ULTIMATE Diminishing Returns Guide (for Audiophiles)

Full IEM Ranking List: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
IEM UPGRADE GUIDE (for those in too deep): docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
IEM Database (shared): mmagtech.squig.link/
Vocal Ranking List: docs.google.com/document/d/1Z...
Test Playlist (actual testing is done with lossless/flac - playlist is only used for sharing): • VIVIDICI_111 Test List
Music used:
Coffee Jazz
• No Copyright | Calm Ja...
B-roll used:
• Bokeh Sparkling Points...
0:00 Methodology
1:00 Under $25
1:30 Under $55
2:05 Under $90
3:05 Under $150
3:47 Under $250
4:05 Under $350
4:22 Under $600
4:42 Under $1000
4:56 Between $1000 to $2000
5:19 Over $2000+
5:42 Endgame Recommendations

Пікірлер: 241

  • @timpecker2527
    @timpecker25275 ай бұрын

    One thing people don't understand is that something can be relatively overpriced but still good value to you. I was at a group headphone meet where I bought a Susvara after trying headphones costing 5 to 6 times less than it. Why? Because I'm an orchestra violinist. I know from experience that many factors go into the production of the violin note. The Pattern, the Arching, the choice of Wood, the Woodworking, the Varnish, and any final adjustments. The trick to understand is *that all of those factors play the same note* , but the presentation of the note is only accurate if *all of those factors are articulated simultaneously* . All well-tuned headphones will play the note, but the Susvara was the only headphone that replicated the reproduction of that note with all of the factors that change the surface effect and geometric spreading of sound waves. There are a lot more for a violin and all instruments have their factors, all of which get compounded on top of each other. So 1000's of acoustic factors need to be accounted for a song to sound real to a trained ear. *Something can only be overpriced if what it can accomplish can be one for less money. The fact is all headphones in the $1k to $2k range couldn't be for *my requirements* , ergo my enjoyment of the Susvara was infinitely more than those headphones, so the price only being a factor of what I could afford. I would be wasting my money paying anything that wasn't the Susvara or equivalent. Was the difference between them huge? Absolutely not. Is the Susvara overpriced relatively speaking? No question. But think about it this way. If 20 factors went into how well something was reproduced, the ayra would be a 9.5, and the susvara would be a 10. But that's 20 9.5's compared to 20 10's. All those 0.5's added together is what makes the difference for me between an instrument sounding real or not, and there are far me than 20 factors that are present in a song. The Ayra, LCD X, focal clear, hd 800s couldn't replicate *all* those factors, the Susvara did. If you wanted something to be worth its price in an absolute sense, anything that isn't free air fight buds would be *objectively overpriced* . Thats That argument is irrefutable no matter what.

  • @Jaawaudio

    @Jaawaudio

    5 ай бұрын

    Great comment, thanks for the insight!

  • @zaq9339

    @zaq9339

    5 ай бұрын

    Whoa surface factor, geometric spreading of waves😲 The susvara should come with some certificate that states it's the only headphone that can accurately reproduce violin sounds so people don't miss it Ps what track did you hear these wonderful things on?

  • @timpecker2527

    @timpecker2527

    5 ай бұрын

    Damn, you can't edit your comment when it's pinned. KZread has baked out of their minds.

  • @zaq9339

    @zaq9339

    5 ай бұрын

    @@timpecker2527 np, just tell me some records you've been listening on those. Production is equally if not more important than the replay so I'm curious to know what sounds good on those according to a pro musician.

  • @timpecker2527

    @timpecker2527

    5 ай бұрын

    I keep getting notifications for comments I can't view either. There are 3 of them, and I can't see any of them.

  • @lazyreuvin
    @lazyreuvin5 ай бұрын

    Personally, I jumped from cheap to mid tier iem's like the Hexa, OH10's, and Kato's and went straight to a pair of Thieaudio Monarch Mk3's. I figured the amount of time and money I spent searching and chasing my perfect sound, I might as well go all out and pick up a pair of iem's which are pretty much end game and hard to beat...

  • @miaomiaochan

    @miaomiaochan

    2 ай бұрын

    Pretty much what I've done. With how expensive the hobby could be, I feel that having a small number of IEMs (including one "end-game") and many different tips and cables will give me more than I could ever realistically need.

  • @Undead.Musicphile
    @Undead.Musicphile5 ай бұрын

    I've been waiting eons for someone to do a video like this. Much props.👊👍

  • @samuelchan3920
    @samuelchan39205 ай бұрын

    More often than not, it's than 5-10% that is the most noticeable, and makes a world of difference.

  • @jameskegen6812
    @jameskegen68125 ай бұрын

    The iceberg of acoustic principles is exactly that. If you see only the top, then you're never going to understand why someone would pay more for a product that "reproduces" the same note. There are 100's of factors that go into how a song sounds. It's the relative completeness that some people require from their music. This doesn't mean lesser headphones can't reproduce the song. A hd600 will do it wonderfully, but not completely. No headphone can, but for some that threshold is high because they are trained to hear it. Its simply a waste of money if you pay for a product that doesn't do what you want regardless of its objective value proposition. The best objective value proposition is to have no headphones at all, or ones you get for free on flights sometimes. That the only objective argument that can be made, everything else is based on enjoyment.

