Mangird Tea Pro 2DD+6BA

Not really, the pro is actually worse for technical ability, hense why as an example, fresh reviews has it lower than even the OG tea pro, he reviews based on games with directional queues, so it really emphasizes technical ability and layering. Had the OG Top, Tea pro, Top pro, and monarch MK4, and long story short, the top pro is the WORST of the bunch.

At the end of the day, the hobby is entirely subjective I agree, but that doesn’t change the fact that the original top is more superior in tech, due to that bass presence. The top pro was just an overly hyped IEM with an even cheaper build than the tea pro. That’s why they were really hard to get at first and now you see them on AVexchange every other day. All I’m saying is don’t recommend something that is the exact same with a different flavor when there are much better complementary sets if OP is going for vocals, monarch MK2 is one such set, ziigaat Luna, super nova, mystic 8. And with no offense, I’m not sure how many kilobuck sets you have tried, but no matter how smooth the top pro seems it is tuned with warmth in odd places on its frequency, and will still get beat in overall smoothness, coherency and enjoyment by something like the Rockies simply because of ESTs. OP asked for an upgrade, not a side grade.

If you can afford the MKIV, it is truly amazing, metal shell, tuning switches that make it a very close MKII tuning or a MK3-LTD. If not that I would say the tea pro or odyssey 2 for less bass, I personally regret and truly hated the top pro, I loved the vocals but there was in fact some weird warm. And the 3D shell IMHO was a downgrade from resin builds, felt like I could crush it. Could be a pro for you if you really hate the weight of IEMs. The RSV MKII looks nice and graphs amazing but for a 5BA set, 700$ seems a little much tbh. Dawn X looks great, but the only thing to consider is if you care about bass it definitely is more balanced or reference tuning, so is the MKIV but has 2 options if you ever want to tone it up or down. PLUS, it doesn’t have a lip on the nozzle so tips could get stuck in your ear every now and then. I'll end by saying that the MKIV is basically a better top pro, with rumble off it graphs almost identical, and has ESTs. Top pro has a very noticable mid bass scoop and thats what most reviewers dislike when they say it doesnt have enough bass. If you want something more affordable than the MKIV while being like the top pro I would look at the NiceHCK Rockies, for the same 500$ you get more for your money (BUT doesn't have a lot of bass, tea pro would be the better alternative).

Haha, I mean I would say 700$ is pretty much “on the higher end” for the majority of people. Which is why as the other person mentioned, companies need to push each other, 5 drivers for 700$ is too much. When it comes to 500$+ driver count and namely branded driver count is one of the bigger determining factors, no one said it’s the single biggest. The RSV mk2 is a 4 way crossover (crossovers also matter) but more times than not, the quantity of branded drivers kinda impacts the technical abilities, you can’t replace pure displacement. I would say the mega5 with the sonion ESTs (well know brand), should more times than not, be better at separation and imaging.

Astrals are Amazing for music and gaming! You can get Tea Pro (non SE) for about equal amount or abit more, those will be even better for fps gaming and on par in musicality give or take (abit different but very good sound for sure, se is the best of all Xenns for music if you listen to all genre, but they don’t do gaming too well for the same reasons why Top Pro do not) So yes Astrals if they are over 30-40$ cheaper than Tea pro! (Both should be on sales time to time so check both - they are nearing end game and best IEM under 300$ for your use case - same as me and I have Tipsy M3, astral, top pro!)

