Just got a pair for spares. Love these, the ear buds are super comfy. Hope others can find useful. According to Amazon RRP IS $29.95
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These were recommended like 5 years ago, I think? Not sure on the model. Budget IEMs have taken huge leaps since then.
Lots of great deals off AliE if you know what you're doing, and Amazon has some amazing mid-fi IEM prices too.
Genuinely interested in recommendations either from AliE or Amazon. I just don't know what kind to look for and I'm kinda getting sick of over the head headphones and just want in-ear earphones atm.
I bought the Xiaomi basic 2 wireless from kogan as well. $20. For my needs perfect. Good battery, clear sound. I needed something more discreet so I could use at my desk at work without drawing attention to the fact. These fit the bill.
@Ozbargainasaurus: Was looking more into wired option since I don't really want to bother with running out of batteries and constantly charging :(
IEMs (basically closed back):
Sony MH755 $10-$15 (lots of fakes, target white models on eBay, but double check info against Head-Fi thread)
BLON BL03 - $30 (AliE sales, though you'll want to change tips and cables)
BLON BL05S (not BL05) - $50 (AliE sales, probably needs a tip change)
Tin T2 Plus (not T2 Pro) - $50 (AliE sales)
Etymotic ER2XR - $120 (Amazon)
Moondrop Starfield - $120 (AliE sales, though recommend tip change again)
Moondrop Blessing 2 - $300ish (AliE sales)
Crinacle will give you good coverage of the above in terms of their execution and sound signature, with the MH755 (if they fit you), the ER2XR, Starfield and Blessing 2 all being very easy to recommend to people without a demo. He also seems to rate the Final Audio E500 at the moment as a budget option.
For the best IEM tip change, I recommend KZ Starlines (stock tip, from AliE) that you then flip. The flip makes them wide bore with a very comfortable fitment which opens up the sound beautifully while adding bass. Won't work for every IEM due to nozzle, ear and other dimensional considerations, but when it's suitable it's special.
Some wild cards alongside this that I think everyone should try:
2020 NiceHCK MX500 - $10 (AliE sale, check you're ordering the MX500 shell and not the PK1)
This is an earbud (the open back equivalent to an IEM, think old school earphones), and while it lacks sub-bass (rumble) it is beautifully tuned and surprisingly detailed though a little patchy due to being an incredibly cheap piece (but solid) of construction. Comes with foams to improve comfort and alter the sound signature. Recommend with the half foams, but you can dampen the highs with full foams if you so wish.
Koss KSC75 - $20-$25 + Delivery (Amazon, Prime free delivery in $49+ basket)
This is a clip on open-back on ear that is beautifully and neutrally tuned, with a very wide soundstage, but not really stretching far in terms of resolution/detail as well as having a lack of sub-bass. Can be modified substantially, check out the Kramer mod and the Parts Express headband (you might be able to find a cheap equivalent to this in AU).
One of the ER2XR, Starfield and Blessing 2 would go great alongside the 2020 MX500 and the KSC75.
@jasswolf: Hot damn, thanks for the well thought out recommendation list. Will certainly have a closer look at it tomorrow!
@jasswolf: Great recommendations! I'm personally a huge fan of the BLON BL03, have a number of high end headphones and mid tier IEMs, but I still find myself reaching for the BLONs quite often!
It's my go to recommendation for a gateway drug into audiophilia :)
@poppingtags: Agree, its soundstage is very surprising. Strongly recommend trying out the 2020 MX500, it even scales on a decent amp.
@jasswolf: Will add it to my list - although I think I'll be pumping the breaks on IEMs for now after buying and really enjoying the Fiio FH3, I reckon its a nice step up for someone who enjoys the BL03.
I think my next buy will be a set of closed back headphones for work. Been eyeing the Drop x Dan Clark Aeon X Closed, seems like very good value and the retune will hopefully address the lack of dynamics and peaky treble of the original Aeons.
@poppingtags: If you're feeling less expansive with that, AKG K371 are on Amazon for $170. Great tonally for the price, and above average with detail.
@jasswolf: Have heard very good things about them - might see if I can audition them before pulling the trigger! Thanks for the recommendations :)
What would you recommend? Looking for a replacement for the hybrid pro hd actually?
I'd replace them with another set the same, they're brilliant.
I bought some the other day. Quite impressed for the money. Good bass and reasonable sound quality if not amazing.
They don't feel cheap at all.
Needed a pair for a teenager who cannot be trusted not to lose bluetooth earphones.
Used to be my cheap 'go to' IEMs, but beware, have received dodgy counterfeits via Amazon before
I don't know how much stock to put into it, but they are "Amazon's choice".
I believe Xiaomi earphones have been rebranded as 1MORE. These could be genuine old new stock or counterfeits.
I still have the Xiaomi Piston 3 Reddot Design and they are excellent albeit a bit quiet.
You're right in the bottom of the box it says "1more design"
They are also on sale (not sure if the build quality is the same, worse, or better): https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0826VMPC8
Didn’t know these were the Xiaomi despite owning both. Just had Amazon replace some 1More bought last October where one ear stopped working. My Xiaomi from 2-3 years ago still going well.
Broke like the second day I got these. Just E-waste, would not recommend
How does this compare to the Panasonic Ergofit?
It doesn't.
Don't know if they were the same version but I had a pair of pistons that I bought for $5 and they were great. Lasted me over two years and sounded great. Unfortunately couldn't find them for cheap after they died and switched to wireless.
Yeah, often bought around $5 (was ozb fav), close to a dozen. My kids basically grow up with them with daily use. These are the only ones that fits them better, all others are too big. Each one lasted 2-3 years.
Same.. still using them if need wired ones.
Bought some… not sure why. Reviews are questionable at best.