I SPEEDRUN 69+ “Old” LEGENDARY IEMS (TIERLIST 2024)

[@damtran993]

video like this is very meaningful and gives me a sense of nostalgia, audiophiles can easily get caught up in the never-ending craze of chasing the new-flavor-of-the week hype, but great sound will stay eternal, many iems in this legendary list can still bring the fight to the next gen of IEMs from the budget straight to the TOTL tier with no sweat at all, CCA CRA (my old beater iem, v-shaped done right that still trade blows with many great budget tier these days), Z1r (still one of the best bass in the market), Andro 2020 (widest soundstage with true holographic imaging at still "reasonable" kilobuck price, imaging so good that only the Canpur CP622B can noticeably beat it but at a much higher price), u12t (personally find it to be boring and uninspiring but can still appreciate it for the inoffensive tuning with decent technicality, to my ears the Cadenza 12 is more of a supercharged u12t) and ofc Anni 2021 (my absolute end-game, most heavenly treble I've ever heard, with details & resolution that only the CP622B can match). To this date, I still use the Anni 2021 & Jomo Flamenco as my endgames and will remain that way for a long time to come, down the line may grab the CP622b to complement these 2 but that's it, no regret for all the experiences in this audio journey so far xD.

[@damtran993]

For the topic, imo there are extra 5 extremely old IEMs that deserve to be in the legendary hall of fame as well xd: 1/ Thieaudio Monarch mk2: not much left is needed to be said for this absolute legend, still my default recommendation for the most price/perf kilobuck. 2/ Anole VX: detail beast, less boring than u12t (though still boring lol, thin sounding with plasticky treble, ba-timbre) 3/ AAW W900: the OG audiophiles who have been in the game during 2016~2017 would surely know of this IEM (same goes for the 2 below). Before the z1r, this was the bass monster to die for 4/ Inear PP8: another 2016ish IEM, still one of the very few that can be considered true neutral, very flat. 5/ Jomo Flamenco: a detail beast like Anole VX but sound sweeter and less BA-timbre, best representative of the neutral-bright style of tuning, and my personal endgame along with Anni 21. If u can find a chance to hear the last 3 iems in the mentioned list, highly recommend Jay xD

[@jayyaudio]

Will give them a listen someday 👍 Monarch MK2 isn’t 2 years old yet so it wasn’t included :p

[@kimbaduds]

Hi bro. I've been watching your videos lately. I just noticed that you haven't made a review for the annihilator 2023. Is there any reason why? I'm planning to get that one as well.

[@Wingedmagician]

this was a trip down memory lane thank you. I was super into iems when a lot of these were out or coming out

[@jayyaudio]

Yessir

[@mensrea1251]

Oh man I’m like bingeing on all of the recent content from Jay and this has got to be one of my favorites! Awesome idea.

[@jayyaudio]

Glad you're digging them~

[@blinkblik6924]

Blons are suprisingly competent for budget but the sound depends almost all on finding the right eartips which makes it hard to recommend when you can get good stuff for super cheap now without ear fit issues

[@jayyaudio]

Bangers

[@cattheshredder]

LOL That Dave/Sharur conversation was halarious. That guy is the most arrogant man in audio its unreal

[@jayyaudio]

XD

[@jbecks35]

My father bought a mest mk2 two years ago, he left the hobby and the family, I haven't seen him since....

[@jayyaudio]

💀😂

[@mrolinad]

Me too. Hard to justify any other purchase after Mest MK2.

[@djthamlas_tbs]

Whats crazy is that I've been using the KZ ZAX since 2020 till today. They got a lot of detail but it goes to show how rapid things move in tge iem space.

[@Yong-JuneChang]

I still love 64 Audio U12T as the best IEM.

