Pro (2nd generation)

If I need ANC on the go, I use my APP2s, which sound good and the ANC is top-notch. If I need ANC at the office or whatever and can run it off a PC, I just PEQ my old WH1000XM3s to sound decent, though their stock tuning is ass. Passive isolation isn't really a substitute for ANC, as it does nothing for low-frequency rumble. The new Senny HDB 630's seem to be getting a lot of hype, and they have PEQ built in, but I haven't got my hands on them yet.

Open backs do not give bass slam at all. Closed backs is the choice for bass slam. As for iems Thieaudio Hype 4 slams a lot harder than Ap2pros.

It’s weird isn’t it. I got the EW300s a few weeks ago and I immediately wanted to upgrade and read through a ton of posts here.  I think it’s because years and years ago I had the original wired apple earbuds, then I got M-Audio IE10s and was blown away by the clarity. Then I got shure se215s, then I got into KZ buds like a decade ago, then shure 425s and finally AirPods Pro. I’ve had those for like 6 years or whatever and when I got the simgots recently I remembered just how much detail music could have. And the fact that they are less than a third of what my shures cost made me think well if $80 gets me this good of sound, what does $300 get me??  I love the imaging and separation of the EW300s and I really want even more

Ziigaat Odyssey = quality on the road Truthear zero blue2 = when im driving Multiple 20$ = for fun or for bad sources like plane monitor AirPods Pro = when i need anc/want to look more discrete Over ear Headphones = home use

so I recently bought the kiwi ears belle and I like it for the price but it sounds kind of flat and ive just had a much better time on my app2 but I recently started learning sounds profiles and decided I enjoy balanced/bright sounding iems the most but mainly just a balanced all rounder and I just wanted help with some options for my price range and sound profiles

Returning my Kiwi Ears Astrals — looking for recommendations, all genres Just got the Kiwi Ears Astrals and they're not for me. The treble peaks are way too spicy for my ears and the sub-bass dominance makes everything feel muddy — especially noticeable with electronic music. I also own a pair of APP2s and honestly found them more balanced out of the box, which surprised me. For context on why I started looking in the first place: my main headphones are a tuned pair of HD 800s that I really love, but I wanted a second option with a bit more fun and bass presence — something that feels more lively and engaging as an alternative when I don't want that more analytical sound. The Astrals seemed like a good candidate on paper but ended up going too far in the wrong direction for me. I was originally eyeing the IE 600s but after reading more impressions (and some folks saying they're similarly peaky to the Astrals), I'm second-guessing myself. About my listening habits: \- I listen to a wide variety of genres — EDM, rock, classical, acoustic, everything \- I want something versatile that handles all of them well \- I'm sensitive to sharp treble peaks but still want detail and clarity \- I'd prefer more balanced or tastefully warm rather than heavily V-shaped — fun but not bloated On comfort: the Astrals weren't terrible to wear but nothing special either. I'd love something I can do long listening sessions in without fatigue — both sonically and physically. Lighter shells, a good nozzle angle, and tips that don't require a PhD to get a seal would all be a plus. If anyone has recommendations that are particularly ergonomic I'd love to hear it. No strict budget — just point me in the right direction and I'll figure it out. What would you recommend? Looking for that sweet spot of fun and musical without sacrificing too much detail, balance and comfort.

Thankyou so much for this advice really appreciate the feedback. For me the astrals for 300 bucks were disappointing granted I have a pair of hd800s like I stated so I’m not exactly setting the bar low. But for 300 dollars i expected them to blow my app2s out of the water which they did not imo. Will definitely take a look at these.

I’m ‘old’ but I’ve used everything from free iPhone headphones to $3k+ iems. Here is what I’ve learned: 1. When your brain is off and you’re doom scrolling or reading, quality of the sound almost doesn’t matter. 2. When you’re listening to music deeply, anything in the $200+ range is probably fine. I currently own A12Ts customs, etymotic er4xr with custom fittings, airpod pro most recents, momentum 4s, Bose qc II, probably a few other randoms. I stopped chasing after getting the a12t. I listen to more stuff on my AirPods more than anything - they are fine on quality, great noise cancellation and portable. Momentum 4 get the next most use at home. Biggest thing - custom shells or fittings. Second biggest thing - listen to music stop chasing tech