Best price-to-performance IEMs below $200

Letshuoer DZ4

• Jays Audio: Recommended at high volumes. A better Galileo with more treble/air. Vocal centric. Powerful and extended vocals. Could use better separation and tech, and lacks bass.

Tripowin Olina SE

• Shuwa-T: Comment: An improved Olina essentially.  Balanced tuning over the OG, with generally decent tech  Upper frequencies on the relaxaed side, B-grade bass

Tripowin Olina

• Shuwa-T: Comment: A less refined Oxygen with aggressive upper midrange.  Tuned well, about 80% similar to the Oxygen at less than half the price  B-grade bass response like the Oxygen

Tanchjim NORA

• IEMRanking AI: Tanchjim NORA aims for a monitor-leaning, balanced presentation using a single dynamic driver (1DD) built on the brand’s fifth-gen DMT5 dual-magnetic, dual-cavity architecture. Official materials...

Simgot EM6L

• Jays Audio: Great resolution and tech, one of the smoothest iems, but uppermids will get hot on energetic tracks at higher volumes. Slightly warm but also lively. Recent units are a lot brighter than first batch.
• Jaytiss: A solid budget choice. Hard to think of a more neutral set than this.
• Fresh Reviews: Can go to a B in some titles

Aful Explorer

• Jays Audio: High volume set, very immersive, scales great with no sharpness, wide staging, enough detail/extension, good bass, just crank it up and enjoy the music.
• Gizaudio Axel: Perfect for rock and metal.  Smooth, relaxing tuning, great bass with good slam, rich mid-range, safe treble.  Upper mids may be too relaxed for some, treble is a bit dark.
• Jaytiss: The mids still upset me, but it sounds magical.
• Super* Review: Relaxed upper mid-range. Vocals sound a little bit more forward than instruments. Smooth treble performance.
• Drew / Audionotions: Relaxed and fun. Easy to listen to. A bit darker than my preferrd signature but I enjoyed this quite a bit. Loaner

Dunu Kima 2

• Jays Audio: Warm-neutral, relaxing set, great cable, build, and accessories. Vocals are a bit soft, not fully extended, could use more air, but overall decent if you want a comfortable listen
• Jaytiss: Just fantastic dynamic driver. Hard not to love it.

Tin Hifi T4

• Crin: A worthy successor to the legendary GR07.
• Precogvision: Solid tuning and technical chops for the price, not much to complain about here.
• Shuwa-T: Comment: Neutral and inoffensive.  Decent tuning  Limited by technical performance
• Drew / Audionotions: Like C3 with slightly better technicalities. Fit on C3 is better. Can't really justify the price increase over C3. Previously Owned

CCA HYDRO

• Jays Audio: The best KZ so far, tuning swithces allow lots of options. Good tech, all-rounder sound with bass boost, but, KZ.
• Jaytiss: When this hits it's very fun. Insane value.

Kiwi Ears ETUDE

• Jays Audio: Reverby, bouncy, and extended decay in the sub-bass. Unique bass play back and adds more texture to the low-end. Although reverb can bleed into the vocals - maybe the drivers work too well lol. A...
• Jaytiss: This is a unique sound, for neutral I prefere Airoso.
• IEMRanking AI: The Kiwi Ears Étude offers a distinctive listening experience centered around its Kiwi Vibration Transducer (KVT), which adds a subtle tactile sensation to bass frequencies. This isn’t a...

Padsmith IEM

• Jaytiss: Packaged like theiaudio iem... lol this hobby.
• Fresh Reviews: Better in COD

7th Acoustics Proxima

• Precogvision: Sounds similar to an ER3 from memory, but possibly worse.
• Tim Tuned:  True "IEF Neutral" IEM, can be "A" tier with easy EQ  Bass lacks fun and life
• Shuwa-T:  Tech performance for this price is unparalled, a true IEF neutral offering, treble extension  Tuning to such neutrality is not welcome for majority of people, bass impact non-existent

Etymotic ER2XR

• Jays Audio: An ER2SE with better bass control.
• Gizaudio Axel:  Great tuning with natural vocals and safe treble.  The fit.
• Jaytiss: Legendary iem. But I can't even.
• Precogvision: Controlled bass and darker treble. Narrow imaging, but solid technicalities for a single DD.
• Tim Tuned:  Great detail and solid tuning  Intrusive fit
• Nymz: Sub-100usd king. Great for the price, punching above, but fit is a major problem - I use it with comply foams. Lacks stage depth due to fit. Hard to drive.

