
7Hz
7Hz x Crinacle Zero:2
Budget gaming pick, but poor cables and polarizing bass.

Running these analyses costs money. Buy through my links to help keep lights on! I may get a small commission.
Well, I found a few and my top contenders right now are: 1. Mega5est Bass+ 2. Thieaudio Hype 4 The Hype 4 is considerably cheaper than the Mega5 but also has a narrower soundstage and lesser bass (I never thought so before I tried the Mega5EST Bass+). It does have more emphasized treble though which makes it more exciting at times when listening to EDM and electronic music though where it exaggerates the treble a bit. It's also not as open sounding at the Mega5EST. I just recently got the Mega5EST Bass+ and I chose this over the Mega5EST because I know I like bass and because it was on sale for the same price as the original, non bass boosted version. The Mega5EST sounds A LOT CLOSER to headphones or speakers than any other IEMs I've tried so far. One difference between it and the Hype 4 is that the Hype 4 sound more 'in your head' than the Mega5. Listening to the Mega5EST sounds like you're not wearing IEMs at all, like your ears have windows and they're open. They also don't over emphasize the treble and you can't hear any sizzling sparkles at the top end. I think they are a lot easier to tolerate for long listening periods because they're super chill sounding and everything sounds more relaxed like you are in a room and listening to speakers instead of IEMs. No harsh treble even in the most treble rich music. Also, the bass quantity and quality on these are amazing! Not quite Hifiman Edition XS level but close. The bass can get too boomy at times though. Conclusion: I think the Mega5EST Bass+ along with the Qudelix T71 with 7.1 surround sound virtualization take the crown for me. I'm a bit sad because I just got the Hype 4s. Oh well, the Hype 4s are a close second and I will probably use them for electronic music more but honestly, the Mega5EST Bass+ do a splendid job with electronic as well because of the phenomenal bass and overall 'open' and natural feeling sound. You could check out this audio demo of the Hype 4 vs Mega5EST to get an idea about the difference: https://youtu.be/oxo_pR7D7MY. The Bass+ has significantly more bass though.
Tsmr armor has worse treble, while mega5est bass+ is side grade that cost more and has less subbass and same level of midbass
200 ish : TSMR Armor, Dunu Koto Ito, Ziigaat Doscinco, 7hz Diablo ... 700 ish (+/- 100) : TSMR X Anniversary, Penon Archangel, Fatfreq Scarlet Mini, Thieaudio Origin, Mega5est bass+ ... I'm probably overlooking a few
Thanks so much for your reply, we certainly meet again. It makes sense what you say, and yes the comparisons we made were just as you say. Did you end up picking up a set of anything in the 11.11 sale? I ended up buying the Mega7 which I receive tomorrow. I like Hiseniors ethic and they seem to have put a lot into the iem, although I am expecting a reference tuning. The Mega5est Bass+ I've gotten a little more used too, tip rolling helped somewhat and the divinus velvet are what's working best, also removing the metal gunk/fluff filters (unfortunate to not have the protection) to help more treble and detail come through unimpeded. I also raised the 4k region another dB or two. I'm starting to wonder if maybe est drivers for highs are just too smooth and subtle for me. That's why the DD+BA of the Mega7 will be interesting. If that fails to satisfy then most likely it will be Archangel next. Keep me posted on your moves
Will get Mega5est Bass+
What's your feeling on bone conduction? So far I've avoided iem that feature BC Been moving the armor you recommended. Just got the Mega5est Bass+ yesterday. They are very good, but I still love the Armor, such value for the price. I'm still interested in trying Penon EST80 and Aful Dawn-X. But I'm just not sure if they will be any better so probably not worth it.
Thanks for the heads up, I do like decent bass and punch but of a quality level along with the other important frequencies. Hmm, Mega5est Bass+ vs the Armor, it's hard to say. The Armor is just so enjoyable you just sink into the sound and enjoy the music. It's so enjoyable it's hard to notice what it might be lacking. The Mega5bass also is enjoyable but more balanced, it doesn't do anything wrong and plays everything well. What it does better than the Armor is soundstage, it's definetly more layered and allows sounds to have their own space, quite impressive really, and as a headphone guy it's nice to know an IEM can achieve competent soundstage. The only thing that stands out which could be improved is I would like the vocals to be a little more forward, but not by much. I haven't done a full back to back a/b test yet. I want to use the Mega5est for a week to fully get used to their sound. Oh, I'd probably also say that the Armor vocals and timbre of sound seems a little more "real" but that may be part of how lush and warm it is. The Mega5est being a bit more high end and technical probably gives up some of that timbre and lushness to be more accurate. This hobbie seems to be finding that sweet spot of compromise for the sound you like, it seems you can't have it all. Probably more things they have in common than differences. Both non fatiguing. The fit for my ears of the Mega5est is perfect, Armor stems are a little short so I don't get as good fit as I do with the Mega5est which has slightly longer stems, enough that it allows me to insert the iem to a depth that suits. Very similar if not the same treble performance, which is to say typical est that gives clarity without sibilance or harshness. Really love them both and have found the sound signature I would base my other purchases on. That probably goes for the driver setup too, something tribrid to allow each technology of the driver to play to its strengths. I'd be interested in a set that also includes bone conduction, but I'm hesitant to spend money on that with the chance if doesn't work for me.
