/iemg/ - In-Ear Monitor General Shopping Guide

---

Table of Contents

IEMs ($20 - $100)

---

Hall of Fame
• Tangzu Wan'er S.G 2 (mild V) - $20
• EPZ Q1 Pro (Harman) - $35

Honorable Mentions
• KBEAR Rosefinch (very bassy) - $20
• QKZ x HBB (bassy) - $20
• Tanchjim Bunny DSP (neutral~) - $20
• 7Hz x Crinacle Zero: 2 (bassy neutral) - $25
• Faaeal Unbounded (V-shape) - $25
• Truthear Gate (Harman) - $25
• Kinera Celest Wyvern (mild V) - $30
• Kiwi Ears Cadenza / KBEAR KB02 (mild V) - $35
• TRN Conch (bright V~) - $35
• Simgot EW200 (Harman) - $40
• Tinhifi C2 2025 (V-shape) - $40
• Moondrop Lan (neutral) - $45
• Aoshida E20 (U-shape) - $50
• Juzear Clear (bassy V) - $50
• Kefine Klean (bassy neutral~) - $50
• Artti R1 (mild V) - $80
• Dunu Titan S2 (mild V) - $80
• Simgot EA500LM (bright V~) - $90
• Truthear Hexa (neutral) - $90
• CVJ x R2E3 Mermaid II (mild V) - $100
• EPZ K5 (bright) - $100
• Juzear x Z Reviews Defiant (mild V) - $100
• Letshuoer S08 (warm) - $100

IEMs ($110 - $200)

---

Hall of Fame
• Simgot SuperMix 4 (Harman) - $150
• EPZ P50 (bassy neutral) - $190

Honorable Mentions
• Artti T10 Pro (mild V) - $110
• Simgot EM6L (V-shape) - $110
• Dunu Kima 2 (warm) - $120
• Topping Arpegear Hane (mild V~) - $130
• Kinera Celest Phoenixcall (V-shape) - $130
• Shozy P20 (V-shape) - $140
• Kinera Celest Relentless (V-shape) - $170
• Kiwi Ears Aether (V-shape) - $170
• Letshuoer S12 Pro (V-shape) - $170
• Tanchjim Kara (bassy neutral) - $180
• Binary Acoustics x Gizaudio Chopin (Harman) - $200
• Hisenior T4 (neutral~) - $200

IEMs ($220 - $400)

---

Hall of Fame
• Tanchjim Origin (mild V~) - $260
• Xenns Mangird Tea Pro (U-shape) - $360

Honorable Mentions
• Dunu Falcon Ultra (warm~) - $220
• Juzear Butterfly 61T (bassy neutral) - $220
• Kiwi Ears Quintet (Harman) - $220
• TRI I3 MK3 (neutral) - $220
• Juzear Dragonfly 81T (Harman) - $250
• Kiwi Ears Orchestra Lite (neutral) - $250
• Letshuoer Cadenza4 (neutral) - $250
• Binary Acoustics Dynaquattro (mild V) - $260
• ZiiGaat Doscinco (bassy neutral) - $270
• ddHiFi x Moondrop E14D Surface (bassy neutral) - $280
• ISN Neo5 (bassy neutral) - $290
• Dunu x Gizaudio DaVinci (bassy neutral) - $300
• Kiwi Ears Astral (bassy neutral) - $300
• Softears Volume S (warm neutral~) - $320
• Dita Project M (bright) - $325
• ISN H60 (warm V) - $350
• SeeAudio Bravery '24 Edition (bright V) - $350
• Yanyin Canon II (V-shape~) - $380
• Thieaudio Hype 4 (U-shape) - $400

IEMs ($440 - $1000)

---

Hall of Fame
• Hisenior Mega5EST (bassy neutral) - $550
• Thieaudio Monarch MKIII (U-shape) - $1000