Tanchjim Fission

• Jays Audio: Exact same driver and tuning as the Origin (with middle dial on S-SILVER NOZZLE) but with less premium build/design/cable/case - a welcomed hit for better value. Clean, neutral, balanced, full, and...
• Jaytiss: Such a Fantastic little set.
• Super* Review: Fairly unoffensive with a slightly bright/forward tone. Pillowy bass attack and overall presentation aren’t very engaging; the bass dial doesn’t meaningfully change that.
• IEMRanking AI: The Tanchjim Fission delivers a notably neutral with vocal-forward presentation in its default configuration, emphasizing clarity and articulation in the midrange without excessive coloration. Bass...

Tripowin x HBB Olina

• Jaytiss: New HBB Xuan NV is just the way to go over this.
• Precogvision: Exellent tonality and shimmer (for a DD); nonetheless, could possibly benefit from better layering chops.
• Nymz: Close to Oxygen but for 99$ with better fit. One of the best price-to-performance you can get at the moment. Good imaging, great stage presentation and very balanced harman tuning. If you don't wish...
• Drew / Audionotions: Pretty good for the price but a little bright/shouty stock. Slap a second stock filter on top, and it's much improved! Good vocals-focused set with decently sparkly treble and good bass punch....

LETSHUOER x Gizaudio Galileo

• Jays Audio: Clean and neutral signature with empahsis in the midrange. Best vocals before Orch Lite $100-->Replaced by DZ4.
• Precogvision: Quite inoffensive but smoothed-over. Needs more resolution and sense of dynamics.
• Shuwa-T: Comment: A poor man's Diva with worse technicalities and less extension.  Solid tuning, balanced throughout with slight emphasis on female vocals  Treble rolls off prematurely
• Nymz: Great tuning that follows along my preferences, but falls short in the last field of the treble region. A great value overall.
• Drew / Audionotions: Smooth and relaxing done well. Very, very pleasant, mid-focused tonality. The vocals are very good, as you'd expect of something that Timmy concocted. One can definitely hear the treble roll-off, and...

Kiwi Ears Airoso

• Jays Audio: A sightly more airy/detailed EW300 with better timbre. Warm leaning all rounder with good dynamic contrast.
• Jaytiss: Rich thick, enjoyable. Benchmark for me. Just epic.
• IEMRanking AI: The Kiwi Ears Airoso offers a warm, smooth sound signature characterized by a full-bodied bass with satisfying sub-bass rumble and quick decay, though mid-bass impact remains reserved. Its midrange...

Kefine Klanar

• Jays Audio: A cheaper S12. Almost identical sound and tuning. Good value. Look for aliexpress deals.
• Jaytiss: At $120, I'd still go with the NicHCK F1 pro.
• Tim Tuned:  Cheaper S12 Pro/ Z12

Kefine Quatio

• Jays Audio: A bassy all-rounder, and cleaner Doscinco for $100 less. Very versatile with the different nozzles - goes from bassy to clean all-rounder. Solid packaging and accesories. Competitive tech, but not as...
• Gizaudio Axel: An engaging sound signature with good bass and natural mids.  Deep bass with strong impact, natural mids with good timbre, and smooth treble with great detail.  Lower treble can get a bit energetic, and upper treble lacks some air.
• Jaytiss: Mids are slightly cooked, but it's nice overall.
• Tim Tuned:  Mostly inoffensive bassy V-shape tuning  Lacking details
• IEMRanking AI: The KEFINE Quatio impresses with its premium build quality and versatile tuning options. Its lightweight aluminum alloy shells offer both durability and comfort, while the included modular cable with...

Moondrop Starfield

• Crin: A cheaper KXXS.
• Precogvision: See KXXS. Just slightly less upper-midrange.
• Tim Tuned:  Might be too relaxed
• Shuwa-T:  Well tuned, arguably the one who started the chifi wave of decent tuning
• Drew / Audionotions: Like Aria but less fun and slightly improved stage. Previously Owned

7Hz Salnotes Dioko

• Jaytiss: Timbre is weird, treble is harsh.
• Precogvision: Bass sounds oddly restrained and treble still has some oddity. Solid enough otherwise.
• Tim Tuned: Pros: Balanced tonality, inoffensive, neutral. Cons: Uneven treble and okay staging.
• Nymz: Could use more bass but other than that, probably the best tunning of all the planars I've heard for my preferences. Resolving power is not on the same level as its competition but it has better...

