Budget IEM (Chit Chat)

[BlackWing1977]

For buddies who dont wanna spend more on the Zenith

GK Kunten

The packaging exactly like KZ one...

 

[BlackWing1977]

For buddies who dont wanna spend more on the Zenith

GK Kunten

Telling me it is KZ without saying it is KZ.... come on lar.. even the type C cable using the old KZ type C....

 

[tuckloong]

Telling me it is KZ without saying it is KZ.... come on lar.. even the type C cable using the old KZ type C....

Sama Sama ma mini Zenith

 

[BlackWing1977]

Sama Sama ma mini Zenith

I think shell will make a difference to the tuning here... from how it is described... It is probably a more bassy iem.

 

[tuckloong]

I think shell will make a difference to the tuning here... from how it is described... It is probably a more bassy iem.

I beo the graph...very U shape....

 

[Mila Azul]

 

[SkyScraper]

i come hijack abit. non budget but is IEM cause i cant find another iem discussion thread (please link me if have)
After kena poison in reddit. i bought day break + the dac. holy ****. it changes the way i listen to music. now my hand itchy again

 

[tuckloong]

i come hijack abit. non budget but is IEM cause i cant find another iem discussion thread (please link me if have)
After kena poison in reddit. i bought day break + the dac. holy ****. it changes the way i listen to music. now my hand itchy again

wah upgrade from Day break will need some investment...beo slowly and decide after trying?

 

[SkyScraper]

wah upgrade from Day break will need some investment...beo slowly and decide after trying?

Ya sia. Daybreak was smt i just jumped into (1st 1). i saw alot reviews on auful explorer/ 5+2 and tea pro/ top pro GG

 

[tuckloong]

Ya sia. Daybreak was smt i just jumped into (1st 1). i saw alot reviews on auful explorer/ 5+2 and tea pro/ top pro GG

Need to slowly see which is your preference

- Bassy (sub bass extension)
- V shaped
- U shaped
- Balanced
- Bright
-Big soundstage
-Increased Depth
- Better Imaging

Once go beyond $400 can consider headphones too

 

[SkyScraper]

Need to slowly see which is your preference

- Bassy (sub bass extension)
- V shaped
- U shaped
- Balanced
- Bright
-Big soundstage
-Increased Depth
- Better Imaging

Once go beyond $400 can consider headphones too

yes! after i got my first iem, i was introduced to these!
I wont be so rash to upgrade hahaha just looking out for future deals and potential while learning more about these world. They even have thosefrequency graph which i was shoked.

As for headphone. i also just recently buy xm6 before the iem to rotate. this is a slippery slope hahahaha.

 

[BlackWing1977]

If you combined these 2.. does it makes your Sennheiser headphone into a LDAC capable wireless headphone??

 

[BlackWing1977]

After playing around with AN01 and LDAC codecs.... I can safely say... if you play FLAC or other high quality audio format... LDAC will still loses some quality... even a cable connecting using cheap KZ AM02 DAC... also better quality than using the wireless hook, but if.. you mainly play mp3... or stream from those steaming service and YouTube... probably not much difference...

 

[BlackWing1977]

AI getting better at this kind of question, do you agree or did AI got it wrong?

---

AI Overview

The Sennheiser IE 200 and CCA Hydro are both excellent In-Ear Monitors (IEMs) in a similar price range ($120 - $150 USD), but they target different preferences: the IE 200 offers a more neutral, refined sound with great comfort, while the CCA Hydro provides a highly technical, bright, and analytical sound with superior detail retrieval for its price.

