The ULTIMATE IEM Buying Guide

[@HangoutAudio]

The list of all the IEMs mentioned in the video are in the description! But the list of ALL THE IEMS IN THE WORLD is here: list.hangout.audio/iem/

[@TokenCast]

I am looking for IEM v-shape under 250 I like music and audio dramas i listen to orchestral and modern music. What should I buy in your opinion?

[@stayhumble-.-]

This isn’t a “guide” guide showing you about how to buy and what to look for in an IEM; rather a product shoutout over staff recommendations.

[@mehmetgurdal]

Honestly I gotta agree with that. Love you Timmy but if I was a newbie I wouldn't understand anything. Keep the recommendations, I recommend these all the time but give people a point of origin to understand the frequency response graphs. Idk? Put a graph of super mainstream stuff. This way people can have a more distinct understanding.

[@cibo4569]

True. He stated at the start it's a hangout.audio guide but the title is "ultimate iem guide" 😂

[@hejichs]

Good enough 👍

[@eruno_]

Yeah...

[@CookinBeatloaf]

He did a good job guiding via intended sound signature and a few increasingly expensive options per segment.

[@brayanramiles8502]

I can't help but to picture that Obama meme of him giving himself a medal whenever I saw a Crinacle collaboration being recommended

[@Valstracuga]

Please dont tempt me to spend more money than i have

[@libra_v3]

well, you're on a youtube channel of an online store, what else did you expect

[@sjqideez6626]

Your wallet clicked on the video

[@rene837]

Since the Softears Volume S isn't featured in this video, I would like to give it a shoutout for balanced/neutral IEM. It basically follows the Meta Tuning very closely and beats the Mega5Est in pricing.

[@whteoutxd]

that's a pretty new pair so it's understandable to not making the list

[@earlybird3668]

@rene837 nice. I have the MEGA5ESTs! They are amazing and great. The Softears Volume S are on my radar now. Thank-you.

[@NCR_trooper-69]

there should be a spot in Heaven for every youtube that puts time stamps.

[@jacobbarfield7828]

I feel like the Dunu Titan S should replace the Hexa in the vocal-lovers section. From experience of owning both, I always switched over to the Titan S whenever I’m craving beautiful, forward vocal performance where I feel like the Hexa is lacking in. Wouldn’t the Hexa be extremely fitting in the Neutral section? The next step-up from the Truthear Zero Red if you’d wanna spend 30 more dollars?

[@Frikilicious]

I agree!

[@ibrahimsincap3705]

Exactly, vocals are definitely one of the shortcomings of Hexas.

[@Quo_Audito]

This is what I was thinking...I noticed that all the reviewers talk about how neutral the Hexa is and it is "technically" the cheapest iem that follows the JM1 pretty close, but for some reason it always gets forgotten on these lists and all of a sudden the Kiwi Ears KE4 is the cheapest JM1 option?

[@vianhoho19]

​@@Quo_AuditoTimmy talked about that in Hangout's Hexa showcase video. Basically, Hexa was "pre-JM-1" so it can't really count as cheapest per se even though it just so happens to follow JM-1 quite closely, thus giving the crown to the KE4 instead. CMIIW on that summary

[@Quo_Audito]

@@vianhoho19 I missed that vid I think lol, but that is kinda weird imo. I get that it was produced pre JM1 fully materialized, but if it just so happens to follow it that closely...why disqualify it? Wouldn't that just make it ahead of it's time, but instead it is being penalized? Not that big of a deal though, I just think it should be consistently brought up as a JM1 option for the people looking to start the hobby and may not have $200 to drop lol. I appreciate the explanation though, kinda helps piece it all together 🫶🏽

[@littletweeter1327]

Love my space travel for mowing the grass. Cheap enough to not care about sweat and dirt. it still sounds pretty good. And the ANC is good enough to make a lawn mower not distracting

[@mago1585]

Nice seeing the Z300. I think it's very underrated. In its price point, it probably has the best build quality and cable. Sounds good too.

