shotgunshane’s IEM (custom and universal) recommendations, favorites and classics

Discussion in 'IEMs and Portable Gear' started by shotgunshane, Jun 7, 2016.

  1. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    Adding the Tanchjim Oxygen to the list.

    The Oxygen seems to fix everything I didn't like about the Moondrop Kanas Pro- KP bass felt disjointed with too much emphasis on sub bass and lack mid bass in comparison (I prefer a more linear approach; I will add that perhaps there are Kanas Pro unit variance issue at play too). The Oxygen tuning is somewhat like a dynamic driver version of the Massdrop Plus (at near 0 impedance levels)- deep bass rumble levels are similar with longer decay times from the Oxygen. Both are very clear but the Oxygen has a little more warmth and the Plus has a little more energy in female vocals. The Oxygen is more extended up top but is also a little more relaxed in comparison. While the Plus rolls off a little early up top, it' more forward in lower treble, sounding brighter and a little more aggressive overall.

    The Oxygen has really good synergy with the new Hiby W5 bluetooth receiver, which has the same chipset as the Shanling M0. It sounds full, crisp and well balanced throughout. Too bad the W5 functionality is half baked touch controls with no option to control volume, except from the phone and then there can be lag at times. It also has a useless fixed clip for putting on a belt or jeans; a shirt is about all that can easily slide in without accidentally pressing the button several times over. Not to mention is shaped like something you'd buy from Starship or Adam and Eve. But if you can put up with these hassles, its synergy is undeniable with the Oxygen.
     
    Last edited: Jun 9, 2019
  2. Metro

    Metro Friend

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    That's hilarious! Imagine leaving it on top of your desk at work, or your significant other finding it on top of the dresser.

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
  3. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    I’ll answer what I can of these questions but I can’t do any direct sound comparison to the models mentioned.

    Modded FD01 is not romantic. I’d describe it as a lively and dynamic signature.

    I find the FD01 very comfortable. It’s a good, easy fitting shape. However it is heavy and I’m sure that could be a concern for long listening sessions for some. The EX1000 was always a super easy fit to me, with just the tip touching your ear; but it’s perpendicular fit makes for a wind noise magnet outside.

    I’m not sure how anyone calls the FD01 bass thin, as it’s on the thicker side to me, however it’s not as clean as the bass of the EX1000. It will be a little hazy in comparison. I suppose it comes down to what like and what you’re used to.

    Guitar crunch is great on the modded FD01!
     
  4. james444

    james444 Mad IEM modding wizard level 99

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    I think I'm guilty of having used that term to describe the EX1000 (as opposed to "aggressive"). Just forget it, there's no deeper meaning behind that. IMO the modded FD01 is not all that different from the EX1000 overall, it's just a little livelier sounding, due to slightly punchier bass and slightly more emphasized upper mids. On the other hand, treble is silky smooth on the modded FD01. If you haven't noticed treble harshness on your EX1000 so far, you definitely will after hearing the modded FD01.

    As for the rest of your questions, I concur with @shotgunshane's answers.
     
  5. lerthedc

    lerthedc New

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    Not sure if we're allowed to ask these types of questions here but I was looking through the posts about Noble X and Nuforce EDC3 as those are the two headphones I am deciding between right now. I will be using these mostly for travel bust also general use.

    I have pretty small ears so fit and comfort are fairly important. I listen to a lot of different types of EDM but I'm not really a basshead. I appreciate good sub bass extension and quality rather than pure quantity.

    Just wanted to see what people's thoughts were as it seems both these headphones are getting a lot of praise.
     
  6. RiversideTurnips

    RiversideTurnips New

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    Awesome, thanks so much for the comparisons!
     
  7. toranku

    toranku New

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    Thanks to @james444 I've an FD01 purchase lined up. It should reach me in a week+. I'll be comparing it to the MG5HX, EX800ST/1000 and the new ER2XR. Getting the alcohol swabs ready... ;)
     
  8. Royalty

    Royalty New

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    @shotgunshane

    Great guide and thanks for putting the effort into this, greatly appreciated.

    Question:
    What did you enjoy more, the Campfire Orions or MD+? Im deciding on one of those 2 and just unsure which to get but I love the look of the Orions as well.
     
  9. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    I like the MD+ As a step up over Orion. The triple armature driver has better bass extension, clarity and resolution than the single armature Orion. I also really like the diffuse field tuned upper mids of the MD+ for guitar driven rock. Orion’s do look nice though and ALO Warehouse deals offers used sets at reduced pricing.

    Also consider the Tanchjim Oxygen for a single dynamic driver tuned somewhat similarly to the MD+.
     
  10. Royalty

    Royalty New

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    Shhhiiitttt I didnt even know about that site you sent me! Alo!! On it now looking! Got some damn good pricing. Reviewing the Tanchjim as well. Thanks my friend.

