The Best In-Ear Monitors (IEMs) to Start 2024
Join us as we look back at the in-ear monitors (IEMs) that will be spoken about starting in 2024 as 2023 draws to an end. You can definitely find anything to improve your hearing experience for $20 to $5,000.
The Best In-Ear Monitors (IEMs) to Start 2024
Introduction
Here at The Audio Files, as 2023 draws to an end, we like to look back at the in-ear monitors (IEMs) that will be hot topics in 2024. We have incorporated a few more high-end alternatives into this edition of our biannual IEM buyers guide, while maintaining much of the same structure and guiding principles as our Summer 2023 guide.
1 Introduction
2 Best IEMs Up to $100
3 Best IEMs Under $250
4 Best IEMs Under $1,000
5 Best IEMS Under $2,000
6 Best IEMs Over $2,000
7 Price is No Object
8 Conclusion
How We Chose
The IEMs in this buyer’s guide reflect some of the best that this pastime has to offer to date, regardless of your budget. highlighting a few in particular. There is a huge personal audio interest, especially in the IEM arena. To compile this guide, we have tested most of the IEMs that have been noteworthy over the last five years.
We had to pick only a few IEMs because we could have included a few more that we liked. We’re confident that there are lesser-known models created by great designers all over the world that we’ve never had the opportunity to try.
And in all honesty, that’s what this pastime is really all about: people experimenting with new equipment and sharing their opinions with the larger audio community in an effort to achieve excellent sound.
Here’s a synopsis of our methodology from the first buyer’s guide before we get started:
Decisions, Decisions
A notion in the field of behavioral economics is referred to as the paradox of choice. To put it briefly, this means that having so many options available to oneself can actually make decision-making more difficult. They might get paralyzed by analysis. This is especially true in the inexpensive IEM market today, where a ton of new items are released each month.
Recall that we don’t always think an IEM is harmful just because you don’t see one here. Since the market is so competitive and has advanced so much in recent years, practically everything you see highly recommended will be decent. For this article, we’re just aiming to keep things simple and straightforward. Take that, paradox.
Best IEMs Up to $100
We’ll present you with a couple simple choices. Their technical performance shouldn’t bother you too much because they are all essentially in the same range.
7Hz Salnotes Zero 2: $25
The extremely influential community member Crinacle’s follow-up to his original $20 benchmark Salnotes Zero is the 7Hz Salnotes Zero 2. A few small adjustments were made to produce a sound characteristic that is even more pleasing and enjoyable: deeper bass and a more controlled treble. For many people, the Salnotes Zero 2 will undoubtedly be the beginning of an extensive auditory journey. We only have one issue with it, which is that not everyone fits well.
Watch Resolve’s review over at The Headphone Show
Truthear x Crinacle ZERO: RED, $55
With its neutral plus sub-bass tuning, the Truthear x Crinacle ZERO: RED is another product of the Crinacle partnership and one of the best-tuned cheap IEMs available. Compared to the rest of the competition, it stands out for having superb bass quality and a very well-controlled treble response.
If you’re into that, it also comes with a cute little Bass+ adapter for more oomph. Be aware that the nozzle size is a little bit larger.
Truthear Hexa: $80
You’ll be seeing a lot of references to Truthear, one of the most well-known brands in the low-cost IEM market. The Truthear Hexa has one of the greatest technical displays in this price range, even though its tuning and timbre aren’t nearly as good as the RED’s. Though it’s not our top choice, the Hexa is the best option if you’re worried about how the RED will fit.
Watch Resolve’s review over at The Headphone Show.
Etymotic ER2XR, $100
The renowned ultra-deep-fit triple-flange tips of the Etymotic ER2XR give it an incredibly in-your-head sound, giving it a completely distinct presentation. The ER2XR is still one of the best-value IEMs available, provided you don’t mind the fit.
It adheres to Etymotic’s contemporary adaptation of traditional diffuse field tuning. It’s also superior. This has a reference-focused sound overall, with a hint of punch in the lower frequencies.
The bass is crisp and has enough slam, even though it lacks texture. The ER2XR stands out from the competition thanks to its laser-sharp concentration on vocal delivery, even though some may find its abundance of midrange to be unduly forward. The ER2XR’s restricted imaging range and rolled-off treble response are its only drawbacks.
Samsung Galaxy Buds FE: $100
As long as you have a Samsung handset to pair it with, the recently announced Samsung Galaxy Buds FE are a pretty fair option for people seeking a wireless solution who only really use IEMs on the fly. It has a bass-heavy default profile, while the Clear preset EQ option offers more balanced tuning.