[@CharlesGorby]

Mele was my first ever IEM! Lowkey parts of this video had me scratching my head (maybe you went too fast lol) but I'm at least happy you bring up a bunch of legendary IEMs people seem to have forgotten :)

[@cibo4569]

Can you please make a video on iems with smaller nozzle sizes? Most popular iems are uncomfortable for people with small and weird shaped ear Canals.

[@nurmbms90]

Old is still gold . Like U12T

[@goldenwing8184]

Sup Jay, im coming back after retired for 2 years (yea the addiction kick in again) so thank to your video helping me catching the with all the new items. Quite nice to see my Z1R still hold it place after a long time and see the market improve too, most of the new iem I wont have the chance to get demo at my placebut maybe some time in the future. Would give the u12t the nope/maybe since the lifeless sound but some like it so yea, its more reasonable to put it in the compete.

[@jayyaudio]

Welcome back! Lots of good stuff to try for sure

[@UFO-Audio]

Fantastic! Thank you for doing this Jay 😎!

[@jayyaudio]

My pleasure!

[@pimp.avogadro]

I bought the Xennz Top when they first came out and I still find myself listening to them to this day. I think these IEMs aged well and when Xennz drops an updated version, I would still recommend them on discount.

[@chikin114]

I want to buy xenns mangird top can you make me happy?

[@nickpelayo3172]

I have a mest ciem, monarch ciem, and a voyager 14 ciem. Each one of them are incredible and some of the best iems i bave ever heard

[@MrDomq22]

OG DMs are GOATED. Might break out my pair when I get home today… thanks for the reminder, Jay!

[@jayyaudio]

Always brotha

[@-SHIn--]

hey jay, i watched all your videos where you talked about tea pros and hype 4 but i still can't decide which one to buy :( these are some of the genres i listen to pop, alternative, electronic, rock, and emotional ballads. mind recommending which one to buy? or maybe you have a recommendation around the price range of these iems? PS: i also like your carmen playlist so maybe include this suggestion as well :)

[@jayyaudio]

I’d go Hype 4

[@-SHIn--]

​@@jayyaudioThank you for the reply ❤️

[@bozardo101]

Great video as always!!

[@jayyaudio]

🙏

[@GreenTeaStache]

Would love to see you review Flathead earphones. Some amazing stuff coming out! Great vid as always.

[@7ArchEnemy7]

The 2 iems from this list that I absolutely want to own at some point are the ThieAudio Oracle OG and the Softears Twilight.

[@jayyaudio]

Good choices

[@christiharris292]

I still have both and completely agree. I use them often

[@avratzzz6236]

Nice video, good to see so many older sets are still competitive (Shame that no mentions of Sony IER-M9 :c )

[@jayyaudio]

Competes

[@Weareonenation303]

I remember everyone went bananas over the BL-03 when it came out around 5 years ago but the IEM meta was very different and good budget IEMs weren't plentiful. I'd call it a meh IEM in today's market tbh, not terrible value but dated. Wasn't the CRA stealth revised and it now sounds like a generic V shaped chi-fi IEM? That's what I read on reddit months ago. FDX1 is somewhat of a niche niche pick but a good choice if you're into neutral sounding IEMs, haven't used mine in months but it still sounds good.

[@chinmayrasam]

How's the Sennheiser's single tiny 7mm DD still competitive with larger DDs, ESTs, BAs, Planar's, BC, and other high tech stuff with 6-14 drivers and what not?

[@unclethathurts]

First of all, driver count in most cases does not equal technicality. I have the ie600, and you won't believe how technical it is. Also, if an iem was good 2 years ago, it will still be good now. The only difference will be the price as similar newly released products will be cheaper. But since it is selling at a discount, that problem is solved

[@jayyaudio]

Listen to it and you’ll know how

[@chinmayrasam]

@@jayyaudio I ain't that rich. On a serious note, I really want to know how the driver count, type, and size matter? Maybe a video explaining the process of making iems as you've been involved yourself.

