PULA - PA02

Had a couple of people DM me asking for some recommendations on anything good to look at during the Prime Deal Days. So instead of copying and pasting the same text a bunch of times. Figured I would just make a post, and farm some of those fake internet points, so I can tell my imaginary friends people on the internet think I'm cool. So, couple things first, NONE of these product links are affiliate links. I am no ones bitch. No one pays me to say this. All recommendations I make, are on products I OWN! I am not graph sniffing and guessing. Same as above applies...I dont get free shit. So this is LITERALLY my money doing the talking. Biggest thing to remember is this...DONT BUY INTO FOMO!!! You DONT need new IEM's! OK?! Buy within your means! Dont see a sales sticker and think its a good deal. A LOT of products on Amazon jump in price, only to be put on "sale". Always double check an Amazon price tracking site to make sure its an actual good deal, and not just some marketing bullshit. Hell, they had a 20% off "Flash Sale" on the Astral when the sale started. The flash sale ended, and an hour later, it was $24% off. How many people got suckered into the Flash Sale, and didnt even realize they could have saved an extra $15? Answer: Too Many. The best rule when buying is this: if it isn't discounted 20% or more. It's not a deal. 10-15% coupons and deals happen ALL YEAR ROUND! So dont get suckered in by a big red SALE tag, and click buy. Look at the discount percentage. Under 20%, shit. Over 20%, is probably a good buy, but remember to double check that price tracker first to make sure it isnt a swindle. And last but not least, and this goes back to the FOMO, there are still a BUNCH of sales to come before the end of the year. Prime Day, 11/11, Black Friday, Boxing Day, etc. etc. So there will be PLENTY more opportunities to buy things later this year for as good, nearly as good, or maybe even better prices. So dont feel like you will miss out. There will always be another sale. There may be some gems out there, but dont panic buy. With all that said...lets get to it. ----- Easily the biggest deal on Amazon right now, **Kiwi Ears Astral - 24% off - $227.24** https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F37H5F71/ Simply put, its the best IEM value at under $250. Period. I would say its 95% of the Tea Pro. A slightly more bright/neutral option to the Tea Pros warm/neutral presentation. The Tea Pro does extract a little more texture and nuance, but at this price, you are talking about a $130 difference. Its also a more neutral and tonality to something like the Hype2, which can come off almost feeling V Shaped, with its more authoritative bass impact. Overall, the Astral is a great set. This is the lowest price its ever been. Absolute quality set for people who like a variety of music. https://audioamigo.squig.link/?share=Kiwi_Ears_Astral,Xenns_Mangird_Tea_Pro,Thieaudio_Hype_2 ----- Second best deal, IMHO, **Pula PA02 - 32% off - $128.52** Want a AFUL Performer 5? Cant afford $175? Well, this is your answer. The PA02 trades blows with the performer 5, and i kinda like the P5 more than the P5+2. The PA02 has a little more sub bass emphasis, and extends a little further than the P5 as well. Which makes it a nice option right in between the P5 and P5+2. The musicality and warmth of the P5, with the airiness of the P5+2, but without the all resin nozzles, or the micro planar glare some people dont like on the P5+2. Honestly, this is an absolute steal of an IEM for this price. Im tempted to buy another pair, because...damn, under $150 for this kind of performance is crazy. Yes, the cable could be better. Yes the tips could be more premium. But for this price. Who cares. You will have plenty left over if you want to upgrade later. https://atechreviews.squig.link/?share=Harman_2019_Target,PULA_PA02,AFUL_Performer_5 ----- At the lowest price i have seen it in a while, **ZiiGaat Odyssey - 25% off - $171.75** https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DHZ755GD/ The Odyssey really doesnt need an introduction or an explanation. Its a softened interpretation of the JM-1 "meta tune", and pulls down the upper mids, and softens up the sub bass a little, and rolls off the treble past 15k. Its gives a much more balanced tonality than the KE4, with less sub bass slam, and that makes for fuller feeling mids. Again, great all arounder for any genre of music. One of the better sets under $200. https://audioamigo.squig.link/?share=Ziigaat_Odyssey,Kiwi_Ears_KE4 ----- Honorable Mention goes to the ** ZiiGaat x Hangout.Audio: Odyssey 2 - 20% Off - $199.20** https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FLK2NRPY/ This is a borderline deal for me, and normally i wouldnt include it. But this set is new enough that to be on ANY sale, is a bargain. To be on a 20% off sale, almost unheard of. This is a great set at $200. Metal shell. Great modular cable. Excellent tips selection. And a quality carrying case. This is even MORE "meta tuning" than the Odyssey. But if you thought that the Crinear Daybreak had too much upper mids, and was too vocal forward. Or the Odyssey or KE4 had too much treble extension, but not enough vocal presence, than this would be a perfect choice for you. And with the all metal shell, it should hold up well long term as well. https://atechreviews.squig.link/?share=ZiiGaat_x_Hangout_Audio_Odyssey_2,ZiiGaat_Odyssey,CrinEar_Daybreak,Kiwi_Ears_KE4 ----- Many peoples best IEM of 2024 **AFUL Performer 5+2 - 20% - 191.99** Again, another IEM that needs little introduction. Much beloved by everyone. Amazing detail and texture, easy on the ears (some people do find the upper treble extension from the micro planars a little bright, be warned), hard to find better technicalities and detail retrieval under $200. AFUL has a very unique approach to tuning that i find super refreshing, and doesnt really adhere to any target curve but their own. Great vocal emphasis, tight bass presentation. Can place most any genre well. Superb fit and finish. Great cable. The only downside is the tips, and thats because of the smooth resin nozzle. I much prefer the Spinfint W1 on the 5+2, not only do i think they sound better, but they fit snug on the nozzle. At this price, adding the W1 is easy to stomach. The P5+2 hasnt gone on sale but a couple of times. Usually only 10-15%. Cant talk about the P5+2 without its older brother **AFUL Performer 5 - 20% off - $175.99** Often unfairly overshadowed by the 5+2, the Performer 5 is, to me, the more musical of the Performer series. It is not quite as exacting as the P5+2 in the technicalities. And the bass is not near as tactile as the double DD 5+2, but that slightly slower bass response makes the bass feel just that little but more rich and creamy. It also brings the vocals a little more forward by having a slightly higher upper mids rise in the Pina Gain region, and the treble carries a more flatter that the P5, but not quite as far. So you lose some of that air and sparkle, for a little more presence, and playfulness. And the comfort...top notch. One of the easiest sets to disappear in my ears. Like the 5+2, highly recommend some SpinFits. CP145 pairs well with the P5, along with the W1 and Neo. Likewise, you can just buy the PA02, because it is just too good of a deal. My ears like the P5 better. $35 better??? That's tough. https://audioamigo.squig.link/?share=AFUL_Performer_5,AFUL_Performer_7 ----- **ZiiGaat Lush - ~20% off - 136.04/143.20** (Depending on colorway) This is a super flat, super neutral IEM, with jsut enough tweak upwards at either end to make things a little mroe lively. Very much Meta Tuned, but a very reserved approach top it. Great for studio monitoring, and mixing. If bigger V or U shaped sets arent your thing. This is a good alternative. Much better than the graphs would have you believe. https://audioamigo.squig.link/?share=Ziigaat_Odyssey,Ziigaat_Lush ----- Honorable Mention goes to the **DUNU X Koto Ito - 20% off - $171.99** Full disclosure, I DO NOT OWN the Ito, but i have spent some time listening to it. And I think its the best basshead IEM under $200. If the price point of the Punch Audio Martillo is a little steep, this is a fantastic alternative. I think it gets about 80% of the way to the Martillo. Obviously it isnt as resolving, or as tactful int he bass. But it offers a level of competency at this price point that little else can in the basshead segment. It does well with vocals, balances sound in an engaging V shaped presentation, and was an impressive surprise. Like the Odyssey 2, 10% off for an IEM this new is almost unheard of. Which makes it a great deal. https://atechreviews.squig.link/?share=DUNU_x_KOTO_ITO,Punch_Audio_Martilo ----- If you love your Bunny, but want something better, **Tanchjim Fission - 20% off - $103.99** This is a fantastic set for $100. If you have the Bunny, but want more of everything, this is it. Amazing driver, comes with a modular cable, and plenty of tips and tuning accessories (maybe too many). The most important inclusion in the set, however, is the USB adapter on the modular cable, that