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

The Martian is giong to be much easier to listen to over the long haul. The EX1000 has a couple of treble spikes that can be quite frustrating with a lot of music. But with the right song/s, it can be pretty special.

Where the EX1000 is a very mild V shape, the Martian is a W shape putting focus on vocals. Martian vocals are much more centered sounding than a lot of iems. As a result the EX1000 will sound wider and airier but the Martian deeper. Both have excellent bass texture but the EX1000 has arguably the best iem bass I've heard.

 

I may have a new hybrid to add to the list on the first post soon. The Dynamic Morion DM200H just arrived and I'm really enjoying it. In need to tip roll a bit but overall signature seems to be a U shape with emphasis on deep bass and bright but never harsh treble. I'll write a little more about them after a few days. Price range is around $230 but Accessory Jack has had them for $189. A really good deal for under $200.

 

Much more tolerable. As you know, I just couldn't get along with the 2KJ treble. It was one of the brightest iems around. The regular 2k is fairly bright too. While the DM200H is a little bright sounding, it's tame compared to many of the Dunu models.

 

I demoed Rosie at Canlanta. I found it veiled with a large upper mid suck out. I usually enjoy JHA iems but instantly disliked this one.

 

After extended usage, the DM200H is just going to miss the list. It's a well implanted and cohesive hybrid but at the end of the day, it's a little to U shaped. Treble is just over my tolerance level for brightness. Brightness is similar to the Dunu DN1000 level but a hair smoother than the Dunu. Bass is more controlled than that Dunu model as well. Basically if you like the Dunu house sound, you'd like the DM200H.

Also, the iBasso IT03 has finally arrived. I'll get to hear it for the first time tonight.

 

The IT03 is a load of fun. Early impressions are a bass forward signature that can sound like a minor V sig or downward slopping sig depending upon source. For instance my iPhone 7+ with dongle sounds bassier and slightly more laid back up top versus the QP1R.

I would not classify as basshead but certainly bass forward. It is a muscular bass, meaning it's not Bruce Lee fast but more like a middle career Holyfield. Bass texture is really good. The full and rich bass is definitely engaging and fun.

Unlike many on HF, I don't find myself wanting for thicker mids. I like them as they are with perhaps slightly more emphasis on upper mid versus lower mid. Treble has plenty of sparkle but never harsh. It's peak is a little oddly located, in that treble timbre sounds just a hair platicky.

It reminds me a lot of the Oriveti Primacy hybrid. In fact I'd go as far as to say if you like the Primacy but wanted more bass quantity, the IT03 is your iem. I'm pretty positive this one will go on the list. Great sound for $260 retail.

The only serious complaint is in fit. iBasso is going for a custom like fit and as such has a protrusion that is supposed to lock into your concha. This is a good thought but the size of this protrusion is ridiculous. No custom I own has this. Buyer beware- you may face physical ear fatigue from longer listening sessions due to the concha protrusion of pain. Are you down with CPP?



I believe I can mitigate this issue by using double flange tips. Not to get a deeper fit but to maintain similar fit as single flange, while pushing the housing out further away from the ear. Going to experiment this weekend.

 

Texture and timbre are very good except for cymbal and high hats which take on that bit of plasticky sound from the treble peak. But distortion rock guitars, drums, bass guitar all sound very good. Rock guitars have good bite and crunch.

 

Similar quantity I'm thinking but the Plus 5 is warmer in my memory. I'm thinking the Plus 5 has more upper bass focus, where the IT03 is keeping it lower and deeper in focus.

 

Updated the first post to add the iBasso IT03 and Campfire Audio Orion as recommended. Also added the Audio Technica ATH-IM02 as others recommended below the CK10 entry.

 

If anyone is having physical discomfort from the concha locking protrusion on the IT03, shallow fit with double flange tips does the job. The protrusion now sits a hair above the flap over the concha. I had no discomfort in my left ear with this set up. Of course the look isnt as stealth.

By the way, the IT03 pairs fantastically with the Mojo. Anyone wishing for fuller mids needs to try it.

I would say they are both on the same playing field. The FLC8 will be more energetic and brighter in just about every configuration, but sound signatures aside, coherency and technical prowess is fairly equal.