Moondrop Starfield 2

• Jays Audio: Bright harman/DF, great detail, but a bit sharp and shrill
• Jaytiss: It's just not great, but some might like it.

Kbear Diamond

• Precogvision: Pretty good bass texture if not somewhat bloated; overall solid tuning.

Thieaudio Legacy 2

• Precogvision: Pleasant tuning marred by low-level detailing and downwards compression.

NF Audio NM2+

• Gizaudio Axel:  Good detail and separation.  Shouty upper mids, and bright treble.
• Crin: Tonality can get a little intense and is fairly underwhelming, though surprisingly resolving.

Myer Audio CKLVX D41

• Shuwa-T:  Balanced tuning with good clarity, well extended upper midrange and treble extension
• Drew / Audionotions: Warm and bright. Thick bass that is sufficiently tactile for the price. Decent mids. Treble elevation is a bit above neutral so cymbals and snaps and clicks can sound a bit prominent. Soundstage and...

Kinera Celest Yaksha

• Jaytiss: Great sonic Value, but has a few issues I'll talk of in the review.
• IEMRanking AI: The Kinera Celest Yaksha combines a 2DD+1BA+1 micro-planar driver setup with a four-way crossover, resulting in a coherent yet distinctly V-shaped sound. Bass emphasis leans toward the mid-bass,...

TOPPING Arpegear Hane

• Gizaudio Axel:  Great tuning switches.  Hard to drive, bass quality and overall detail.

7hz Legato

• Jays Audio: SUPER SLAMMING BASS but also well controlled and fairly open stage.
• Jaytiss: It does bass well, it is very solid for the price. You need to watch movies on this.
• Shuwa-T:  It's a lot of bass but absolute no resolution, some bass layering but everything is drowned out  Why does this exist
• Nymz: Well done V for the price, but with some treble quirks. Great set for bassheads on a budget.

Dunu Kima Classic

• Drew / Audionotions: Like a bassier Olina with more air. Does a lot of things pretty well, but nothing too spectacular. Slightly bright, and a mid-treble dip messes with timbre on some instruments (like violin). Build...

Shozy P20

• Jays Audio: T10 PRO better. Unique tuning with "speical sauce", warm but also sparkly in the treble without the uppermids becoming shouty (tamer uppermids). Great for kpop/jpop/pop and even hiphop and rock....
• Jaytiss: The most non planar planar.

KiiBoom Allure

• Jaytiss: Very non-linear, extremly poor packaging. Remind me of a Meze 109 in iem form.

Moondrop Stellaris

• Jaytiss: Needs EQ to shine.
• Precogvision: Shrill and thin sounding to the point of unnaturalness.
• Shuwa-T: Comment: It's not winning any planar wars.  Good technicalities  Everything else especially the fit
• Nymz: Upper-mid range focused planar with good resolving capabilities, that sadly aren't enough. Thin and agressive sound - probably 1 filter away from excelence. Nozzles and weight might be a problem for...

AFUL MagicOne

• Jays Audio: Balanced and neutral with slight warmth in the mid-bass. Male vocals are great on these, weighted but still has edge and sharpness to the end notes, but can get sharp at higher volumes. Male vocals...
• Jaytiss: The resolution and clarity at this price is so lovely.
• Super* Review: Sounds quite good but not exceptional. Not a lot of depth. Nothing is sharp or aggressive. Take it for what it is
• Smirk Audio: Pleasant female vocals and decent bass. Male vocals are forward and treble has some grain.

Vsonic GR07 Bass Edition

• Crin: Rather than a bassier GR07, this seems more like a darker GR07.

Fiio FD3

• Precogvision: Too much 5kHz lends to unwanted sheen. Sounds like a Fiio IEM, not much else to say.

Truthear Nova

• Jays Audio: NEED FOAM TIPS makes the treble smooth and clear. Very clean harman sound with smooth but well extended treble/one of the best treble under $200, no roll-off. The pinnacle of trying not to offend...
• Gizaudio Axel: A solid reference.  Harman-style sound signature with solid sub-bass, clean forward vocals, smooth treble extension, and great detail.  Could use more bass, vocals can feel lean and a bit intense at times.
• Jaytiss: Nice set, great bass. Too much upper mids.
• Super* Review: A little bit thin and shrill sounding. Hexa costs half as much and it's the better IEM.
• Fresh Reviews: Borders C+
• Shuwa-T:  Overall clean sounding, works well with quicker pop genres (Jpop/Kpop)  Male vocals recessed, does not work well with the other half of Jpop/Kpop. Lower midrange suffers from thinner note weight (tuning)

Kinera Celest PhoenixCall

• Jaytiss: Fantastic packaging tribrid for this price.
• IEMRanking AI: The Kinera Celest Phoenixcall offers a distinctive tribrid driver configuration (1DD+2BA+2 Micro Planar) that delivers an energetic, V-shaped sound signature with pronounced mid-bass impact and...
• Nymz: Funky and agressive tuning that turns into a detail and dynamics machine for its price - could shine with minor adjustments.
• Drew / Audionotions: Fun. Unique tuning that actually works. The FR looks like it would completely offend but to the ear, it actually never offends. Lots of bass impact, good transients. Worth it just to have something...

