Is $25 Enough for a Quality IEM? Zero 2, Nuo, Dolce, Wyvern Pro - Honest Audiophile Impressions
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- Опубликовано: 10 июл 2024
- A BIG thank you to Linsoul Audio for providing the Kiwi Ears Dolce, 7hz Salnotes x Crinacle Zero 2 and the Ziigaat Nuo for reveiw, much appreciated. A BIG thank you to Kinera Audio for providing the Kinera Celest Wyvern Pro for review, much appreciated.
Is $25 enough to spend to obtain a quality IEM?
Purchase:
Kiwi Ears Dolce:www.linsoul.com/products/kiwi...
Kinera Celest Wyvern Pro:www.linsoul.com/products/kine...
7hz Salnotes x Crinacle Zero 2:www.linsoul.com/products/7hz-...
Ziigaat Nuo www.linsoul.com/products/ziig...
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction/Specs/Box
02:10 Cables/Build/Design (order: Dolce, Wyvern Pro, Zero 2, Nuo)
06:10 Comfort/Isolation/Source Pairing
09:35 Kiwi Ears Sound Impressions
13:23 Kinera Celest Wyvern Pro Sound Impressions
16:35 Ziigaat Nuo
19:13 7hz Salnotes Crinacle Zero 2 Sound Impressions
22:10 Conclusion
24:24 Exiting
I am not a professional sound engineer, producer, musician, or vocalist, etc. I have not done any scientific research, measurements, or in-depth testing of any kind; just my own listening, comparing and internet reading/research. I have limited, real-life experience with recording, mixing and mastering gear. I have been involved since my teenage years with various churches as an amateur sound booth technician.
Please take these thoughts, opinions and reasonings as just that, my honest audiophile thoughts, opinions and reasonings.
Instagram: pB4LG7Kqp_...
Twitter: / talkdbs @TalkDbs
Website: www.thehonestaudiophile.com
Patreon : / thehonestaudiophile
RUclips membership: / @thehonestaudiophile
The Honest Audiophile research/review process: • Let's Talk - My resear... Tierlist:docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
Audio Terms/Definitions: www.thehonestaudiophile.com/p...
Test Tracks: www.thehonestaudiophile.com/p...
Amazon playlist: music.amazon.com/user-playlis...
Tidal Playlists:
Jazz: tidal.com/browse/playlist/ea7...
Soundtracks: tidal.com/browse/playlist/bd1...
Bass: tidal.com/browse/playlist/0ba...
Mids & Treble: tidal.com/browse/playlist/c5b...
Tone & Timbre: tidal.com/browse/playlist/091...
Favorites: tidal.com/browse/playlist/4e9...
Recommended Gear:
Audeze LCD-5: www.audeze.com/products/lcd-5
Rosson Audio Design RAD-0: www.rossonaudiodesign.com/
Meze Empyrean: mezeaudio.com/products/meze-e...
Hifiman Ananda: hifiman.com/products/detail/290
Sennheiser HD600: en-us.sennheiser.com/best-aud...
Sennheiser HD660s: en-us.sennheiser.com/hd-660-s
Austrian Audio Hi-X60: austrian.audio/headphones/hi-...
Audeze LCD 2 Closed: LCD-2 Closed Back (audeze.com)
ADV. M5-12D: www.adv-sound.com/collections...
CTM Da Vinci X: cleartunemonitors.com/product...
Tin Hifi T2: www.linsoul.com/products/tinh...
Sony NW-A105: electronics.sony.com/audio/wa...
Sony NW-WM-1a: electronics.sony.com/audio/wa...
Mytek Liberty DAC ii: mytek.audio/shop/lbrt-dac-ii-...
HeadAmp GSX-Mini: www.headamp.com/products/gs-x...
Tor Audio Roger: toraudio.com/main.html#
Schiit Audio BiFrost 2: schiit.com/products/bi-frost-1
Massdrop THX AAA 789:
drop.com/buy/drop-thx-aaa-789...
Massdrop THX AAA One Linear: drop.com/buy/drop-thx-aaa-one...
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Видеоклипы
really like how you organized these reviews.
Thank you for the feedback, glad you enjoyed the video.
as always well done and informative
Thank you for the kindness, much appreciated.
