WORLD'S BEST $200 EARPHONES RANKING/GUIDE (SEPT 2024)

[@eboboboy]

SUMMARY: 0:00 BEST ALL-ROUNDER: Supermix 4 0:43 BEST BALANCED BASS BOOST: Chopin and CCA Hydro 1100 1:15 BEST TECHNICAL : Quintet and Supermix 1:39 BEST VALUE: Supermix and Nova 2:24 BEST VOCALS: SeeAudio Yume, Cadenza 4 (for female vocals), Origin (for male vocals) 3:33 BEST WARM/BASSY: KE4 3:54 BEST SCALING : Aful Explorer 4:20 BEST CLEAN/NEUTRAL: Orchestra Lite 4:48 BEST BASSHEAD: 7hz Legato and Fatfreq x HBB Deuce 5:15 BEST TREBLE: Cadenza 4 and TRN Azure dragon 5:56 BEST V-SHAPE: Kinera Celest Relentless and 7hz Five. 6:22 BEST PLANAR: S12 2024 7:04 PERSONAL FAVS/RECOMMENDATIONS § Scaling: KE4 and Aful Explorer § Unique: CKVX and Pula PA02 and Shozy P20 Thank me later!

[@gabech2789]

@@eboboboy thanks

[@antondauenhauer2586]

got my estrella yesterday. i am blown away. Thank you Jay!!!!!!!!!!

[@CesareBorgia630]

Where did you buy them the preorder period on Linsoul ain't over yet I bought them on Linsoul on August 26

[@jayyaudio]

Thank you!!! Enjoy ✨

[@CesareBorgia630]

@@jayyaudio but have you an idea when the preorder period will end I bought mine on Linsoul on August 26

[@fabien4489]

Me too, now I know what detail retrieval and holographic soundstage mean 😅

[@jtiizii5163]

Dude great job on this! Mega impressed with how much you can go over in such a short amount of time!

[@jayyaudio]

Thank you my man

[@albertko1]

I got the SM4 recently since it was VERY discounted on Amazon and my unit had smooth treble and good power in the low end. Great value upgrade for me.

[@jayyaudio]

Nice nice

[@lawrencewang3327]

Outta curiosity what was your output device

[@albertko1]

@@lawrencewang3327 I've used run of the mill Realtek DACs mostly.

[@didgineil]

Awesome run through, they all are on my would like list, really good explanation and helpful. Thanks for your favorites, would be nice see a clip of your own personal favorites from daily drivers or specialties, Cheers Jay

[@jayyaudio]

noted~

[@TheRebelLion13]

Never ceases to amaze me how much quality info can be had in a 8 minutes and 40 seconds long(or short) review. Only you, Jay; only you. ...All hail the king 👑

[@jayyaudio]

🙏 thank you man

[@TheRebelLion13]

@@jayyaudio You earned it Sir! ...to be able to put out content like that, has to involve a good amount work behind it. Having to sift through tons of info and figuring out which ones to include so as not too make it overwhelming or dragging, and then while still making sure that it's enough info to make it not feel like a "blind buy". I tip my hat off to you, Sir.

[@MTL26]

I don't understand why jay doesn't have big following ...he is really helpful in this stuff.

[@jaroslavfricek7772]

Getting better and better Jay❗️👌 Off the topic Iam thinking about getting Noble Spartacus, would love to have your opinion on that❗️😉

[@antonristo1096]

Great video! Now we need one for under $500!

[@jayyaudio]

Yup coming soon

[@StarBuccaneers168]

I need to demo KE4! Kept hearing good things about it. Thanks for the guide.

[@jayyaudio]

Np!

[@superodeda9223]

Awesome video, by the way just a suggestion, in your upgrade list the ones for in too deep the ones with genre and sound signature, i think you should extend the category or just make it price range type rather just having 4 price category, so people with certain budget can be flexible in choosing, but i think you can keep the highlight of the original category just squeeze in between the price range, btw i really like that list that includes genre and sound signature, and also it would be nice to watch and hear a guide video about sound signature of how it sounds for newbies who want to learn or want to hear what different sound signature like warm bright neutral etc should sound like for those who doesnt have a clue, even if it sounds exaggerated just to get the idea of the specific sound signature, example of sounds would be nice in a video, so it will be easier for newbies to decide when buying iems especially picky ones who want to by an accurate type of iem for there specific needs, sorry for the long comment and bad english if u found one, more power to you jay, you have the same name as my bestfriend

[@jayyaudio]

Thanks for the suggestion! Tell your friend I said hi lol

[@UFO-Audio]

Nice rec's

[@MagSlimeto]

I have the SM4s and I love them, I paired them with an Onix Alpha and they sound even more fantastic. Also I'm looking foward for the Estrella, Jay do you think it could be a good upgrade?

