Which Audio Gear to use or to NOT use for Metal? IEMs, Headphones & DAC

[@ilyeshammadi7278]

You Sir, are becoming one of my favourite Audiophile KZbinrs. I just like how chill and honest your videos are.

[@donglemadness]

Appreciate that 🤘🏼

[@donindiana8504]

Love this video. It's like chilling with a friend on the streets the morning after a wild night of headbanging.

[@donglemadness]

Right on! 🤘

[@Павел-м2б2ы]

Andy, the video is great, now I need more of your recommendations for classical music, jazz, rock. Great idea, more videos like this!

[@donglemadness]

Thanks. Hopefully can do those soon

[@wahid-lg1kk]

​@@donglemadness If you do, please mention progressive rock, because it can be so complicated and busy, and use every type of instrument, but still need a very precise reproduction, without loss of detail, but without sounding analytical and cold, meaning heavier note weight and some warmth is preferred. This is hard to do.

[@RadoDani]

Something tells me that lots of neutral tuned IEMs will also be the right stuff for orchestral and chamber music.

[@donglemadness]

@@RadoDani That is true. The most transparent and neutral like Etymotic ER4SR is absolutely perfect for Classical especially if you want to dissect all the multi layered instruments. The same can be said for many other flat neutral IEMs/Headphones

[@BrandonAdams1010]

​@@wahid-lg1kk all music is mixed to be reproduced, so it shouldn't be that hard.

[@wharfedale1573]

I have just found you Andy and I have learned more in your 20 min video regarding heavy music and audiophile listening than any other KZbin reviewer. Wonderful to find someone who is a fan of metal especially extreme metal who knows what they’re talking about and what best suits that sound. Instant subscribe. Thank you.

[@donglemadness]

My pleasure!

[@glebc.6314]

Let me show my deepest respect for your music taste. I got hooked with your channel because of your t-shirts first, and then stayed because of the material you share.

[@donglemadness]

Hey hey,. respect given is respect I will give in return, tenfold. Thanks so much for the support! 🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@markn1090]

Excellent advice, I totally agree on the MP145's. I bought them based off your review and they sound fantastic for metal, even better I think at times than my full sized sets like HD6xx and Hifiman Edition XS.

[@erictracy1630]

Yes! I second the MP145! I just recently got it after a very long search for IEMs for metal; fast enough for even the busiest of tacks, but also hard hitting enough in the low end to bring out much needed meatiness.

[@donglemadness]

🤘🏼

[@tweed0929]

Exactly what I was searching for. Most reviews on IEMs focus on frequency response, but forget to mention which music is being played through IEMs in question, so the viewer is left in the vacuum and it is difficult to make any decision. After your review, I've bought Tanchjim Zero right away. Thanks, mate!

[@donglemadness]

🤘🏼

[@FunFiEmpire]

THANK YOU. Finally a reviewer that listens to Godflesh! Dead Head is one of my all time favorite tracks. Thank you for the valuable overview of the types of IEMs that would fit my preferred genre(s) of harsh, lo-fi, "music" such as grindcore, electro-industrial, noise rock, etc.

[@donglemadness]

Now that's my kind of music. GODFLESH has been my staple listening since 1993. And they are as uniquely massive as ever

[@agusprasetyo6374]

I just found this men on youtube, and I think I liked him🤘🏻

[@UFO-Audio]

Thank you for breaking things down for us newcomers.

[@donglemadness]

My pleasure 🙏

[@felipeluan5682]

This is the type of content that i been looking for on this community in a loooong time! Great content, love this vídeo!

[@donglemadness]

Thanks man 🤘🙏

[@sebolla9791]

I liked a lot this style of video, great recomendations. I'm also a huge fan of metal music

[@donglemadness]

Rock on! and thanks!

[@zygote8888]

Great analysis of what to use for particular genre of music Andy thank you 🙏🏼

[@donglemadness]

My pleasure!

[@ems_2810]

Phenomenal video. Finding gear that cater to metal is genuinly difficult considering how crowded the mix are on a lot of albums.

[@donglemadness]

Thanks! 🤘

[@TheEddard995]

I've been listening to metal almost exclusively for more than half my life at this point and I'm absolutely in love with the Artti T10s paired with a Fosi DS1, I mostly listen to very technical, fast and busy subgenres (deathcore and tech death are probably my favorites) and they just go so well with the planar sound is just a match made in heaven for me, the cymbals sound super detailed and being able to clearly distinguish kick drum patterns at 300+ BPM is so nice, the only thing that I feel it's missing a bit at times is in growling vocals, especially deep bassy gutturals which sound okay but lack a bit of texture in my opinion, but still to me this setup almost feels like endgame especially considering how cheap it is.

[@donglemadness]

🤘

[@DrinkWater713]

I love the T10s for metal... Providing that the recording is not too bad, otherwise it's kinda torturous

[@jamez77.]

