Blessing2:Dusk (1DD+4BA)

For me the point of diminishing returns is the Thieaudio Monarch Mk IV. Of all the IEMs and Headphones I own it is the only ones I use without EQ. I have a pair of DCA E3s that I "can" use without EQ, when necessary, and not find deficient, but I prefer a light EQ curve with a bass boost, that really opens them up. And it is downhill from there. And I have several pair of what many consider "end game". Including HD 800S, HEKU, HEKS, HE6SE, LCD-X, Focal Elex, and others. I pretty much would not use them without EQ. I also have several pair of IEMs, including the Moondrop Variations, Blessing 2 Dusks (I have also owned the original B2) among others. But I am extremely happy with the Mk IV, since I acquired them. Incredible detail, balanced sound and great bass without EQ. They do require tip rolling and some effort getting just right. And I understand they will not fit everyone's ears (sucks to be them), and I assume that the critics have not taken the time to configure properly or they don't fit their ears. I can do an improper setup with them and achieve the sound they "claim" about them. But just a touch more work, and voila: magic. And once setup you only have to put them on and play music. My endgame until such time as the Subtonic Storm becomes available to me...

It looks like a fair option with a lot of output for the money and size. However, the FiiO KA13 has pretty much the same specs for $25 cheaper (along with FiiO build quality and reliability), and the KA15 looks to be a price to performance champ at only $10 more. The reviews (that I have seen thus far) would indicate some issues with the Crinear. But more research should be done before any purchase. Yes, all of the above would power most over ears adequately, with only power hungry options crying for more (think HE6SE or HD 800S). Maybe not excelling like a monster desktop amp, but certainly enjoyable. I have used less powerful DAC/Amps and had satisfactory performance, with even a DCA Noire (a bit power hungry). I have the FiiO QX13, which is a great portable option with a desktop mode of almost 1 watt (900 mw). It is a bit larger than other portable "dongles", and a touch expensive ($220 or $240 depending on finish. but comes with its own case and is small enough to use traveling). Other options either have less power (though smaller) or are bulky and expensive (containing a batter to maintain, as well). Over 600 mw with a desktop mode of 900 mw is enough to power all but the most power hungry headphones well enough to enjoy them. So it can act as both a portable and desktop option. I also have the KA5 & KA3. I do use a (somewhat) pro setup for my desktop (my hobbies include music production, etc.). with an RME ADI2-Pro, Topping A90D and MiniDSP Flex balanced with Neumann studio monitors and sub. Way overkill for your needs, I'd imagine.

For me the point of diminishing returns is the Thieaudio Monarch Mk IV. Of all the IEMs and Headphones I own it is the only ones I use without EQ. I have a pair of DCA E3s that I "can" use without EQ, when necessary, and not find deficient, but I prefer a light EQ curve with a bass boost, that really opens them up. And it is downhill from there. And I have several pair of what many consider "end game". Including HD 800S, HEKU, HEKS, HE6SE, LCD-X, Focal Elex, and others. I pretty much would not use them without EQ. I also have several pair of IEMs, including the Moondrop Variations, Blessing 2 Dusks (I have also owned the original B2) among others. But I am extremely happy with the Mk IV, since I acquired them. Incredible detail, balanced sound and great bass without EQ. They do require tip rolling and some effort getting just right. And I understand they will not fit everyone's ears (sucks to be them), and I assume that the critics have not taken the time to configure properly or they don't fit their ears. I can do an improper setup with them and achieve the sound they "claim" about them. But just a touch more work, and voila: magic. And once setup you only have to put them on and play music. My endgame until such time as the Subtonic Storm becomes available to me...

It looks like a fair option with a lot of output for the money and size. However, the FiiO KA13 has pretty much the same specs for $25 cheaper (along with FiiO build quality and reliability), and the KA15 looks to be a price to performance champ at only $10 more. The reviews (that I have seen thus far) would indicate some issues with the Crinear. But more research should be done before any purchase. Yes, all of the above would power most over ears adequately, with only power hungry options crying for more (think HE6SE or HD 800S). Maybe not excelling like a monster desktop amp, but certainly enjoyable. I have used less powerful DAC/Amps and had satisfactory performance, with even a DCA Noire (a bit power hungry). I have the FiiO QX13, which is a great portable option with a desktop mode of almost 1 watt (900 mw). It is a bit larger than other portable "dongles", and a touch expensive ($220 or $240 depending on finish. but comes with its own case and is small enough to use traveling). Other options either have less power (though smaller) or are bulky and expensive (containing a batter to maintain, as well). Over 600 mw with a desktop mode of 900 mw is enough to power all but the most power hungry headphones well enough to enjoy them. So it can act as both a portable and desktop option. I also have the KA5 & KA3. I do use a (somewhat) pro setup for my desktop (my hobbies include music production, etc.). with an RME ADI2-Pro, Topping A90D and MiniDSP Flex balanced with Neumann studio monitors and sub. Way overkill for your needs, I'd imagine.