[@rice_frying_shrimp]

For anyone who liked Timmy's description of the Orchestra Lite ("full, polite. forward but laid back. incredibly smooth timbre") but doesn't want to spend over 200 bucks on an IEM, go look at the Tangzu FUDU Verse 1. It's under $100 and lands somewhere between the Orchestra by KiwiEars and the Wan'er which are obviously also from Tangzu. It's also a bit warmer and more bassy at the same time as both of the other ones but happens to also really tame harsh vocals while being very forward and being technically impressive as well. The included cable and tips are also really solid for the price, there are much more expensive IEMs that give you less. If you want any more reason to buy it, Timmy himself described it as "perfectly fine" which from any reviewer basically means GET THIS IMMEDIATELY. Is it redefining an entire price bracket? Nope. Does it have any of the same drawback those trailblazing IEMs tend to usually have? Nope. Just a fun, relaxed IEM that still delivers really beautiful vocals. Imo one of the best you can get in the $75-100 range other than the Truthear Hexa.

[@Mihawkdvm]

The IEMs that Timmy once recommended and I still love and use to this day are the Wan'er , moondrop chu ii , Original Letshuoer S12, IE200, and Tanchjim Ola Bass. 🙏🙏

[@PakoBar2717]

Titan S better than Hexa for vocal lovers. You get more detail and bass is more satisfying.

[@alexroot1980]

Or Kima, a bit more refined than titan S.

[@rice_frying_shrimp]

@@alexroot1980 Kima 2, to be clear. neither the Kima 1 nor the Kima Classic are more refined than the Titan S imo

[@IReachInToTheSky]

Aren’t Hexa always was neutral? Since when it’s vocal o_O

[@rice_frying_shrimp]

because apparently it was pre-JM1 so it can't be neutral by the modern definition of "neutral". very technical distinction to make that Timmy explained in a different video and which I don't necessarily agree with either. it *does* follow JM1, whether intentionally or not, so it should be in the same category. the extreme price jump from the Zero:Red to the KE4 is also kind of jarring given how nicely the Hexa is placed in-between.

[@DW_25]

No simgot??

[@DumbOrangeFrog]

SimGYAT

[@lokrj]

SHOUTgot 🗣🗣🗣

[@mikuqt2622]

more like SimGOAT

[@mikuqt2622]

but yeah i was also very confused about the lack of simgot, really disappointing

[@rice_frying_shrimp]

leading opinion is that the only IEM that Simgot makes where it's notable in its price range is the SM4 and since most people also agree that the use of the piezoelectric tweeter makes it inferior to the Truthear Nova which is actually marginally cheaper and from a similarly reputable brand, you can't include the SM4 if you only showcase one IEM per pricing tier. at least I think that's the logic they're going with here, purely judging from their own past comments on both sets. if you were to take Crin by his word though, the SM4 is still "Crin-approved" and featured in the shop, so by that logic you can't go wrong with either, the Nova is just a safer pick to feature because some people find the SM4 sibilant. as for not including them in other price tiers I think I agree that they just never stand out over the competition very much unless you specifically like their kind of sound.

[@littletweeter1327]

If anyone else is really sensitive to harsh and fatiguing sounds and wants a warm and relaxed sound, go with the aful explorer. It’s really cozy but the highs and vocals and everything still sound great. The shells and nozzles are also small and comfortable, so it’s perfect if you have small ears like me. Under appreciated set in my opinion- it fills its niche perfectly

[@pirateporo]

Idk why crin didn't approve aful explorer

[@FaizalKuntz]

Thank you for ultimately guiding me.

[@baaltroth1957]

I don't get the "neutral" or "natural" interchangeable label on sound profiles. I play piano and when i listen to an earphone qualified as natural or neutral, it sounds far off from what a piano really sounds like. When i listen to a "colored" earphone, it sounds more realistic . That is part of the fun in a subjective hobby

[@roadtonever]

Recorded music doesn't sound like a real event on purpose. Just evaluate full songs and listen for coherency.

[@baaltroth1957]

@roadtonever yeah, different use cases. I listen to a variety of earphones for different experiences. I recorded solo piano works in a studio, listened to the mix, and then the final recording. I know what it sounded like at every stage from sitting at the piano through streaming. A good tool for me to use to hear how earphones affect the sound.

[@roadtonever]

@ A limited tool, a multitude of waveforms exist in recorded music, piano cant represent all of it. Second, the sound of a piano varies, affected by the room, placement, mics used.