Loved this style of video. Thank you Andy! Just one thing missing.... Where's Geoff? Haha I have a few ideas you may like ... 1. Make spreadsheets for different styles of music and suitable IEMs. Be nice to see all your fave equipment for different styles, too. 2. Make videos where you share your fave music and how you listen to it (including music source, DAC, cable, IEMs, tips used. Share tidal playlist. And then do the same for some of your subscribers music - what you would use to listen to it .. Just came to mind when watching this one which was very enjoyable and different. You Rock, Andy 🤟

[@donglemadness]

Thanks Jamez. Geoff is at home sleeping his ass out, lol, dreaming of cat foods! Thanks for the suggestion, once I have the time I would like to work on them.

[@The_Chosen_Juan]

I'm a metalhead too and I'm searching for my first set of IEMs, and I was between the Sivga and the Muse Hifi Power, this video help me a lot, thank you very much 🤘

[@donglemadness]

Thanks and no worries

[@kriskelvin64]

i m not to much into metal. Will have to look into it after 60 years of life. appreciate the detail and effort you put into your clips to present something original. will listen to your spotify list, Thanks Andy

[@donglemadness]

Hey thanks to you too, appreciate the support. Cheers 🤘

[@kierkegaard-1979]

I found myself here by accident and immediately fell in love with Andi ;-) Andi recommends Tanchjim Zero headphones here, which cost less than a dinner in a restaurant ;-), but they sound RE-WE-LA-TION. The price-to-quality ratio of the reproduced sound is some kind of cosmos. Metal, but also other music genres are great. Metal is what I like - everything moves forward, while not losing details. Ok, but to the point - the headphones themselves, without a DAC, sound great; for this I use the old, but good Shangling UA 1 PRO. The synergy is there, but I would need something even more intense (theoretically I'm looking for something that sounds with bluetooth, because I also have Soundcore 3 PRO and TECHNICS EAH-AZ80E-K, so it would be nice if they also powered those on bluetooth. Do you have any ideas what would be good as a DAC/AMP for this set? I will be grateful for any answer.

[@donglemadness]

Sounds like you will need ONIX Alpha XI. That's a personal favourite of mine, so O vouch for it 100%

[@cesarsartre4925]

Excelente video, acabo de adquirir los MP 145. Saludos desde México.

[@donglemadness]

Saludos!

[@shaikhfaridh4269]

Glad to hear as I m metal head with 90% of my music collection specific being thrash, death n deathcore. I use tanchjim 4u ultra (monitoring), EPZ Q1 pro & cklvx D41 most of d time. Use ibasso dc04 pro & newly added onix aplha Xi1.😊

[@donglemadness]

🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@pnclab]

KZ ZS10 PRO 2 is my choice at this moment. I'm still upgrading them to get the best sound. Divinus, QKZ cable. Now I can hear every detail and every plate of a drum set. You can HEAR every upgrade you did for these IEMs!

[@pnclab]

Now I'm looking for a good dongle. Before, I'd prefer ka17. After your videos, MB Onix. How about moondrop 2Ti or Aful SnowyNight? We have similar tastes in music. Power Trip

[@raphaelldsantos]

Intro with Sarcofago 😮 Nice vídeo Andy!!! Thks a lot

[@donglemadness]

No worries. 🙏🤘

[@Nephilim-81]

Thank you! The IEM market is pretty complicated right now because the influx of choice! Appreciate your opinions.

[@donglemadness]

My pleasure! 🙏🤘

[@nmetal05]

Amazing video Andy,we need more like these videos for other genres ,as after all it's all about music and we would love to know which audio gear goes well with different types of music genres

[@donglemadness]

Thanks! More to come!

[@nathz2020]

Very healthy video i always love your content 😊 mine too hidizs mp145, tanchjim zero, and sennheiser ie200 neutral. Waiting for my onix alpha for arrival😊

[@donglemadness]

🙏🤘🏼

[@guillermobrito4987]

Just a great way to show how gear can impact music. Will be waiting for the Jazz and Electronica recomendations...specially the budget ones....hahahaha great video Andy, thanks a lot

[@donglemadness]

My pleasure! 🤘🙏

[@skyblinked]

I have koss kph-40 with a simgot DEW4X DAC. Couldn’t be happier. Love your recommencdations.

[@donglemadness]

Hey hey, that's all that matters, you happy with your music 🤘🙏

[@DrinkWater713]

The only thing harder than affording the Shure KSE1500 is finding metal albums with audiophile production.