Honorable Mentions
• Simgot EM10 (Harman) - $440
• EPZ 530 (warm V) - $450
• Softears Studio4 (neutral) - $450
• Dunu DK3001 BD (U-shape) - $500
• Xenns Mangird Top Pro (U-shape) - $500
• Kinera Skuld (neutral) - $550
• Dunu SA6 MKII (neutral~) - $580
• Thieaudio Oracle MKIII (U-shape) - $590
• I/O Volare (Harman) - $600
• Symphonium Audio Meteor (bassy neutral) - $600
• FATfreq Scarlet Mini (very bassy) - $650
• Kinera Imperial Urd (bassy neutral) - $650
• Tangzu Xuanwu Gate (neutral) - $650
• Sound Rhyme DTE900 (bright V~) - $750
• 7th Acoustics Supernova (neutral) - $800
• Jomo Audio Nautilus (bassy W) - $800
• Thieaudio Origin (U-shape) - $850
• 64 Audio Aspire 4 (bassy neutral) - $900
• Softears Twilight (warm neutral) - $930

IEMs ($1100+)

---

• 64 Audio U4s (W-shape~) - $1100
• Kinera Verdandi (V-shape) - $1200
• Nightjar Acoustics Singularity (bassy) - $1300
• Thieaudio Prestige LTD (U-shape) - $1300
• Dunu Glacier (V-shape) - $1350
• Symphonium x Elise Audio Europa (U-shape) - $1540
• Thieaudio V16 Divinity (U-shape) - $1500
• 64 Audio U12t (W-shape~) - $2000
• Canpur CP54E (mild V) - $2000
• FATfreq Maestro SE (bassy V) - $2000
• Oriolus Monachaa (W-shape) - $2000
• Unique Melody Mest Jet Black (bassy neutral) - $2000
• Empire Ears Legend X (very bassy) - $2300
• 64 Audio Volür (bassy W~) - $2500
• Melodic Artification Alter Ego (U-shape~) - $2500
• Noble Audio Kublai Khan (neutral) - $2600
• Alpha&Omega Omega (very bassy) - $2700
• Canpur CP74E (neutral) - $2800
• Elysian Acoustic Labs Annihilator 2023 (bassy V) - $3000
• FATfreq Grand Maestro (bassy V~) - $3000
• Vision Ears VE10 (bassy V) - $3050
• Kinera Imperial Loki (V-shape) - $3100
• Empire Ears Odin (neutral) - $3400
• Canpur CP622B (neutral) - $3500
• Empire Ears Raven (bassy W) - $3600
• Softears Enigma (mild V) - $3700
• Noble Audio Ronin (neutral) - $3900
• Unique Melody Multiverse Mentor (warm neutral) - $4500
• Oriolus Traillii JP (mild V) - $6600

Custom IEMs (CIEM)

---

64 Audio, Campfire Audio, Empire Ears, FATfreq, FiR Audio, Hisenior, JH Audio, Noble Audio, qdc, Softears, Ultimate Ears, Unique Melody, Vision Ears

Brick-and-mortar locations near you may affiliate with a manufacturer listed above or make their own custom in-ear monitors. They may offer demo units to listen to and ear impressions done on site.
Digital ear impressions are increasingly more common, and enable a more streamlined online buying process. Contact and thoroughly define terms with both the manufacturer of the customs you desire and the person taking your ear impressions before financial commitment. You want all parties on the same page so that you have usable ear impressions and a manufacturer ready to work with them.

Considerations Before Getting Custom IEMs
youtube.com/watch?v=BhTQfPRCFBk

Bullet Style Wire-Down IEMs ($15 - $100)

---

Hall of Fame
• Tanchjim One DSP (neutral~) - $30
• Etymotic ER2XR (neutral) - $100

Honorable Mentions
• Tangzu Princess Chang Le (mild V) - $15
• Tanchjim Zero Ultima DSP (neutral~) - $20
• Final E500 (dark) - $25
• Tanchjim Tanya (warm) - $25

Flathead Earbuds ($5 - $20)