[@jayyaudio]

Ye, it's the Supermix4 with better bass and treble and slight tech bump

[@MasterHouyi]

Thank you, Jay, for the detailed list. I recently started watching your content, and I am impressed by the quality. ‐----- Question: I was wondering what you would recommend for Kpop (female vocals and energetic songs with lots of details in background and good bass). Based on your list, the SuperMix4 and Chopin look the most promising, with a slight edge for Chopin for its bass. Origin was on my wishlist, but it was too expensive for me 😢 On a side note, I own S12, and I'm not sure any IEM near this price bracket will actually be an upgrade.

[@jayyaudio]

Glad you're liking them! Chopin would be a good pick ya

[@MasterHouyi]

@jayyaudio Thank you for the reply!!!

[@anatol1204]

Very nice review Jay

[@jayyaudio]

Glad you liked it

[@ishmone21]

Thank you for this review!!!

[@Kaffeenerd]

Is your updated upgrade list still up to date? 🤔

[@jayyaudio]

Gotta update that

[@Kaffeenerd]

@@jayyaudioNice - tyvm ❤

[@AronAddams7]

Relentless is a well tuned V for sure. Super fun with edm.

[@WhiteSpaceAsia]

Absolutely! My Relentless is umm 😶 relentlessly playing a wide range of EDM flavours when I'm in the mood (or out for a long fast paced hike 🚶 😊😁)

[@AronAddams7]

@@WhiteSpaceAsia I use mine while working out at home. Gives a great boost.

[@jamsblast]

I f*cking love my Sm4, with the hidition viento B eq profile, or do auto eq to the profile or fr graph you want to (i liked the hbb first and jaytiss profile second ), or enjoy it with the stock tuning. Thanks Jay for your video!!!

[@jayyaudio]

Thanks for sharing~

[@Hoods_]

I actually consider the CKLVX D-41 to be an All-rounder. They definitely have a treble that can be excessive but when you find the right eartips it's solved, in my case it was the Spinfit W1 and a 4.4mm balanced cable 👌 Some KPOP songs were too much, but now I enjoy them without problem in the D-41

[@jayyaudio]

D41 is more warm all-rounder, but KE4 is just better imo

[@JohnClarkW]

The Hydro, I thought the hype on it died, so that is cool. That KE4 has been on my radar, but so many IEMs. Nice to see the Explorer as a fave, that is my favorite in the price bracket, with the S08 in second.

[@anatol1204]

Hydro is an eq beast but a no if you got small ears it's thick in the bass of the nozzle otherwise I'm amazed every time I put them in my ears. technicalities are certainly there you can watch every element of the mix and the difference between the reverbs.They should try to fix the fit if they manage to do it i will sell mine because I I've got tiny ears and buy them again in a heart bit forgot to mention the bass is very solid too quick and punchy with a few words definitely you buy a lot for 110 dollars

[@JohnClarkW]

@@anatol1204 I also have smaller ears, and struggle with some of bigger IEMs

[@fabien4489]

The estrella are surprisingly nice with extreme metal genre 😮, and I'm not finished burning them enough I think, I have one stupid noob question is the tape mode potentially damaged the drivers in the long term (sorry for my English 😅)

[@jayyaudio]

nah it won't, glad you're digging them~

[@RobertAntonyJameson]

My own favorites right now are S12 (because of EQs) and the Meze Alba.

[@jesh879]

What do you mean by because of eq? Does it respond better than most to eq? What did you do with it?

[@RobertAntonyJameson]

@@jesh879 most planar stuff tends to handle a wider range of EQ customization before distortion happens. I can tune it in many ways and use presets to swap among different common targets and custom ones. Also it has a pretty impressive soundstage perception for an earphone (which is a little bit subjective since it is directly related to your ear shape)

[@WhiteSpaceAsia]

🎉❤😮😊😊😁 🤗 That was an amazing whistlestop tour, nice to see what I consider one of the sleepers of 2024, the Relentless, get a bit of love. A while back in the AliExpress periodic sales picked it up for GBP 89.00 dead, including the horrific UK +20% local taxes. Cheaper than the Explorer for a beautifully accessorised 1+6!