[@benmacdhui]

🤘🏻 Edit: Completely agree re Dunu Falcon Ultra. Wanted to like them, but couldn't get past its shouty upper mid-range

[@XeonX__ASMR__METAL-experiments]

GREAT CONTENT. I use ikko OH10S for everything :D And HarmonicDyne Zeus Elite

[@donglemadness]

Hey hey, thanks so much! 🙏🤘

[@hazi5961]

My current favorites for metal are the Hisenior Mega 5 EST and the Tangzu x HBB Wu Heyday.

[@fabien4489]

Oh thank you soooo much, I'm struggling to find a good pair of iem for black death metal 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏, you got a new follower for what it is worth 😅

[@donglemadness]

Thanks man 🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@harishthemetalhead]

Great video bro! Much needed from you. I’ve seen multiple videos about the same subject from other reviewers but none of those addresses the common production quality issues leading to sibilance that plagues metal sub genres especially early black/thrash metal. I am glad to see that mention here and your advice on reaching out for an analogue sounding gear for this genre is on point. This video sure feels like coming from an OG metalhead and not some random reviewer making another content just for the sake of it. Thanks for mentioning the bands as well which really helps.

[@donglemadness]

No worries bro. I am happy to share what I know and hopefully our marginalised Extreme Metal fanbase gets some useful things out of it. 🤘🏼

[@pavelsmorodian2777]

Hello, thanks for the video! I use it for metal and rock music Sound Rhyme SR5 and HiBy R2 ES9218 sounds really cool!🤘🤘🤘

[@donglemadness]

My pleasure. And thanks! 🤘🙏

[@nhatminhle4450]

almost exlusively listening to prog/djent and very satisfied with my sr007 mk2

[@donglemadness]

That's a stellar set you have there

[@paulok2153]

cool tshirt man. Will the sivga drive well with the chord poly?

[@donglemadness]

Thanks. Yes, absolutely with Poly

[@ChrystianGualberto]

Sarcófago and Sepultura mentioned! 🇧🇷🇧🇷

[@donglemadness]

🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@Icecold_Art]

I knew Andy was a fellow Metalhead ! 🤘

[@donglemadness]

🤘

[@keshavpradhan9095]

The 'more sibilised music' part was making me laugh. Thanks for the video Andy, xoxo.

[@donglemadness]

😂😂😂🤘

[@L_HOUSE]

beautiful background

[@hgw27]

Man this is the video and advices i was waiting for, great job !!!

[@donglemadness]

Glad it was helpful! 🙏🤘

[@hgw27]

@@donglemadness how about verum 1 ?

[@Ausemere]

Excellent video! I wish more reviewers would talk about their favorite genre and the gear they recommend for such. As a fellow metalhead, I'm obviously happy to know your channel. Unfortunately, my ears don't have a good shape for IEMs. My ears cannals are narrow, short and curved. Good seal is difficult to get and they tend to create a peak around 4kHz. I have a LetShuoer S12 Pro - one of the best mid-fi IEMs - which to my ears have a strong peak around 4,5kHz, despite graphs showing a valley there! So I mostly use earbuds (RY4S, NiceHCK B40) and closed-back headphones (Takstar Pro 82, Kuba Disco). I might have to invest in custom IEMs, which cost an arm and a leg in my country...

[@donglemadness]

Thanks. It seems that you may benefit from using headphones more or IEMs that are shaped properly. If you have the opportunity, try SIVGA Nightingale or Rose Technics QTX, they seem to be quite good with ergonomic shape and size. Also consider bullet type IEMs, try something like KZ Ling Long to see if your ears will like it

[@777zekepitargue3]

Thanks!

[@donglemadness]

Thanks as always my friend

[@markb485]

I love your content! Quick question: Would BQEYZ Wind be good for metal, or should I stick with something like MP145? I'm curious about bone conduction iems, but I don't want to pull the trigger if they're not good for metal. I'm another Onix Alpha user thanks to your rec, so that would be the source I'm using. Fav album: Iron Maiden Live After Death. Any suggestions appreciated!

[@donglemadness]

Yes it is! BQEYZ Wind offer denser lows compared to the faster transient MP145. So rather than saying one is better over the other, BOTH are exceptionally amazing for Metal. You need crisper edged imaging, Wind has it, you want a bit more of airy transients, MP145 has it

[@RadoDani]

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!! What you said makes lots of sense. 👍🏻🤟🏻 I listened to Marduk on my S12 and I immediately saw the potential in planars, though on some early Black Metal and stuff like Rage Nucléaire I found the treble a bit too much. Not sure if I should play with nozzle filters or wait for S08 reviews. Sivga Nightingale certainly caught my interest, and Tanchjim Zero should be a no brainer purchase. From comments below I see also lots of people enjoying Koss headphones and IE200’s. Based on charts I was cautious to pull plug on IE200 purchase though. And I will definitely check out HD600 and DT880 as you suggested. (Elsewhere, someone suggested Campfire Trifecta IEMs and Focal headphones in general for Metal … but now we are getting into serious $$$$ territory)

[@donglemadness]

You are so welcome 🙌🤘🏼

[@bitterbuffalo8997]

I like Porta Pros for metal. There's a photo of Mayhem wearing Porta Pros.

