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

This and the reports of a deep stage are actually telling of a very capable DD inside. Good news for modders or people who EQ like myself.

Still waiting for more impressions from trusted ears before pulling the trigger for this Fiio.

 

They are not longer than ER4SR and Etymotic makes their 3 flange tips is such a way that they do not extend the nozzles, and therefore do not bend in your ear canal and go where they should not. Which is the case with Shure 3 flange tips. For me they are the most secure and comfortable IEM I own. I think depends on your ear canal.
I like the idea of multi driver Etymotic IEM because they recover a lot of their R&D cost in their hearing equipment products line.

 

I watched a FD5 review and what was a revelation for me was the cable. One cable, one connector supporting both SE and balanced and three different inserts to this connector: 3.5, 2.5 balanced, and 4.4 balanced. Complete flexibility, no more adapters. I am pretty much prepared to spend $350 to get this frigging cable. WTF nobody thought about it before?

 

There’s the Dunu cable that is similarly modular and third party outfits like Hart Audio that do something similar. I wish more manufacturers would include it as a first party option.

 

Thanks
I am not familiar with Dunu but it looks like standard MMCX that would fit CA. Hart Audio is a really interesting, their . Their multi-kit 1 seems all we ever need in terms of connectors. I am not sure about quality of their cables. They seem pretty basic.
https://hartaudiocables.com/collect...t-of-ic-1-through-ic-6?variant=32619810193489

 

I ordered a Dunu cable for my FDX1 then the very next day heard about Hart Audio and figured it was worth a try for the price. I tried to cancel my Dunu cable but it has already shipped. I’m currently waiting on both and will report back, but everything I’ve heard about the Dunu cables is that they’re high quality, and all the research I could do on Hart from actual users suggests the cables are quality, albeit more basic than some third party options.

 

Very curious on your thoughts on both cables. Been super lazy on ordering the Dunu DUW02 from HK. The Hart Audio cable looks legit but kind of stiff, which I don't think is ideal for IEMs. However, since they are based in the US and you get more connections it could be a better deal than the Dunu.

 

Yeah, the Hart Audio is definitely bulkier than the Dunu. If I prefer the Dunu, which could be likely, then I can always stash the Hart as a backup.

 

yes Hart uses mini XLR 4 pin and they are not tiny. Real nirvana would be to have Fiio or Dunu style connector as a DiY part, if I can chop all my IEM cables and terminate with this little gem.
Hart, Dunu, or Fiio will work with Etymotic. Etymotic cables can be used for almost any MMCX, I used it with CA, but not other way around.

 

It's been a few years since I've seen any CIEM maker do the deep insertion fits unless requested. I know that at least some of them will compensate for insertion depth. Fitear has an option for shallow insertion (barely going into the canal) in which case they'll try to up the bass to match the FR of the normal fit.

But the Etys have nothing on the Stereo Pravda SB-7, where the frontmost driver is designed to literally sit next to your eardrum. This is probably the most coherent and micro-resolving BA IEM I've ever heard. Also the most painful one. Spirit willing, flesh weak and all that.

 

That looks like something that gets pulled out of a hapless victim in a Cronenberg film.

 

They're based in Moscow. The Russkis are good at two things: how to build solid products with shockingly simple designs, and how to inflict pain.

 

Etymotic have had such iconic, instantly recognizable design until now. My first reaction was, "It's an anti-Etymotic".

 

Have been really enjoying my NM2+ IEMs, especially since I changed cable to thick all copper CU4 cable. It really smoothed out the sharp grainy highs. It is one of my most favorites. Speaking of favorite, the Moondrop Blessing 2/ Dusk arrived in yesterdays mail. Presently I am using an inexpensive Graphene cable I bought on DROP for $70 to compare with Penon OSG Graphene $300 cable.
My New Years resolution is to buy only two cables and one DAP in 2021. I have three IEMs, a DAP and a few cables still in the mail from 2020 orders.

 

Do the Moondrop Blessing 2/Dusk have a typical BA timbre? And what about fit, they look gigantic...

 

No, the Blessing 2s have a DD bass. I probably do not hear timber to piss me off due to my age. What popular IEMs do you have? If I have one that you have, I will take a pic or two for size.

 

I have tons of iems but have seen the "depth" of these Moondrops...the shells look rather large.