you can connect to the Tanchjim App to get full DSP functionality with. Giving you a ton of tuning options and preferences. This is basically an Origin for $100, with DSP. Great build quality, great looking IEM. https://atechreviews.squig.link/?share=Harman_2019_Target,Tanchjim_Fission_(Nozzle_S_Switch_Default),Tanchjim_Fission_DSP_(Popular),Tanchjim_Origin_Nozzle_L ----- Just pretend it doesnt have Zeos face on it, **Juzear Defiant - 20% off - $79.99** How do you make the best IEM at $100 better? You make it less than $100. Great all arounder. Fantastic sound signature. A set that is right at home with something like the PA02 tonality wise. Obviously the PA02 has better quality drivers in it, and does a much better job at bass tactility, and overall detail. But for $80...a freaking STEAL! Absolute banger of a first IEM. Only downside is that the cable, while nice, does not wear well (it gets plasticy), and the BA configuration can cause some pressure build up. Some people have it worse than others with this set. I am sensitive to pressure build up, and id didnt bother me too much. But some people hate it. https://atechreviews.squig.link/?share=Harman_2019_Target,PULA_PA02,Juzear_x_Z_Reviews_Defiant ----- **Tangzu Xuan Nv - 20% off - $63.20** This is such a rad little set. Dual DD. Warm tuning. Good vocal representation. Soft DD treble presentation with no harshness. Great air and extension. Comes with a nice set of Tang Sencai Wide Bore and Standard tips. Overall a fantastic little IEM with a cool design, that i think gets overlooked way too much as a first time buyers IEM. And a nice upgrade for someone coming from the Wan'er. At $60, i think it represents a good value. I would buy this over the EW300, any day. https://audioamigo.squig.link/?share=Tangzu_x_HBB_Xuan_Nv,Simgot_EW300_STD_Gold,Tangzu_Wan_Er_S.G. ----- And now for something you have likely NEVER heard of **Jialai Carat - 50% Off Coupon - $29.99** (after coupon at checkout) This is a cool ass little IEM. 10mm Titanium metalized DLC diaphragm. All metal CNC shell. Super small! If you have tiny ears, this will fit. Guaranteed. Good little accessories package and tip selection. Cable isnt bad either. So what the hell is a "Jialai"...no idea. But they are a sub brand of NiceHCK, and this is their first IEM release under the brand name. I think this IEM is actually worth every penny of a $50 price tag. I think it is a FANTASTIC alternative to the Kefine Klean, and is actually better built, and has a better driver. I dont expect this IEM to stick around long term. I feel like it might go the way of Soratune, because it jsut never got off the ground in terms of market recognition. But I'm telling you about it, and for $30...what have you got to lose? https://cqtek.squig.link/?share=JIALAI_Carat,Kefine_Klean_Silver ----- Some non-IEM things... **AZLA SendaEarFit Crystal - 20% off - $25.60** https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09B78F5C1/ These come onsale only a couple times a year. Great matte liquid silicone ear tips. One of my favorites. Lots of other AZLA tips are onsla,e so be sure to click around. **Kiwi Ears Flex Tips - 30% Off - $10.49** https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CXXC8BQ3/ This is a soft silicone ear tip, with a flex joint barrel like a SpinFit. Great for IEM's like the KE4 or Astral that like a deeper fit, and have a little treble zing at the top. These help to tame that a bit, and unlike the Spinfits, these can get a deep fit without really gripping onto your inner ear, and the flex joint angles them nicely into your ear canal. Its a shape these tips dont get more praise. They are fantastic. And this price makes them accessable enough to be worth trying. ----- And finally, i wanted to end on a "Deal not a deal" like i was talking about above. The Ziigaat Luna. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F99M49W8/ This IEM is labeled at "25% off" at $285. And it shows the MSRP of $379. The Luna has never sold for 379 on the street. Its been between $325, and $350. So, at best, youre only looking at 15% off of actual street pricing for the IEM, which isnt fantastic. Yes it is the first time it has been below $300. Which is great. But its not the best deal you could get, despite what they are trying to sell you. And this is where the price checkers really come in handy. Hope this helped some of you find some deals. And if anyone else finds something they think is of good value, post it up for everyone else to see. And remember, you dont need it jsut because its there. Shop smart people.