[@donglemadness]

Yes that one, Porta Pros is a Midbass monster and absolute beast with Metal

[@jamesberryman9893]

Very nice video, Andy! Please do this for other types of music as well!

[@donglemadness]

More to come!

[@jamesberryman9893]

@donglemadness Classical please!!!

[@beherit98]

Oh man I've not heard sarcofago for years! 😮I actually have that album! Nice start to your video.

[@donglemadness]

🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@beherit98]

Kind of music I was listening to going for exams in secondary school. 😂

[@XeonX__ASMR__METAL-experiments]

Would you create the same video but about best gear for Games ? (the iems/headphones with best 'imaging')

[@donglemadness]

I might do that, all I need now is the time to do it

[@SinjiKazama]

Well made video and informative format! When I entered this hobby you where one of the first I discovered and now that I've found the IEMs that cover my bases I've unsubscribed from most, but after this video I'm keeping yours :D. In my opinion the Letshouer EJ07 (OG resin shell) is phenomenal for metal, because of its mid-centric fr and quality drivers, it scales very well and at high volume it doesn't distort and has great speed. Tight and punchy bass with the right amount of quantity as to not encroach on the other frequencies, or introduce harshness, the treble is still there and enjoyable but never reaches the harshness you'll find much earlier with harman tuned iems. It would be great if you could replicate this format for other genres that you enjoy as well. Thanks and I look forward to your next video, godspeed sir!

[@donglemadness]

Thanks man. Really appreciate this. And yes, a buddy of mine which is an even more hardcore Metalhead than me absolutely love the EJ07 OG, which I am planning to get one for myself too. Cheers 🤘

[@FATfreq]

very happy to see my beloved tanchjim Zero is in this list .... after last dac video I got very sad to see you found cheaper and better option then FiioKA17 that is ONIX Alpha XI1 ☹🙁

[@jesusmunoz6122]

Hey Andy! Nice video, could you make a review of home audio devices? Thanks and best regards from Colombia

[@donglemadness]

Thanks! Something to consider for sure

[@NH3LifeIsTooShort]

Hi, what do You think about my setup: iem KZ D-Fi with NiceHCK GTC5 4.4mm cable and IBasso DC04 Pro? TIDAL of flacs as a source. For me it sounds good for metal like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Megadeth, Ghost... Good video! Best regards Andy

[@donglemadness]

That's a sweet combo. DF-i is one of my favorite KZ and with DC04Pro you have a potent pair which can handle anything really since you can easily tune DF-i. What's more important, you like what you hear. Cheers 🤘

[@dannielleeduardo]

Greetings metalhead! Did you get to try the new Tangzu Yu Xuan Ji at SIAS? For now I've solved the metal with the Tangzu Waner, I tried to "upgrade" with the Moondrop May but it doesn't work well with many extreme metal things if they are not modern recordings, so, I'm looking for something a little more detailed than the original waner, maybe Xuan nv? but it seems to have more bass than the Delcy, maybe the studio version of the same waner? mmm for now I can't reach the budget of more than 100 dollars.

[@donglemadness]

🤘Unfortunately I didn't have time to tried ant of the Tangzu IEMs. For metal under $100 my topmost recommendation now is DUNU Titan S2. Watch my review on it, I personally use it regularly. Also there's still the old Tanchjim ZERO which I would recommend as well over any Tangzu IEMs under $100 for Metal

[@dannielleeduardo]

@@donglemadness Thanks for the reply, unfortunately Tanchjim Zero is no longer available, I'll check out your review of Titans S 2.

[@DarenLee]

Nice outdoor video people will love once awhile taking us out for a bit. Where is this btw?

[@donglemadness]

Ampang Puteri bro haha

[@JoseFerreira-zb7wh]

Love penon fan 2 with metal!!! (And other genres too) just use wide bore eartips to highlight treble a bit more and it's perfect! My favourite! Plus, penon always issues 40-50% discount on newcomers so great deal!

[@donglemadness]

That's one IEM I have yet to try. Heard so many good things about it

[@JoseFerreira-zb7wh]

@@donglemadness definitely try it if you have a chance! I would lend mine but i'm a bit far away...😁

[@donvittoriosierra]

As for headphones, I really like the HD600 as an allrounder including metal as well. I also like the newer silent revision of the hd560s.

[@donvittoriosierra]

I could tolerate the dt990 pro but I had the consumer dt990 32 ohm before and it would make my ears ring. DT880 I liked the 32 ohm version for classical but they distorted right away so not suitable for metal for me. The 880 250 ohm I just found a little sterile. Grados are okay now with the x series especially with the softer L type Lazada version pads that I am using with them.