It is simple to listen to, has a somewhat laid-back upper midrange, and doesn’t really break the bank. Its sound quality isn’t quite as outstanding as that of the earlier models, but it makes up for it with its wireless functionality and technological features like ANC and Ambient/Transparency modes.
Read Fc-Construct’s review here
P.S. In case anyone is wondering, the Truthear Hola is located in this section. Regretfully, it has been canceled. It has been replaced with the 7-Hz Salnotes Zero 2.
P.P.S.: The CCA CRA+ was once included in our list as well, but we no longer endorse them because of the dubious marketing tactics used by their parent company, KZ, and their propensity to make significant changes to the product without prior notice.
Best IEMs Under $250
Truthful Nova and the Harmans ~ $100 – $250
The race to the bottom mindset that has engulfed the inexpensive IEM sector is maintained by Truthear Nova. For only $150, the Nova essentially provides the same Harman-tuning as the $520 MoonDrop Variations. Naturally, their sounds are not the same. The Nova is referred to by some as a “baby variation.”
However, quality and affordability aren’t always the same, and in some circumstances, you might even prefer Nova’s technical presentation. In either case, considering the substantial value it provides, it’s definitely worth recommending.
For individuals that prefer tweaking their IEMs in the manner of Harman, the Nova could be the ideal entry point.
However, it goes beyond the Nova. IEMs that mimic Harman, including the Simgot EM6L, Binary Acoustics x Gizaudio Chopin, and Kiwi Ears Quintet, have become increasingly popular. They’re all great choices, and it all comes down to how much you want your in-ear monitor to mimic the famous Harman in-ear target.
The Nova is the closest version, but check out the reviews of these other choices if you’re looking for something with a little more midbass presence.
Read Listener’s review and Watch Resolve’s review
7Hz Timeless and the Planars ~ $100 – $250
The planar IEM revolution began in 2021 with the release of the 7Hz Timeless. At a very competitive $220, the Timeless was the first competent planar IEM in the world. It’s not surprising that the Timeless gained popularity in the IEM market given its generally pleasing tone and superb technical performance characterized by remarkable clarity.
A wave of “me-too” items quickly followed. Resolve’s review, which compares some of the most well-liked models, is available here. They sound identical to each other in general since they have the same 14.2/14.8 mm planar driver.
Finding one that suits your preferences and price range should be simple because there are a good range of options and prices available. You can’t go wrong with almost any of them.
Remember that these planars differ most from one another in their treble, so make sure to do some research beforehand in case one model is a bit too intense. The Letshuoer S12, for instance, is very well-liked yet has a lot of bite in the mid-treble. Conversely, the Tin HiFi P1 Max is a more muted, warmer option.
Read Fc-Construct’s review | Read Precogvision’s review
Best IEMs Under $1,000
The market has changed so significantly that moderate mainstays are gradually becoming obsolete. The IEM market is beginning to genuinely move toward the low-end or high-end of the price spectrum. As a result, the things we still like and believe you would like are what we propose here rather than the “best value” selections.
MoonDrop x Crinacle Blessing 2: Dusk / MoonDrop Blessing 3
The MoonDrop x Crinacle Blessing 2:Dusk, another Crinacle IEM on our list, was his first really successful joint venture and the product that started the current reviewer collaborative trend.
In contrast to the original Blessing 2, which the Dusk enhances, it adds a much-needed sub-bass lift and maintains a neutral tonality throughout, with the exception of the treble, which has a mid-treble recession and could clearly use more extension.
As a straight replacement for the Blessing 2, MoonDrop released the Blessing 3 this year for the same price. Its technical performance is unquestionably better than that of the Blessing 2 or Dusk, especially in terms of having a noticeably tighter bass response and longer treble response.
But in doing so, the Blessing 3’s rich, rich sound is sacrificed, along with the Dusk’s excellent tone. greater than the Variations and Nova. But don’t worry; Crinacle is working on his own Blessing 3 version right now, so check back soon!
DUNU SA6: $550
When it was released a few years ago, the DUNU SA6 created quite a stir. Reviewers have lovingly referred to it as a “baby” version of the critically renowned 64 Audio U12t and qdc Anole VX because of its six balanced armatures.
With a slight lower treble dip to lessen any harshness and sibilance, it offers a very pleasing, balanced tone profile. Technically speaking, the SA6 avoids part of that hated BA timbre characteristic by having above-average BA bass and a slightly “wet” characteristic in the way its transients are articulated.
