Idun Golden

Hello, I have been using the Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red for almost a year already, I have loved it but i'm ready to move on. To give a bit of a back story, I have had 5 IEMs in my journey so far with the zero reds being the ones I held longest, I have in chronological order: Moondrop Chu Tangzu Wan'er Moondrop Chu 2 KZ Castor Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red After going back to my previous pair, KZ Castor , I have noticed a significant difference in terms of fit and comfort between the two, I believe I'm better off with an IEM that has smaller nozzles, atleast smaller than the zero reds. I do not have a preference on tuning yet (I don't think i can even tell the difference between the kz castor and the zero reds nor do i think would I be able to) but if it helps with suggestions, I mainly use it to listen to "mellow" music, female vocals, and videogame soundtracks. Some examples would be : Lazy Afternoons by Yoko Shimomura, Missing Home by Erikson Jayanto & Mevlied Nahla, Silver Lining by Laufey, Magnolia by Laufey etc., I'm looking to change mainly due to comfort; As I fall asleep with the IEMs sometimes, I'd also like it if it's durable, preferrably metal casing. My budget is $100 but would prefer it to be lower, The current options that I have on my list are: Tin Hifi T4 BLON BL03 Kefine Delci Kinera Celest Wyvern Black Moondrop Aria Please let me know of your opinions or if you have suggestions, thank you very much!

I’m looking for IEMs that create a fully immersive, holographic soundstage as if the music is being performed all around me. I want to feel the texture of water dripping on stone or the breath of the wind with the vivid intensity of ASMR; I need that 'brain-tingling' sensation. I want every micro-detail to feel like a tactile caress that resonates deep within my soul. I’m not looking for a flat, clinical, or lifeless sound. I need something rich, textured, and vibrantly alive. I want the bass to be present and impactful, but it must be tight and non intrusive hitting with precision and a fast decay without rattling my ears or bleeding into the mids. The treble must be smooth and never piercing, while female vocals need to sound breathtaking and lush. Ultimately, I need a versatile 'all-rounder' that can handle any genre with emotional depth. I’ve currently shortlisted the Letshuoer S12 Ultra, the Juzear Defiant, the Kiwi Ears Aether, and the Kinera Celest Phoenixcall, but I’m definitely open to other recommendations. I truly hope you can guide me through this, thank you so much in advance for your help.

I love my Hexa, they're my top pick of the 8 sets I have, my second is the Truthear Zero Red and third would be the Kinera Celeste wyvern black remaster. As for soundstage the Hexa is a bit more intimate than the Zero Red, where the Zero Red sounds like a more open room. But I also have a more comfortable fit on the Hexa where the Zero Red nozzle can get a little uncomfortable after a while depending on the tips paired. For me the kinera Celeste wyvern black remaster has really good spacial imaging too. My recommendation is to experiment with different ear tips like wide bore eartips if you want more airy sound with a slight bump in stage. The most exceptional tips I've used that don't color your IEM's tunings but enhance them are the tri-clarion ear tips, which to me gave my IEM's clearer tactility in sound in a subtle way while also adding airiness and a more open staging. Personally though for comfort I also like the divinus wide bore and the Tang Sancai wide bore, those slightly shift the tuning in a subtle way. Tips have a trade-off so when it comes to sound and comfort sometimes, it's one of those things where you have to tip roll to find what you like best. Using EQ is also something to try out.

I had the same problem with the jcally AP 90 DAC and my moondrop kato. I first replaced the USB cable with a more robust one with a more reliable connection, which worked for a week or two. Then the problem came back, I think because the DAC is offset, so it moves around in your pocket and causes unnecessary slack in the connection. In addition, I heard crackling noises with the mobile network, which was certainly related to the sensitivity of my Katos. For now, I've solved the problem with a DAC connected directly to the USB port without a cable. I got the Kinera Celest CD2 and no longer have any problems, no slack in the plug, and no more interference related to 4G/5G. All for a modest sum, and the sound is still top-notch. Less power, but more than enough for the Katos. The ergonomics don't bother me, and I even have more room in my pockets. So I reserve the AP90 for when I'm on vacation or traveling and don't have access to my main setup, obviously for static use, but no one listens to their HD 650 while walking down the street.