[@donglemadness]

HD600 is really something

[@mkintaiwan]

Great vid. Would you say Free Jazz would be same recommendation as Metal? I find similarities in musical styles.

[@donglemadness]

Thanks! I am not familiar with Free Jazz, but assuming that there's also emphasis on highs and lows like Metal, then the same recommendation applies

[@gioelevonharburn6165]

hi, your channel is amazing, TANCHJIM ZERO is no longer available, Is TANCHJIM One a good alternative?

[@donglemadness]

Thanks!. In the absence of ZERO, ONE is the closest thing to substitute it, I have a dedicated video on this as well. ZERO vs ONE

[@gioelevonharburn6165]

@@donglemadness thankyou 🎸

[@filippoduso6112]

Great video my friend! I love metal music and still listen to it after more than 20 years. I agree with you on Etymotic, the er2 works great, but the er3 offers a "sterile" presentation, not suited to our favorite genre. Now I have to try the mp145s, I was tempted to buy them but wasn't sure about the fit. . Aren't they too heavy? ?

[@donglemadness]

Thanks man. MP145 without a doubt is the heaviest IEM you can find now at 9.5gm each IEM. With most IEMs weighing around 5-6gm you will feel the weight of it on top of the wide built. It does take a while to adjust to the size and weight but not an issue to me at least after a while. If you need something a lot more forgiving, then I would say SIVGA Nightingale is what I find to be the most comfortable

[@nathz2020]

I like your metal playlist in tidal using my sennheiser ie200 and ibasso dc 04 pro slow filter the sound is very detail and smooth not fatiguing 😊 i really enjoy it 🍻

[@donglemadness]

🤘

[@sanjaykumar.v8139]

Awesome video ❤❤ Need more of this chill type of videos

[@donglemadness]

🙌🤘🏼

[@Revan83]

Using a KZ SKS and Focal Radiance for listening metal. Both are great sounding. But price difference is huge))

[@c_imanuel]

Unlike me, I really enjoy metal music in a more aggressive way. Especially Trash and Progressive with my Shuoer S12 Pro and Shanling M1s. And what is certain is that the Onyx Alpha XL1 will arrive next month, you are the guilty one for this purchase. haha just kidding. But I really enjoyed the way you explained your perspective. Thanks and good luck Andy!

[@donglemadness]

Thanks man. Keep on Metalling! 🤘

[@NelsonMichael]

Yes, I love the MP145! But too bad it gives a low 'humm' when I plug it to my Macbook Pro (either on the USB-C or it's 3.5 jack) and with the charger on. Probably got something to do with that magnetic planar, I don't know.

[@donglemadness]

Thanks odd, magnetic planars of all things should not be that sensitive to pick up hum, unless of course it is either a bad grounding issue (do you get hum when connected to other device?) or could be a sign of something went wrong with your MP145

[@NelsonMichael]

@@donglemadness no humm from other device.

[@nmatheis]

HAIL METAL ANDY 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘 I listen to a lot of metal and abrasive/abstract electronic music and find the same IEM usually do will with both. I've been using TSMR X with switches in the DUU position with a mixed metal cable with gold and graphene for most of my listening lately. I switch between sources, mostly Dethonray SG1, Cayin RU6, and Penon Tail. I just ordered Onix dongle and am really looking forward to seeing how that pairs with my various IEM!

[@donglemadness]

Rock on! 🤘🙏

[@PedroCruz-hq2hd]

which is better for metal? EW300 + FiiO Ka11 or EW300 + his own DSP? Thanks for the video, i really appreciate everything you do for the metal community!

[@donglemadness]

Go with EW300 DSP, it's a simpler solution and you can even swap in normal cable later if you want to use different DAC

[@blacktxars5461]

Hey Andy i've been watching your content when Donglemadness was a website and not a channel and you have only improved throughout the years. The only improvement that can be done is dongle list should be sorted by scores and not alphabetically. Love your content and still waiting for review of Chord Mojo 2 and ifi audio Gryphon

[@donglemadness]

Thanks for supporting me all this while. I do plan to revise the scoring system of #donglemadness similar to my IEMs table once I have the time to do it. Hopefully not too long now

[@Crashboomwallop]

Crazy that I have so many of these and do use for metal: Tanchjim Zero, FD11, (and CCA Trio with its mid-bass focus and wonderful seperation spaciousness is great for metal), the beaut that is Sivga Nightingale. Should get one of Delci or MP145 (actually waiting to see how the new planar S08 turns out to be). Waiting for Onyx Alpha X1 dac-dongle to arrive to join FC6 and Ibasso Dc03 Pro

[@donglemadness]

I have high hopes for S08 too!

[@theonlyegg]

Whoa the squig for those Nightingales is wild. Based on that, I wouldn't think it would do well for metal, it's literally the inverse of most V shapes?