[@ROCKSTAR3291]

Yeah but it's true, the IE600 can do everything well with a single tiny dynamic driver, and I own some pretty expensive stuff that cost $2-3k too. I also love the IE900, more Vshaped but the bass quality can compete with the SONY Z1R. Sennheiser must've spent a lot on money on R&D for the techs and drivers in these IEMs.

[@audiofile1178]

Hey Jay, thanks for taking the time for this tier list, most reviewers don't bother with older IEMs. I have a question, I currently have the UP and am happy with it, I'm looking for a somewhat different tuning, mostly Neutral but still Musical and saw that someone is selling the OG Oracle for ~280$, is it a good buy? Right now, I also have the Hype 4 and it's a good set but I find it a bit boring and it's missing something that the UP does maybe it's ESTs? or Tuning? Anyway going to sell it and I'm planning to get something else.

[@jayyaudio]

If you found the Hype 4s boring then probably don’t get the Oracles since that’s even more neutral. I’d go Estrella

[@audiofile1178]

@@jayyaudio Got it, it's out of stock here at the moment so will get them when they are available again, Thanks.

[@McanoLasala]

Great video. I missed good old OG P1 Max.

[@EricJorgensen1]

Love this! I can really only get stuff used.

[@SaloonWrecker]

Planning on going from the xenns top to the 23 annihilator. How big of an upgrade am I in for?

[@jayyaudio]

15-20%?

[@nazreenshah8001]

I’m still using and still amazed with my tia trio and ier-m9. Those still compete with TOTL iem in my opinion. Next wishlist on my radar would be canpur cp622b. No idea how the storm sounds like to compete with 622b. Pause game for me for now untill someday i can afford to get my endgame wishlist 😂

[@jayyaudio]

Good choice cp622b is great

[@nazreenshah8001]

@@jayyaudio better than storm?🤔

[@StarBuccaneers168]

I agree, some of the legends can still compete! Great list. Dare you to speedrun worse IEMs from each brand.

[@jayyaudio]

👀 you got my attention

[@7ArchEnemy7]

Some of them should hold up very easily and even beat the crap that is coming out these days.

[@jamsblast]

Good to see the oldie but goldie CCA CRA

[@estrella4677]

Any similar budget iem? Still got one but that 2pin qdc connector probably couldn't last.

[@jamsblast]

@@estrella4677 Kz edc pro is a banger

[@estrella4677]

​@@jamsblastit's good but far from similar. Closest i can think of is ew200 but it got inferior bass and too much female shout.

[@jamsblast]

@@estrella4677 Then, could be the CCA polaris?

[@estrella4677]

​@@jamsblast didn't have that but surely not either.

[@phuocnguyentuan64]

You should try the Softears RS10 and the V16 Divinity bro

[@AirBudProMax]

Going into this while waiting for my Truthear x Crinacle Zero Blue to ship like 😅

[@chrisstroud60]

I know they're outdated but I would like the hana 2021 just because the build looks really solid and they are very pretty lol

[@prodigal99]

I wanna see an update for this tier list in a couple years 😂

[@jayyaudio]

word

[@Vostrax]

Why do you put the Variations in "Value" and the Top in "Competes" when they are the same price and you rank them similarly in your ranking list ? Nice quick sum up video thought

[@jayyaudio]

ESTs plus smoother

[@calvinyip364]

Jay if you got the chance pls review Fiio ft1

[@anatol1204]

Nice I was waiting moondrops review

[@tecno4u31]

Hi! Which IEM has given you the most pronounced 3D sensation? Unfortunately, I have been able to try a few products, but one of the most spectacular ones I have found has been the Tripowin Olina OG. Curiously, it was not "expensive" or at least it was not one of the most expensive ones I have tried.

[@jayyaudio]

OG Olina is enough unless you can save up for LETSHUOER EJ07 (non M)

[@tecno4u31]

@jayyaudio any in midway?

[@ElNINETEENTH]

UP is discontinued. Plus how does the Annihilator 21 compare to GAEA?

