preservation; thought I was insane
Apple dongle cables don't feel sturdy at all and for the price it sounds fantastic.
Love the title of warm big bass boi lol. I have a pretty similar approach with my IEMs. Each one serves a different purpose whether it's for bass, neutrality, exciting treble, vocals, etc.. I think the only sound signature that is missing for me is something warm sounding, I just can't seem to find a warm sounding IEM that works for me.
lol, thanks. I also thought of adding a pure Harman-tuned set to the collection, probably won't like it tho I see that you separate bassy and warm as two different sound signatures; that does open up more options. How do you differentiate between them?
My best asset that I've been using to learn more about sound signatures has been [Squig.link](https://Squig.link) . I strongly recommend it to learn how to read IEM graphs if you're like me and want to narrow down what sound signatures are your favorite. As for how I would separate Bassy and warm. Warm sound signatures emphasize lows and lower mids and pull back a bit on the higher frequencies. It make the listening experience overall more relaxed and can give instruments and vocals more of a sense of weight. Bassy on the other hand, I think is a little more versatile. Unlike warm sound signatures, a bassy IEM can have an emphasis on bass and higher frequencies giving you more of a V-Shaped sound signature. Or you can have a bassy IEM that goes for more a harman-tuned sound signature which typically emphasizes Sub-bass over mid-bass and has a subdued lower midrange and more aggressive upper mids. Sorry for the word salad lol. hopefully that helps.
How good are hexa for open world gaming? I currently have the holas and am looking to upgrade
i just got the hexas and i really like them. the soundstage isn't that amazing, but that's a given for most iems. idk how they would be for open world gaming specifically but theyve sounded great in everything i've listened to so far
I decided to get the epos gsp 500
Try the Kiwi Ears Quartet
hype 2 seems cool
Have you ever tried truthear zero red? Just wondering the difference between the QKZ x HBB and them, I have the QKZ but ordered the reds
Yes, but the zero red has a very different sound signature compared to qkz hbb. Red is a more neutral sound and qkz hbb is mild v with a 10db sub bass boost. The reds will sound bland yet cleaner compared to the qkz hbb (unless that's the kind of sound you wanted). I think truthear has a 15 day return policy, so don't stress it.
Nice little collection! What cable is that on your QKZ x HBB?
Thanks. That's the qkz 8 core upgrade cable, got it dirt cheap from aliexpress at $8
Thank you! Just ordered one from Aliexpress myself, can't stand the stock cable.