[@donglemadness]

Yes, if you are to just look at the graph, Nightingale is the opposite of V, VERY Mids centric and prominent with Midbass, making it perfect for listening to records that are mixed with V curve (like Rock/Metal). Nightingale brings out the prominence of Guitars/Snare drums attack to the front, and I absolutely love it. But really the biggest appeal of Nightingale is the way it handles dynamic transients, with magnetic planar speed but none of the planar offensiveness, a planar with dynamic driver smoothness and organic timbre, which to my ears sounding even better than my favorite Sennheiser HD600, velvety silky smooth that induces immersion to the max. That's why Nightingale is the one I use the most, not just for Metal

[@Thrasher0411]

Thanks Andy! just the video I was looking for! I'm a huge death metal fan. Do you think Fiio FH3 is a good buy for metal?

[@donglemadness]

Thanks. I have no idea about FH3, haven't tried it yet

[@davidremior]

I subscribe that harman target doesn't work well with metal music. Metal music needs mid bass punch, resolution, a superfast transductor for avoid saturation sound and sieved and filtered highs frequencies. Nice recomendations for heavy metal fans!! I like the "unformal" video on the streets!

[@donglemadness]

Thanks David, keep that Metal rolling!

[@FIxt00l]

So this is why of all headphones I tried...dozens of them...Focal Listen Pro is the greatest! Anechoic chamber-tuning...

[@robbokrop]

How would you compare the LS S12 to Nightingale, Mp145 and A5000. S12 is hugely popular amongst metalheads and in my opinion similar to the Mp145

[@donglemadness]

LS S12 to me is a brighter sounding unit especially compared to SIVGA Nightingale. While it is a very well tuned planar I will admit that I like the vibe of MP145 and A5000 a lot more, somehow those two was able to sound bright yet smoother than S12 while doing it. Just my personal observation on it

[@MAR3718]

Great video Andy, once again you give a lot of advices. Can you suggest some eim's for good, agressive, sharp metal guitars?

[@donglemadness]

Thanks, the answer is already in this video, you are looking for SIVGA Nightingale or Venture Electronics SIE. SeeAudio Bravery too

[@naze8554]

Hail Andy, im malaysian and into atmospheric and symp BM/viking and speed metal. Why burzum and not emperor/watain? 😂😂 Thanks for recommendation of mp145. Super satisfied,love the speed and midrange produced. Any recommendation bluetooth dac? Or dap (small size).

[@donglemadness]

Thanks man. Love him or hate him, there's no denying the musical genius Varg is. Despite the controversies, on the music front Burzum offers the sort of sound that I find intensely raw yet immaculate, his piercing vocals I equally like alongside Wagner Lamounier. So yes you can say I am a Burzum junkie lol! For DAC, I highly recommend FiiO BTR15 if you need something that has BT, or if you want a DAP, check out my review on the M23

[@naze8554]

No offense. All them legendary..😀

[@lordofpainBCN]

Another metal head here from same time, I have the Dt770 pro 80 hms i like it but im searching another Overhead close back, in mind sivga oriole or robin and the Dt770 Pro x. I use the SMSL C200 i don't now if is the best combo ;)Thanks for the video.

[@donglemadness]

Cheers. I have tried the SIVGA Robin as featured in a review here in my YT channel, it is a pleasantly smooth sounding headphone, warm-ish and offer the sort of seal and isolation I consider as really good. A bit colored in they way it presents the sound, but the sort of coloration that I like. Strong Midbass and Subbass, does not sound boomy or muddy at all. Yes, I would vouch for SIVGA Robin

[@lordofpainBCN]

@@donglemadness Thanks Andy, only can i use closed back earphones mi wife rest in the bed close to me :)

[@AlexeyBelyakov]

Great video, thanks Andy! I think I’m going to buy Sivga Nightingale according to your recommendation. I’d like to know what kind of DAC you recommend for metal? I’m trying to figure out it between W4 and RU7. Many thanks, man! Great content!!

[@AlexeyBelyakov]

Or maybe FC6, but I heard that it’s not that good as RU7, please correct me if I’m mistaken

[@donglemadness]

Thanks. If you are getting Nightingale which comes with 4.4mm BAL, at this moment my recommendations will be ONIX Alpha XI1 or EPZ TP50. Between RU7 and W4, I would go for RU7 for Nightingale, the more analog sound of RU7 will suit Nightingale perfectly

[@AlexeyBelyakov]

@@donglemadness great!! I’ll go for Onix then!! Many thanks, Andy!!

[@donvittoriosierra]

Hi Andy, I'm the guy that chatted with you on facebook yesterday by the way. For me, Moondrop Lan is my favorite allrounder in the 30 dollar level. Tanchjim zero is less smooth but is also a little more alive. I like them both. But as for metal for me it is a toss up. Plus I got my Tanchjim zero for 10 dollars.