[@baaltroth1957]

@@roadtonever i meant for my recordings specifically

[@R3kyMel]

Great video! I only miss an option for musicians for stage and studio monitoring!

[@Helmond2017]

Kinera Relentless is a good V shaped IEM. Delci is a solid bassy IEM, nice pick.

[@roadtonever]

Hexa is a drum IEM for me, I love it

[@AlexanderIonkin]

When will you make a video about IO Volare? Looking forward to it. :)

[@bozardo101]

I would like more of these buying guides!! If there is an extensive comprehensive overview of these sound signatures, that would be most helpful!! Im going to save up for the Monar Mk 2

[@sloth_e]

Put in an order yesterday from Australia. 1st of many as I've been completly sucked into the iem vortex 😂😂

[@basti329]

The FatFreqxHBB Deuce are fucking amazing. They even work well with metal because the midbass isnt boosted as well and i really enjoy subbass tuning in general. They are expensive but damn, they are fun and the whole package is really really good. 😊

[@MatthewDiFazio]

Real

[@akash5180]

how do they work with Dubstep and mainstage usic?

[@basti329]

@akash5180 I don't listen to stage stuff that much tbh. The only thing I listen to that is played live is "The boiler room". I listen to lots of dubstep and dnb and all that and it's really really good. My favorite iems at the moment 😆 The bass is so juicy but doesn't mess with the other frequencies. Overall pretty much worth the cash imo

[@Eternal-ReTuning]

It would be awesome if the store has some of the sound profile tagged tp the iems to facilitate search and sorting.

[@JO-123-ABC]

Waiting for the best Dsp Iem video 😌

[@JorgeLuisInAction36]

Totally agree.

[@shikitono5643]

Moondrop May easy. It's a laid-back, wide soundstage, vocal focus tuning with smooth treble. I actually like its tuning vs the Crinacle Red.

[@shikitono5643]

Now, I need that Hexa. Just waiting for it to go on sale 😆. Currently using Moondrop Chu 2 with Moondrop May's cable and it's fantastic. I'm like using a little sister of May's IEM☺️. Love your content BTW. It's a great information for me as a budget IEM lover👍

[@jeffreylowy3180]

Hexa is great!

[@rice_frying_shrimp]

depends whether they'll take the "let's get rid of access stock quickly" or "ooh, this just grew in value" approach for pricing following the first reviews of final Hexa 2 units (not the current testing iterations). if people love the Hexa 2, you'll be able to score a nice deal on the Hexa but if it's the same situation as with their Hola replacement, the Truthear Gate, then you'll most likely see prices for remaining Hexa units rise unless they do the Moondrop Kate/Kadenz thing and actively produce both at the same time for the same price which is just bizarre.

[@94norbi94]

Where is kiwi ears quintet? It made me stop buying new IEMs. Definitely a recommendation.

[@keiz_]

Tbh I still don't get all the praise the Wan'er gets myself, I own the Wan'er SG and dislike it a lot compared to other budget sets, and even iems with similar tuning I prefer.

[@alexisolivares4274]

No wayyy! Timmy, I recognize you only because you did fragrances reviews

[@cibo4569]

'Ultimate buying guide' but zero emphasis on comfort (most important factor when buying iems). Not everyone can demo iems!!

[@asadavis9532]

Can we please get that V shaped guide?

[@Mr1stcat]

Holy moly Timmy is looking sharp with that snazzy haircut 😁

[@anurag2877]

Dioko over S12 pros is crazy.

[@occasionalart]

I mean if you want bright then I suppose the massive treble of the Dioko is better than the S12's V shape

[@DumbOrangeFrog]

​@@occasionalartidk, I feel like being really bright is better than having a large treble spike most times, exceptions are grado which aren't bad sounding, although it is rather polarizing

[@rice_frying_shrimp]

Dioko is a Crin collab, S12 Pro is not. Hope that explains it.

[@parayl]

what about tanchjim origin?

[@mw-px6ey]

What if I would prefer a more neutral sounding host? :)

[@CharlesGorby]

13:40 thought you were gonna mention the Moondrop variations lol

[@cutterchop]

Dusk is best all rounder no debate

[@hartyewh1]

My favourite IEM, but not an allrounder imo. The other tunings beyond default are pretty mid and default is poor for metal and EDM as well. All non-bassy music is simply divine.