[@pappsa8]

I thought the Intuara splendor 2 will be here,or you think not as good nowadays? It will be in your next higher priced list? Whaterver thanks your work for these videos,i like it!

[@jayyaudio]

It’s not as good as the other stuff unfortunately haha

[@deadline7610]

Nicely Done. Maybe I've missed it No mention of Ziigaat Doscinco or Cincotres :)

[@jayyaudio]

Next price bracket 👍

[@gabech2789]

Does the Aful Performer 5 have a place on this list or did it get outmuscled by the Chopin and Meyer iems ?

[@jayyaudio]

Outdated

[@J7T800]

I'm surprised the OG Yume got a mention. It's a relic when it comes to the IEM space.

[@jayyaudio]

still the goat

[@mensrea1251]

@@jayyaudioAny thoughts on the Yume Midnight?

[@7ArchEnemy7]

I am getting closer and closer to finalizing Estrella as my next iem purchase. Unless something real crazy comes out before November, Estrella it is, on 11.11 🎉

[@jayyaudio]

Estrella MK2 (loljk) Hope you enjoy them!

[@7ArchEnemy7]

@@jayyaudio Ah ok, you scared me. I hate MK2 releases when MK1 hasn't even been delivered yet 🙃

[@shaunbrady15]

Is ke4 more detailed than mega5est? Seems like it’s a mini version

[@jayyaudio]

KE4 is a bit warmer than mega5 not as detailed

[@shaunbrady15]

@@jayyaudio thank you sir

[@wahidtafsir33]

i have simgot Em6L use it for gaming will a upgrade to supermix 4 be good for me i mainly play single player games and i have fiio ka11 dongle and Fiio k5 pro

[@tanjimahmed5694]

Aful explorer is goated fr immersion ig. Since it's a high volume set how high do you get on it 😏?

[@jayyaudio]

90dbs probably lol

[@tanjimahmed5694]

​@@jayyaudio fly me to the moon type high Damm

[@didgineil]

What everyone’s choices from quintet, and super mix4 or a detail iem experience within this rough budget

[@arrowzen7433]

Hmm…I hear from others that KE-4 has a flabby/mushy less defined bass - sound like you rate it high. What are your thoughts of the quality of it’s bass and those other opinions?

[@jayyaudio]

It has a thick warm tuning, it’s good for higher volumes

[@AlexL-q2j]

Hey, thanks for the video, describing the current/ to-date market. Any recommendations inbetween Allrounder/ Harman/ SM4 and vocals/ mid-centric/ Yume OG, like balanced sounding? Thanks

[@jayyaudio]

Not sure what you mean, if you want an all rounder vocals it’s OG YUME

[@jesh879]

I think Alex isn't familiar with the sound signatures

[@AlexL-q2j]

@@jayyaudio Sorry, thoughts were all over the place... 🙂 What I wanted to ask for is something like a Yume OG with (1) some more and better bass and (2) some more and better extension. Like "less than Harman" with great mids. ;-) Any hints are appreciated!

[@winmarshhh]

Hi Jay, your video is great! But it’s my first time buying the IEM so i’m still a bit confuse what to choose, I listen to mostly Kpop especially girl group, so should I choose the Cadenza 4 as a go to or you would recommend me something else? Thanks!

[@jayyaudio]

Thanks man, try Truthear Nova or Simgot Supermix4

[@winmarshhh]

@@jayyaudiohey just want to announce something, so i didn’t get either of them because i want the IEM to be fashionable too, but i looked up on google drive tier list you made and looked at kpop genre, i decided to get the simgot ew300, absolutely love it and also affordable, again, thanks a lot for your advice and also for your tier list, i’m waiting for it to arrive.

[@winmarshhh]

@@jayyaudioHi, just want to announce something, so i checked both of them but i didn’t get either of them because i want it to be fashionable too, but i checked up the list on google drive you put in the description and i saw the simgot ew300, absolutely love the looks and also it fits for kpop genre so i decided to make an order, again, thanks for your suggestion and the list Jay.

[@charzo0217]

Kinda surprise no more EA1000 on $200 list. But for me it still my personal fav on these price category.

[@jayyaudio]

Too much good ones now

[@charzo0217]

@@jayyaudio yeah agree as time progresses iem's are getting better and also cheaper than before

[@mrdrwdry]

jay make 300 to 500... im in the fance on what to consider. please. great round up video!