---

Hall of Fame
• Blue Vido (warm) - $5
• NiceHCK YDX (bright) - $15

Honorable Mentions
• Faaeal Iris 2.0 (warm) - $10
• RY4S mmcx (warm) - $10
• VE Monk Plus (bright) - $10
• NiceHCK EB2S (bright) - $15
• Qian 39 (warm) - $15
• FiiO FF1 (warm) - $20
• Apple EarPods (warm) - $20
• Faaeal Rosemary (warm) - $20
• Yincrow X6 (warm) - $20

Cables

---

Standard IEM cable length is 1.2 meters. Customized cables can be ordered by messaging ivipQ or XINHS stores on Aliexpress.
Cable ear hooks can be reshaped with warm air for a better fit around your ears.

IEM and Cable Connection Types
head-fi.org/threads/the-different-types-of-iem-connectors.938264

Hall of Fame
• Tripowin Zonie - $15
• TRN RedChain - $15
• Artti
• ivipQ
• KBEAR
• NiceHCK
• XINHS

Honorable Mentions
• Juzear Limpid - $20
• Faaeal
• Hakugei
• Kinera
• OpenHeart
• Yinyoo
• Yongse

Ear Tips

---

Hall of Fame
• 7Hz H-07
• Audiosense S400
• Azla SednaEarFit Vivid
• Divinus Velvet
• KBEAR 07
• Moondrop Spring Tips
• Spinfit W1

Honorable Mentions
• Azla SednaEarFit MAX
• Azla SednaEarFit Xelastic II
• Dunu S&S
• Feaulle H570
• Final Type E
• ivipQ V15 / XINHS A02
• JVC EP-FX10 Spiral Dot
• NiceHCK C04
• Pentaconn Coreir
• Softears Ultra Clear
• Spinfit CP100+
• Spinfit Omni
• Tanchjim T-APB
• Tangzu Tang Sancai Balanced
• TRI Clarion
• TRN T-Ear

Foam
• Comply T-500
• Dekoni Audio Bulletz
• Moondrop MIS-Tip
• Sonicfoam
• Symbio Hybrid
• Tanchjim TAPB-C43
• Tennmak
• Tripowin Spiral Groove
• Whizzer MM100
• Zeos Render Hybrid

IEM Maintenance (Filters)

---

IEM nozzle filters
Most 1DD IEMs have a mesh filter on the sound nozzle that protects inner components and tunes sound. Filters can clog in humid conditions and from moisture, ear wax, skin oils, etc. with use over time. Besides mesh filter, some IEMs use Knowles tube dampers or foam.
Filters are available in different sizes (diameter in mm), and mesh density rated from 100 - 500. Higher numbers indicate greater acoustic damping, mostly affecting sound 2kHz - 6kHz. 500 mesh is common for stock sound replacement.
To replace a mesh filter: Using tweezers or a needle, remove the stock filter (and metal grille if applicable). Apply the replacement filter so that the pre-applied adhesive edges stick on the lip / groove in the nozzle. Lightly press down on the edges.

General ownership and maintenance
Store IEMs in an airtight container with desiccant such as silica gel packet. This helps pull out moisture which accumulates during use.
Keep IEMs attached to their cable unless replacing. This helps prolong the connection lifespan.
Roadie wrap cables. This helps cables remain free of kinks and unravel easily for use.
If you have cleaner ears, less wax transfers when wearing IEMs. Digital camera earpicks and over-the-counter peroxide solution can help clean ears. Follow instructions, and be careful when cleaning.

Cleaning IEMs and ear tips
To remove wax and other debris from ear tips and around an IEM nozzle, use a needle or fine metal loop cleaning tool. As you clean, hold the IEM at an angle so that gravity helps debris fall out and away from the IEM.
Cleaning putty or weak adhesive tape can be used to lift debris from a nozzle filter, but should be used delicately.
Avoid using blunt instruments such as brushes or a cloth around the nozzle filter, as they can push debris further in or damage the filter.
A cloth or cleaning wipes can be used to wipe oil from the exterior shell, but be careful around any ventilation holes that the IEM has, and beware that alcohol or other chemicals may react with the shell material.
Silicone ear tips can be cleaned with warm water and mild soap detergent. Dry thoroughly before placing them back on an IEM.
Foam ear tips should not be wet cleaned, they are meant to be replaced when they become dirty or aged.