The treble extension, image performance, and resolving capabilities of the SA6 are its greatest flaws when it comes to the market’s unwavering quest for price and performance. But even with its diminishing technical capabilities, Fc-Construct still travels with the SA6 because it’s such a cozy, laid-back listen.
Hisenior Mega5EST: $550
The Senior Mega5EST is for you if you’ve been following all the updates to headphone and IEM measurement systems and are eager to purchase something that adheres to the latest targets and preference bounds.
Strangely, despite the fact that this IEM has been available for a few years, it has remained unknown due to a lack of promotion and reviewer access. You’ll be hard-pressed to find any non-Harman-based IEM that adjusted this closely to the study regarding listeners’ preference bounds, even though its technical performance isn’t very noteworthy. Its tuning is actually nearly the same as that of the Subtonic Storm, the priciest IEM on our list.
Symphonium and Nightjar Meteor: $600
The Meteor is the Symphonium’s take on a more entertaining U-shaped tuning. U-shape tuning is a challenging profile to master since it calls for a well-controlled boost to the sub-bass regions and superb treble extension, which are features that the great majority of IEMs on the market were and still are considered strange.
For the most part, the Meteor meets these requirements flawlessly. At around $600, if you’re ready to forego some detail in exchange for a completely melodic sound, this is the device for you.
Additionally, Symphonium has been attentive to many of the critiques leveled at the ergonomics of their flagship device, the Helios. It’s safe to say that those with smaller ears will probably be able to use the Meteor without experiencing any loss in sound quality.
The S8 is the best technical performer from MoonDrop, with its crisp imaging and excellent resolution. The treble response of this IEM is another noteworthy feature; although not the smoothest, it is undoubtedly among the longest trebles available at this price range.
If you’re looking for something warmer and more “musical,” we’d advise staying away, but the fact that MoonDrop has decided to shelve their S8 successor because, in their own words, “we can’t improve upon the S8 right now” should say volumes about the quality of the sound produced by this IEM. Did we also mention how lovely those shells are?
7th Acoustics Supernova: $750
Precogvision was taken aback by the 7th Acoustics Supernova, especially considering that it’s made by a little-known Indonesian boutique company. But there’s no denying that the supernova is real.
Its frequency response, which is entirely free of any harsh peaks or troughs, shows that it has one of the most comfortable tunings he has heard in an IEM. Actually, the Supernova is similar to high-quality speakers (which typically have a flat measurement) in that it is nearly trivial to turn up the volume.
Even if the Supernova costs $750, it’s not exactly a bargain in terms of technical specifications. This is an IEM that is definitely worth listening to if you’re searching for the potential “king of tonality,” the closest thing you can discover to a tonal cure-all. But as each Supernova is made by hand, you might need to be patient!
Best IEMS Under $2,000
Fact: You can enjoy fantastic listening experiences without spending thousands of dollars. These days, it’s easy to find great audio, and the first part of this post was designed to assist you in doing so. So why would someone want to spend so much money on high-end goods when there are so many inexpensive alternatives?
To put it simply, audio is a very personal interest, and there is a wide range of personal preferences for sound. The current IEM market has a drawback in that well-tuned but similarly sounding goods tend to converge, especially with more entry-level models.
On the other hand, a number of the more costly, boutique IEMs frequently satisfy the previously indicated range of listener preferences. As a result, they frequently use tunings that may be more divisive, but they can provide technical attributes (such as dynamics, soundstage, imaging, and resolution) that are rarely seen in traditional tunings.
Therefore, achieving the ideal balance between tone and distinctive technical features is the ultimate objective of high-end IEMs. Regrettably, many pricey IEMs on the market don’t succeed in doing this. We will discuss several IEMs that we believe offer an experience worth discussing in this area.
Therefore, achieving the ideal balance between tone and distinctive technical features is the ultimate objective of high-end IEMs. Regrettably, many pricey IEMs on the market don’t succeed in doing this. We will discuss several IEMs that we believe offer an experience worth discussing in this area.
Thieaudio Monarch MKII or MKIII: $1,000
The Thieaudio Monarch MKII and MKIII, gatekeepers to the kilobuck space, have earned a spot on this list. A little too forward in the upper mids and treble, but otherwise a solid all-arounder, is the MKII’s only weakness.
Similar to the MKII, but with additional upper treble zing and midbass punch, is the MKIII. The MKIII has a clear resolution advantage over the MKII, but the MKII is still the safest choice. Their comparatively poor bass performance for Kilobuck competitors is the main criticism leveled at them. These two choices are excellent choices if you want a presentation that is straightforward and clear.