TinHifi T4

• Jays Audio: A harman/df or waner with a better driver.
• Precogvision: Solid tuning and technical chops for the price, not much to complain about here.

Dunu Kima

• Jaytiss: Sounds good. Smooth and Fast. Definate upgrade to the Dunu Titan S.
• Nymz: Solid warm neutral tonality with decent technicalities. Bass could use more dynamics and treble could use more air, but solid nonetheless. Good fit and great accessories.

Raptgo Bridge

• Fresh Reviews: Borders C+

Tanchjim Echo

• Precogvision: Low-level detailing and dynamics with a resonably decent tonality.
• Shuwa-T: Comment: Solid TWS that does not break the bank.  Decently tuned, impressive soundstage for TWS  Upper midrange peak can be shouty

Kiwi Ears Quartet

• Jays Audio: Lot's of variety with slamming bass.
• Jaytiss: Silly fun V shaped set, but very not neutral.
• Fresh Reviews: Nice IEM for Music as well great fit
• Nymz: Overly extended bass that bleeds into the mid-range (very warm).

Simgot Supermix 4

• Jays Audio: Endgame Harman, one of the smoothest IEMs I've heard with Tangzu Sancai tips (regular). Some units might be hotter in the treble/pzt timbre
• Gizaudio Axel:  Harman tuning.  Soft bass, bright sound, metallic timbre.
• Jaytiss: If this works for you, it's a sonic treasure. My unit has issues.
• Tim Tuned:  Harman with more treble energy  Can be too spicy
• IEMRanking AI: The Simgot Supermix 4 packs a quadbrid driver configuration (1DD+1BA+1 Planar+1 PZT) into a comfortable resin shell. Its sound follows a U-shaped signature aligned with the Harman IE 2019 target,...

Dita Prelude

• Jaytiss: Juicy, lovely.
• IEMRanking AI: The DITA Prelude aims for a mild V-shaped presentation that stays easy on the ear: bass has a gentle lift, mids stay clean, and treble adds air without harshness. DITA itself describes the Prelude as...

CrinEar Daybreak

• Jays Audio: Here we go again. Very similar tuning as P50 and SL224. Less vocal centric vs P50s, but more bassy and all-rounded. Slightly slightly less technical than SL224.
• Jaytiss: Lacks silky treble, but it's fine. But fine isn't good enough.
• Super* Review: Spot-on tonality. Everything sounds very natural and not contrasty. Vocal texturing is above average. Low-contrast sound signature. Bass is not that tight.
• IEMRanking AI: The CrinEar Daybreak is a tri-brid IEM built around a 5-driver array—1DD + 2BA + 2 micro-planar tweeters—with a moderate 20 Ω load and 105 dB/mW sensitivity, making it easy to drive from...
• Drew / Audionotions: Slightly V-Shaped take on the JM-1 Meta. Some may find it a bit intense - especially in the upper treble, and perhaps the upper mids - it can sometimes border on being a tad shouty. Clean sounding...

LETSHUOER D13

• Precogvision: Slightly too shouty and comes across as a mildly dirty V-shape for some reason.

Hidizs MP145

• Jays Audio: A less sharp and sizzly HeyDay. All-rounder sound with good tech. Tamer Harman/df. Solid all-rounder.
• Drew / Audionotions: One of the best IEMS under $300. Shells look large but fit is surprisingly good and very comfy. Tuning nozzles actually work - I like the balanced setting but all of them sound good. Great techs,...

TRI Starsea

• Jays Audio: Deep bass and good treble. Mids/vocals can sound reccessed. Good imaging and separation. No real complaints.