Tea pro feel more premium because it is aluminium. My question to you - would like to show off you cnc IEM to friends or enjoy WEIGHTLESS feel of Top Pro, 0 ear tension and weight hanging out of your ear canals? So yes top pro is hollow resin, and I’m happy about it. Tea pro feel so heavy after top pro that it is hard to go back to them. I have dropped mine on a floor a few time, no issues. Top pro is not a tank like tea pro, they are fine acoustic instrument. Tea pro only get an edge by a tiny amount over top pro in how coherent low end is, but you will not notice it unless you really listen to both back and forth for some time, ao don’t stress. Vocals, treble, air, technical abilities and even mids are all better on top pro than tea pro DaVinci is just meh it sounds low res low quality compared to top pro - completely lacking in air and technicals (not worth the money at all there are so many better sets for same price, like Astrals and even Crescent would be better by a lot) Performer 8 is not even in competition, lower mids / lows are bad. Bass is mediocre. Treble and technicals are good, but what’s the point if everything else is not on par. — Actually I would also disregard tea pros and get Astrals if this is $ limit! Otherwise top pro! Astrals are better or at least equal to tea pro in every aspect, but they might sound peaky to you (due to your sensitivity - if it is in air region and not 6-7k region, most sibilance is not actually caused by peaks above 10k, but rather by peaks 3-7k region!) So my final conclusion for you would be: - got 450-500$ get top pro and never look at another IEM for long time, if you don’t step on your IEM… - out of budget, than find some where / some one who may be sells and can let you listen Astrals (they are better than tea pro man, or equal depending on your ear, so over all more consistent high result = safer buy at great price tag!) - if you REALLY can not get astral to listen to before buying than … buy Astrals I’m 99% sure your “sibilance sensitivity” comes from type of music you listen to + quality of recording + previously lower grade headphones most likely, so I don’t think Astrals will sound harsh at any point to you 👍🙂 (other wise save money and get top pro those do AMAZING on metal and hip hop or any genre because they never actually become harsh / sibilant while having good amount of bass and amazing mids and treble)

Most of the people in this sub aren't avid collectors. If you want to buy one set you should get a new meta set. ALL GOOD IEMS CAN BE GOOD GAMING IEMS I hate the new wave of affiliate link selling YouTubers sending people here to "wallhack" or whatever. No offense lol They are all roughly the same and designed to sound natural. They essentially elevated bass but not sicko mode Flat mids for accurate tonality Smoothed treble to reduce fatigue A little bit of air in the ultra highs. You can eq them with a decent dac later like a Fiio btr15 or q5k But I would buy one meta set. Daybreak at 170 is a new banger Volume s is slammy and fun and has 2 modes. 299 Davinci is the least technical but good and bassy 5+2 was the overall best for the price at 200-250 Hype4 was my least favorite and was 399 Juzear defiant is the budget option at 100 The tea pro is legendary and warmer and used by many gamers even though it is a bit warmer/musical than a lot of its competitors (350 I think) Kiwi ears astral are a bit pricey but also super popular specifically for all around performance but sold quite a bit by the "gaming iem" crowd.

I'd go tea pro, safest option tuning wise and exceptional reputation for its sound