Diagnosing a problem with your IEMs
Eliminate the source as a problem. Plug into various 3.5mm devices you have, and narrow down if the issue lies in a particular source.
Diagnose the IEM cable. Inconsistent audio cutting in and out or no audio whatsoever are potential signs of a malfunctional cable. In lieu of purchasing a new cable, you can swap the left and right sides to determine if the issue follows a specific side of the cable connection.
Diagnose the IEM nozzle filters. Reduced volume of an earphone (becoming quieter) is the main indicator of a clogged filter. At your own risk, remove the nozzle filters and listen for restored volume output. Beware that the IEM tuning without filters is likely brighter and peakier.
Narrowing down the problem helps determine if your source, cable, IEM nozzle filter, or IEM unit need replacement.

Generic filters
aliexpress.us/item/3256803859976976.html
aliexpress.us/item/3256805950888709.html

Moondrop filters
shenzhenaudio.com/products/moondrop-earphone-filter-accessories-for-spaceship-kxxs-starfield-earphone

All-in-One Simgot tuning kit (4.8mm)
aliexpress.us/item/3256806070697350.html

Dongles (USB-C DAC & AMP)

---

Hall of Fame
• Non-EU Apple dongle (#) - $10
• Fosi Audio DS2 2024 / Moondrop Dawn Pro / EPZ TP20 Pro - $60
• Qudelix 5K (#+%) - $110

Honorable Mentions
• VE Odo (#) - $10
• Softears S01 (#) - $25
• Jcally JM20 - $25
• Tanchjim Stargate 2 (#+) - $40
• HiBy W3 II (#+%) - $50
• Colorfly CDA-M1P - $80
• Shanling Onix Alpha XI1 - $110
• Tanchjim Luna - $130

A number sign "#" denotes in-line mic support.
A plus sign "+" denotes if EQ is an advertised feature. Functionality and implementation differs.
A percent sign "%" denotes Bluetooth connectivity.

Flawless compatibility is not assured when using dongles and smartphones. For some device pairings, unstable connection, noise artifacts / glitches, or wireless signal interference can occur. Apple Lightning imposes power limitations compared to USB-C.
For bit-perfect lossless audio via Android phone and dongle, use HiBy Music (free) or USB Audio Player Pro aka UAPP (paid) and enable "Exclusive USB Audio Access," setting to avoid resampling.

With manufacturer specifications for sensitivity and impedance, you can calculate the power required for IEMs.
headphonesty.com/headphone-power-calculator/
Most IEMs are very sensitive and require little power to reach loud volumes. Excessive amplifiers may even be detrimental to your listening experience (e.g., higher audible noise floor, limited usable volume steps, generate excessive heat, drain more phone battery, etc.).

Digital Audio Players (DAP) / Portable Music Players (PMP)

---

Budget
• FiiO Snowsky Echo Mini - $50
• HiBy R1 - $85
• Shanling M0s - $100
• Hifi Walker H2 / Surfans F20 (Rockbox) - $120
• Shanling M0 Pro - $130
• FiiO JM21 - $200
• HiBy M300 - $200
• HiBy R3 Pro II - $200
• Hidizs AP80 Pro-X - $200
• Tempotec V3 Blaze - $200
• Shanling M1 Plus - $210
• Shanling M1s - $230
• HiBy R4 - $250

Mid-Range
• FiiO M21 - $330
• HiBy R6 III 2025 - $440
• Shanling M3 Plus - $470
• FiiO M11S - $500
• Cayin N3 Ultra - $530
• iBasso DX180 - $530
• Shanling M5 Ultra - $590