[@donglemadness]

Glad to gear from you here. Cheers 🤘🏼

[@robertczerwinski8243]

Thank you Andy for this video. I've just received my first planar iems Hidizs MP145 and they are really good (run from laptop & Lotoo Paw S2). Which nozzle do you prefer the most?

[@donglemadness]

On my own MP145, I use the silver nozzle. But really this is something you need to test for yourself to determine which one sounds the best to your own listening. Like I have a friend who uses totally different nozzle because his preference differs from mine, so does his sonic sensitivity level

[@Gerald-jh5db]

Andy, which basshead iem without breaking the bank?

[@donglemadness]

You may want to try the AFUL P5 or TINHiFi P1 MAX 2

[@titanattack4743]

thank you for explanation...i like your analyze about audio, when i watch and listen your analyze, maybe sometimes i think we have same taste...so, you're like online mentor for me... im sorry if im a little curious, may i ask you this question..."what is the most expensicve IEM that you ever try, use and analyze ???"

[@donglemadness]

My pleasure. And thank you!. The most expensive I have tried and tested so far is the Campfire Trifecta ($3500) followed by Kinera Imperial Loki ($3100)

[@titanattack4743]

@@donglemadness thank you Mister Andy...for sharing

[@rishirithu.2720]

As usual great video...on your recommendation i owed a 5000 ...they r really awesome..thank you andy for your recommendation n your great videos

[@donglemadness]

No problem 👍

[@blackwhit]

Hi Andy, cool video, have to subscribe your chanel! ;-) I love metal (and classical music) on my L 12pro. As dongle I have moondrop dawn pro now. Do you think would be better to upgrade it for metal music?

[@donglemadness]

Thanks!. 🤘. To upgrade or not upgrade DAWN Pro entirely depends on you, if you feel that there's something missing with DAWN Pro then there's tons of other options to try, EPZ TP50 and ONIX Alpha tops my recommendation

[@blackwhit]

@@donglemadness i can not say, I am missing something, but definetely want to get the best from my iems and also want to buy some bigger headphones as alternative…(e. g. Sundara)

[@ajipray6624]

Im using ea500lm gold for metal music, mp145 is too big for my ears. Any dd iem that you can recommend to me? Im planning upgrade to ea1000 or origin. Thx andy

[@donglemadness]

Origin or Rose Technics QTX may be a good fit, they have the size and ergonomics which I consider as compact. EA1000 has similar weight and dimension to EA500LM

[@dhmarlon]

Hi Andy, I’ve subscribed to your channel, due to this video subject. I’m a metal head myself 😅 so, I did order from Amazon, Tanchjim zero, however, I read in the comments, that it has sharped edges and is curious how to smooth those edges, without damaging them? Also, one more thing.. I’m using iPhone and only has Apple’s adapter lighting to 3,5mm jack - Do I need a different DAC, in order to get full potential of Tanchjim zero? All the best! 😊

[@donglemadness]

Thanks. I have four Tanchjim ZERO and I never find the edges bothering me at all. So from my personal perspective as a user, this is not an issue. Perhaps to different people with different ears, it can be an issue. Depends. If you use iPhone and you want to get the best of Tanchjim ZERO, it can scale great with better dongles, I am not familiar with iPhones since I stopped using them back in 2021 but you could use something like Questyle M12i and get way better sound from what the Apple dongle could provide

[@dhmarlon]

⁠@@donglemadnessThat makes sense! I should actually try them on, before rushing into any conclusion 👍🏼 I’ll have a look to that product you’re advising. Needless to say, you’re awesome! Keep rocking man 🤘🏼

[@ArjunSharma-zk4yy]

Great content.. I’ve a hidizs S8 pro robin Listen to mostly metal (tech, prog, death), rock like zeppelin etc, instrumentals and some other mix genres like hip hop, classical. Mostly music which has rhythm and melody. Also something which would be comfortable for 7-8 hrs at a time 😂 What would you recommend from the 60 and above overall score list: Under $ 100 Under $ 150 Please provide 2-3 options as some models are unavailable 👍🏻

[@donglemadness]

Thanks! 🤘Under $100 would be DUNU Titan S2 and up to $150 would be Hidizs MP143/145. If you can push it to $200 territory then SIVGA Nightingale or LETSHUOER S12 2024

[@ArjunSharma-zk4yy]

@@donglemadness 🙏🏻

[@JustIceForSake]

Hi there! I have the "Salnotes Zero" and I am a metalhead (but not limited by this genre, I also listen to a wide variety of music: rap, hip hop. instrumental, classical, pop, electronic.....pretty much everything). Do you have other recommendation in the same price range? Thank you!