  • @Deadricklord
    @Deadricklord5 ай бұрын

    Another great video. What many don't understand with diminishing returns is what 10% actually means to some people. I own the hype 4 (thanks for the only good review on the iem so far jayy, i really needed it when deciding) and the gap between this and my already very lifelike phoenixcall was extremely noticeable. Now if you were to ask me if i would spend another $600-1100 to get the monarch mk3 or crimson, absolutely. This hobby is something i really enjoy and music is my only practical source of entertainment when im on the bus rides and walking around my campus in between classes. I had my mom A/B test the phoenixcall and hype 4, she's a complete novice when it comes to audio but she likened the hype 4 to a live orchestra and said the phoenixcall sounded cheap in comparison. My point being that 10% is the difference between an iem that sounds great, and an iem that sounds lifelike, and possibly more than lifelike as you go up into the $1000 territory. If you could see 90% of the mona lisa but those smaller details, that 10% is missing it would be no different from any other painting. The difference between my cheaper sets and my hype 4 is that my hype 4 truly takes me to a different space entirely and it's like im experiencing the sound in person in an entirely different room from the one im in. I was the biggest skeptic before but now i truly believe this is better value than going through chifi hell in the $100-200 range.

  • @prince5922

    @prince5922

    2 ай бұрын

    I am buying the hype 4 after reading this comment, I hope you don't work for theaudio but you got me sold xD

  • @Deadricklord

    @Deadricklord

    2 ай бұрын

    @@prince5922 enjoy brother hahahaha I don't strictly endorse the hype 4 but it is an amazing set, consider other options in the price range, the technicalities are just great enough to set the experience apart from just experiencing good sound.

  • @Audio_Revelations

    @Audio_Revelations

    22 күн бұрын

    I have Hype 4 um mest mk2 and when i listened to the sony ier z1r which surprisingly fits snug in my ear so there's good seal it sounds peaky in the upper treble though the bass decay is slow which i love but overall the Hype 4 sounded more natural with the proper dap like the sony Walkman the decay can reach the level of the Z1R and sounds even better than the Z1R to me yes even sony own dap and sony iem

  • @richardblaauwgeers4349
    @richardblaauwgeers43495 ай бұрын

    I was waiting for this! I also want to add that tips do make the difference sometimes. I only use dunu s&s lately. This is the tip to beat!

  • @giannisapostolopoulos9217
    @giannisapostolopoulos92175 ай бұрын

    Hey Jay, thanks for the words of wisdom! Another important factor though is personnal to each of us and it is the iem cost as percentage of our disposable income.

  • @blitz6167
    @blitz61675 ай бұрын

    This is some great content , love the idea and the execution .

  • @jayyaudio

    @jayyaudio

    5 ай бұрын

    Thank you man

  • @gren1977
    @gren19774 ай бұрын

    Love this format. Do try not to rush through it though :D I feel breathless even just listening to you haha.

  • @h1a8
    @h1a84 ай бұрын

    I think you should do a video on the hype 4 vs Monarch mk3 where average person blind test both to see which one they like (and to see if they hear a sound improvement). My theory is that most people can't discern higher audio quality from the mk3 over the hype 4. Or when going from the best under 500 to 1000 and over This is will be powerful video in convincing many that they don't need to spend a lot money to have 100% satisfaction

  • @Audio_Revelations

    @Audio_Revelations

    22 күн бұрын

    I have Hype 4 and the difference that's noticeable when compared to Monarch mk3 is the extended treble and more articulation especially on busier tracks where there are many instruments playing like orchestral tracks with the mk3 there's clearly separation you can distinguish between many instruments while on the Hype 4 it is clear but some instruments just get mixed together but for the average person the Hype 4 would be more than enough but for an audio nerdist who wants the best detail retrieval of course the mk3 is worth the money I'm getting empire ears raven soon

  • @drnightair
    @drnightair4 ай бұрын

    This is a great overview. Thank you !

  • @tagrwood8486
    @tagrwood84865 ай бұрын

    This is the video i was waiting for as a newbie! Thank you!

  • @jayyaudio

    @jayyaudio

    5 ай бұрын

    Np, Glad it was helpful

  • @tagrwood8486

    @tagrwood8486

    5 ай бұрын

    @@jayyaudio If i may ask, I got the kiwi melody and i love this iem. I would like to buy a differently tuned iem in the same price bracket to see what's out there...what would you recommend?

  • @newkym
    @newkym5 ай бұрын

    Asked for a hot take and seems like I got one! I f I had to answer to someone who I don't have any info about, I think I would provide an answer you gave. Then again, it is not an easy matter as once one can describe the specific need that can provide satisfaction, the boundaries starts to wobble a bit. Usually I tend to advice the curious newcomers to get one that the person can live with within a reasonable budget and keep on trying to find expressions for explaining personal need as well as trying various stuff and keep on logging if possible. If one can live with 60/100, there is no need to feel nervous about anything. If not, it is not a bad thing to spend some more, with concrete reasons not impulse.

  • @brandondsouza3700
    @brandondsouza37005 ай бұрын

    Thank you for making such videos, it really helps!

  • @jayyaudio

    @jayyaudio

    5 ай бұрын

    Anytime

  • @Jaytiss
    @Jaytiss5 ай бұрын

    Great Content! I love this.

  • @enjoshi-godrez8775
    @enjoshi-godrez87755 ай бұрын

    Diminishing returns ultimately don't work because the outcome is subjective no matter what. If you paid $X to see 80% of a painting but paid 5x times that to see 95%, though Diminishing returns did occur, if you only enjoy the painting BECAUSE its 95% viewable, then its simply irrelevant that it cost that much more. Its the fact you can pay NO LESS to get that experiences is what matters. It doesn't matter how good value something is as a percentile if it doesn't reach YOUR threshold to be able to enjoy it, then its no value to you.