[@jayyaudio]

More balanced less aggressive and more detailed

[@shamelessplace11]

Picked up the Unique Audio MEST OG for 580 bucks so I think I did a pretty good job

[@jayyaudio]

Dam insane

[@AronAddams7]

I'm never getting rid of my blo3 and mh755s.❤

[@jayyaudio]

Good choice

[@Helmond2017]

The Fiio FH3 holds its value pretty well IMO.

[@jayyaudio]

Nah

[@adnan_samyn]

Hey mate, I’ve been using BLON 03 IEMs for a while and love them, but I’m thinking about switching to the AirPods Pro 2 (especially since I have an iPhone 15). Considering the price of the AirPods Pro 2, do you think it’s a good deal to switch? I’m particularly wondering if it’s worth it in terms of sound quality, features, and overall experience. Would love to hear your thoughts! and also how is your airpods performing now (as i heard they might not last after a year or two)!?

[@jayyaudio]

My OG air pod pros still working great currently. Sound wise it won’t be as bassy but I think it’s worth it for the convenience with a slight bump in performance

[@adnan_samyn]

@@jayyaudio The weirdest thing is that my fake pair of AirPods still have a seamless connection with my iPhone, and it’s really hard to tell the difference, haha! (I even compared the sound with the 1st gen Pros). So yeah! Anyways, you’re so consistent ❤️ tysm!

[@JaxxMono]

Empire ears Raven is absolutely crazy overpriced but it’s the best thing my ears have ever heard, wouldn’t trade anything for them

[@masterazlan6999]

This kinda interesting..Peace!

[@blbg]

I tried iems in an event and all iems were very average sounding to me according to my expectations. expensive iems were hardly any different from cheap stuff like u12t, m mk3, pilgrim. The ones those were okay are salnotes zero 1, hexa, blessing 3, studio 4. softear studio 4 was the most balanced sounding iem but compared to hd600 even that wasn't great.

[@yrone7427]

Hi, for the Seeaudio Yume, are the OG still the best in the Yume line-up? Compared to the Yume Ultra & Yume II?

[@jayyaudio]

For vocals ya

[@christopherbaxter1691]

Ej07 original and later version graph different, sound quality variable beware.

[@Galacsia]

What did he mention as better alternatives to the Dioko? 5:59

[@jayyaudio]

Artti T10, NiceHCK F1 Pro

[@iqseventy]

Sgor Luna please, my friend said its the best budger planar at the market

[@earlybird3668]

this is a fun video!

[@Azhariputra666]

For me: Sennheiser ie80, 1more quad driver and variations 😊

[@EarthShakingBass]

I have the um mest mk1 Japanese variant with 2 vent holes 😂 extended treble yet not harsh

[@adnan_samyn]

Might be off topic , saw your video on pro 2 vs iem . Wanted to know how It's performing as of now ? Airpods pro 2 might not last for more than 2 years or so :v so thats sounds concerning . Share your views to help my purchase decision :))

[@jayyaudio]

IEM better sound, Pro 2 is more convenient 👍

[@byrongodinez5865]

Bought the Oxygen, 4 years ago for $210 new. Looks like it time to upgrade 🥺 any recommendations?

[@jayyaudio]

Budget? I’d go pilgrim or Dusk if you want a similar tuning

[@Bjornaman]

EJ07s godtier. Shame they took em off sale. I think they clear all other letshouer IEMS other than C12s

[@jayyaudio]

Fr 💯

[@pmdthewizard]

Crin recently made a video about the Aria 2, 😪

[@jayyaudio]

😂

[@ExplainedExplanation]

Yume or Explorer?

[@jayyaudio]

Depends on what you want

[@james24-i9v]

i like video like this

[@jayyaudio]

My throat doesn’t

[@junaidsultan1138]

​@@jayyaudio😅

[@tosiek1493]

Craft Ears Omnium vs Um Mest MK 2 vs Multiverse Mentor Vs Annihilator 2023?