[@squidikka]

Lol definitely not an all rounder.

[@cutterchop]

@@squidikka almost every genre I listened to was good although I probably missed on metal as I don't listen to that, it is the best at its price though

[@roadtonever]

​@@hartyewh1I was worried Dusk won't be great for metal, thanks for confirming.

[@hartyewh1]

@@roadtonever Yeah, it's sublime for most things and leans less on the lack of mid-bass than for example previous Crin collabs to give that amazing sense of clarity at the expense of metal in particular. It's also an SPL thing in that metal is often listened at higher volumes making any hint of fatigue much worse. I'd take a KZ Libra balanced ($10) ove the Dusk default for metal and it's surprisingly similar in some ways, but a far better balance. Not ideal still. The best tuning for metal I've heard (with at least 50 IEMs in the running) is Oluv's mainstream EQ for EarFun Free Pro 2. You could push the volume to the skies without any fatigue from the balance. Bass very full, punchy, energetic and vocals etc perfectly forward and present. In some ways the best allrounder thus as well, but certainly Dusk default is far better in non-bassy genres. I've ended up just going for two different sets for different genres and still looking for that perfect metal IEM.

[@fayezmaroof3267]

What about the Xenns Tea pro?

[@Quo_Audito]

I agree, I can see the Xenns Tea Pro being like 80-90% of people in this hobby end game. I love it so much, does so much so well.

[@fayezmaroof3267]

​@@Quo_Audito How do female vocals (stuff like jpop) sound on it? Any sibilance or harshness if you listen at a medium-high volume?

[@Quo_Audito]

@@fayezmaroof3267 I haven't personally listened to a lot of Jpop, but I do have some tracks that usually reveal sibilance or shoutyness on IEMs. I can say that the treble on the Tea Pro is executed extremely well and I haven't had it show any shoutyness or sibilance, even when looking for it. I tend to listen at high volume and the Tea Pro scales well in my opinion.

[@fayezmaroof3267]

@@Quo_Audito thanks for sharing your experience, they really seem like the perfect set for me. Gonna get them soon😊

[@Quo_Audito]

@@fayezmaroof3267 Glad I could help! Once you get them, let me know how they perform for you!

[@AmritarnavRout-d4m]

Letshier dz4 is a UNDERTED GEM for vocals

[@wagando-u6f]

What top tier IEM for ASMR ? thank.

[@bagasagung1097]

need help, im considering these IEMs as my endgame. Thiesound Monarch MK3, 7th Acoustics Supernova, I/O Volare. PLEASE HELP ME DECIDE 😭

[@Hunter4Knowledge]

How can you not talk up the kiwi punch? You got half your bass picks HBB collaborations but don’t mention the best one?

[@OCA8WhitePeopleAreAlbinosOCA8]

Albino u new 🛖

[@Sanjarih]

With the advent of Marvel Rivals and the growing popularity of other competitive shooters, we need a comprehensive list of the best IEMs for that situation. Cheers

[@bagasagung1097]

imho, blessing 3 is one of the best for that kind of game, i own one and its freaking amazing how clear footsteps and precisely it pinpoint sound and movements

[@rice_frying_shrimp]

@@bagasagung1097 also wholly overpriced for the average consumer. the soundstage and imaging on the Truthear Zero: Red should be more than enough for the average joe at a much more palatable price. especially if your only reason to buy it is gaming and casual music listening which is what OP asked for. I'd argue just about ever $200+ IEM will do better than the ZeroRed for gaming but guess what, they also cost at least 4 times as much which just isn't what most people are willing to spend on hardware. not knocking that you enjoy yours, good for you actually. if they give you a competitive edge, that's nice. I would just hesitate to actively recommend anyone to go out there and buy these purely or predominantly for gaming alone.