How *I* Rank My IEMs (and Headphones): Best-in-Class by Price and Use Case ## My **Personal** IEM Tier List (with reasoning, specs & use cases) Figured I’d share how I’ve ranked the IEMs (and a few headphones) in my collection. These are **not** ranked by raw technical performance. Instead, I ranked them by **best-in-class for their price and use case** — what I reach for in real-world listening; these are just *my* opinions. > **Note**: Specs have been corrected after third-party review. A few values are estimates where official data was missing (especially for DSP-based IEMs). Feedback welcome. --- ### **Rank 1a – Hifiman HE1000 Stealth** - **Price**: $1,399 - **Drivers**: Planar Magnetic - **Impedance**: 32Ω *(unverified)* - **Sensitivity**: 93 dB/mW *(unverified)*, 108 dB/Vrms *(estimated)* - **Freq Response**: 8Hz–65kHz *(unverified)* - **Why**: My overall best headphone. Expansive stage, technical mastery, and refinement. - [Link](https://store.hifiman.com/index.php/he1000-stealth-magnet-version.html) --- ### **Rank 1b – Thieaudio Valhalla (CIEM)** - **Price**: $2,200 - **Drivers**: 19BA - **Impedance**: 9Ω *(unverified)* - **Sensitivity**: 103 dB/mW *(unverified)*, ~112.5 dB/Vrms *(estimated)* - **Freq Response**: 10Hz–44kHz - **Why**: Overall best IEM. Forensic detail, expansive stage, CIEM fit. Endgame for analytic listening. - [Link](https://www.thieaudio.com/products/thieaudio-valhalla) --- ### **Rank 2 – Thieaudio Prestige LTD** - **Price**: $1,299 - **Drivers**: 1DD + 4BA + 4EST - **Impedance**: 22Ω - **Sensitivity**: 99 dB/mW, **115.6 dB/Vrms** *(recalculated)* - **Freq Response**: 20Hz–20kHz *(unverified)* - **Why**: Refined tribrid with excellent resolution and smooth tuning. - [Link](https://www.thieaudio.com/products/thieaudio-prestige-ltd) --- ### **Rank 3 – Hisenior Mega5EST** - **Price**: $549 - **Drivers**: 1DD + 2BA + 2EST - **Impedance**: 25Ω - **Sensitivity**: **100 dB/mW** *(corrected)*, **116.0 dB/Vrms** *(recalculated)* - **Freq Response**: 10Hz–50kHz - **Why**: Smooth and airy with that EST treble sheen. - [Link](https://www.hisenior-iem.com/products/mega5est-hybrid-iem) --- ### **Rank 4 – Dunu DK3001BD** - **Price**: $499 - **Drivers**: 1DD + 4BA + 4 Planar - **Impedance**: 26Ω - **Sensitivity**: 108 dB/mW, **122.0 dB/Vrms** *(official)* - **Freq Response**: 5Hz–40kHz - **Why**: Crisp and detailed. Unique tribrid stack with strong technicals. - [Link](https://www.dunu-topsound.com/product-page/dk3001bd) --- ### **Rank 5a – Aune SR7000 (Closed-Back Headphone)** - **Price**: $599 - **Drivers**: Dynamic (MLD) - **Impedance**: 55Ω - **Sensitivity**: 106 dB/mW *(unverified)*, ~123.4 dB/Vrms *(estimated)* - **Freq Response**: 5Hz–44.5kHz - **Why**: Best closed-back I own. Balanced and natural. - [Link](https://www.aune-store.com/en/aune-sr-7000-high-res-headphone_110211_1252/) --- ### **Rank 5b – Hifiman Edition XS (Open-Back Headphone)** - **Price**: $380 - **Drivers**: Planar Magnetic - **Impedance**: 18Ω *(unverified)* - **Sensitivity**: 92 dB/mW *(unverified)*, 104.6 dB/Vrms *(estimated)* - **Freq Response**: 8Hz–50kHz *(unverified)* - **Why**: Massive soundstage, excellent value in open-backs. - [Link](https://store.hifiman.com/index.php/edition-xs.html) --- ### **Rank 5c – Xenns Tea Pro** - **Price**: $339 - **Drivers**: **2DD + 6BA** *(corrected)* - **Impedance**: 13Ω - **Sensitivity**: 104 dB/mW, **122.9 dB/Vrms** *(recalculated)* - **Freq Response**: 20Hz–22kHz - **Why**: Smooth and musical. Despite spec confusion, still enjoyable. - [Link](https://shenzhenaudio.com/products/xenns-mangird-tea-pro) --- ### **Rank 6 – Simgot ET142** - **Price**: $220 - **Drivers**: 12.5mm Planar + PZT - **Impedance**: 14Ω - **Sensitivity**: 106.5 dB/mW *(derived)*, **118 dB/Vrms** *(official)* - **Freq Response**: 8Hz–40kHz - **Why**: Unique design with tuning nozzle system and solid tech. - [Link](https://www.linsoul.com/products/simgot-et142) --- ### **Rank 7–17 – Budget & Specialty Picks** **Niche roles, convenience use, or just plain fun:** - **Letshuoer S12 Pro** ($169) 14.8mm Planar — 16Ω *(assumed)*, 102 dB/mW *(assumed)*, **120.0 dB/Vrms** *(recalculated)* [Link](https://letshuoer.net/products/letshuoer-s12-pro-magnetic-planar-earphones-hi-fi-planar-in-ear-monitors-for-audiopiles-and-music-lovers) - **FiiO FT1** ($149) 60mm Dynamic — 32Ω, 105 dB/mW, **120.0 dB/Vrms** *(recalculated)* [Link](https://headphones.com/products/fiio-ft1-headphones) - **AFUL Explorer** ($120) 1DD + 2BA — 26Ω, 108 dB/mW, **123.9 dB/Vrms** [Link](https://afulaudio.com/products/aful-explorer) - **Letshuoer S08** ($119) Planar Magnetic — 26Ω, 105 dB/mW, **120.9 dB/Vrms** [Link](https://letshuoer.net/products/letshuoer-s08-fourth-generation-in-ear-monitor-earphone-for-audiophiles-musicians-studio) - **Artti T10** ($79) Planar Magnetic — 16.5Ω, 84.8 dB/mW, **102.6 dB/Vrms** [Link](https://artti.cn/products/artti-t10-huge-planar-headphones-wired-in-ear-monitors-hifi-earphones) - **Kiwi Ears Cadenza** ($35) 10mm Beryllium DD — 32Ω, 110 dB/mW, **125.0 dB/Vrms** [Link](https://kiwiears.com/products/kiwi-ears-cadenza) - **Moondrop Chu II DSP** ($25) DSP-only — 18Ω, 106.4 dB/mW *(assumed)*, **123.9 dB/Vrms** *(recalculated)* [Link](https://moondroplab.com/en/products/chu-ii) - **Truthear Gate** ($19) 10mm DD — 28Ω, 108 dB/mW, **123.5 dB/Vrms** *(user value was incorrect at 93.5)* [Link](https://shenzhenaudio.com/products/truthear-gate-dynamic-driver-hifi-in-ear-monitors) - **ND Planet** ($18) 12mm LCP DD — 32Ω, 97.9 dB/mW, **112.9 dB/Vrms** [Link](https://www.linsoul.com/products/nd-planet) - **Qudelix T71 IEM** ($229) 1DD + 3BA, DSP — ~12Ω *(assumed)*, ~105 dB/mW *(assumed)*, **124.2 dB/Vrms** *(recalculated)* [Link](https://www.qudelix.com/products/t71-iem) - **Koss Porta Pro** ($40) On-ear Dynamic — 60Ω, 101 dB/mW, **113.2 dB/Vrms** [Link](https://koss.com/products/porta-pro) - **Qudelix BalPods Open** ($29) 14.3mm Earbuds — 150Ω, 103 dB/mW, **111.2 dB/Vrms** [Link](https://www.qudelix.com/products/balpods-open-type) --- ## Final Notes - This list is **contextual**, not absolute. Rankings reflect real-world use, not just raw specs. - I’ve corrected spec errors and recalculated all dB/Vrms values using verified formulas and sources where possible. - Some models (especially DSP-based or low-profile budget sets) still rely on estimated or assumed specs. Corrections, additions, and debate welcome. Thanks to those who caught errors — this hobby’s better when we all help keep things accurate.