Letshuoer S12

• Jays Audio: The most refined S12 to date. Smoothest treble out of all the S12, and very little Planar timbre while keeping up the great tech and detail.
• Jaytiss: I think the s12 is fine, the pro and z12 don't add too much value
• Tim Tuned:  Planar with the most "wow" factor. Spacious heead stage  Treble can be too much
• Fresh Reviews: Great package and some titles arguably A-
• Drew / Audionotions: Very energetic. Very detailed. Very bright. Noticeable recession in mids - it is V-shaped after all. Planar timbre is quite noticeable and can sometimes make this sound unnatural. Previously Owned

Ikko OH1

• Crin: Well controlled sub-bass focus, high clarity and has an inherent "Asian" signature.

Pula PA02

• Jays Audio: Just get Odyssey it's better. Dreamy/airy treble presentation with genres like indie, slow-rock, ballads, singer-songwriter. Immersive/forward vocals that scales nicely. Bass is ok, a little boomy....
• Gizaudio Axel:  Great tuning, fantastic vocals.
• Jaytiss: Great tone, lacks dynamic treble, but overall solid for the price and very enjoyable.
• Tim Tuned:  Great across the board  Bass decay slightly too short

Tangzu Zetian Wu

• Tim Tuned:  Good mild v-shape tuning with little to fault  Not ideal soundstage for the price
• Shuwa-T: Comment: Can be disguised as a DD type of speed.  Tuned to be balanced rather than V with more vocal emphasis, bass slams hard for a planar  Mediocre soundstage and not the speediest of planar decay, overly warm

Final Audio ZE3000

• Shuwa-T: Comment: TWS from Final.  TWS with decent tuning and technical capabilities  Bass sounds like most TWS, very mediocre imaging

Kiwi Ears Aether

• Jays Audio: Clean, balanced, with slight air boost in the treble. Bass sounds like a DD with great texture. Cheaper better tuned P5+2. Not as smooth as Timeless 2 with more dynamic contrast with a slight sizzle...
• Gizaudio Axel: One of the best planar IEMs out there. The treble is smoother and easier on the ears than most planars.  Balanced sound with clean bass, smooth mids, and detailed treble. Great clarity, wide soundstage, and natural timbre for a planar.  Bass might be a bit light, and treble can be a little forward for some.
• Jaytiss: Not for bassheads, but one of the best planars I've ever heard.
• Super* Review: A little bit spicy in the treble (like the other planars). Relaxed upper mid-range. Warmer tuning than S12. It's a decent IEM

Nothing Ear 2

• Precogvision: Absolute cacophany of sound; comparable to blown laptop speakers. Razor sharp upper-midrange and thin lower-mids.

TINHIFI T5S

• Jays Audio: A good bassy set. Great low-end texture and slam. Forward bass presentation (bass in your face). Heavier than Legato but not as well-controlled and open.
• Jaytiss: Great tonal balance, only lacks in imaging and highs.

Fiio FH3

• Crin: Does come off as sort of a broken FH5, but the FH5 elements are mostly there.
• Jaytiss: Bass, but at what cost? Everything.
• Precogvision: Bloated bass and general congestion issues.
• Shuwa-T: Comment: Bass boosted neutral tuning.  Narrow soundstage
• Nymz: My first IEM. Bad coherency and timbre. Good techs, bad tuning for my library. IMO, there are better and cheaper options out there.

Meze Alba

• Jaytiss: Aceptable, but not great value.
• Super* Review: Build Quality and Fit are stand out. Fantastic Fit. Sound-Wise very engaging. Cons: Little bit sharp and contrasty.

TinHifi T4 Plus

• Jays Audio: A bright harman/df, and brigther T4.
• Jaytiss: Decent iem for a bud sytle iem. Not terrible. Last iem I buy off a Z-review.
• Tim Tuned:  Relatively well tuned slight V-shape signature  Slightly distracting cymbals

Kinera Celest Relentless

• Jays Audio: Slight v-shape with good tech and detail, treble can be too much but has that sizzle and sparkliness some people will like.
• Gizaudio Axel: Foam tips improve the sound a lot.  V-shaped tuning, powerful bass, great technicalities.  Bright treble.

iBasso IT01X

• Precogvision: Warm sound signature that could use some work in the technical department.

Tin Hifi T4 Plus

Sennheiser IE200

• Jays Audio: Great dynamics and scaling. Very good treble timbre and extension... but $150?? Low-end is soft, boring, and pushed back. Mid-range and vocals are recessed. Same level of clarity and tech as cheaper...
• Precogvision: Redefines expectations in its price bracket for single-DDs. Impressive treble extension and technicalities if a bit dry sounding.
• Tim Tuned:  IE600 style tuning with less upper mids and treble details  Stock tips and gimmick sucks
• Drew / Audionotions: Energetic, great quality bass. Mids are not the best but also not bad. Fun to listen to. Fit is amazing. Unfortunately, plagued by QC issues and I cannot reccomend this. Previously Owned

Juzear 41T

• Jaytiss: This is a colored sound, I don't like it but I can see how others might.