Comparison

Feature	Sennheiser IE 200	CCA Hydro
Price	~$150 USD	~$120 USD
Driver Setup	Single 7mm TrueResponse dynamic driver	Multi-driver hybrid: 2 DD + 8 BA drivers
Sound Signature	Neutral-warm, mildly V-shaped, with a cohesive, natural sound	Bright, analytical, and very technical; known for exceptional treble clarity and resolution
Bass	Punchy with good slam and extension (especially with the "tape mod" or proper seal), but can lack texture compared to higher-end models	Cleaner and more accurate, with better texture and impact, but less overall body and rumble than some bass-focused sets
Mids	Natural, well-defined, and generally balanced; some find them slightly thin or recessed without modification	Clean and open, with very good detail and resolution
Treble	Extended and sparkly without being harsh; offers good air and a wider soundstage perception	The standout feature: stupendous extension and detail retrieval with excellent definition, though potentially too bright for some users
Comfort/Build	Extremely lightweight, ergonomic plastic shell that "disappears" in the ear; less durable build but very comfortable	Larger resin/metal build; may be less comfortable for some due to size, but offers better passive isolation
Technicalities	Average for its price; excels in a natural presentation but less "surgical" detail retrieval	Highly technical with impressive layering, separation, and a wide, immersive soundstage that competes with more expensive sets

Recommendation

• Choose the Sennheiser IE 200 if you prioritize a comfortable, lightweight design and a balanced, natural sound signature that is less fatiguing for long listening sessions. It's a great option for an "all-rounder" that inherits some of the classic Sennheiser sound DNA.
• Choose the CCA Hydro if you want the absolute best in technical performance, clarity, and detail retrieval for the price, and you enjoy a brighter, more analytical sound with prominent, high-resolution treble. It is an excellent choice for analytical listening but may be too intense for those sensitive to bright signatures.

 

[tuckloong]

After playing around with AN01 and LDAC codecs.... I can safely say... if you play FLAC or other high quality audio format... LDAC will still loses some quality... even a cable connecting using cheap KZ AM02 DAC... also better quality than using the wireless hook, but if.. you mainly play mp3... or stream from those steaming service and YouTube... probably not much difference...

Yes de LDAC still got room for improvement

Me like Aptx Loseless more than LDAC

ok la AN01 felt a bit warm...me pair with those Planar IEMs just nice

 

[BlackWing1977]

I am quite surprised how this sounds, really not bad... I even pair it with Philips Fidelio X3.. and it is so good.

 

[Nuclear Boy]

yes! after i got my first iem, i was introduced to these!
I wont be so rash to upgrade hahaha just looking out for future deals and potential while learning more about these world. They even have thosefrequency graph which i was shoked.

As for headphone. i also just recently buy xm6 before the iem to rotate. this is a slippery slope hahahaha.

Go Crinacle's cafe, buy a kopi, can try out some sets you mentioned. Another place to do so is SAM Audio, Zeppelin&Co. These latter two no need to buy kopi.

 

[Nuclear Boy]

AI getting better at this kind of question, do you agree or did AI got it wrong?

---

AI Overview

The Sennheiser IE 200 and CCA Hydro are both excellent In-Ear Monitors (IEMs) in a similar price range ($120 - $150 USD), but they target different preferences: the IE 200 offers a more neutral, refined sound with great comfort, while the CCA Hydro provides a highly technical, bright, and analytical sound with superior detail retrieval for its price.

Comparison

Feature	Sennheiser IE 200	CCA Hydro
Price	~$150 USD	~$120 USD
Driver Setup	Single 7mm TrueResponse dynamic driver	Multi-driver hybrid: 2 DD + 8 BA drivers
Sound Signature	Neutral-warm, mildly V-shaped, with a cohesive, natural sound	Bright, analytical, and very technical; known for exceptional treble clarity and resolution
Bass	Punchy with good slam and extension (especially with the "tape mod" or proper seal), but can lack texture compared to higher-end models	Cleaner and more accurate, with better texture and impact, but less overall body and rumble than some bass-focused sets
Mids	Natural, well-defined, and generally balanced; some find them slightly thin or recessed without modification	Clean and open, with very good detail and resolution
Treble	Extended and sparkly without being harsh; offers good air and a wider soundstage perception	The standout feature: stupendous extension and detail retrieval with excellent definition, though potentially too bright for some users
Comfort/Build	Extremely lightweight, ergonomic plastic shell that "disappears" in the ear; less durable build but very comfortable	Larger resin/metal build; may be less comfortable for some due to size, but offers better passive isolation
Technicalities	Average for its price; excels in a natural presentation but less "surgical" detail retrieval	Highly technical with impressive layering, separation, and a wide, immersive soundstage that competes with more expensive sets

Recommendation

• Choose the Sennheiser IE 200 if you prioritize a comfortable, lightweight design and a balanced, natural sound signature that is less fatiguing for long listening sessions. It's a great option for an "all-rounder" that inherits some of the classic Sennheiser sound DNA.
• Choose the CCA Hydro if you want the absolute best in technical performance, clarity, and detail retrieval for the price, and you enjoy a brighter, more analytical sound with prominent, high-resolution treble. It is an excellent choice for analytical listening but may be too intense for those sensitive to bright signatures.