Nice review, Dave. It was surprisingly easy to follow with comparing 4 IEMs - well done! I have been quite impressed with the Ziigaat IEMs I have purchased so far: Cinno for a chill more relaxed listen and the DosCinco is truly one of my favorites at it's price point.
Awesomeness 😎 Thanks for the feedback.
I bought the Ziigaat NUO after this review, and I really like them.
Had to get used to the sound, they are very different from my Sony headphone (more bass, less clear highs).
You Rock !
Awesome 😎 Glad you enjoy the Nuo.
I was pleasantly surprised with the overall performance of the Ziigaat Nuo. The Nuo has earned a spot next to the Kiwi Ears Cadenza in my box of budget IEMs.
I agree the Cadenza is special, the other one I have in this category is the EPZ Q1 Pro but haven't seen many reviews for it. I'm loving them perhaps just a little more than the Cadenzas. They isolate better, and have more balanced mids.. to my ears they are more faithful representation of instruments but I know this is very subjective.
I think my favorite under $20 is the QKZ x HBB, warm but avoids the muddy tendencies of some of the bassy sets. Another one here that I think gets overlooked is the KZ Castor. The Castor standard is very harmon tuned, but the Castor black has a lot of bass, with that tuck on the mid-bass that makes it work for more music. The Nuo seems to be the closest thing to the Truthear Hola, which seems discontinued ( the Hola had tamer treble ).
These 20 dollar iems are my favorite from you! So far the kz castor bass has been the most technical that I've heard at the price and nothing has come close yet haha
Interesting, haven't heard the Castor. Glad you enjoy the channel content.
Hi Dave you’re a legend I absolutely love watching all your reviews .
I have a question could you recommend an iem for listening to live performances like dire straights alchemy and Pink Floyd pulse . I also listen to alot of dance music with lots of bass . Under $250 thanks in advance . Keep up the good work.
Kiwi Ears Orchestra Lite
ThieAudio Elixir
Moondrop Kato
I'm glad you enjoy the channel content. Thanks for the kind words, much appreciated.
Good stuff 😎 if you get Q1 Pro, I'd like to see VS Wyvern. Q1 seems to be the budget hype right now. Similar graph/build quality. I have Wyvern and curious if q1 would be repititive or worth a grab. Just picked up TRN Orca for $9, will be here any day. TDM didn't care for it, but every other review has praised it. Warm sound, which is what I like.
I also want to hear more about the Q1 Pro. I have it and love it but don't have enough other iems for comparison. The Q1's are more assertive in treble than the Cadenzas and have a bit less mid bass, but the sub bass still presents itself well when needed. Q1's also don't have the mid humps that the cadenzas have so I feel a more realistic representation of instruments.
GM ❄️☕️..over here in RUclips 😎
Great overview! Have you tried the EPZ Q1 Pro? I'd be curious to know your thoughts and even have you review this one.
Thanks for the suggestion
Hifi Tin 2 with added base boost is a classic that still holds against newer releases.
I have the Salnotes Zero and Zero:2 and the first one is a good bit better for my taste. But the Tangzu Wan'er is undoubtedly the best IEM I've listened to till $250. I had the Blessing 2 and the Kato recently and both were good, but the Wan'er is just like an HD650 for me, if you listen to vocal-heavy tracks you instantly fall in love (with W1 tips). Maybe my ears are terrible but in terms of technicality, all of them are rather similarly performing. The Blessing had a bit better instrument separation, while the Kato was in no way an audible upgrade over the Wan'er or Zero.
Thanks for your impressions. Glad you enjoy the Wan'er.
Agreed as a Waner user i love them
Hi Dave, hope you will review the latest in the budget realm that causes some hype right now… the EPZ Q1 Pro.
Thanks for the suggestion.
I’ve had of Crin’s IEM’s .
Midnights 👍
Red 🙂
Dioko 🤮
Hopefully things are looking up in the entry market
Have a good weekend ☕️
Thanks. Have a blessed weekend.
It's Wyvern, like Wyatt Earp +Know what I mean, Verne? Wy(att)vern(Verne). It's a two-legged dragon.
Hey Dave any plans reviewing Aful magic one? really want to know your opinion before pulling the trigger lol!
In house for review and on the schedule with about 30 other products.
Damn, you're ears are gonna be buzzing 😁
I was honestly surprised by the Nuo for the price. It's def a keeper especially at the price. EPZ Q1 Pro seems to be the next budget darling that people are hyping up.