[@donglemadness]

You should try Kefine Delci that I mentioned here, perhaps cost a bit more than Salnotes Zero but totally worth the price

[@JustIceForSake]

@@donglemadness Awesome! Thank you very much for the recommendation

[@fabien4489]

I hear a lot about the dita project m, have you tried it? Worth for metal? Thanks again for this video, I'm waiting for the mp 145, and will get the sivga as soon as I'll can

[@donglemadness]

Yes I heard about it, but haven't tried it personally yet

[@shogun5436]

I already have Tanchjim Zero and Hzsound Heart Mirror. Would you recommend Origin for Metal music? I only use FiiO BTR15 so i don't know if it can handle very well the planar driver. I also really like the Tanchjim Zero so much that's why i'm thinking if Origin is the maximum upgrade i can buy?

[@donglemadness]

Yes of course, BTR15 on 4.4m BAL and High Gain is more than capable even to drive HiFiMan Sundara and Sennheiser HD600, Origin which is still a single DD would be super easy for it to synergize and drive. From Zero to Origin would be something I consider as natural progression of the same tuning

[@JeshPradesh]

Could you recommend some options for 1. Hip-hop and 2. Techno? Is there a pair that would work well for both of those genres?

[@donglemadness]

IEMs Hip Hop and Techno is not difficult to find now as pretty much anything you see in the market are suited for them. You need Subbass more than Midbass and something like KZ Castor Harman or Truthear NOVA or Simgot EM6L and tons and tons of other Subbass focused IEMs will do perfectly

[@JeshPradesh]

@@donglemadness Thank you! Which one would you pick between Nova or EM6L?

[@RaeErn-g1r]

Hi Andy, how do you find s12 listening to metel music?

[@donglemadness]

The og S12 I find a bit bright for Metal music. But the S12 2024 and Z12 are highly suitable for Metal

[@FujiwaraTakumi.]

im into deathcore and metalcore music with showcase alot of blast beats, long guitar solo and nazty breakdown, currently enjoying those music with KZ Castor Bass with no extra source, just plug into my phone/pc, but I want to find an upgrade from Castor, does CCA Rhapsody is a good choice? prefer under RM200 / $50+-, my setup for Castor Bass is UUUU and tune it with Wavelet, enhancing its V Shape + 5dB transient bass boost 🤘

[@donglemadness]

I haven't tried Rhapsody yet so I can't speak for it. Within the your budget, I think you will like the KZ ZS10 Pro 2, a bit more of V curve but will likely require no EQ needed like what you did with Castor

[@CJ-usa]

For me Tripowin Piccolo good for metal has a good driver solid metal shell just add better cable and is on sale 9.99 right now lol

[@---on6qk]

Hi Andy, I watched this and was thinking of getting the Rose Technics mentioned in the video. However I currently have the KZ Pr2, and see that in the IEM rating chart that the Rose technics are lower in score, and the PR2 have better macro-detail. I was looking for something with better layering/separation for metal specifically, and I'm not sure if the rose technics would be better than the PR2 in this sense. I already reduced the sub-bass for my PR2 in EQ so the frequency response isn't something I'm concerned about more than technical performance. Curious to hear your opinion comparing the two for metal.

[@donglemadness]

They are closely match really, PR2 does have slight advantage when it comes to technicalities, but I personally prefer Rose Technics SC5P over PR2 for the smoother transient response it offers

[@---on6qk]

@@donglemadness Appreciate the comments, thank you!

[@igorfischer4368]

Omg i'm a metal fan too! But now i'm even more in doubt about my gear, haha. I was ready to buy the Colorfly M1P to pair with my Sennheiser HD660S2 and HD560S. But now i see this Onix Alpha too. Would you say it is worth double the price of the Colorfly or are they similar for the Metal Genre? Also, i currently own a Moondrop Dawn Pro, really dont know if those two would be a big upgrade for metal listening, but i think it would! Thanks my friend and keep rocking \m/

[@donglemadness]

M1P is one of my top most recommendations for Metal, it is even a bit more smoother than ONIX. ONIX Alpha on the other hand offers a bit more resolution and imaging. But really both of them are top dogs. Cheers! 🤘🏼

[@jamez77.]

We know you love the look and feel of the Sivga Nightingale ... What other IEMs have you used that are similar in build quality and sexyness (to your eyes 👀) - real quality and craftsmanship

[@donglemadness]

Well the one that makes SIVGA truly special to me is the sound. I have in my collection so many sexy looking IEMs but they don't have the magic of sound that Nightingale has (at least for my taste and preferences). Another great substitute for Nightingale is the Venture Electronic SIE, while I hate the all gold finishing, I just love the sound, it is similar to Nightingale just with less transient speed and air

[@CervezasObsonMex]

Hey Andy, why you choose mp145 instead of mp143? I think you rated 143 above 145.

[@donglemadness]

Both are rated exactly the same, check again