Started with the Moondrop Blessing 2 Dusk as a blind buy, found it a bit sharp in the trebles at first. Took my ears months to actually get used to the sound and really hear the details coming from the vocals and some instrumental separations. At first, I didn't really enjoy it, tbh. I was craving for more bass so I bought the Moondrop Variations, and that was what I was looking for but at that time I found the sub bass a bit lacking. Why? Cause I came from the Sony XM3 headphones, that's why. It also took me months to years to actually appreciate the sounds coming from both the Dusk and Variations. To my ears, the Variations sounded like a subwoofer whereas the Dusk sounded like someone was singing right in front of me where the instruments are slightly further away. My ears actually started to ring after the listening sessions so I went and got myself a portable DAC(Qudelix 5k), and the listening sessions were more pleasurable with the right volumes. The Qudelix 5k does make them trebles a bit zingly as well. Overall, it took me months to years for my ears to actually discern the details and appreciate what sounds l actually find fun or analytical to listen. I found out that I did not like the Harman tuning as much as the others when it was well known and loved few years back. I ended up with the Thieaudio Monarch Mk4s now after taking a break at the Variations and the Timeless few years back.

Not entirely sure, but some otherwise good IEMs are just bad for distinguishing direction. Channel matching is certainly one thing, but rarely big enough to be the reason. Not just tuning either it seems. IEMs like B2 Dusk, Timeless and Performer 5 if I remember correctly were rather bad for gaming compared to Zero Red, Vivace or EM6L which are perfectly good. Looping the same gaming recordings with the first ones I struggle hearing directions that already know in advance while with the others it's obvious.

Most aren't. Imo those aren't, but Vivace, Zero Red (far prefer it over Zero Blue) EM6L and some others are practically as good I'd say as headphones (I have AKG Q701 as my main gaming headphones, but have HD800 and others as well). There are personal preference things to consider certainly and I overall prefer the experience of headphones a bit, but could do all my gaming (including Siege where locating sounds probably as important as it gets) with IEMs as well. I see no benefit in spending more than $100ish for IEMs from a gaming perspective though the Dusk are my favourite IEMs and in general highly recommended.

For me the Dusk was the first one to sound open and not like a Harman IE box I was sticking my head into.

Define good bass. For example Dusk doesn't have that much quantity, but the quality is fantastic.

Dusk DSP, Verum Two, FT1, E3. Maybe more correct and balanced than strictly neutral with FT1 especially since it's rather bassy. In general I don't see why closed and open should have a different target for neutral.

I preferred my old Dusk DSP for example.

No, haven't heard those. The tuning felt rather safe and middle of the road so that the bass (lower) on the Dusk felt much more impressive though the mid-bass punch was pretty nice on the MKIV. They were nice and I loved the bass switches, but I didn't spot anything that special. I thought about keeping them and EQing, but with IEMs I'd really appreciate the ready tuning to be good as is.

Mostly neutral perhaps slightly on the brighter side: Hexa, Daybreak, Dusk, Volume S. Generally good ones, but nothing like HD600 for sound: Zero Red, Pure, Explorer, Defiant, MP145, Odyssey.

Tried a few things past the Dusk like Monarch MKIV and haven't preferred any so far.

I hate Harman IE, but love the OE. The "new meta" JM-1 targets (Dusk for example) imo is just unbelievably good compared to almost everything I had heard before (dozens of IEMs), but not quite an allrounder sound since there isn't the mid-bass for metal or overall bass for EDM etc. Lacking just a bit there. Just boosting the bass ruins some of it's magic though. The best allrounder target (for bass enjoying people) I've heard was Oluv's mainstream preset for some EarFun TWS. Worked amazingly for every genre and as much bass as a reasonable person would like. It lacks some of the clarity and openness of Dusk, but from the most audiophile jazz and classical to death metal everything was great and haven't found competition for it since really (I have dozens of IEMs). Need to set it again in the firmware (the app stopped working after a Android update so had to buy al older phone for it) when I have time and measure it on a 711 clone. Oluv's own measurmements don't help much afaik.