Pula PA02. It sounds great with all the music I like and the price was acceptable. Moondrop May is also very good for its price and convenience but I keep going back to the Pula when I really want to do nothing else but listen to music.

PULA PA02. It hits the sweet spot for me in terms of price and performance and looks and sound signature.

IEMs cables can be swapped to many other 3rd party cables no matter if( 2 pin 0.78mm or 0.75mm) S pin/QDC or MMCX Or others I have adapters for my Sennheiser ie200 ie600 that allows 2 pin 0.78mm cable to be used with them. TBH all my IEMs use different cables and different tips than what they came with as my own preference. Tips are very important for the sound of IEMs to get a proper seal in your ears. The tips and seal can make a huge difference between each person using the IEMs the better the seal the better the sound. Watch YT review Audio monk is a good iem and dap reviewer Gizaudio is another Super reviews is also ok The DUNU titan X looks good dual drivers metal shell 37 $ AliExpress YT review... https://youtu.be/JMjY45C6a0I Cheaper single Dynamic driver IEMs would be the TRN Conch to dip your toes in the water decent quality for cheap price also a lot of extras included for the QDC cable. I got mine for 13usd from AliExpress You just need to try a few different IEMs and pick up a few different types of cheaper IEMs to find what you like driver and tuning wise. More mids more treble or lower Along with a selection of IEMs tips to get the best seal you can the seal can help make IEMs sing So you find your preferred sound profile of IEMs I started with a couple of cheap kz IEMs like the Castor bass edition IEMs Then I tried a few TRN IEMs TRN Conch IEMs TRN crinnical zero red IEMs good bass Attri T10 planar IEM planar Planar only driver IEMs is too peaky to many ears For me it's fatigue which gives me a headache after a short while micro planar as part of a multi driver setup in IEMs can give great details retrieval combined with Dynamic driver and BA drivers. Everyone is different to what tunings or drivers they like prefer or what their own ears can stand. Planar can give a fast punchy pace with fast bass, high treble more detail retrieval. But so can a combo of Dynamic driver & BAs combos. Then i tried some more expensive multi driver IEMs some can be found cheaper in sales. I don't think I paid full price for any IEMs after the zero reds due to sales or discount codes from AliExpress and it's games login daily to build up coins that give money off once you have items in basket. For a good bass the QOA Adonis new IEMs I really like They are great also have nice details for instrumental music. EPZ P50 IEMs = Crystal clear sound. Awful performer 5+2 great alrounder good details good bass. Shanling Me600 are a warmer IEM to my ears like old 70s fuller warmer speakers and Amps metal shells gives nice bass and details. PULA PA02 IEMs to me gives fast punchy sound great alrounder as well Sennheiser ie200 tape modded f With memory foam tips good for acoustics MTV unplugged music Sennheiser ie600 better sound than the ie200 but for the price I think some of the ones above do sound better but the fitting cannot be beaten these can sit in your ears all day night with zero discomfort at all. But are pricey for a single 7mm Dynamic driver. Cables Lots of cheap decent OCC cables to be had for cheap. Yongse makes some cheap but decent quality IEMs cables depending on if you want a braided thin or thicker cable in different materials terminations. Most expensive cable I own are DUNU hulk IEMs cables can buy in either MMCX or 2Pin and have a modular connection so can swap terminations to type C 2.5mm 3.tmm 3.5mm pro or 4.4mm. I buy from AliExpress during sales discounts and wait for a week or more sometimes Because it's much cheaper if you're buying during a sale. You can look up the connection of your IEMs type and then buy in 3.5mm or 4.4 some cables have switchable plugs For 3.5mm to 4.4mm. So you can swap over from 3.5mm to 4.4mm. depending on what you are hooking them into Sometimes the manufacturers can make the IEMs and offer them in different connections MMCX or 2Pin 0.78mm You can pick which IEMs sound profile you prefer Then look for alternative cables and tips The QDC/ S pin connections tends to be the Cheaper IEMs mostly like KZ offerings. They sell a lot bectthey are cheaper than most but quality control can be a little off from set to set. Whilst other manufacturers Of the more expensive IEMs tend to use either 0.78mm 2 Pin Or MMCX or both As it's terminations into IEMs anything usually over 30 or 40 USD tends to use MMCX or 0.78mm. It is all trial and error for IEM sound profile Or watch a lot of reviews on YT to get a feel for what they say about said IEMs A single Dynamic driver can produce some great sound alone So not always the need to jump up to multi driver IEMs with BAs (balanced armatures) Or planar magnetic drivers or micro planar drivers which can range from a few USD to hundreds depending on it's manufacturer the coating used or tunings until you find your preferred sound profile. I would start with YouTube and watch a few reviews look up what sound profile you are wanting from your IEMs. Using IEMs on stage you may just want a neutral plain sound profile Whereas most music listeners many enjoy a more fun engaging sound that performers do not want whilst performing

