Monarch MK2.
I don't usually listen to it because it gets uncomfortable pretty quickly. However when I do, everything sounds so good.
Even while playing games, the crunchiness of footsteps makes me feel the goosebumps.
Only recently got back into the game, but tried a variety of new releases besides the current gen peak-fi stuff.
Would say something like the Yu9 Que or Hercules Audio Noah are easily there.
They're both resolving enough to easily compete with IEMs at double the price or more like the Monarch Mk2. While from personal experience I feel that he Monarch is just a tinge better at soundstage and timbre, the Que and Noah aren't far behind. In fact, they're very very VERY close.
Hence for just 400USD, I'd say they set both the new benchmark for the price-range, and also are the new lowest price-point for endgame technicalities.
I was just thinking that it was interesting that ASMR doesn't get brought up on r/iems much. My recommendation is the dunu Braindance or a used Mest series. I have the Mest mkIII and it's perfect for comfort when falling asleep to ASMR, but a little out of budget. The Braindance is a little less spacious but is still comfortable for me.
IEMs I've also tried for ASMR include:
* Empire Ears Raven (too big but very nice rumble feeling)
* Mega5EST (comfortable but not as spacious)
* Thieaudio Monarch MK2 (too big)
* Galaxy buds 3 pro (not nearly loud enough)
2wcp