XS is crazy value for the $250 open-boxes and with EQ (that most headphones kinda need) compares well to headphones four times the price. It's definitely on a higher level than what most people even in the hobby have, but since IEMs are cheaper and better tuned it's hard to compare. Better tuned stuff you can get for $10 like KZ Libra (balanced) and it can EQ to compete, but if I'm thinking what IEM would I take over an XS as my only IEM/headphone I'd probably go to a Dusk (/Blessing 3). Maybe an Odyssey, MP145 or something might be enough. Timeless as well kinda. The value options for IEMs in general are things like Delci, Hexa, S12, but I would take an HE400se over them quite easily and XS is a clear step up from those. Also, XS is a clear step down from the Anandas especially Ananda Nano and they're comprable to Aryas and I prefer Anandas to Aryas. XS is quite blunted and smoothed over compared to to higher tier ones, but you likely need to AB to notice it.

I normally have a favourite, typically my latest set (but not always). Sometimes i might have a sidegrade and switch between sets but that is rare. One thing that cannot be said enough is how important comfort is. You might have something that performs great but is agony to wear for long periods of time (I’m looking at you B2Dusk!).

Odeyssey is already damn good. I would suggest expanding the budget and going up a tier unless you re-purchase your Odysseys. Honestly I couldn’t find anything that was beating the Odyssey for their price. I lost my Blessing 2 Dusks which I got for around £250 used a few years back. Could not find one on the used market for a reasonable price, tried the Dusks and was not impressed. So, I said fuck it and upgraded to Monarch Mk2 for around £450 (used - I have my ways). Haven’t looked back since. If you want to play around this price range I think Softears Volume S, Hype 4, Annihilator are some great options. I have heard these personally and I really like them. If I did not have Monarch it would probably be one of them.

for gaming check out freash reviews tier list, there are better options in lower and similar price-range for gaming specifically. For music id go with the moondrop dusk as it is more compatible with eq and would say is just a bit of an upgrade to the blessing2:Dusk. im however not treble sensitive at all, and some people have reported unpleasant experiences with the analog version of the moondrop Dusk. I quite liked it but depends on your preferences

for gaming check out freash reviews tier list, there are better options in lower and similar price-range for gaming specifically. For music id go with the moondrop dusk as it is more compatible with eq and would say is just a bit of an upgrade to the blessing2:Dusk. im however not treble sensitive at all, and some people have reported unpleasant experiences with the analog version of the moondrop Dusk. I quite liked it but depends on your preferences

I tried KZ AS10 and DQ6, Blon BL-Mini and A8 Prometheus, Moondrop Kato, B2, B2 Dusk and S8, Softears Studio 4 and TinHiFi T2 Plus. Tin were trash. KZ AS10 was okayish but not really. DQ6 super comfortable, lightweight decent SQ for the price and comfort but nothing crazy. From Kato to B2/Dusk there's a significant step up in SQ. From B2/Dusk to S8 there's an improvement but it's not something crazy. The Blons sound OK, BL-Mini is quite decent in terms of price to performance, A8 are overpriced in terms of SQ but they look amazing. Both are lower in SQ than the Kato. Studio 4 sounds amazing to me, it's a more mid centric sound signature. The S8 has a more spacious sound and has more perceived space between instruments but the S4 is just godly in terms of it's timbre, everything's sounds just right, notes are weighty of I had to describe it somehow, and vocals are on another level altogether. I'll soon hear the RSV MKI. Thus far from this lineup I'd say diminishing returns start at the Blessings, now... The S4 I think is a justifiable step up, the S8 if you have the disposable income yeah, otherwise you spend more and you get more but not that much more. The S4 is cheaper than the S8 and I'd surely recommend the former. I guess it boils down to how much you are willing to spend. There is an improvement in SQ but it's definitely not a linear function, it's evidently logarithmic, just like horsepower in cars. I'm sure though there's plenty of snake oil sets out there. I'm sure if you bought the Hexa or the Nova and compare them with the Kato the latter would feel like a scam. That being said SQ is not the only factor, I have the Blons almost exclusively for how they look. I've met people that were like meh they all sound the same. I think I trust myself as I found the S8 underwhelming compared to the cheaper S4, and I really wanted to like the S8 as they look gorgeous, but I truly believe the S4 are the better pair. And bro, damn... those TinHiFi T2 Plus, 60 bucks? I wouldn't take them for free... Everything sounds like an out of tune banjo with only two strings left played by a crackhead that lost half his fingers.