  • @LateBandwagon

    @LateBandwagon

    5 ай бұрын

    Too much words. ME NO BUY IEM WHEN ME ALREADY HAVE IEM I ENJOY

  • @jayyaudio

    @jayyaudio

    5 ай бұрын

    Not really the same analogy, but I understand where you’re going

  • @Silverjerk

    @Silverjerk

    5 ай бұрын

    Diminishing returns aren’t an absolute measurement, it is a relative one. Jay isn’t claiming his guide is what you should follow, only that it represents his individual experience. The law of diminishing returns will still apply to you; it’s inescapable. If you subjectively “deny” it has an impact, you’re only asserting that you lack discernment and/or the ability to properly measure performance, even as it relates to your own tastes. So yes, it does work; where it begins to affect you on an individual level, however, is for you to decide. In other words, subjectivity has absolutely zero impact on whether or not there is an outcome; the variable in the equation is you and your personal tastes, but diminishing returns will impact you no matter how defiantly you fight against it.

  • @enjoshi-godrez8775

    @enjoshi-godrez8775

    5 ай бұрын

    @jayyaudio I think it is. Detail really just is the ability for the driver to pick up smaller and smaller amplitude changes of under and overtones. If the driver can't stop before the amplitude charges, then it smears the two, and you no longer get any change. That is, in effect, losing information, much like the painting.

  • @enjoshi-godrez8775

    @enjoshi-godrez8775

    5 ай бұрын

    @@Silverjerk the only thing that matters is if that experience can be required for less, which is its absolute value. But what the experience is determines how much you pay, not its relative value. Never its relative value, which is what diminishing returns provide.

  • @prince5922
    @prince59222 ай бұрын

    Please don't ever stop making content Jay, you are rare gem.

  • @jayyaudio

    @jayyaudio

    2 ай бұрын

    thank you!

  • @nurmbms90
    @nurmbms905 ай бұрын

    I've heard subtonic storm . Definitely better than 100% to me. Far more technical than U12T, resolving capability is really up there with speaker-like experience with top tier detail, resolution, staging, imaging and timbre quality.

  • @siraccool03
    @siraccool035 ай бұрын

    suppa efforts ur putting in! 🙏😇

  • @markmangion5700
    @markmangion57005 ай бұрын

    Nice review really well explained - so if I understood correctly the best price to % ratio would be the simgot 500LM. After that the law of diminishing returns starts kicking in gradually and increasing exponentially as price goes higher. Im just speaking from a casual listener viewpoint of course - people who are musicians will have different priorities to mine and that is understandable.

  • @SpacedOutDoonie
    @SpacedOutDoonie5 ай бұрын

    This was dope. Is the EA500LM better than the EM6L (or would you recommend the LM over the 6L?) cuz I still wanna get the EM6L one day. I just got the Rhapsody for only $35 the other day and theyre solid. 2DD+4BA

  • @jayyaudio

    @jayyaudio

    5 ай бұрын

    Thanks man I'd grab the EA500LM, it has better bass texture, and with the red nozzle it's less bright than the 6L

  • @johankwok
    @johankwok18 күн бұрын

    Enjoying the vids! I have a question. I got the 500LM and have been eyeing the hype 4. What would be the biggest differences that makes the hype 4 sound better, if the techs are almost as good (6:54)? Soundstage, for example?

  • @jayyaudio

    @jayyaudio

    18 күн бұрын

    Bass texture and smoothness, soundstage a big wider

  • @ari-athbadminton0301
    @ari-athbadminton03015 ай бұрын

    How do you compare 500LM to the Performer5 (i have a 2nd hand deal for it at 130euros) ? They are both going for a warm presentation and I loved the P5 for its fun bass tuning despite its congested treble.

  • @jayyaudio

    @jayyaudio

    5 ай бұрын

    LM better on all fronts

  • @hassanalrubai7378
    @hassanalrubai73785 ай бұрын

    BTW jay do you have any tips for comfortabiliy for the melody i feel pain and discomfort in my earcanal after few hours of wearing even with aftermarket tips

  • @jayyaudio

    @jayyaudio

    5 ай бұрын

    seems like an anatomy thing idk sorry man

  • @jefryions5657
    @jefryions56575 ай бұрын

    Sorry to tell you jay, but it keeps going beyond the u12t in terms of technical reach. Stuff like the subtomic storm and KSE1200 are quite noticeably more detailed than it. I would say the u12t and cadenza are about 92 to 94%. There are still improvements to be had.

  • @jayyaudio

    @jayyaudio

    5 ай бұрын

    Of course, these are just compared to the IEMs I’ve heard, but I’ll be able to hear the Storm soon

  • @salgymbro7624
    @salgymbro76245 ай бұрын

    Nice, I'm already saving for the ea500lm.

  • @paulosilva8200
    @paulosilva82005 ай бұрын

    Yep I agree. Like everything in life , if you say double does not mean you get twice the value. Agreed

  • @zenboy2000
    @zenboy20005 ай бұрын

    Some great insights.

  • @GodsDragoon
    @GodsDragoon5 ай бұрын

    I got my S12 last year and it is still blowing me away, hopefully something cool comes out this year in the sub $500 bracket that can be a worthwhile upgrade for it :)

  • @jamesbush2720

    @jamesbush2720

    5 ай бұрын

    Similar situation here. I got my S12Pro in April and they should PHENOMENAL to me!!! But I want to know if the Hype 4 at $400 would a substantial upgrade. I THINK so but haven't got confirmation yet.

  • @adi.dudedo
    @adi.dudedo5 ай бұрын

    Thanks Jay! now i'm preordering ea500lm instead of hype2 😉

  • @marumaru5480
    @marumaru54805 ай бұрын

    That's very helpful, i have no haste, i like to see new IEMs coming out. I will eventually settle for the 350-400 endgame in future, especially during sales.