Gizaudio x Binary Chopin

• Jays Audio: If Harman wasn't boring and had a few drinks
• Gizaudio Axel:  Harman tuning with excellent bass, clean mids, extended treble, and balanced tonality with great detail.
• Jaytiss: Solid set, thin mids. Slightly bright at times.
• Super* Review: Best Collab IEM in years. It's a nice clean tonality. Fantastic vocal presentation. Added low end warmth.
• IEMRanking AI: The Gizaudio x Binary Chopin is a hybrid 1DD+3BA design built around an 8 mm ceramic-diaphragm dynamic driver for lows, a midrange BA, and a dual-BA tweeter assembly, targeting a lively, modern...
• Shuwa-T:  Overall clean sounding, works well with quicker pop genres (Jpop/Kpop)  Male vocals recessed, does not work well with the other half of Jpop/Kpop. Lower midrange suffers from thinner note weight (tuning)

BGVP DMG

• Crin: Decent tonal balance though bass response is not up to par.

Ziigaat Lush

• Jays Audio: A cleaner more technical AFUL Explorer with a more open sense of space and airier treble. High volume set. Very smooth and balanced at higher scaling - has a "Lush" and full sound. Mid-volume sounds...
• Jaytiss: Mid mid focused set, I dig it.
• Tim Tuned:  Very niche relaxed tuning  Too compressed sounding for me
• Super* Review: Nice take on new-meta tuning. A little bit more relaxed but nice.
• Drew / Audionotions: As of 4/21/25, these are my pick for best value in IEMs and also one of the best implementations of the JM21 meta. Everything sounds right. Bass quantity is just right with decent quality - there is...

EPZ P50

• Jays Audio: Clean balanced tuning done right. A better tuned MEGA5EST & MOONDROP Meteor with fuller low-end, and more treble extension, same tech, but more dynamic - also half the price. A Mega5EST with better...
• Jaytiss: For me this has some oddities. It would be higher if those weren't there.
• Tim Tuned:  Beautifully done tuning all around  Nitpick: Bass dynamic could be better
• Super* Review: Bass can be a little bit on the distracting side if you are looking for a neutral sound signature. Contrasty meta-tuning.

TWISTURA WoodNote

• Jaytiss: Great overall sound and packing, easy recomendation.
• Super* Review: Lively V-shape with a bit of lower-treble presence, plus good imaging and a decent sense of space. Forward but not sharp; engaging and easy to listen to.

Tangzu Wu Zetian

• Nymz: V-shape. Great bass for a plannar. Nice imaging. Treble is still planar wonky but not terrible. Might be my favourite planar so far, but it seems to need power than competition.
• Drew / Audionotions: V-signature. Not really hearing much of a planar timbre here - could have told me it was DD and I might have believed it. A bit fuzzy and recessed through the mids. Bass is boomy but not well...

Letshuoer DX1

• Jays Audio: Dynamic, vibrant, and contrasty vocals with good balance and scaling. Natural, full, and immersive with scaling and not peaky.
• Gizaudio Axel:  Good bass quality, clear vocals, solid technicalities.  Unnatural tonality, nasal mids, bright treble.
• Jaytiss: Fit is odd, but great flat iem at the cost.
• Super* Review: I don't get the point of this IEM. Not offensive sounding. Sound-wise unengaging.

DUNU x KOTO ITO

• Jaytiss: It's a fun tuning that I think people will like.
• IEMRanking AI: DUNU x KOTO ITO is a $199.99 hybrid IEM built with Japanese reviewer Kaji Kaji (“Koto”). It uses a 2DD+2BA array (10 mm bio-diaphragm DD + 8 mm LCP DD, plus two treble BAs), comes with DUNU’s...

Shuoer S12

• Precogvision: More resolving than the Timeless, but even brighter. Tonality still remains the bottleneck to the planar IEM landscape.
• Nymz: Insanely resolving for price. Good planar timbre. Good stage presentation. Might be too bright for some. Great fit and acessories. Insane value. Takes EQ like a champ if you find it too bright.