I tried KZ AS10 and DQ6, Blon BL-Mini and A8 Prometheus, Moondrop Kato, B2, B2 Dusk and S8, Softears Studio 4 and TinHiFi T2 Plus. Tin were trash. KZ AS10 was okayish but not really. DQ6 super comfortable, lightweight decent SQ for the price and comfort but nothing crazy. From Kato to B2/Dusk there's a significant step up in SQ. From B2/Dusk to S8 there's an improvement but it's not something crazy. The Blons sound OK, BL-Mini is quite decent in terms of price to performance, A8 are overpriced in terms of SQ but they look amazing. Both are lower in SQ than the Kato. Studio 4 sounds amazing to me, it's a more mid centric sound signature. The S8 has a more spacious sound and has more perceived space between instruments but the S4 is just godly in terms of it's timbre, everything's sounds just right, notes are weighty of I had to describe it somehow, and vocals are on another level altogether. I'll soon hear the RSV MKI. Thus far from this lineup I'd say diminishing returns start at the Blessings, now... The S4 I think is a justifiable step up, the S8 if you have the disposable income yeah, otherwise you spend more and you get more but not that much more. The S4 is cheaper than the S8 and I'd surely recommend the former. I guess it boils down to how much you are willing to spend. There is an improvement in SQ but it's definitely not a linear function, it's evidently logarithmic, just like horsepower in cars. I'm sure though there's plenty of snake oil sets out there. I'm sure if you bought the Hexa or the Nova and compare them with the Kato the latter would feel like a scam. That being said SQ is not the only factor, I have the Blons almost exclusively for how they look. I've met people that were like meh they all sound the same. I think I trust myself as I found the S8 underwhelming compared to the cheaper S4, and I really wanted to like the S8 as they look gorgeous, but I truly believe the S4 are the better pair. And bro, damn... those TinHiFi T2 Plus, 60 bucks? I wouldn't take them for free... Everything sounds like an out of tune banjo with only two strings left played by a crackhead that lost half his fingers.

I wish there were CanJams in my country, I can't buy every IEM out there xD I'm currently a Softears S4 and OG RSV enjoyer. Plus Blessing 2 and S8. I really like the BA bass believe it or not, as compared to the Blessing and a Fiio FD5 if I remember correctly which is berilium coated. I guess I prefer speed and detail (in the base I mean) rather than slam and quantity.

You can have both on IEMs just buy a BT adapter. Comparing the Chu to Nothing Ear is wild tho, there's a big price gap there. Although it might be just a tuning preference thing as people have said. It still would be more fair to compare the Nothings to let's say Truthear Hexa or Pure. Chu is just a single dynamic right? If you want to put down the money I'd go with a Moondrop Dusk or Mega5EST, both great benchmarks. Dunu has great offerings too same as Aful. But it all depends on how much money you want to spend and really you might hop from one model to another until you find one you really like. I've tried a few and I liked most of them although I've mostly bought in the neutral tuning side of things. If you buy used you can sell at pretty much the same price you spent in the first place which is great to try out different pairs. Idk why people like V shape really, one of my fave IEMs is the Softears Studio 4 which focuses a lot on female vocals and midrange overall, it still has really nice treble and amazing bass (not quantity or thump but detail, speed and texture). RSV have even better bass but the female vocals are a bit less isolated mostly due to the increased midbass presence in that set but in return they are a bit more natural, less harsh, more mellow. Male vocals are better on the RSV tho for sure. I think there's a reason why it's an established public opinion that diminishing returns in this hobby start to kick in in the 300 to 500usd price tag in this hobby. Not to say that there's not noticeable improvements in the 1000 region, but theres not a linear increment in quality in relation to the price, it clearly a logarithmic function.