  • @tednicholson9225

    @tednicholson9225

    5 ай бұрын

    Then you'll go to $1000 and so on. You're not immune to the myth of end game.

  • @marumaru5480

    @marumaru5480

    5 ай бұрын

    @@tednicholson9225 True, there's always something more "endgame", but that's the maximum budget i can allocate, so I'm trying to find a good compromise lol

  • @exactom6320
    @exactom63205 ай бұрын

    Good video! I wish it was easier to demo sets that would have saved me some cash. I have the performer 8 and it is endgame for me. I don't see myself ever needing better but I'm always tempted by the hype. This channel does a great job at cutting through the hype and giving honest takes.

  • @jayyaudio

    @jayyaudio

    5 ай бұрын

    Appreciate the kind words !

  • @dimastoding9441
    @dimastoding94415 ай бұрын

    What would you choose between artti t10 and ea500lm? Already have olina se and t10 and wondering if it's worth upgrading to ea500lm. I mainly listen to jpop

  • @jayyaudio

    @jayyaudio

    5 ай бұрын

    LM is more of a sidegrade if you want something warmer

  • @nashdiz
    @nashdiz5 ай бұрын

    If just for music, would you take the EA500LM over the EM6L? Slightly lower pricer too which is enticing...care about vocals and soundstage the most, i think.

  • @jayyaudio

    @jayyaudio

    5 ай бұрын

    Ya go LM

  • @Beshkensky
    @Beshkensky5 ай бұрын

    I am confused. So Tech score and technical score in the chart are different? If they are the same, wouldn't be it better if one would describe resolution only, while second would describe timbre, layering etc.

  • @jayyaudio

    @jayyaudio

    5 ай бұрын

    Tech is tech, diminishing returns is differently scored

  • @Beshkensky

    @Beshkensky

    5 ай бұрын

    @@jayyaudio With big respect, I think it would be nice to see simply value bar on the chart as well. Like value for money out of 10 or 5. But that would require update over time for all IEMs.

  • @lisfos7428
    @lisfos74285 ай бұрын

    I have tanchjim kara and im looking for another set of iem, but torn between ea500lm and hidizs mp145($142 in my country) which would you recommend?

  • @jayyaudio

    @jayyaudio

    5 ай бұрын

    LM, hidizs silently retuned the MP145 and killed it (different sound than the first batch)

  • @jehsseh
    @jehsseh3 ай бұрын

    Any recommendation for an IEM i can just plug in a xbox controller and phone and expect little or no buzzing noise or are there any workarounds? Also like i guess i wouldnt want to spend too much since i dont use any fancy dac or amps?

  • @jayyaudio

    @jayyaudio

    3 ай бұрын

    Tanchjim One 3.5MM, or Truthear Nova depending your budget

  • @nukert658
    @nukert6585 ай бұрын

    Jay I really like this kind of format you are doing... I have limited funds but like everyone else in the hobby I would love to have the best sound I can so knowing diminishing returns is very helpful. It means a lot to me know that I can spend $80 and get what is closer to a $200 iem for example. I hope that you might end up reviewing the pula pa02, seems interesting but I was planning to probably get the ea1000 then those and the LMs dropped and I don't know which is more bang for buck

  • @jayyaudio

    @jayyaudio

    5 ай бұрын

    Np, get the LM man, and Pula review soon

  • @GoufinAround_
    @GoufinAround_5 ай бұрын

    I'm really hoping to test the hype 4 out at a store near my job once they have a demo unit available. It sounds like it's exactly what I've been looking for lately and if I can find a demo of the ea500lm I might try those out too.

  • @Solartico
    @Solartico5 ай бұрын

    Very interesting Any # you'd put on CCA Rhapsody / TRN Conch / kZ PR2 black mesh? (My) Team Low Budget is going to stop @LM but I'll have to wait... also curious if you will / would cover dacs and dongles in this type of value matrix.

  • @jayyaudio

    @jayyaudio

    5 ай бұрын

    DAC/DONGLES are all the same to me lol I got the Rhapdosdy and Conch coming up soon

  • @b3taw0lfvfx46
    @b3taw0lfvfx465 ай бұрын

    how about the campfire audio vega 2020? is it worth getting it? ive got a really good deal on them so im considering buying them

  • @jayyaudio

    @jayyaudio

    5 ай бұрын

    haven't heard sorry

  • @kenjikodai
    @kenjikodai5 ай бұрын

    Does the Xenns Up still touch the under $1k 5 to 7%? I got an Up recently for 325 and I'm thinking of maybe selling em for a top to be opposite of my Variations or just a Hype 4

  • @jayyaudio

    @jayyaudio

    5 ай бұрын

    Ya TOP is good, sounds more different than Hype 4 going from UP, its brighter tho so just a heads up

  • @Tssukiii
    @Tssukiii5 ай бұрын

    Hey there Jay! I wanted to ask to what decibel levels you relate when talking about high volume or normal volume listening levels? Thank you very much in advance!

  • @jayyaudio

    @jayyaudio

    5 ай бұрын

    Normal is around 60-75dbs, high would be 75-90dbs

  • @Tssukiii

    @Tssukiii

    5 ай бұрын

    @@jayyaudio Great, thanks man! I measured my listening volume today with 70-80 normal and 80-92 high, I'm a bit concerned rn hahaha

  • @razor.premium
    @razor.premium5 ай бұрын

    Hey bro! Great job you doing condensing all this info 💪🏼😉 I’m new in all this hifi world, recently got the Zero 2 and was wondering your idea on which could be a good next step in terms of both quality and better sound?