Read Fc-Construct’s comparison review | Read Precogvision’s review
64 Audio U4s: $1,100
The U4s is 64 Audio’s most affordable universal IEM. But don’t let the price tag fool you. In many respects, the U4s usurps its older brother, the Nio, while maintaining the classic, 64-bit house sound. The U4s is tuned in U-shaped fashion with a strong emphasis on sub-bass and upper-treble for an exciting yet controlled sound.
The addition of a dynamic driver completes what some might affectionately describe as a “baby U12t with a DD.”. Of course, no IEM is perfect, and some listeners might be predisposed to find issues with the more reserved upper-midrange tuning or find the U4s too bright.
But the addition of three APEX modules (swappable modules that control the level of bass) offers the potential for plenty of fine-tuning. Without a doubt, the 64 Audio U4s is our first recommendation for anyone looking for something in the Kilobuck range.
Precogvision’s Written and Video Review: Fc-Construct’s Impressions vs the Nio
Symphonium Helios: $1,100
For listeners who prefer their IEM to command attention, there is the Helios IEM. The trademark of the Helios is traditional neutral-bright. It boasts a clear presentation with a (better than) class-leading treble response and a slight upper-midrange accent. However, there is a 200 Hz recession in the mid-bass/lower-mids transition, which gives it a somewhat jumbled vibe. Beyond that, the Helios’s technical shortcomings are essentially nonexistent.
remarkable micro-contrast, acute, slightly out-of-head imagery, and crisp leading edges to notes. The fit of the Helios is the only thing stopping us from heartily endorsing it—some ears find it to be a tad too big. However, if you can get over it, we humbly believe that the Helios is among the most affordable reference IEMs in terms of sound quality.
Nightjar Singularity: $1,300
The Nightjar Singularity explores the subject of what happens when bass is added to an IEM with a single dynamic driver that has been expertly tuned. plenty and plenty of bass. Bass enthusiasts who don’t want to sacrifice timbral performance should check out this IEM.
The singularity is a pure, singular-minded IEM; there is nothing more to it. Although it won’t be the last word in any technical matter, it puts on a passable show that doesn’t take away from its primary duty of producing bass. The only criticism of its bass is that its impact is a little too pillowy.
Sennheiser IE900: $1,500
Legendary in the audio industry is Sennheiser. However, in contrast to their history in headphones, they have had difficulty remaining relevant in the current IEM market. Put the IE900 in place. With what is likely the best single-dynamic driver IEM available, Sennheiser made a splash when it returned to the high-end market. Its bass’s natural tone, dynamics, and power readily match the best in the business.
In stark contrast to all of this bass intensity, the IE900 boasts a substantial mid-treble rise. However, Sennheiser has accomplished what many businesses can only imagine: a vivid, vibrant treble without sacrificing control—through painstaking study and design.
The IE900 boasts a vibrant U-shaped design that is ideal for immersion overall. Regretfully, there are issues with the IE900. Specifically, the vocal performance is compromised by an unnatural recession in the upper midrange structure. In terms of resolution and image, the IE900 isn’t nearly as good as the U4s or Helios.
Even though it’s not our top pick, the IE900 is unquestionably among the greatest “flavor” IEMs to add to your collection, especially if you’re willing to EQ the midrange. Precogvision is one that everyone of the writers of this essay has owned. Fc-Construct is very much in the mood.
Symphonium Crimson, $1,500
The Crimson can best be compared to a Symphonium Meteor on steroids. The Crimson’s bass response is as sharp as only a bass bass can be, but it has a bigger effect than a bass bass should have.
Compared to the Meteor, the Crimson’s midrange is a little more refined, with more upper-midrange presence for greater bite. Although the Crimson’s higher treble is often a little too thin in comparison to the thicker midrange, the IEM does gain a lot from tip switching.
The Crimson’s tone is really colorful overall and definitely delivers in terms of technical aspects as well. Specifically, the level of dynamics it can provide may be the best in its pricing range. The Crimson is the best-sounding 4BA IEM Precogvision has heard to date, and it’s a jab in the face of typical driver stereotypes.
Elysian Diva: $1,500
He was so impressed with this IEM’s performance at CanJam Singapore 2022 for Precogvision that he immediately bought a CIEM version. The few months he’s spent listening to it after the last nearly six months of waiting have persuaded him that it should be included on this list.