[@jayyaudio]

Haven’t heard the other 2

[@tosiek1493]

And between that you have heard which one is the best? :)

[@lordbiscuitthetossable5352]

Can confirm on the DIVA (2023 edition). the earphones I have found fantastic, but Effect Audio cables are dogshit. They are literally the only cable in my collection to have developed a fault within a month of handling, their cables are weightly gauldy and quite frankly when prospectors talk about fools gold, they talk about effect audio cables. Worst thing is I'm not sure where to find another pentacon connector cable, so I might have to consider the prospect of buying another shitty cable from them again for the price of an entire months worth of meals or sell at a brutal discount. Elysian makes good IEM's, but the DIVA is a £700 IEM with a £500 Cable, in a market full of snake oil BS. Brutally honest opinion, which is a pity because out of all the IEM's these fit me the best. Despite the Fit issues though I still love the Z1R. Find the right tips with it an it's a fun time. But I would certainly argue that there are probably better iem's out there that are less demanding, but theres no set that lets me just plug in and immediately feel just a little bit silly. XD

[@jayyaudio]

Rip

[@lordbiscuitthetossable5352]

@@jayyaudio Yeah. I don't particularly like mean talking a company but having such an expensive cable just fail on me really annoyed me, particularly given how difficult it is to find a similar connector. Though if the Pligram cables are the same type that might just do.

[@teamlulquit]

how about the Truthear Nova?

[@jayyaudio]

Wouldn’t call that “old”

[@warth45]

no QDC Vx/V14?

[@jayyaudio]

Haven’t heard

[@warth45]

@@jayyaudio ahh, I see

[@heyking8583]

How's sound rhyme sr5

[@jayyaudio]

Ok

[@masterazlan6999]

An iem audiophiliacs indeed, hmm if u consider Fatfreq as noobs hmm ok..wut bout FiR collections bra, UM perhaps, Fearless audio? Kinera nana, Hi senior such mega5?..wut bout eStat bra..those legendary kse1500? Hola not bad too, VE?..wut bout noble audio?? N those Sliivo, Oriveti, Kiwi..n so on .. they r quiet competitive..Peace!

[@eddisonwny]

akg n5005?

[@jayyaudio]

oh ya

[@benedictusbima6056]

Hi hay! Can u review artti r3 iem? Thank u

[@jayyaudio]

It’s a cheaper version of the R1, ok if you want something warm

[@Mr_Zomby]

I am looking for an iem around 50$. For mainly music and sometimes mobile games like PUBG. I there any upcoming iem around this budget or i have to buy the current iem.

[@jayyaudio]

stretch your budget and get EW300

[@xyzed712]

is kato better than 500lm?

[@jayyaudio]

Hell nah

[@xyzed712]

@@jayyaudio comparable to normal ea500 ?

[@anc3stral.]

Dark magician is still alive: Xsl x one cough cough (50bucks btw).

[@reiness]

where to buy one?

[@MichaelBruceTaos]

No, not at all. Same driver, tuning isnt the same and cannot be. The tuning of the DM is EXTREMELY HARD TO ACCOMPLISH

[@jayyaudio]

Tell him Mike

[@MichaelBruceTaos]

I've been working on trying to replicate the DM for 10 months going now. I have only done it by accident so far and I know why... the sets that were made were not easily repeatable and therefore they stopped selling them. While the tuning certainly wasn't an accident, it requires a lot of luck.

[@anc3stral.]

@@MichaelBruceTaos hmmm this sound like cospiracy...wtf 😂. If the driver is the same, just disassemble one and see how is structured on the inside + i don't think they used like adamantium for the shell, so i don't understand this takes (as ignorant i am). Btw i didnt say that they are same, simply the darkmagician heart (the driver) is still alive in another shell: the xsl x one and for 50 bucks they are great.

[@AliR03]

69

[@jayyaudio]

Hehe