Definitely don't get the IE200 at 150 USD... It's not worth at that price point. I got mine at 120+ SGD 2 years ago.

I'm surprised to see IE200 still being recommended (even by actual humans) at this price point. Personally, I feel that there are sets out there that cost the same or less that sound better out of the box than IE200. But they are indeed super comfortable, like they've disappeared while wearing it, and compatible for side sleepers. The sound profile is also relatively inoffensive. Downsides are the gimmicky ear tips and the (personal opinion) crappy thin twisted cable. (Both of which I spent more money to "rectify", but it's a small price to pay)

After getting KZ PRX, I'm more inclined to sell my current S12, than to let go of my IE200, to put it simply.

 

[BlackWing1977]

Definitely don't get the IE200 at 150 USD... It's not worth at that price point. I got mine at 120+ SGD 2 years ago.

I'm surprised to see IE200 still being recommended (even by actual humans) at this price point. Personally, I feel that there are sets out there that cost the same or less that sound better out of the box than IE200. But they are indeed super comfortable, like they've disappeared while wearing it, and compatible for side sleepers. The sound profile is also relatively inoffensive. Downsides are the gimmicky ear tips and the (personal opinion) crappy thin twisted cable. (Both of which I spent more money to "rectify", but it's a small price to pay)

After getting KZ PRX, I'm more inclined to sell my current S12, than to let go of my IE200, to put it simply.

I mean at one point I am tempted to buy IE200 during promotion on shopee... but since I already so many other IEM including CCA Hydro... I really dun see any point also....

 

[BlackWing1977]

I was surprised it actually made the music sounded different.. and like what the AI mentioned it is more details.. on comparison... my old Creative SXFI AMP sounded a little muddy and no I did not turn on SXFI...

---

AI Overview

The JCALLY JM80E is a well-regarded, budget-friendly USB-C DAC/Amp dongle praised for its detailed, slightly bright, and neutral sound signature with strong technical performance (ES9280AC Pro chip, DSD512, 120dB SNR), driving IEMs well, offering clear vocals, sparkling treble, and good power for its size, making it a significant upgrade over phone audio for on-the-go high-fidelity listening. Users like its premium metal build, compact design, indicator lights, and support for mic calls, though its sound leans analytical, not warm like some CS43131 competitors.


Sound Quality

• Signature: Neutral, slightly bright, detailed, analytical, with clear vocals and sparkling treble.
• Performance: Excellent detail, resolution, and dynamic range, with immersive sound for high-res files.
• Bass: Deep and powerful, but tight, not overly boosted.
• Power: Capable of driving most IEMs effectively, offering more power than many basic dongles.

Features & Design

• Chipset: Uses the powerful ESS ES9280AC Pro DAC chip.
• Connectivity: USB-C to 3.5mm, supports PCM 32bit/768kHz, DSD512.
• Build: Compact, lightweight aluminum shell with a premium matte silver finish and durable 8-core OFC silver-plated cable.
• Indicators: LED light changes color (Red for standby, Green for PCM, Blue for DSD) for status.
• Functionality: Supports music playback, calls, and microphone input (built-in mic for phone calls).

Comparisons & Value

• Vs. Phone DACs: A major improvement over built-in phone audio, offering better clarity and drive.
• Vs. Other Dongles: More detailed and energetic than warmer options like the Vinata (JM7 Max), but less warm.
• Value: Considered a great value for its performance and features, outperforming many budget competitors.

Best For

• Users wanting a significant audio upgrade from their phone for IEMs and headphones.
• Listeners who prefer a detailed, neutral, and slightly bright sound.
• On-the-go users needing portability and call functionality.