[@jayyaudio]

soon

[@paulosilva8200]

Nice that you place scaling. Because my volumes are loud

[@ВасилНанков-р6о]

CKLVX is 🔥🔥🔥🤘🏻

[@camerondupuisbissonnette2937]

when is "sale season" typically? we talking christmas?

[@jayyaudio]

11.11 probably

[@Gershy13]

Do you have any recommendations for a natural neutral sound? Something that can be used for live mixing to translate well with a system in the room, and is also not affected by output impedance that much?

[@jayyaudio]

around $200 that'd be orchestra lite

[@Gershy13]

@@jayyaudio What would be your pick around 100-150

[@ayushraghuwanshi4046]

Sir can you please tell which eartips to use on supermix 4 , took your suggestion and got them and absolutely loving it , thank you

[@jayyaudio]

Tangzu sancai regular, or divinus

[@ayushraghuwanshi4046]

@@jayyaudio thank you sir that's very kind of you

[@TheRebelLion13]

By the way Jay, how would you stack the Shozy P20 vs the Letshuoer S08?

[@jayyaudio]

I’d take P20

[@TheRebelLion13]

@@jayyaudio Thank you very much Sir! Keen on getting, what would most likely be, my only planar set in my collection. Been hearing a lot of good reviews on the S08, and a few very sparing compliments on the P20. You're the first one, at least from the ones i've seen, who mentioned the P20 without putting it below, or making it a "wingman", or relegating it to 2nd, 3rd, or 4th(and so on..) fiddle to the S08; or giving props to the S08, and then following it up with "and other planars such as the Shozy P20...".

[@ManweruEmanuilov]

I wonder if the Sliivo SL-41 MK2 would be able to get a spot in this list or if I should just get the CKLVX instead.

[@jayyaudio]

SL41 is the better all rounder

[@xyzed712]

such a goood video

[@subratasarkar7953]

Will you recommend Meze Alba ? How does it stack up?

[@jayyaudio]

Overpriced

[@Bounsy2D]

Any plans for reviewing TRN White Tiger? Heard that they are better than EW300 and new Delci at similar price point

[@jayyaudio]

Doubt 👀

[@Bounsy2D]

@@jayyaudio that’s why I’m asking for an review 🥲

[@TheModeRed]

1st I went for Supermix 4. Then S12 2024. The only IEM I'd get now for me is the Estrella. Maybe the Deuce for my basshead bro-in-law.

[@jayyaudio]

Solid picks

[@eqmintz3723]

Do you ever use tws? Do you have any opinions on tws under 80 like what do you think is the beat

[@jayyaudio]

Sorry I haven't tried much, but Alpha & Delta is decent, check my rankings list

[@AliXalted]

what kind of iem is good for wind instrument and violin music? am new to this.

[@jayyaudio]

XENNS Tea Pro

[@forsenzplocka]

Are you gonna review I/O Sogno?

[@jayyaudio]

It’s Harman

[@dominicbash238]

Hey man can you recommend a tame treble set for jpop under 200

[@jayyaudio]

Seeaudio OG Yume

[@harukoharuhara2670]

Just ordered new Moondrop Kadenz aka "Kato 2" , I haven't received it yet, I'm looking forward to your review of it 🤩

[@shrekstraightouttaswampton]

letshuoer cadenza 4 or ea1000 Fermat ? for female vocals?

[@jayyaudio]

Fermat is more energetic, cad4 is smoother r

[@aaronmagdaleno2250]

What’s a good upgrade to the hexa?

[@jayyaudio]

Supermix4 or Nova

[@aaronmagdaleno2250]

@@jayyaudio is it best upgrade for hexa under 250 dollars? I mainly use iems for music, media and gaming

[@blank__0265]

ok i want the details of a supermix 4 but also have really good bass can u rec one ?

[@jayyaudio]

Estrella LOL

[@blank__0265]

@@jayyaudiothnx 😁

[@madeHNS]

What dongle dac you recommend dor the supermix 4?

[@jayyaudio]

Apple dongle

[@patrickcaguioa]

Hi Jay, if you will choose only 1, which of these pairs are you going to keep?

[@jayyaudio]

CKLVX or OG Yume

[@patrickcaguioa]

@@jayyaudio thank u🙏

[@heyking8583]

Have u tried Elysian Annihilator 23?

[@jayyaudio]

Nope

[@vopseleacrilice3062]

Bro, is hexa better than ew300? In terms of resolution, bass, overall sound?