Nuo is a pleasant surprise for sure.
Funny, I just put in a request for the Q1 if he gets it in 😊
do you have any replacement ear tips that are your favorites that you suggest? have you done a video on this topic? some claim that sound is affected by the ear tip type? what are your thoughts on this
I review with the stock tips as much as possible. But I do use alternate tips to see if they make a difference and sometimes I have to use them to review for comfort, seal, fit or other reason and I will mention in the video.
Here are my go to tips:
JVC Spiral Dots
Final Type E
CTM Flexi
TRI Clarion
SoftEars UC
Divinus Velvet
@@TheHonestAudiophilethank you so much. a video on this topic would be interesting, so you can go in detail...
My pleasure you're welcome. Thanks for the suggestion.
i only can enjoy kz dfi switch for 20 bucks class, but he's now different
Under $25? I'd also include the KZ Castor (improved), QKZ x HBB, and the Tangzu Wan'er.
Wan'er is exceptional for the price and here's a link to my review.
ruclips.net/video/HkTAjI7CHMY/видео.htmlsi=E1vuDan9L0IZBf2G
How do you compare the Nuo vs Simgot ew200?
EW200 is similar to Nuo but slightly more elevated and forward in the mids, slightly darker treble, a little more warmth, similar bass, similar details and resolution, not quite as natural tone and timbre.
Hallo Dave, Do you suggest Nuo or Hexa (60 bucs)?
Hexa would be an upgrade. But if I can give a suggestion, the Kiwi Ears Singolo would be my pick for similar price.
@@TheHonestAudiophile Thanks Dave for your reply. After seeing your ranking list I ended with Artiti t10 (which is a s12 with a cheap shell)
My pleasure, you're welcome.
What's your favourite iem at the moment in around the £50 range? 🤔
My go to in that price is the Tin Hifi T2.
Here's a link to my ranking list, please read ranking grade tab first.
docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nRHnsP_4vLg9DlD9kwJ6gQuEQFqhTR0lnrkxXo3AMG8/edit?usp=drivesdk
@@TheHonestAudiophile thanks very much! After watching your review of those, I think they might be a winner for me, keep up the great work!
@DiscoFish1 my pleasure, you're welcome
I'm no audiophile here. I have a basic question. I have an older cheaper pair of KZ iems. I just use them to listen to music on my phone or tablet. I just find them way better than the wired and wireless earbuds I have.
So with that, which kind of IEMs in the $30 range would you recommend for my use? Anyone with knowledge can I appreciate the help
I recommend the Tangzu Wan'er
@@TheHonestAudiophile They are on my list for sure as well as a few KZ ones in that range. Thanks
@michaell5026 my pleasure, your'e welcome
@@TheHonestAudiophile I went out and bought them. $18 is so cheap. Thanks for you help
Look forward to hearing your impressions.
I'm willing even at $75 but give me a better one and with better accessories!
What iem is good for listen worship music that have a lot of music styles and with good singer’s presence?
Personally I'd take the Tangzu Wan'er for a similar price point. But if the 4 reviewed, either the Ziigaat Nuo or 7hz Crinacle Zero 2 would do well.
Thanks 👍🏾
It doesn't have to be Ultra Budget, it can reach $ 80
@natitoalvarez234 my pleasure, you're welcome
@@natitoalvarez234
Tin Hifi T2
Kotori Dauntless
DUNU Titan S
Does tangzu waner is better than all this or any other better than tangzu under 25 dollars
Wan'er holds it's own against the Nuo and is very similar. It is slightly better than the other three especially in tone and timbre.
I’ve tried 5 or 6 $20-25 iems and the wan’er was the best of the bunch imo, I keep it on a az09 adapter for when I need Bluetooth
Sorry I just went crazy posting, lol. I love finding great ultra budget IEMs. I seem to be one of the only ones not drinking the Waner koolaid. Not hearing anything special. I like the look of the jade set, almost got it during this last sale to see if it's preference or a qc issue. Opted on Orca instead. I hear everyone saying Waner has such great bass but our bass is only average and it's also bass light, soundstage is just average. Vocals are nice but just as good on the fairly unknown $5 TRN CS2 which has similar bass quality/quantity and but blows the Waner soundstage and almost all other budget IEMs, out of the water. Wyvern build kills the Waner and to me the sound is at least just as good.