  • @jayyaudio

    @jayyaudio

    5 ай бұрын

    Thanks bro, and Simgot EA500LM

  • @GuavaJuiceBane
    @GuavaJuiceBane5 ай бұрын

    Great topic, bro!🤙 I was debating to get both the Nova and EA500LM. Is it better to just get the LM, or is it justifiable to get both?

  • @jayyaudio

    @jayyaudio

    5 ай бұрын

    They sound different/sidegrade to each other, if you don’t already have a Harman/DF set then getting both would be good since you can use the Nova as reference

  • @rupbhatt
    @rupbhatt5 ай бұрын

    After long time I really found what I needed in Hype 4 and don't think I need to get anything for long time.

  • @Audio_Revelations

    @Audio_Revelations

    22 күн бұрын

    I have the Hype 4 i too will be keeping it for long time then depending on what new IEMs come out I'll probably upgrade to the Empire Ears Raven

  • @anatol1204
    @anatol12045 ай бұрын

    GREAT review Jay 👍.Im goint to buy LM and wait a few months if there ll be some price- performance contender to Hype 4 although i m very curious to listen to it when you said : smoth and good technicalities..My instinct says they will upgrade EM6L 😉 and the new Dusk is on the way..I think is risky spend too much money in the iem market when it's evolving so fast (new Sonion drivers and new 64 audio tunning modules { by Hisenior} and etc..So keep calm and stay tuned guys!

  • @jayyaudio

    @jayyaudio

    5 ай бұрын

    Yup, it’s only just the start of the year

  • @tanjacky5780
    @tanjacky57805 ай бұрын

    Hi Jay, Dunu Glacier was released, any chance that you can review it and compare it with Prestige LTD?

  • @jayyaudio

    @jayyaudio

    5 ай бұрын

    Maybe, we’ll see, it’s not cheap lol

  • @karolkedzierski5824
    @karolkedzierski58245 ай бұрын

    I've had the Monarch 2, u12t and the Mest 2 and the Monarch 2 were as resolving as the u12t where the Mest 2 were slightly below. So the Monarch 2 are probably one of the best iems in terms of the price to performance ratio.

  • @daviddier9865

    @daviddier9865

    5 ай бұрын

    Most people rate them the opposite. They think the u12t is the most resolving, then the mest, then the mk2. But the mk2 is is by far the best tuned so maybe that's more noticeable to you than the ability to hear the micro gradation in volume.

  • @karolkedzierski5824

    @karolkedzierski5824

    3 ай бұрын

    @@daviddier9865 there is no way the Mest is as resolving as the Monarch Mk2. I've had them both and compared them intensively and the Monarch 2 was more detailed and textured in the midrange and similarly detailed in the upper trebles.

  • @daviddier9865

    @daviddier9865

    3 ай бұрын

    @@karolkedzierski5824 the mkII has the best tuned midrange of any iems currently available. I think that's a contributing factor.

  • @red40...
    @red40...5 ай бұрын

    The highest quality earbuds ive ever been able to listen to (because i own them) are airpod pros, so clearly im pretty new to this whole space, and right now the only iems i own are the tangzu wan er. If i was to jump up to the below 150 range would I notice much of a difference? Ive been thinking about getting the fiio fh3's

  • @jayyaudio

    @jayyaudio

    5 ай бұрын

    Welcome to the rabbit hole lol. Grab the EA500LM or jump to something higher in the $300+ range (although I’d wait since more stuff are on the way)

  • @buddhabrand1849

    @buddhabrand1849

    5 ай бұрын

    I jumped from the wan'er to the blessing 3. It's definitely noticeable. Just not sure if it's $300 worth of difference. I love both sets none the less

  • @amanieux
    @amanieux5 ай бұрын

    great video, now what about dac ? how much extra prercents do we get from going from laptop/phone internal dac to the $10 apple dongle and then to $50 dawn pro and then to $700 mojo2 ? where is the sweet spot in diminishing return curve for dac (or more interesting for the total combo price iem+dac) ? my bet is $10 ;)

  • @jayyaudio

    @jayyaudio

    5 ай бұрын

    I use Topping G5 and that’s all you need imo

  • @siddhesh2888
    @siddhesh28885 ай бұрын

    Is there any major difference in sound profile and technicalities between ThieAudio Hype 4 and Hype 10? Can Hype 4 be a good Endgame IEM for someone who likes QKZ X HBB sound profile?

  • @jayyaudio

    @jayyaudio

    5 ай бұрын

    Yup Hype 4 is good 👍

  • @aceofspades6667
    @aceofspades66675 ай бұрын

    Have you reviewed the goldplanar amt 16? It’s round 1.5k and wonder if that gets to like 98% of the benchmark?

  • @jayyaudio

    @jayyaudio

    5 ай бұрын

    no sorry

  • @rajeebdas1724
    @rajeebdas17245 ай бұрын

    Hey brother... How big is the difference between the 'quality' of the Falcon Ultra and the Hype 4?? I'm tempted to go for the Hype.. But the price difference is too big.. Opinions?

  • @jayyaudio

    @jayyaudio

    5 ай бұрын

    Never heard the ultra sorry!

  • @hassanalrubai7378
    @hassanalrubai73785 ай бұрын

    jay why you scored the artti t10 75 but its ranked lower than the melody , it makes me confused which iem you think is better?

  • @jayyaudio

    @jayyaudio

    5 ай бұрын

    I need to readjust the rankings, tech wise T10 is slightly better, but I like Melody more tonality wise

  • @siddhesh2888
    @siddhesh28885 ай бұрын

    Now, Artti T10 piqued my interest. Hope it's review is coming soon.