Fiio FW5

Letshuoer S12 Pro

• Jays Audio: A less bright timeless/S12.
• Jaytiss: It's very similar to the z12.
• Fresh Reviews: Not nearly as good as the S12 2024
• Drew / Audionotions: Improved S12. Previously Owned

Tin Hifi P1 Max

• Jays Audio: Mid-centric, relaxing, warm, airy, comforting. Very unique listening experience. Could use better separation/resolution and bass slam.
• Precogvision: Probably the weak link out of the planar resurgence.
• Shuwa-T: Comment: A blank slate that can be EQ-ed to oblivion, even more so than timeless and s12.  The only neutral planar so far from planar wars, with much improved tonality and technicalities over its predecessors  Clarity from instrument separation lacks as a result of flatter fr

Kiwi Ears KE4

• Jays Audio: Just get Odyssey it's better. Warm/bassy with solid vocal and treble extension (not buried) that scales really well with good treble air to not sound too intimate. Has a fuller noteweight with one of...
• Gizaudio Axel: Solid reference.  Great Meta tuning.  Could use more detail, not very engaging.
• Jaytiss: It's boring. So boring, like mega boring to the max.
• Tim Tuned:  Almost dead neutral tuning in the best of ways  Lacks excitement, bass is alright
• Super* Review: New Meta tuned IEM. This gives you a bass boost and it's not the best bass. If you want the Hexa + Bass this is what you want.
• Fresh Reviews: A B for Valorant

Moondrop Kadenz

• Jays Audio: Literally a more fancy Tangzu Xuan NV. Sounds basically the same but just with better packaging, cable/case, and build... but for $100 more?? Nah
• Jaytiss: Great Cohessiveness and tonality. Upper air is very nice.
• Super* Review: Nice physicality and punch. Better bass as most basy IEMs. Okay technicalities. Image Separation is not the widest but decent.

Tanchjim Hana

• Crin: Somewhat strange upper-midrange tonality. Not a "mini-Oxygen".
• Jaytiss: Treble just not good, too much upper mids as energy.
• Precogvision: Singers sound like they're choking.

Thieaudio Legacy 3

• Crin: Balanced tonality with a laid-back signature, nothing much to fault nor to praise.
• Precogvision: Pleasant tuning that's too dark for my preferences. Seems to have some QC issues.
• Shuwa-T: Comment: Pretty much average.  Can sound muddy at times

Tanchjim Hana 2021

• Jays Audio: An Oxygen with more bass and note-weight but at the cost of slightly worse imaging and detail.
• Precogvision: Essentially a cheaper Tanchjim Oxygen.
• Tim Tuned:  Cheaper Oxygen with small cut back in details
• Shuwa-T: Comment: Better tuned upper midrange compared to the original Hana.  Decent tonality, difficult to fault  Can be somewhat aggressive sounding at times
• Nymz: A warmer, bassier, slightly less technical and a bit more V-shaped Oxygen. Rec'd for those that love harman but want more bass quantity.
• Bad Guy Good Audio:  Great bass (accurate) mids. One of the best 1/DD sets  Ghetto cable. Looks like girls jewelry
• Drew / Audionotions: Best single DD in this price tier - a step down in imaging and separation from Origin but it is a more fun to listen to given the bass shelf. Better fit than Origin too but YMMV. Loaner

7HZ FIVE

• Jays Audio: V-shaped, a lot of bass, good slam and impact. Fun and exciting. Texture is ok, layering and separation not that clean. Uppermids are sharp. Vocals are husky/congested and sharp somehow. Lack of air...
• Jaytiss: It's not terrible, but just not remended at the price.

Moondrop Kanas Pro

• Crin: Somewhat Harman-esque in tuning, not the best in terms of resolution.
• Precogvision: A KXXS with less treble extension and slightly poorer resolution.

KBEar Aurora

Moondrop KXXS

• Crin: Well-tuned single DD with proper timbre and decent technicalities.
• Precogvision: Excellent timbre; not the most resolving set, but very easy on the ears.

ZIIGAAT x HBB Arcadia

• Jays Audio: Niche/high volume set. Great scaling, warm, bassy, thick, comforting listen. A mini MEGA5EST Bass. Initmate and immersive experience. Not the most technical for the price, and vocals can be a bit too...
• Jaytiss: I don't get it, very dark. Lifeless.
• Fresh Reviews: C+ Apex, B to B- COD, B Val

Tin Hifi P1 Plus

• Nymz: Needs EQ. After EQ is fine but other planars exist. Great choice if you love to play around with EQ and fit it to your target. Falls short to the newly arrived planar offers.

