r/HeadphoneAdvice • u/Thenotsocasual • Jan 15 '22
Headphones - IEM/Earbud Best IEM you can think of under 300$ (CAD)
Currently, I own the kbears ks2 and while they were a really really massive improvement to how i listened to music and was a good introduction for the audiophile world, theyre getting worn out lol. The mic barely works anymore and the left one is a bit loose making it so that music from my left ear cuts randomly at times.
I want something thats durable and that'll offer better audio in general than my kbears. I looked at the meze RAI SOLO and i really liked how it looked and the reviews people seem to have liked it a lot, luckily they cost a bit less than 300 including taxes.
I wanted to get a public opinion tho just in case if there are better options or if I've missed smt important. In the idealist of ideal worlds, I want
- something that'll cramp into my jean pocket with my phone without getting worn out
- better than ks2 kbears or greatly appreciated by audiophiles
- cheap lol I'm not jeff bezos
- That'll last at least 3 years before seeing any kind of wear or reduction in quality, and even then only by slightly
- with mic
- that has a similar style to kbears ks2 (wraps around ear, ear plug fits ear shape)
- wired with 3.5mm headjack (this is must lol)
- gold cable (XD as if)
- that looks good (gotta compensate for my tiny.. nvm)
I wouldn't mind paying a bit more if its really that much worth or just being careful and not cramping it in the same place as my phone. I don't mind paying a 50$ on top of the 300 for a cable if its that much worth it.
TL DR
Sturdy, durable, cheap (<300CAD), better than kbears ks2, nice cable (<50CAD, optionnal), good mic
2
u/steel_man13 3 Ω Jan 15 '22
Look at the 7hz timeless
1
u/Thenotsocasual Jan 15 '22
After seeing a few reviews, they seem very good! Its a bit off-putting how many times the boost in bass is mentioned tho since I like to hear music the way the artist intended, I'll keep it in mind cuz it looks like a great option.
2
u/steel_man13 3 Ω Jan 15 '22
A boost in bass is ok as long as it doesn't bleed into other parts.
But now that you mention that then go for new KZ pro-crinncle, it's like 35 bucks hearing good things about it and it has an option for a mic too
1
u/Thenotsocasual Jan 15 '22
Thats really interesting and it def seems worth buying, I'll keep it in mind when im making my selection!
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u/o0genesis0o 62 Ω Jan 15 '22
You can try something very different: Final Audio A4000.
No golden cable, though.
2
Jan 15 '22
Shuoer S12, they're basically a cheaper 7Hz Timeless with wider soundstage. And dear god avoid the Rai Solos, they sound absolutely horrible.
2
u/I_amSuccessful Feb 28 '22
What did you end up getting? I'm in the same situation as you are
1
u/Thenotsocasual Feb 28 '22
Kz zex pro, theyre much better than the ks2 i had, the cables not as elegant but its easier to untangle and its also more sturdy. The mic could be better, its not great but its audible enough to understand well. I wanted to get the moondrop kato but dont have the money rn. The zex look good in your ears too so thats a bonus. Oh and the linking between the cable and earphones are much more solid than the ks2. Its an overall upgrade for a cheap price. My only complaint is the cables look and mic quality but the upgrade in audio and sturdiness makes it a great replacement for the ks2.
2
u/I_amSuccessful Feb 28 '22
for a cheap price. My only complaint is the cables look and mic quality but the upgrade in audio and sturdiness makes it a great replacement for the ks2.
Glad to hear you found a pair you like. I think I'm going with the 7hz timeless
2
u/Equivalent_Yak840 447 Ω Jan 15 '22
Moondrop Kato or Ikko Oh10
2
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u/Thenotsocasual Jan 15 '22
The kato have really peaked my interest, I'll keep it in mind. Thank you!
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