Mega7 beat my Mega5est Bass+ and Archangel much to my disappointments. Expensive hobby finding what works for you
Definitely try Hisenior Mega5est (i like Bass version more)
They are sold on AliExpress though. And I don't know the model, that would be much cheaper than its rivals with common drivers. I compare price range $500-800. Would be grateful if you will point me on something value interesting. I own Mega5est and wait for Tangzu Xuanwu Gate to come
Pay extra and get Hisenior Mega5est Bass! They are worthy every penny - exceptional iems!
Mega5est any day of the week!! https://preview.redd.it/ndgtfd8w2f5g1.png?width=1440&format=png&auto=webp&s=a85f2b934bd951affdfebfc4621321e0b007f3b3
What are legendary iems?? Please share 🥺🙏 About 1k. I purchased Monarch MK3 not long ago, and already selling them. I just couldn't believe, that they asked 1k for that muffled bass and sibilant highs without good definition. My Mega5est and Tangzu Gate outperformed them.
For my preference I would try and find used Hisenior Mega5est any time of the day. It is very pleasant set, musical, non fatiguing, yet detailed.
Everything that I heard about Mega7 as well as graphs, tells me, that it will lack bass punch and texture for me, and subbass extension.
This is Hisenior Mega5est Bass with Yongse Stormrise cable.
I've bought Mega Bass used for $350 and cable on sale for $35.
These iem have best tonal tuning for me! They should take it, add some ESTs for highs, maybe add a little bit of subbass and sell it for a 1k+. For the context : I own also Mega5est, Tangzu Xuanwu Gate and Aful Dawn-X!
Myth is great. Makes me to listen more, analyse less! But it took me some time to get used to the V shape sound. I preferred smoother, more linear iems before: like Mega5est and Aful Dawn-X. https://preview.redd.it/scw89o6spwyg1.jpeg?width=1540&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5d492732ad85de75a2be43825955436e6814ce87
I think Myth is more versatile among those two, not the most versatile on the market though. In Dawn-X bass was to smooth for me. If it was faster, keeping it's layers and texture, I would have endgamed there). Bass on Myth is the best, I've heard. But there's pleeeenty of it. Have to get used to. The mids sounded quieter immediately after Aful. And highs are sparkly, plenty of them, but never fatiguing or sibilant. Mids are very detailed though, so your ears and brain readjust for lower volume fast, collecting more information. At the end Myth is the most engaging iems. As I already mentioned, I just began to listen to music more, and analyse less.
$200 - Ziigaat Odyssey OG $500 - Hisenior Mega5est Bass $1000 - Mysticraft Myth Other iems that I owned for the context: - Punch Audio Martilo - Bad - Hisenior Mega5est - Good - Tangzu Xuanwu Gate - Excellent - Monarch MK3 - Bad - Aful Dawn-X - Good
$200 - Ziigaat Odyssey OG $500 - Hisenior Mega5est Bass $1000 - Mysticraft Myth Other iems that I owned for the context: - Punch Audio Martilo - Bad - Hisenior Mega5est - Good - Tangzu Xuanwu Gate - Excellent - Monarch MK3 - Bad - Aful Dawn-X - Good
Not sure about Mega7, though.
I'm afraid them to be too bright and thin, as graphs and some real life feedback say: they are significantly lower on mid bass, than Mega5est. The later were balancing on the edge of lacking some punch and texture for me, but always stay pleasant with overall balance. https://preview.redd.it/wfrj75yhpi2g1.png?width=2400&format=png&auto=webp&s=87a7b352276a1c7521ec4216cabdb603b2295a04
After my experience in buying low - and medium IEM, I have settled on my end-game out of box tuned amazing IEM that kicks the crap out of much higher end IEM that I have tried and will not justify spending the money on. Anything over $1k is just stupid money tossing out the window. I have had sub kilo IEM that did not impress me at all. The set I got are in my name, and the tuning is insane on these, and they are ridiculously multi genre amazing. Hisenior Mega7, $449 and I have never seen Hisenior ever go on sale for good reason. They price them as they should be. I have tested their Mega5EST, and Mega5EST Bass+ and the Mega7 is the better of them both. If you want a higher bass shelf, EQ a little. It's the next gen of their line-up and insane. Don't let the Squig.Lijnk fool you.
After my experience in buying low - and medium IEM, I have settled on my end-game out of box tuned amazing IEM that kicks the crap out of much higher end IEM that I have tried and will not justify spending the money on. Anything over $1k is just stupid money tossing out the window. I have had sub kilo IEM that did not impress me at all. The set I got are in my name, and the tuning is insane on these, and they are ridiculously multi genre amazing. Hisenior Mega7, $449 and I have never seen Hisenior ever go on sale for good reason. They price them as they should be. I have tested their Mega5EST, and Mega5EST Bass+ and the Mega7 is the better of them both. If you want a higher bass shelf, EQ a little. It's the next gen of their line-up and insane. Don't let the Squig.Lijnk fool you.

7Hz
7Hz x Crinacle Zero:2
Budget gaming pick, but poor cables and polarizing bass.

AFUL
Explorer
All-day comfort, warm sound, but lacks clarity and detail.

KEFINE
Klean
Budget gaming, but harsh treble and moisture issues.

TANCHJIM
Bunny
Unique app EQ customization, but odd connector port design.

ARTTI
T10
Detailed sound, great value, but fit issues for some.

Ranked #1
Kiwi Ears - Astral

Ranked #1
Simgot - EM6L

Ranked #1
Drop + Etymotic - ER2XR

Ranked #1
KZ - Castor Pro (Harman Target with Improved Bass Version)

Ranked #1
KZ - Castor Pro (Harman Target with Improved Bass Version)

Ranked #1
DUNU - Kima 2