Sennheiser IE 200

• Jaytiss: Just not for me. Tried multiple times, never found engaging.

Tanchjim Kara

• Jays Audio: Clean and natural midrange focused signature that's right up my alley. Open and airy staging with great instrument layering. Still very resolving even though it lacks the last bit of treble detail....
• Jaytiss: Has nice treble, good technicals. But it's super expensive for me.
• Tim Tuned:  Very smooth and organic midrange, great treble  Lacking some bass dynamics
• Smirk Audio: Cons: Better options for the price.

Tin Hifi P1

• Crin: One of the rare few IEM-style planars with proper tonal balance without EQ, but lacking detail retrieval.
• Shuwa-T: Comment: Screams for EQ, screams for desktop amps/dedicated daps.  Unacceptable tuning, extremely power hungry

Tri i3 Mk3

• Jaytiss: Very nice neutral set, beautiful, but so many good sets.
• Shuwa-T:  Pleasant signature with no major spikes in treble, zero planar timbre  Bass quantity is on the lower side, highs are not as prominent

Tin Hifi T5

• Crin: Generic V-shape tuning with middling technicalities.

Shure se215

• Crin: Sounds like a typical dynamic IEM. Slightly bloated bass and narrow staging.
• Precogvision: A relic of the past that should be avoided by any self-respecting audiophile who wants good sound.
• Shuwa-T: Comment: Already more than a decade old, it's time to move on. Would rather listen to the default samsung wired earpiece than this.  Just no  Literally everything apart from the subpar imaging

Simgot EA1000

• Jays Audio: Bright-leaning with the best bass texture at its price point, and one of the best under $500. Incredible resolution and clarity with stunning female vocals. Timbre is as natural as you can get given...
• Jaytiss: The only Passive Radiator iem that doesn't make me want to vomit.
• Super* Review: Technical performance is pretty solid. Bright leaning V-Shaped signature, but tasteful.
• Fresh Reviews: Can go to a C+ in some titles

Seeaudio Yume

• Jays Audio: Vocal benchmark along with EPZ P50 until Volume S, OG Oracles and RSV for most - natural and open vocals. Midranged focus, can use better bass texture and treble extension.
• Precogvision: Class-leading tonal balance butchered by subpar technicalities.
• Tim Tuned:  Great tonal balance with beautiful vocals  Yume Midnight exist
• Shuwa-T: Comment: One trick pony.  Extremely well tuned  Literally everything else

Nicehck NX8

• Jays Audio: An Explorer with better vocals but doesn't scale as well. Odyssey and Arcadia better for clean and bass sound.
• Gizaudio Axel:  Great tonality, solid bass impact.  PZT timbre.
• Jaytiss: Nice overall tuning, best thing NiceHack has ever done.
• Shuwa-T:  Balanced frequencies throughout, no standout weaknesses and relatively safe tuning with decent technicalities

Etymotic ER4XR

• Crin: A more mainstream tuning of the ER4S/SR with slightly boosted bass.
• Precogvision: So. Darn. Boring. But yes, it's the BA benchmark.
• Drew / Audionotions: Three words. Detail. Boring. Intrusive. Previously Owned

Moondrop Kato

• Jays Audio: Good detail, clarity, and imaging, but can sound thin. Similar tuning as Hana, but I found Hana to have better note-weight and bass.
• Jaytiss: For $200, I'd probably recomend other iems. But it's solid.
• Precogvision: A slight improvement over the KXXS all-round in the technical department.
• Tim Tuned:  KXXS with better vocals and details
• Shuwa-T: Comment: Moondrop's best "budget" single DD iem.  Solid tuning, backed with surprising clarity that is a step up from the kxxs bunch  Lower mids thin sounding
• Nymz: A bit thin, pillow light bass. Treble and stage could use some more refinement. A tecnical upgrade to Aria.
• Drew / Audionotions: Decent bass, decent mids, vocals presented nicely (tastefully forward), treble is non-fatiguing but a little darker but maybe a bit weird. Sounds a little blunted to my ears. Fit may be an issue for...

PULA Anvil

• Jays Audio: Good low-end impact and slam, but boomy/soft in the bass texture, the BCD has no effect in the low-end, more prominent in the uppermids/treble which can lead to some sharp/graininess/jaggity timbre....
• Gizaudio Axel: The BCD effect is awesome, but may not be for everyone.  Punchy bass, great mid-range texture, immersive soundstage, BCD that works, and excellent resolution.  Could use more sub-bass.
• Jaytiss: Nice set, kinda mellow.