Easily the t10 which can be under $50. There are cheaper things I have and like, but nothing that I'd actually feel like I'm actually hearing close to what I'm "supposed to".
Given how much time people spend and how easily so many people spend money, I think it's really easy to justify most ppl to move up to the $80-120 range (explorer, hexa, s08/s12, whatever is suited to them) especially if they don't like t10 bright, way more options that will most likely feel like a well rounded properly equipped kit (if you find the right one for you). If you really use headphones a lot like hrs per day every day, I definitely recommend trying to go up to one of those.
$300, 400 range, pretty justifiable as well, but depends on economic situation. In this jump it's not like "i was blind but now i see". More so that $300 is still reasonable for 1000 hrs of use over the years if there's noticeable improvement. Again, gotta pick the right model, if you told me to take the s08 or a roulette wheel of random $300 sets, i'd just keep the s08.
More than that and you're really getting into the pro, extreme hobby, or pure luxury market, which is great but the average person who doesn't toss around $1k carelessly looking for a utility tool could end before this and re-buy in 5-10 years. There's no BIFL between advancement and possible failure/issues.
ew200 is quite a bright signature. if you like that then i'd go for a more traditional planar like s12 which will give you some of the most detial and separation in the price
s08 is great but could also sound way too mellow in the treble if you liked ew200
name of the game, make sure return policy is good and don't feel bad about buying multiple at the same time to try. my s08 had issues but s12 has been perfect
Letshuoer s08, But only with cheap KZ foam tips, the only tips that work for me on these IEMs, for some reason.
Edit: Because it has a chill sound, I only use it in my free time when I want to relax.
I see, think there's been only one set of planar IEMs that I know the reviewers will use "warm" on...that's the Letshuoer S08. They graph much like the AFUL Explorer...just with slightly less bass.
I still value some of what reviewers will say about a set. I'm less inclined to go with their opinion on sound these days. Listening to different sets, tip rolling and experimenting with EQ... together with referencing various FR graphs helps me understand what a set sounds like TO ME.
Simgot EW300 is great and so is the Letshuoer S08. I'll share what I wrote about it somewhere else.
>I've tested both the Simgot EW300s and Letshuoer S08s in person, along with many other units that were more expensive. I'm also pretty new to the IEM scene and I bought my first pair this past summer. Both units sounded very similar to me. I'm not familiar with all the terminology, so I'll describe them the best I can.
>They both had decent 3D effects with clarity. I liked being able to hear distinction between the instruments andthe vocals. One of the things I looked for was the "It" factor when listening to the drop/chorus in Spectrum by Zedd. I suppose this might be the fabled "eargasm", but it basically feels like my heart dropping from striking the right chord. Both units were capable of that "It" factor. Both have solid, metal builds (EW300 is heavier than S08), and I didn't experience sibilence (harsh hissing sound) from either. I get sick of treble easily (treble sensitive?), and I felt that I was more likely to get annoyed by the EW300 than the S08, so I chose the S08. **I think you can't go wrong with either the EW300 nor the S08.**
EW300 is a tad heavier than S08, but they're both made of metal and feel sturdy. I'm super happy with my S08s.
I tried out the EW300 at a store and it was one of my final two before I ended up choosing the S08. EW300 is a solid choice! I chose the S08 over the EW300 because it emphasized the treble less, and I saw myself getting tired of the treble after long listening sessions. For what it's worth, I listen to rock, dubstep, and pop.
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