Thanks for the impressions.
How is nuo compare to Truthear hexa?
Completely different presentations. Nuo is warmer, bassier. Hexa is more neutral, better detailed and resolving. Hexa is better with imaging and layering. Hexa has a more aggressive presence about it and the Nuo is more laid back.
@@TheHonestAudiophile Actually i am using hexa .Comfort is good. It's sounds great. But i can't listen long period with texa. Sometimes treble is too sharp for me. Sometimes sounds too good in accoustic sound. For long time listening thinking about nuo. thats why i am asking
@@TheHonestAudiophile Thanks a lot for your reply. I don't have opportunity to get audition then purchase thats why i have to ask one more thing and i am sorry for that. Currently i am using hexa though. Now thinking about to get nuo or Tinhifi t3 plus. I have to buy them based on your review. So how is nuo compared to Tinhifi t3 plus?
Hello sir,
I want to buy iem for under 25 dollars, and I am looking for a KZ-Zex because of the electrostatic driver. Suggest the most clear and detailed iem under 25 dollars. And please tell should I go for KZ Zex this time or not ?
I recommend the Tangzu Wan'er and Ziigaat Nuo.
I haven't heard a KZ Zex since I reviewed it over 3 years ago and don't remember enough to give a fair comparison. Here is a link to my ZEX reviews.
ruclips.net/video/adoRQa4ctEs/видео.html
Thank you sir...
My pleasure, you're welcome
I have a lot of IEMs, including many of the hyped ones. I got the ZEX when I was first trying to figure out my preferred sound profile, didn't think I'd like based on the graph, so glad I gave it a chance. I love the ZEX. Can only speak to my experience but the EST definitely adds some magic. The tuning/sound is unique. Wish there were more budget EST IEMs. I prefer the sound to BA, but I've only got the ZEX for comparison. Took me a bit to get used to BA since my first hybrid was ZEX. It goes on sale really cheap and personally I'd say get it just to have a different sound that is really fun. I listen to hip hop, Edm, pop, rock.
As far as the IEMs mentioned here, I have a Wyvern and test drove Waner, sounds fine, but cheaply built. My brother loves it but gets fatigue after a couple hours. I got the CS2 instead, at the time it was $5 with same plastic build as Waner. Sound is similar but CS2 has a magical 3d stage where Waner stage is meh. Can also cz fatigue but the right tips will calm that down. Soundstage is one of my favorites, so much so that I'm considering the new one. Wyvern is beautiful, great build quality and sound is pretty balanced. Could use a little more mid bass but after tip rolling I got a nice sound. The mids sound good to me but I like forward mids when the bass and treble are tuned for it. it's a matter of sound preference really. Out of all of these, I'd still probaby rec Zex for it's unique sound and great soundstage. A great soundstage is one of those details that is rare to find in this price range.
I've NEVER considered any IEM that has a mic on it a true audiophile IEM.
Cables can be swapped 👍
@@TheHonestAudiophile Yes of corse!!
imho, for this budget one can just go to any phone shop and buy some oem iems. Current oem ones are pretty ok.
That's what I used to think until I got my first chifi BL03 and the rest is history. There are a few $5-10 IEMs on AliExpress that will mop the floor with $20+ phone shop junk.
99 classics or Nighthawk or any other headphone in your mind?
For soundstage,male vocals,original movies before 2017,Quran lisrening,Super fun.
Keep in mind I don't listen music.
Quran and movies,male vocals magic.
Magic like weird experience like you are in a room.
But I have extremely extremely sensitive ears?
Crinacle Zero2 is all you need, everything else is overrated.
Do you think tha a more expensive headphone can give you more in terms of sound than a 30$ one? I have always wondered that
@@TonyA-ex1sjyes it can. $50 may be no different, but my Starfields and my S12s DEFINITELY sound better.
@@michaelmacvittie6977 and if you compare a 80$ headphone against a 500$ one do you still think there is a huge difference in sound?
I don't like them.
The nozzles are too short and they have no soundstage.
The Zero OG is better.
The Zero 2 decreases the upper mids and elevates the bass, making it sound run-of-the-mill..
The og Zero had a nice niche sound and also had superior technicalities aided by its revealing tuning.