DAP / PMP Infographic Chart
x.com/align_centre/status/1677649129353404416

When and Where to Buy

---

Tier 1 Sales
3/28: Aliexpress Anniversary
6/18: Mid-Year
7/16 - 7/17: Amazon Prime Day
11/11: Singles' Day
Late November: Black Friday & Cyber Monday
December: Christmas

Tier 2 Sales
Most major holidays
Late January-Early February: Lunar New Year
8/18: Back to School

Listed below are online retailers of IEMs. If you are shopping sub-$500, the top 6 sites should have it. Some stores offer free international shipping, include sales taxes / VAT in the product price, or offer consumer-friendly return policies. Read terms and conditions.
amazon.com
aliexpress.com
linsoul.com
hifigo.com
shenzhenaudio.com
headphones.com
bloomaudio.com
musicteck.com
drop.com
apos.audio
thehificat.com
moon-audio.com
eliseaudio.com
hifi-passion.de

Listed below are physical stores where you can demo or purchase IEMs. They also operate online stores.
hangout.audio - Singapore
jaben.com - Singapore
starspickeraudio.net - Selangor, Malaysia
redape.my - Selangor, Malaysia
e-earphone.jp - Tokyo, Japan
thesoundlab.co.kr - Busan, South Korea
audio46.com - New York, USA

Listed below are audio exhibition shows where you can demo or purchase IEMs.
canjamglobal.com - Several worldwide events annually
highendsociety.de - Several events annually
leiyinaudio.com - Annual event in Shenzhen, China
axpona.com - Annual event in Illinois, USA

Helpful External Links

---

Introductory Overviews for Audio Noobs
youtube.com/watch?v=kQOHx1nSc50
youtube.com/watch?v=1YUdNFLefVk

IEM EQ Guide - Equalizer, Measurements, Targets, etc.
4ciemg.github.io/IEM-EQ-Guide/

IEMGazette - Curated /iemg/ Posts and Archives
4ciemg.github.io/IEMGazette/

Frequency Response Graph Tools
5128
earphonesarchive.squig.link
graph.hangout.audio/iem/5128
listener.squig.link/5128
rtings.com/headphones/graph
711
squig.link
jaysaudio.github.io
banbeu.com/graph/tool
iems.audiodiscourse.com
graphtool.harutohiroki.com
hypethesonics.com/iemdbc

Measurements and Reviews
audiosciencereview.com
headphones.com/blogs/reviews
headphonesty.com/category/reviews
soundguys.com/features
blog.ear-phone-review.com/archive/category/Review
0db.co.kr/REVIEW_0DB
woodenears.com
l7audiolab.com

Equalizer APO and Peace UI - Free EQ Software for Windows OS
sourceforge.net/projects/equalizerapo
sourceforge.net/projects/peace-equalizer-apo-extension

Optimizing Audio on Windows OS
audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/ending-the-windows-audio-quality-debate.19438

How to Listen Software - Learn to Identify Attributes You Hear
harmanhowtolisten.blogspot.com

IEM Cleaning, Maintenance, and Storage
playbutton.co/how-to-clean-an-iem-nozzle-complete-guide

Earwax Removal and Cleaning Your Ears
health.clevelandclinic.org/ear-wax-removal-101-the-best-and-safest-ways-to-clear-clogged-ears
healthline.com/health/how-to-clean-your-ears
aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2020/safe-earwax-removal

Safe Listening Levels
noisemeters.com/help/faq/frequency-weighting
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A-weighting
audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/safe-listening-levels-and-headphone-voltage-power-requirements.37860

Reading on Various Audio Topics - Books, Papers, etc.
mega.nz/folder/cchSBaBQ#WwAguZeGclZkxzvwVNSryQ/folder/Nd5A1YhQ

Reading on Various Audio Topics
diyaudioheaven.wordpress.com/tutorials

Glossary of Audio Measurements and Terms
headphones.com/blogs/features/the-glossary-of-audio-measurements-and-terms

Old Guide
hackmd.io/@AyPeeEye/S1sNUVosu