[@Jesus-kg4xe]

KIWI KE4 VS ORCHESTRA LITE?! WICH TO BUY PLEASE HELP. I’ve never tried IEMs before and I’d like to have the best first experience 🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨

[@kristrifon1965]

Talking about bassy iem and mentioning the Deuce and not mentioning Kiwi Ears x HBB - Punch is criminal in my opinion. (Have both) (Never used the Deuce since i got my Punch)

[@RayyanP12]

Imagine Timmy didnt mention tanchjim origin in vocal iem😅

[@kiritodb-1472]

Yeah surprised he didn't mention it at all. I'm using them right now as I'm watching the video xD

[@RayyanP12]

@@kiritodb-1472 same, considering he's the reason i buy one

[@jacobbarfield7828]

Same, he’s practically the reason why I even got the Origin specifically for its vocal performance lol and so far I’m loving it.

[@ezpz_183]

Yeah! For the price, Origin is the vocal GOAT

[@bagasagung1097]

@@ezpz_183is it that good? how is it compare to ie600 and moondrop blessing 3

[@empathy_ggs]

Please do the V-Shape Lineup! I beg you, I have everything else I want and I need a good V-shape.

[@mohinshakya6793]

where does the Salnotes Zero 2 lie in comparison to IEM's mentioned here

[@mirzaangon]

didn't you say "skip" to Chu 2 in your tier list?

[@shanky0775]

Do you hate simgot supermix 4?

[@roadtonever]

Haha loser has a cope IEM

[@syolyog]

Today your hair style is very nice.

[@cxvrguitar]

I like Grado headphones, should I go bassy or harman IEMs?

[@MiniStrats]

Is the scarlet mini no longer considered a "bass'y IEM" or is it just overshadowed by other options now?

[@abhishekbora3374]

Just suggest me the best iem for gaming under 100$

[@JorgeLuisInAction36]

What about the Shanling Sono + DAC UA1 PLUS? I have them and that combo sounds good enough.

[@benmacdhui]

Yep. I still say Sono were the sleeper IEM for late 2023. And the UA1 Plus produces great sound for its price point. No overinflated numbers, just surprising power for its wee size

[@gaspaider]

@@benmacdhui holy, the graph does not look great I have to say... but maybe people who like a major V shape with a lot of upper mids/treble would like it

[@Alex4n3r]

Is the Moondrop Ultrasonic worth it compared to the Space Travel?

[@rwjh3698]

Guys, I'm struggling between Truthear Hexa and Galaxy Buds Pro2, (i know it's completely in different category but kind of in similar price range). Can anyone who had these two tell me if the sound quality difference is significant enough to go for the IEM? Otherwise the the Galaxy Buds seems more convenient to use daily.

[@JorgeLuisInAction36]

WHERE IS THE DA VINCI?

[@AronAddams7]

No mention of the Aful Explorer under $200?

[@CookinBeatloaf]

Ultimage buying guide... For hangout audio... With a little guidance... And extra dose of Crin for that margin

[@Wallie_Man]

No!! I should’ve waited one more day before buying the 7HZ SOUNS. Not sure where they stand, but I’ll give them a try. I had the moondrop chu 2 loved the sound but they never lasted more than 2 months. If the 7HZ SOUNS don’t cut it going to try out truthear novas next.

[@berend5766]

fun video, where would you place the moondrop variations?

[@trucex]

please timmy do a v shape IEMS video I love v shape i love listening to rock and very technical and busy tracks I love hearing the instruments contrasting it's so beautiful and makes me wanna cry everytime i listen to black midi very good band. my fav V shape iem is kefine delci but sounds a bit thin like it's lacking body sometimes. please recommend good vshape iems to listen to black midi plea

[@martinmonett7641]

Is the Ziigaat Odyssey Crin approved?

[@zblus]

I thought the mega5est was best for mids and vocals?

[@Hirens.]

Where does the ZiiGaat Odyssey sit in all of this? Is it worth getting for gaming and music?

[@Ivan-up7ny]

If I am looking for an all rounder then which one should I buy?

[@akash5180]

red

[@MrQwertyzone]

​@@akash5180simgot ew300

[@Frikilicious]

It hurts me everyone forgets Blessing 3 😢

[@AleDJacobo]

🤷‍♂

[@sarahpark5768]

Is the difference between “balanced” and “vocal” related to the pinna gain ?

[@TimTuned]

vocal boost is basically a main emphasis in the uppermids

[@sarahpark5768]

Thanks! Another great video as always.

[@ulamss5]

but what if I like bass and treble AND vocals???