    EDIT: Trying to think between MD+ and TanchJim Oxygens now, got it narrowed down that much.
     
    Last edited: Jun 11, 2019
  11. Royalty

    Royalty New

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    @shotgunshane Do you have a link for tips you would reccomend for Tanchjim Oxygen?
     
  12. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    Reposting from HF my Hiby W5 experiences. TLDR: Stay away from it.

    Post 1 June 9:
    Some quick thoughts on my W5 experience:
    • SQ is fantastic with the Tanchjim Oxygen and Massdrop Plus
    • Clip is useless for thicker garments, like belts and jean's pockets. Trying to fiddle with the clip is maddening as you accidentally press the button over and over. Anything other than shirt thickness need not apply.
    • Touch operation seems half baked. Sometimes press and it's not registered. Would have preferred a simpler approach: physical buttons
    • No volume operation on unit. There can be lag when changing volume on your phone. Take care and don't blow out your ears by pressing again and again thinking it's just not taking. It is, just seconds later.
    • Bluetooth range just so so. Not as good as my BTR1K and ES100 experience but not terrible either. No issues if phone is in my pocket.
    • Did I mention SQ is pretty damn good? At this early stage of use, I'll give it a slight edge over the ES100, which is already better than the Fiio.
    Post 2 June 11 (morning):
    Today I went to use the W5 and it would not turn on. No matter where I pressed, how short or how long I pressed, or how many times I tried, it would not start up. It had plenty of charge, as it had stayed in its case all night long. So after a few minutes I gave up and put it back in its case.

    20 minutes later I tried it again. Turned on first try. Was so tempted to throw it out the window.

    Post 3 June 11 (evening):
    So I'm pretty sure the battery is draining while it's shut away in its case. The case doesn't fit it quite snug enough and it doesn't always charge it. At first I thought the clip was causing this, so I removed it and it promptly broke. Great the clip lasted 2 days. However it still doesn't always sit just right to charge; there is definitely wiggle room. It shows its charging now but I have my doubts it will continue unless I set the case where it can't be bumped. I'm pretty sure it loses connection if I place the case in my pocket or book bag. Great sound quality can't make up for a ill-functioning unit, particularly one that won't turn on b/c its continually dead. I thought I'd learned my lesson with crowd funding platforms. Apparently I had one more lesson to learn.
     
  13. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    I would choose the Noble X over the EDC3 for bass oriented music. The Noble X has more slam and rumble compared to the EDC3's more neutral leaning bass. Just in general, for all things SQ, I'd take the Noble X over the EDC3; the EDC3 wins on fit and comfort.

    I like Ortofon silicone tips for ultimate comfort but changed over to Mee Audio dual flange silicone tips to "feel" like I have a more secure fit. It fits pretty shallowly. I get a plenty good seal with single flange tips but it just "feels" like its going to slip out, even though it never does. Dual flange tips calm the OCD.
     
  14. oidua

    oidua New

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    I got the same feeling but modding the stock tips to hybrids solved this "issue" to me.
     
  15. Royalty

    Royalty New

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    @shotgunshane

    Are the NOBLE SAVANNA something I would like for rock, acoustic, blues and alternative style music? Or if I went up to that range, what others should I consider?
     
    Last edited: Jun 12, 2019
  16. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    If I recall right, the Savanna is on the warm neutral side, with laid back treble. It would be good for acoustic but there would be better, livelier choices for rock and alternative.

    At this point I’d recommend reading about modding the JVC FD01. There’s a dedicated thread with the steps to the mod. It’s super easy and reversible. But make no mistake, the FD01 requires the mod. After mod, it’s one of the best under 500.

    Once you get to 500, you might as well save up to about 650 or 700 for a used Andromeda.
     
  17. Royalty

    Royalty New

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    Ahhh alright, thanks for the input. I'll have a review of those.
     
  18. YMO

    YMO Chief Fun Officer

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    I been noticing these cheap IEM Cables from the ZX300 thread cable for $20 via @Ice-man I believe.
    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DW7N8F6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

    So I got one (3.5mm for the Fiio FH5). Really not bad at all for $20. Feels soft, quality isn't bad at all (might fall apart if you abuse them too much). Pure copper cable, good possible replaces for those who seek it.

    I ordered a backup 4.4mm cable for $20, and this silver platted copper one for $45ish: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GRP3HGF/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

    Looks like most of these cables are being made by one/two places with different brand names from China. Going to be using the silver platted copper for the Andros since I'm picking up a newer Sony DAP soon (and it appeared a silver platted copper is what CA uses on their default cables I guess).
     
    Last edited: Jun 13, 2019
  19. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    Yeah Yinyoo and Kinboofi make cheap/affordable but pretty nice looking cables.
     
  20. karas

    karas New

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    Thanks for the input, how would you compare them to the other sbaf dd favourite, the FD01, especially the layering and soundstage ?
     

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