Tea Pro is the best! I haven't tried the others, but I absolutely love mine. I bought a big lot of IEMs, to try some different stuff. Big ones included, Dunu 142, Juzear Harrier, EPZ 530 and more. Nothing sounded better than the Tea Pro, in my opinion

Not SE. I haven't tried the top pro or the SE. I think I like a bit of spicy treble. Also a good amount of bass, so I might not be the best person to ask. I think bass and treble are of nice quantity and quality. I actually added more air, wth MSEB, on my Hiby R4

I think I'll be happy with my Tea Pros for a long time. Coming from my Quatios, which were 1/5 of the price, I now see the diminishing returns people are talking about after the $100-200 price bracket. I still think the Tea Pros are amazing, but I can't imagine spending even more to get incremental improvements

I had the Doscinco's for a little bit and I enjoyed them quite a bit. Great balance of rumble, but still being clear and articulate. Only sold them, because I downsized. I also own the Tea Pros, which I love. Not sure what your used market is like, but I found my set for $250 CAD, so pennies for USD. Lol

Kefine Quatios are awesome. Good detail and good bass, without breaking the bank. $129 ish I think? Cheaper on Ali I am currently using the Tea Pros with my R4, non EVA. They sound amazing. I've sold all my other IEMs and only own them

Damn, I was torn between the exact same three. I ended up with the tea pro. Didnt know how ti decide but chatgpt suggested tea pro based on my preference. Which is basically had to be technical, great for all genres and gaming and also not very bright, and most importantly, being a premium experience overall.

I just ordered it 3 days ago. excited for it. and yes, im talking about the non-SE version. and i didnt hear that the bass is overbearing, but rather great and textured.

Here is a solution I do not see. Also great for comfort and big heads. No mic though but for the money, you could add a stand alone mic. -Mangrid Tea Pro (the original not SE) -Fiio K11 amp/dac -Elgato wave 3 mic or other usb mic. I love the tea pro. YOU WILL HEAR EVERYTHING. This is the way.

Another note. I switched from Arctis nova pro to this IEM setup and the Steelseries aren’t even on the same planet. Steelseries=muffled, hearing noise through ear muffs Tea Pro= clarity you didn’t even know existed. They are also great for music.

Tea Pro IEM and Fiio K11 DAC is what ai use and it’s amazing. Especially for FPS games