[@steph7726]

Does Odin play in the same ballpark with Anole VX in terms of clarity, technicality, and resolution ? Is Odin really that shouty for J-Pop Lastly, can Odin be considered an upgrade from Mest Mk2 ?

[@bobbykingma4109]

I have a set of Odin for sale for 1698 dollars.

[@zora2532]

Expected the vocal segment to be much longer

[@bogdan5668]

I thought Hexa was neutral?

[@guybrushtwood]

Aful explorer should’ve been a bass pick

[@mats1839]

sir, where is Ziigaat Odyssey ? :)

[@andrei.grigoruta]

I wonder where the kiwiears cadenza or the simgot supermix4 would fit

[@corvusgaming1577]

cadenza in nr. 1 under 50usd and supermix nr.1 under 150usd. 😎

[@andrei.grigoruta]

@@corvusgaming1577 I don t know if they fit that well in the balanced category though, probably would have put the cadenza in the bass category and the supermix in the v-shape cat.

[@leonardlandicho7491]

Softears Volume S review plsssss

[@TheRegularGuy.]

Please review binary Dynaquattro

[@mertyorulmaz2033]

He did

[@CLaudiusClemensJimmy]

do u really know who is mike tyson when at his prime, i don't think u even born yet, seeing him at utube is not the same when u feeling the tense when he on the rings, even couple of month before the match on set the roar is everywhere.

[@IulianCaraghiulea-c9z]

I like salnotes zero 2 but you guys think tangzu waner is better? And i like the sound of ew300 dsp any upgrade iem for this kind of sound?

[@tealeyevisuals7446]

When Tangzu Yu Xuan Ji 5128 graph?

[@Ulquiorra_Cifer]

Never been this early, hopefully the artti t10 makes it on the list

[@SchwappSchwopp]

Can anyone say something about the Moondrop Space TWS? Are they worth to give them a try, or is it just a waste of 25€?

[@MrQwertyzone]

Soundcore r50i is better option

[@shamramachandran]

More V shapes, please!

[@JorgeLuisInAction36]

Totally.

[@xyzed712]

where is kefine klean?

[@MrQwertyzone]

Yup, should be there under $100

[@amirfakhribadri7994]

My style is not all of it ,my target is natural ,accurancy ,some bass and treble .

[@radstd]

what category is best for gaming?

[@MrQwertyzone]

Neutral/vocal with wide soundstage

[@kugatsujuunana7436]

Please review the kbear monkie k01🙏

[@shiroyukirein3365]

I/O Volare?

[@jesustsa1]

I want the duece but that 10k peak 😢

[@_LessThan3]

Would the bright leaning category be similar to moondrop SSR?

[@DumbOrangeFrog]

Yeah

[@_LessThan3]

@DumbOrangeFrog Ty! :)

[@akhyarrayhka4048]

theres a new brand called Bellos Audio are they legit?

[@PollutersInc]

tldrw: buy KZ or Truth Ear and you'll be set

[@Star1933-y8w]

Guess I have a good ear with the ones I have on the list.

[@One-Two_swift-kickbox]

You Roof Koreans have wild haircuts 👌

[@hamjabuns]

pls do the v-shape compilation video thanks!

[@multivitamins7409]

ziigaat odyssey review please :)

[@wagiqwq]

Truthear hexa

[@roadtonever]

Good IEM

[@marcelocarneirodelima]

Great!!

[@Hi_Im_Dominik]

Explorer isnt worth it ? Want for ost / instrumental with vocals sometimes

[@PerfectViolation]

I own the Explorer, which has a highly colored and bassy sound signature, although it doesn't perform optimally with more complex tracks. Despite that, I thoroughly enjoy it for less intricate music and I have no intention of parting with my copy. If you're able to locate the Cadenza 4 for around $200 and it fits within your budget, I highly recommend it. Offers a clean, vocal-centric sound that is non-fatiguing along with excellent texture. Listening to Avid by Sawano Hiroyuki on this IEM even brought me to tears. I suggest using Final Audio E Tips for an enhanced experience. Another option to consider is the See Audio Yume OG, which can sometimes be found for around $150. Although it's an older IEM, it possesses that unique vocal magic. Lastly, if you find the SM4 or Nova on sale for sub $130, they would also be solid choices. I hope these help you in your search ^⁠_⁠^