pula pa02 is a great option

- Xuan NV (neutral to warm): cleaner on the midbass than Wan'er, slightly less warm but retain same vocal forwardness feels - Defiant (U-shaped) : less punchy midbass than Wan'er but way more bassy on subbass. vocal slightly recessed behind its bass and treble - PA02 (U-shaped) : I feel it's similar to Defiant but the vocal is more relaxed and with more treble energy up top If you go with Xuan NV i definitely recommend to buy a dac/amp dongle to drive it, as it's a bit hard to drive with smartphone

pula pa02 in my opinion should be good for you. But it wont scale as good as explorer.

I received mine yesterday and sincerely I am pretty impressed, In a good way. I have read something about the problems, but so far I like it. They are beautiful and sounds amazing. Specially electronic music. Love the bass and the warm sound. That's what I was missing. Having the simgot ea500 lm and I was a bit disappointed with the sound. Love the bass on pula's and the clean sound when using my hiby r4. Happy so far

The only thing I don't like it's the cable. But I'm now using the simgot ea500 lm cable and its a nice upgrade

how were you se215? i got pula pa02 and im not going to lie these are fire. I had to buy a dac for them since the xlr doesn’t have enough frequency to support em

Yes. Something like the Pula PA02 (QC issues aside) or Aful Explorer are miles ahead in sound quality than any of the sub $25 IEMs. I personally believe the best $:performance is in the $200-$350 range. Sets below that can still sound good, or even great. But always lack just enough to usually make you want more. But once you start hitting that $400+ mark, you really start to hit the diminishing returns.

(amongst the iems have I owned) s tier: kiwi ears ke 4 and truthear hexa a+ tier: Ikko OH10, Pula PA02, Shuoer s12 pro, Sennheiser ie200, Kefine Delci, Dunu Titan S OG a tier: Dunu Titan s2, Tanchjim One, pre revision CCA CRA+ A- tier: Binary Chopin, Tangzu Waner Studio, KZ PR2 pre revision, Tripowin Olina SE B+ tier: Kiwi Ears Quintet, Tangzu Xuan Ji, Simgot EW 200, Truthear Gate and Hola, Tangzu Wan'er SG B tier: Moondrop Chu 2 and OG, KZ EDA Balanced, Kiwi Ears Quartet, Moondrop Aria Snow, FiiO Jade Audio JH3, Tripowin Lea B- tier: 7hz zero OG, Truthear Zero Blue, Whizzer BS1 C tier: KZ CRN D tier: Moondrop Quarks honorable mentions: Koss KSC75 in A minus, Porta Pro in B, Moondrop Space Travel in B-, Galaxy Buds Plus and 2 in A minus along with Airpods Pro Gen 1, and Galaxy Buds 2 Pro in A plus.