[@jayyaudio]

EW300 is better

[@wahid-lg1kk]

So mp145 silent retune is confirmed..

[@jayyaudio]

🤷‍♂️

[@wahid-lg1kk]

@@jayyaudio 🎭

[@backupmydude3572]

I wonder what is the upgrade path from kz linglong can anyone help?

[@jayyaudio]

SIMGOT EM6L

[@kingyogesh441]

what about Oriveti od200 ?

[@jayyaudio]

there are better

[@kingyogesh441]

@@jayyaudio I have them is Estrella worth upgrading to or shall I wait for your 500$+ collab to upgrade ;)

[@pmdthewizard]

The sweet spot

[@jayyaudio]

And $350

[@pmdthewizard]

@@jayyaudio absolutely, but can't afford them sadly

[@shantanusahu9168]

how does EA500LM hold up against these? its been 6months since i bought, shall i upgrade to something?

[@jayyaudio]

Maybe Estrella but these aren’t a huge upgrade

[@Emre-nl8df]

What is the best these are for rock and metal music? Also nice video mate.. Truthear X Crinacle Zero Truthear X Crinacle Zero Red Truthear Nova Kiwi Ears Forteza Kiwi Ears Quartet Kiwi Ears Melody Sennheiser IE200 EPZ Q1 Pro

[@jayyaudio]

SIMGOT EM6L

[@Emre-nl8df]

@@jayyaudio it is not sold in my country

[@GorZic]

Simgot Supermix 4 vs Simgot EA 500 lm twice the price gap but is the Supermix 2 times better as per price?

[@ReverendDr.Thomas]

Obviously not.

[@tom_from_myspace]

it's not but it is really better though.

[@DEZ7ROYER]

I think a better question would be: where the SM4 is way better than the EA500 and where it's about the same (where=categories)

[@albertko1]

​@@tom_from_myspace to my ears it is noticably better but forced to put a number, it's not the full 100% better, closer to 50-60%. It's definitely on the other side of the value bell curve where the 500LM is very close to the middle

[@jayyaudio]

Nah, but it’s much smoother with less treble

[@Tanner_SD]

Can I get your take on how the Kiwi Quintet and your Ziigaat Estrella compare to each other? I know there is a $80-100 price difference, but These are the two I’m stuck between rn. I have several cheap iems, but my two most expensive I have owned are the Moondrop Kato from when it first released and Aful Magicone. So I’m ready to step it up to the next level I think!

[@jayyaudio]

Estrella has better timbre, bass is much better, and treble is less metallic and more sparkly. Detail, resolution, tech etc slight edge to Estrella

[@helgiforest]

Chopin was bad for me because of the fit, coz of that sounded too bright. Sold them immediately.

[@fabien4489]

Same for me, I sold them few days ago awful fit for me

[@RaeErn-g1r]

Can your shirt machine washed?

[@jayyaudio]

Probably not

[@sagars861]

anything wrong with your eyes?

[@jayyaudio]

Nope

[@marcswinnen9100]

Yume2 is good too😊

[@tradehut2782]

A few disagreements: Supermix sound weird Quintet the most detailed? Never. Its a muddy mess. The most detailed would be planars.

[@jayyaudio]

Quintet has a planar, pzt, 2ba, and 1 DD in it, so no Supermix weird as in the piezos? Sure for some, but it's still a value beast and great all-rounder

[@Qboro66]

​@jayyaudio Sorry, I'm a little late, but tradehut2782 probably got an inverted cable... It happened to me so I swapped the cable for a Tripowin Zonie moss 4.4mm and they sound great...

[@defective1728]

which one is good for metal and hard rock music

[@jayyaudio]

KE4

[@defective1728]

​@@jayyaudio how about pula pa02 and cklvx?

[@jakubaugustyn9817]

Where is qoa adonis new, this is best warm set under 200$ A lot better than legato!!! Bro what you don't know that

[@jayyaudio]

KE4 is the better warm set, and Legato is basshead not warm

[@jakubaugustyn9817]

@@jayyaudio pls try

[@jakubaugustyn9817]

Adonis is in the middle

[@carlosalarconpalma3710]

Aful P5 > Pula PA02

[@jayyaudio]

Cap

[@masterazlan6999]

Wtf, where the f... is the usual format of rankings??..Naa..I'd like that format.. Nevermind I'll skip then..wutever..Peace!

[@jayyaudio]

What