The bass dial on the Diva is its “gimmick,” allowing for three different signatures. In contrast to several other IEMs, he genuinely discovers himself utilizing the various modes. Every setting has one thing in common: the Diva sounds vibrant, contrasty, and has a slightly manufactured but appealing tint to her timbre.
The Diva is undoubtedly a phenomenon when it comes to female vocals; the real question is if you’re ready to wait for this fantastic IEM.
Best IEMs Over $2,000
64 Audio U12t, $2,000
That had to be on the roster. One of our all-time favorites in the IEM lineup is the 64 Audio U12t, which has established itself as the industry standard and flagship model. The U12t’s clear, somewhat warm tone with a hint of spice in the high treble helps it make very few mistakes.
It is also a technical marvel, as evidenced by its powerful center imaging, authoritative macro-dynamics, and outstanding BA bass. It’s hard to go wrong with the U12t, although those looking for a more forward sound, especially in the upper-midrange, might be better off looking elsewhere. These factors make the U12t the first IEM that we would suggest to anyone who has extra cash to spend but isn’t quite sure what they want.
Empire Ears Odin: $3,400
The Empire Ears Odin rejects this tendency, leaning more toward neutrality with a sub-bass increase, in contrast to the majority of Empire Ears’ IEMs, which stand out for being V-shaped bass cannons. Proceeding further, it has a noticeable concentration on the upper-midrange and pinna correction without going into undesired thinness, which contributes to powerful center imaging and a present, crystal-clear midrange.
In this aspect, the Odin is guaranteed to make an impression upon first hearing, even though some may think it to be on the safe side. Moreover, Odin’s treble is incredibly controlled, if perhaps a touch too soft in attack (which at least helps coherency). Without a doubt, the Odin is an IEM that easily sits at the top, but its macro-dynamics, which lean toward unwelcome loudness, are its main shortcoming.
Elysian Annihilator, $3,500
Are you trying to find an IEM that will make you jump every time you hear it? The Annihilator needs to be the initial IEM on your roster. The treble response of the Annihilator is particularly noteworthy; it exhibits nearly linear extension and the blazingly fast tactility that real electrostatics, such as the Shure KSE1200, provide. Furthermore, remarkable are the anihilator’s general dynamics and transients.
It only lacks in the micro-contrast sector since each instrument line has some compression, but it articulates dynamic swings quickly and with excellent macro-contrast. Whatever the case, let one of the few remaining IEMs wow us. The Annihilator 2023 significantly enhances the sub-bass frequency in comparison to the 2021 model.
Price is No Object
Subtonic Storm, $5,200
What steps must you take to become the world’s greatest IEM? We can’t truly answer your question, but we can offer you some advice: Try something different. And do it flawlessly. The subtonic storm is that.
It is compared to a hybrid of the 64-bit Audio U12t and the Focal Utopia by Fc-Construct. It sounds like the well-regarded Genelec speakers in IEM form for Precogvision. In any case, the storm is an IEM that makes us want to listen to it repeatedly. Its characteristics are physically and explosively unlike anything else on the market right now. It raises the bar in almost every technical category where the U12t is exceptional.
Even with a studio-reference tuning that is blatantly typical for its exorbitant price tag, the sheer exuberance of its presentation makes well-known songs sound completely different. In other words, even if IEMs’ declining returns are getting closer, the storm is a great example of why unusual, extremely expensive IEMs are still made.
Conclusion
If you read this far, you probably fall into one of three camps:
1 You’re looking to plan your next upgrade and are scoping out what the high-end holds.
You just want to see what the pinnacle of audio looks like.
You own a top-tier IEM yourself and want to know if it made the list.
Group #3: Don’t feel too guilty if your uber-expensive, best-loved IEM isn’t on our list. It is important to note that audio is a very personal passion, and our main indexing criteria are a good balance between technology and timbre. There is always a trade-off between attributes, just like anything else.
We don’t live in an ideal world, even though excellent IEMs help lessen the amount that must be sacrificed. Regarding the degree to which one attribute is sacrificed for another, each person will have their own preferences. This hobby’s main purpose is to satisfy one’s need for flawless sound. Your flawless audio is not that of another person.
Remember that neither of us has heard everything that is out there. Time and access are the largest obstacles reviewers face; we review as a pastime outside of our day jobs, and we simply cannot hear everything. However, based on our experiences, this is our IEM purchasing guide for 2024.
Check out our reviews at The Audio Files and The Headphone Show on YouTube for further information. You can also join our Discord server, where a friendly community of audio aficionados is eager to discuss everything related to audio.