  • @hassanalrubai7378
    @hassanalrubai73785 ай бұрын

    do you think upgrading from melody to ea500lm a worthwhile upgrade? and what you think is worthwhile upgarde next for meldoy?

  • @LateBandwagon

    @LateBandwagon

    5 ай бұрын

    Something $200

  • @jayyaudio

    @jayyaudio

    5 ай бұрын

    More of a sidegrade, jump to something like the Hype 4 or higher

  • @xsaver23
    @xsaver23Ай бұрын

    question, is there anything that you can recommend under 1000 that would be worth upgrading from the hype4? maybe 1200

  • @jayyaudio

    @jayyaudio

    Ай бұрын

    Thieaudio Prestige LTD

  • @belselkel
    @belselkel5 ай бұрын

    Jay, I already have the EM6L, is the EA500 LM a worthwhile upgrade?

  • @jayyaudio

    @jayyaudio

    5 ай бұрын

    Nah you’re good

  • @JohnClarkW
    @JohnClarkW5 ай бұрын

    I still think there are so many good affordable IEMs right now, it is hard to justify the more expensive gear. I still think the $80 bracket has some bangers Kailua, EA500, Olina SE. I am curious to hear the EA500LM. The only IEMs I own over $100 are the S12, OG Timeless, OG Tea, and Tea 2. I haven't seen much that makes me want to jump up in price.

  • @sujayp11
    @sujayp115 ай бұрын

    Lots of numbers and tricky calculations in this video. Impressive 😬

  • @jayyaudio

    @jayyaudio

    5 ай бұрын

    Lol just estimations haha

  • @viktor1845
    @viktor18452 ай бұрын

    under 90$ cant hear the model t10? can you write it in video because its hard sometimes to understand, I am not native english

  • @jayyaudio

    @jayyaudio

    2 ай бұрын

    Artti T10

  • @burte7815
    @burte78155 ай бұрын

    Which one of these have the best resoluton? - EA500LM, NOVA, S12/T10 ? Does T10 have same resolution as S12? They are all so close

  • @jayyaudio

    @jayyaudio

    5 ай бұрын

    all similar level, pick based off tuning

  • @marksr12
    @marksr125 ай бұрын

    At 7:10 which Nova is he referencing? The 1 plus 4?

  • @jayyaudio

    @jayyaudio

    5 ай бұрын

    Truthear Nova

  • @roundabout9452
    @roundabout94523 ай бұрын

    I'm broke af rn and I found this crazy deal online where I can either get the Zero:2 for $12 or the EW200 for $25. I'm still debating whether the difference is enough to get the EW200 and if it's even worth it. Though, I'm not really into bright sounding sets and I'm worried the EW200 might end up being too bright for me. I have the OG 7hz Zero and I think its a bit sibilant for me.

  • @jayyaudio

    @jayyaudio

    3 ай бұрын

    EW200 is better

  • @roundabout9452

    @roundabout9452

    3 ай бұрын

    @@jayyaudio is there any sibilance in the ew200? I'm not that good at reading graphs but I can see large peaks starting at 11k hz. Which Is a problem I had with the og 7hz zero

  • @Audio_Revelations
    @Audio_Revelations22 күн бұрын

    I have a UM MEST Mk2 and Sony IER Z1R and my EQ'd Audeze LCDi3 but I have tried some midrange sub $500 IEM the Thieaudio Hype 4 and I was surprised the sound quality is very very close to the UM mest mk2 but minus the extra air of the EST drivers and a bit smaller soundstage I would say these midrange IEMs just keep getting better like they are using better drivers compared to a couple of years ago. The resolution is very near to the TOTL IEMs in fact I think it's equal and what the TOTL IEMs does better is detail retrieval and better layering especially on busier songs with lots of instruments playing at once

  • @jayyaudio

    @jayyaudio

    22 күн бұрын

    yup

  • @pfm10000
    @pfm100005 ай бұрын

    sorry if you've addressed this / I'm sure you've been asked many times before... basically I have limited funds to spend on IEMs. I have a pair of Apple APP2 which I love. There is much debate on how much you need to start to spend on wired IEMs to beat them (the Headphone show panel famously saying $150 range but that's a bit dated now). If you were to chime in with your 2 cents, what specific IEM / general price bracket would you say would be the next (noticeable) step from APP2 I were to buy a wired IEM? Thank you!! Enjoying your videos :)

  • @jayyaudio

    @jayyaudio

    5 ай бұрын

    Truthear Nova, or SIMGOT EA500LM for warmer sound

  • @calvinyip364
    @calvinyip3645 ай бұрын

    Where do the gizaudio galelio sit at? How many star?

  • @jayyaudio

    @jayyaudio

    5 ай бұрын

    Tech wise, no stars

  • @Deadricklord

    @Deadricklord

    5 ай бұрын

    @@jayyaudio based, iem was overhyped as hell and bad value even for its time imo. I love Timmy and the videos he makes but I'm gonna hate on him just this once.

  • @johnjennings8500
    @johnjennings85005 ай бұрын

    I am very interested in the Hype 4 which you have rated at 75%. I already have the Timeless OG which you have also rated at 75% (in your spreadsheet). Based on this analysis, I would assume you are saying that Hype 4 would not be worth it for me to upgrade based on the "diminishing returns" since Hype 4 is iterally twice the cost of the Timeless OG right now. Do you agree?

