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.

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

Just played my first band practice with IEM's yesterday. Very basic setup with a mixer--> cable --> headphone amp setup. I do have expensive IEM's already, but only used them for music consumption so far. And guys, i am convinced. My singer is also convinced. I have to say, impact on how good i hear the bass is relatively small, but the advantage for the back in vocals is massive. Certainly also good to hear the higher notes better and overall for more nuanced playing. My point is simple, if you already have a mixer with aux outputs, you can get an IEM setup for very low money. Don't wait! Try it. Here is my setup: Mixer: Allen & Heath ZED-14 (Using Aux outputs) Headphone Amp: Behringer Powerplay P2 IEM's: Moondrop blessing 2 Dusk (Foam tips) Decent IEM's have gotten very affordable. Look at the "KZ" lineup for example, or cheaper Moondrop options. Or jump in to the rabbit hole r/IEM on your own risk. I recommend foam tips for better noise insulation / hearing protection. Some IEM's ship with them some don't. Feel free to ask any questions. I was diving in to the topic of recording and IEM setups quite a bit lately.

Really happy with my mobile setup: Qudelix 5k Moondrop Blessing 2 Dusk With foam tips for maximum noise insulation on public transport. I also use them on the bike when riding home though a dark forrest. I know it's not a good idea, especially in traffic, but with the right soundtrack it's a great experience.

I found that, fortunately, after a blind buy to have it shipped here to Aus during COVID (took 3mths to arrive…), the Moondrop Blessing 2 Dusk indeed lived up to the hype.