Budget IEM (Chit Chat)

[skyline72]

Isn't it ridiculous for me to spend $30 on an IEM and then another $40 on a wireless hook to make the IEM wireless?

Should I just get a cheap TWS instead?

Get a TWS instead.

 

[tuckloong]

Isn't it ridiculous for me to spend $30 on an IEM and then another $40 on a wireless hook to make the IEM wireless?

Should I just get a cheap TWS instead?

Aiyo every decision also got pro and cons de.....U need to balance your needs with your budget and get the best value and mileage

Analayse your needs
- Where do you wanna deploy? Home, Library, MRT, Buses etc?
- How long do you want to deploy each day? 2 hours? 4 hours? 12 hours in a flight?
- Do you need ANC? Adaptive ANC? impact of continuous ANC usage and hearing need to be addressed?
- Budget? $20? $30? $40? $70?
- Cost Benefit Analysis (Do you plan to use the TWS continuously for 1 year or many years?)
- Safety ( Faster charging often lead to overheating)

Major flaws of TWS
- Bass boosted sound profile
- Battery draining issues
- Battery overheating due to faster charging

Whichever decision you make, just make sure to utilise the buds and not leave it in the drawer and continue to buy and buy

 

[tuckloong]

 

[tuckloong]

 

[tuckloong]

What budget DAC are you using, and does it really matter if you’re only pairing it with lower- to mid-range IEMs? I’ve heard it does make a difference, but many people claim a simple USB-C cable is enough—how accurate is that?


Chatgpt recommendation

Product	Chipset	Resolution	Approx. Price
CX31993 Adapter	Conexant CX31993	32-bit / 384kHz	$6.00 - $10.36
ALC5686 Adapter	Realtek ALC5686	32-bit / 384kHz	$7.53
UGREEN Hi-Res	Proprietary DAC	32-bit / 384kHz	$9.76

Do DACs really need dual clips (CX31993 + MAX97220), or is this feature unnecessary for budget users?

Some Principal Considerations

Usage and volume
- How long each day? High or low volume? does it impact the Phone battery till it becomes inconvenient?

Lowest Volume
- Simple DAC dongle does not have multiple steps to lower the volume on simple to drive low impedence/high sensitivity IEMs. One will have to depend on the volume control on the APP or Phone Volume....some may end up with level 1 volume on phone setting is still too loud. More complex DAC with amp often comes with more steps to lower the volume for comfortable long listening stint.

DAC/ with or without AMP
- DAC with amp often draws more power from the phone. However, they do give better soundstage (esp with 4.4mm output), more clarity and resolution then simpler DAC dongle.

DAC chips
- Different DAC chips and circuit design can lead to warmer, brighter, darker or more neutral tuning, bigger or narrower sound stage, better layering or better separation. The best one can do is to research thoroughly, ask for opinion and hear for yourself to decide which is the best.

Budgeting
- One should spend a bit more to get a nicer IEM rather then invest more in DAC AMP first. Once you found the tuning that suit your musical preference, try to get the better IEMs first before you jump into rabbit hole for any DAC AMP upgrades

DAP vs DAC dongle
Sometimes, a cheap DAP can solve 90 percent of the issues

 

[skyline72]

Budgeting
- One should spend a bit more to get a nicer IEM rather then invest more in DAC AMP first. Once you found the tuning that suit your musical preference, try to get the better IEMs first before you jump into rabbit hole for any DAC AMP upgrades

Solid advice this.

For example, if you like warm tuning, you might want to get a brighter DAC to have that synergy and vice versa.

 

[tuckloong]

 

[tuckloong]

 

[tuckloong]

 

[tuckloong]

 

[helloicanseeu]

What budget DAC are you using, and does it really matter if you’re only pairing it with lower- to mid-range IEMs? I’ve heard it does make a difference, but many people claim a simple USB-C cable is enough—how accurate is that?


Chatgpt recommendation

Product	Chipset	Resolution	Approx. Price
CX31993 Adapter	Conexant CX31993	32-bit / 384kHz	$6.00 - $10.36
ALC5686 Adapter	Realtek ALC5686	32-bit / 384kHz	$7.53
UGREEN Hi-Res	Proprietary DAC	32-bit / 384kHz	$9.76

Do DACs really need dual clips (CX31993 + MAX97220), or is this feature unnecessary for budget users?

Your ears can tell the difference in this small space?

 

[tuckloong]

 

[skyline72]

After spending quite a bit on tips, finally found the one which seals well, comfy for me.

Azla SednaEarFit Origin.

 

[Jitter]

After spending quite a bit on tips, finally found the one which seals well, comfy for me.

Azla SednaEarFit Origin.

I am also doing tip rolling, So you like the non sticky type one?
https://www.audioreviews.org/guide-to-iem-silicone-eartips/

 

[skyline72]

I am also doing tip rolling, So you like the non sticky type one?
https://www.audioreviews.org/guide-to-iem-silicone-eartips/

I guess so? Mostly is due to the fit though, some tips hurt my ear canal after probably 15 mins.

 

[tuckloong]

I guess so? Mostly is due to the fit though, some tips hurt my ear canal after probably 15 mins.

Rem to air your ears once a while by removing the IEM with solid seal...dont let moisture build up, leading to ear infections easily

Do clean up the IEM and tips with Alcohol after use too

 

[Jitter]

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/100...llitems_choice_2015521641152.1005012048648556

Is this store scammy? Look like dirt cheap.

 

[tuckloong]

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005012048648556.html?pdp_npi=4@dis!SGD!SG$+41.37!SG$+12.28!!!215.48!63.97!@2141129817777074417235862d147d!12000057705523183!sh!SG!6565763801!X&spm=a2g0o.store_pc_home.allitems_choice_2015521641152.1005012048648556

Is this store scammy? Look like dirt cheap.

wa a bit too cheap ....maybe need have some caution?

 

[Zinna]

Anyone here going canjam sg later this month? Can play play with iem and headphone

 

[skyline72]

Rem to air your ears once a while by removing the IEM with solid seal...dont let moisture build up, leading to ear infections easily

Do clean up the IEM and tips with Alcohol after use too

Yes sir, thank you for the reminder.