  • @jayyaudio

    @jayyaudio

    5 ай бұрын

    In terms of resolution and detail, yes. Hype 4 is more of a sidegrade for tuning, better low-end slam and bass texture

  • @shaunbrady15
    @shaunbrady155 ай бұрын

    How does the hype 4 compare to the prestige ltd?

  • @jayyaudio

    @jayyaudio

    5 ай бұрын

    LTD is better overall, but Hype 4 has better bass

  • @Mellch7
    @Mellch75 ай бұрын

    You for sure need a discord man! Love the realistic content not a soulless shill

  • @jayyaudio

    @jayyaudio

    5 ай бұрын

    Thanks man

  • @kalonzo8042
    @kalonzo80425 ай бұрын

    I think in some ways it’s also about a different experience. I love my u12t, but I also got the og ej07 and RSV and those two sets feel more immersive and musical than the u12t. I even enjoy my EA1000 just as much as the u12t (that bass texture is just too good). As boring as it sounds, it’s probably not about maximizing, than to you just find a set that you enjoy. I’m still buying shit though, it’s addicting.

  • @jayyaudio

    @jayyaudio

    5 ай бұрын

    Hahaha

  • @chinmayrasam
    @chinmayrasam5 ай бұрын

    Awesome video ⭐⭐⭐ Almost no one talks about this. What about DACs and Amplifiers? Don't you need a $1000 streamer + $1000 DAC + $1000 Pre Amp + $1000 Amp to make these IEMs sound their full potential? There's a video on the headphone show where the guy tries the Zero Red on a $3500 DAP and the sound just comes alive.

  • @jayyaudio

    @jayyaudio

    5 ай бұрын

    No LOL they’re just trying to sell you stuff haha

  • @chinmayrasam

    @chinmayrasam

    5 ай бұрын

    @@jayyaudio yes but don't you need a DAC and AMP? Cause I have seen genuine reviewers saying that a DAC makes a difference. Just plugging into your laptop isn't enough. Even the cheap Ifi Go link is better than the inbuilt DAC of a Macbook pro.

  • @rajeebdas1724

    @rajeebdas1724

    5 ай бұрын

    ​@@chinmayrasam you do need one.. However never go beyond 100$ for a dac-amp... Or 8-9k if you're an Indian. There are plenty of options. Just pick one at random. Job done. Atleast when it comes to iems.

  • @enjoshi-godrez8775

    @enjoshi-godrez8775

    5 ай бұрын

    Get a qudelix. Everything else is poor value in comparison including stuff cheaper than it.

  • @Daniel-lq5qq
    @Daniel-lq5qq5 ай бұрын

    Is ea500lm better than celest pluto?!?

  • @jayyaudio

    @jayyaudio

    5 ай бұрын

    Haven't heard yet

  • @Jaawaudio
    @Jaawaudio5 ай бұрын

    Very good video, clear breakdown of the categories, super informative, bravo!

  • @jayyaudio

    @jayyaudio

    5 ай бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it

  • @marksr12
    @marksr125 ай бұрын

    Great video! Maybe this will help me to stop spending money in this black hole of a hobby...Ha Ha Ha! Always enjoy your content.

  • @jayyaudio

    @jayyaudio

    5 ай бұрын

    Glad it was helpful !

  • @zaq9339
    @zaq93395 ай бұрын

    My take is my 100$ sets sound like my 500$ sets eqd to the same target. I don't really compare side by side, but I don't think there's much point if you're just listening to music. Just get a smooth FR with nice treble extension, eq what you don't like and you can quit. Remembe: technicalities don't exist😌

  • @enjoshi-godrez8775

    @enjoshi-godrez8775

    5 ай бұрын

    Oh your just a troll, thats a relief. I can 🅱️lock you now.

  • @Rsalmond83
    @Rsalmond835 ай бұрын

    Yea, okay cool, but we need a link to that 🔥🔥🔥 sweater tho

  • @jayyaudio

    @jayyaudio

    5 ай бұрын

    I can’t link stuff in the comments, but it’s from Get some sleep. If you want it you should get it quick since they sell out super fast

  • @Rsalmond83

    @Rsalmond83

    5 ай бұрын

    @@jayyaudio sold out already! Thanks bro

  • @Satyajit_Dey
    @Satyajit_Dey3 ай бұрын

    Where does the MP145 stands?

  • @jayyaudio

    @jayyaudio

    3 ай бұрын

    Check ranking list

  • @pmdthewizard
    @pmdthewizard5 ай бұрын

    The sub $90 is clearly the sweet spot Well at least for me

  • @cxmxc
    @cxmxc5 ай бұрын

    Bro whatever happened to the epz 620 FR graph 😭

  • @jayyaudio

    @jayyaudio

    5 ай бұрын

    Server out of space I'm clearing some stuff up rn will upload it soon, check the community tab I posted it there

  • @paulosilva8200
    @paulosilva82005 ай бұрын

    That's a hard topic. When I seen sonium drivers and other brands that has prices that goes from 8 dollars to 250 dollars per unit. So if I place 1 good dd that costs 100 dollars plus 6 ba that costs 150 dollars each. 1000 dollars price. Then the shell. Staff and roi of 70%. I would charge 3000 dollars. Even if the tuning is not what I want. The driver still good. Good drivers can run 5mw power without issues. A 4 dollars driver at high volumes spits distortion like a xr2 iem. Terrible. Even in cheap driver when you eq them. They sound terrible .

  • @Daniel-lq5qq

    @Daniel-lq5qq

    5 ай бұрын

    Which Headphones does have those expensive drivers Hype 2?

  • @paulosilva8200

    @paulosilva8200

    5 ай бұрын

    @Daniel-lq5qq you mean iem? The ones that costs above 1000 dollars. Depends how many drivers . 64 audio has expensive drivers . Diva too. So many brands. The ones that cost 1000 dollars don't sat what model driver has.

  • @paulosilva8200

    @paulosilva8200

    5 ай бұрын

    @Daniel-lq5qq the hype 2 uses 2 double ba Sonion 2356 that costs 20 dollars. The E25ST001/D dd dont know the price but I guess 15dollars each. And the super tweeter. I need to ask the price. But I guess same price .

  • @jayyaudio

    @jayyaudio

    5 ай бұрын

    Which BAs cost $150 each? From my knowledge the up charge is mostly in the craftsmanship and other things like EST and BC drivers

  • @paulosilva8200

    @paulosilva8200

    5 ай бұрын

    @jayyaudio buddy I got the last year list of drivers cost from both main brands. Hooooo yes. There is ba drivers that cost 200 bucks in their list.

  • @cris223c
    @cris223c5 ай бұрын

    I can endgame at 20 dollars (not really)

  • @blorg8206
    @blorg82065 ай бұрын

    I sold my U12T because you said it was meh. Now it's 100/100!?

  • @jayyaudio

    @jayyaudio

    5 ай бұрын

    I never said it was meh, I said the tech was one of the best and the vocals were wonky and hollow. I didn’t like the tuning, and this video is about technical performance and not tonality

  • @Sushanttechworld
    @Sushanttechworld5 ай бұрын

    Under 250 you forgot quintet it punches way above its class.

  • @jayyaudio

    @jayyaudio

    5 ай бұрын

    Wouldn’t say “way above”, but I’d put it around the B3 level (75/100)

  • @janardhanmuralidhar6444
    @janardhanmuralidhar64445 ай бұрын

    Hey, I am waiting for the EA500LM to be available in India. Love your content. I am better educated by these types of videos. Thanks Jay.

  • @jayyaudio

    @jayyaudio

    5 ай бұрын

    Glad it was helpful man

  • @yarbles66
    @yarbles665 ай бұрын

    EST drivers make an ENORMOUS difference. The jump between a good IEM without EST's an good IEM with very well implemented EST's is fucking MASSIVE. There are no IEMs below 1000 that use ESTs to significant amount of potential. The best IEMS below 1000 with EST's are the Xenns Up - but they don't use them that well. Listen to the Mest MKII. The Thieaudio Prestige Ltd. This is fantastic EST implementation & the difference is PS3 > PS5 (yes, I'm going up two generations). Spend a a couple of days with an IEM with well implemented EST's and there is NO WAY you are going back. The detail & imaging absolutely destroys anything without. Wait until the first sub 300 EST IEM comes out and there will be an absolute uproar - when they become more affordable, you'll struggle to find an IEM of any significance that doesn't have them. Sorry man, but if you're not bringing this into the equation, you're talking absolute rubbish. Sorry man - I don't mean to be rude, but I can't take you seriously on more expensive IEMs if you're not talking about how big this is.

  • @jayyaudio

    @jayyaudio

    5 ай бұрын

    You can get the same quality treble with a well implemented all BA setup like the Supernova and OH700VB. Most ESTs are poorly implemented and makes no difference, even the Monarch MK2 & MK3. The only standouts are the LTD and MEST in $1K range, and if we’re talking about resolution the EST don’t make a huge difference, they act to smooth out the treble more, so my point still stands with the diminishing returns.

  • @yarbles66

    @yarbles66

    5 ай бұрын

    @@jayyaudio sorry man, but that's simply not true. There are many sets with well implemented EST's. I'll agree that they aren't well implemented on the Monarchs, but I feel these pale in comparison overall to the Prestige Ltd. I've tuned soundsystems at some of the best nightclubs in the world & know my way around a studio - I've worked with sound for 30 years & I can tell you that it is the opinion of many of the world's leading producers, engineers & sound techs that EST's are the biggest leap forward with in ear tech in a very long time - both for professional use & enjoyment. You cannot achieve what they can with BA's or anything else. You're entitled to your opinion of course - but this is like saying OLED screens aren't significantly better at handling blacks than LES screens. I appreciate your enthusiasm, but I don't think you have more than a few years experience on a hobbyist level. You mostly talk sense & have a decent grasp of fundamentalsx but you are dead wrong with this.

  • @AG-en5y
    @AG-en5yАй бұрын

    ❤❤❤

  • @hattorihanzo5707
    @hattorihanzo5707Ай бұрын

    please put some chapstick next time jay

  • @jayyaudio

    @jayyaudio

    Ай бұрын

    💋

  • @rhyvehr
    @rhyvehr5 ай бұрын

    Simple Solution: to the degree that humans can measure, the ie200 have no distortion.

  • @enjoshi-godrez8775

    @enjoshi-godrez8775

    5 ай бұрын

    You have no citations for that.

  • @benstain2674

    @benstain2674

    5 ай бұрын

    We have still yet to fully understand how harmonic distortion is neurologically displaced. You have no evidence for what you are saying.

  • @rhyvehr

    @rhyvehr

    5 ай бұрын

    @@enjoshi-godrez8775 Jokes on you, Never said I did. Was gonna state its sub 0.03% but was too lazy to look that up'

  • @rhyvehr

    @rhyvehr

    5 ай бұрын

    @@benstain2674 I don't. But I do believe BA iems sound mid rather then amazing and they have distortion as well as I don't believe crossovers are a good idea

  • @aurelian9817
    @aurelian98175 ай бұрын

    No

  • @riddick5019
    @riddick50195 ай бұрын

    „Gay’s Audio” channel