WHAT ARE THE BEST IEMS FOR ME IN 2024?
WHAT ARE THE BEST IEMS FOR ME IN 2024?
It might be challenging to keep up with the ever-changing audiophile IEM industry, where new releases seem to be happening every week, and choose which options would best fit your likes and preferences. There are a plethora of in-ear monitors (IEMs) on the market today, each with its own unique set of features, price point, shell size, and connectivity (wired vs. TWS, for example). To help you narrow down your options, we’ll try our best to detail which IEMs made a splash this year and which have been around for a while but are still relevant.
TWS – A QUICK OVERVIEW
I would be remiss if I didn’t briefly go over a few units that caught my eye this year and talk about the fantastic progress we’ve achieved in sound quality for TWS IEMs. Some of the items described above are new to our shop, but if you want a more detailed look, you can go to the overview I published earlier this year.
BEST FOR THE MONEY – 1MORE EVO
When I first heard about the 1MORE Evo at CanJam Chicago 2022, I could tell it was going to be different from my previous wireless headphones, the AirPods Pro Gen 1. The Evo’s well-presented low end has enough kick and punch to satisfy bass heads and the most discriminating listeners alike, making them a fantastic addition to any audiophile’s collection at $109.
The midrange is more present and full-bodied compared to my AirPods, so the overall vocal clarity is more to my taste. However, I do wish the Evo had sharper highs. The size and softness of these buds also contribute to their accommodating fit. If you are looking for an affordable TWS IEM, the 1MORE Evo should be at the top of your list.
MY OVERALL FAVORITE – FINAL ZE8000
“Well, what’s your favorite here on the table?” is a question that CanJam guests often ask us. something I thoroughly like responding to. I still have my favorites, even though I get to listen to a lot of different goods every day. ZE8000 is unquestionably my favorite. The improvements achieved in TWS are clearly demonstrated by ZE8000’s resolution across the board.
Featuring a crisp and defined high end, deep and punchy bass (with even better texture), and a detailed midrange that captures every nuance, down to the crunch of a guitar or the breath of a singer. Complete the picture with top-notch staging and imagery to complement all those wonderful attributes.
THE BEST OF THE BEST – NOBLE FOKUS PRESTIGE
In sports, it’s OK to have a favorite player even when you know they’re not the greatest. It’s also difficult to listen to the Prestige and declare it’s not the best, even though I like the ZE8000.
I was dubious of people who said that the Mystique was the greatest TWS available at the moment, so I approached the Noble Audio booth at CanJam Chicago 2023 to hear what appeared to be a new TWS.
To my surprise, it turned out to be the Prestige. I had expressed this opinion in my article and video earlier. Thanks to the Prestige’s new PCB board, I was able to parse rapidly and realized that I might need to edit my paper. Noble FoKus Prestige’s sound signature immediately captivated me.
Although I was used to the Mystique’s powerful low-end bass, the midrange, which is now much more present and full, eliminated any preconceived notions I had about how much the Mystique weighed down.
Even though Noble promptly fixed my biggest complaint with the Mystique, I still think the high end resolution could be a little bit crisper and cleaner. As a result, it’s much simpler to award Prestige the top spot today.
WIRED IEMS – THE OVERVIEW
When it comes to wired IEMs, I’ll first give a pricing range and then select three that have a certain sound signature: I believe that neutral music has a primarily flat sound signature, therefore it should appeal to people who like less bass in their music. Balanced people are fun-loving but mainly stay in the middle between having fun and addressing problems, and bassy people are more low-key than others.
NEUTRAL: UCOTECH RE-2
In my opinion, RE-2 exemplifies neutrality with its very resolving top end and bottom end that never interferes with the other frequencies in music. Ucotech RE-2’s stunning midrange clarity and detail make listening to classical, folk, and country guitar a pleasure.
When teamed with Marty Robbins’s music, RE-2 brings Marty’s raspy voice to life, bringing to life the legendary tales of gunslingers and cowboys with each intimate and present guitar pick and treble that fearlessly flirts with being slightly bright.
If a client asks us for a recommendation for an affordable IEM, we usually recommend the Ucotech RE-2. At $109, it partly reimagines what affordable IEMs can do. Whatever your budget, if you’re seeking an IEM with a balanced sonic profile, this is one of the best options.
BALANCED: SENNHEISER IE 200
I wanted to keep it balanced since I think IE 200 is a fantastic all-arounder, but I do think there’s a legitimate argument for it to fall in bassy area. When listening to electronic dance music (EDM), you can definitely hear the dynamic driver’s bass boom, but when listening to an orchestral recording that showcases its capabilities and readiness to dive deep in its treble extension with a long drawn-out violin solo, you can also hear some of that top end sizzle. IE 200
showcases the finest aspects of several genres with remarkable skill. For anybody looking for a capable, reasonably priced IEM, the IE 200 offers a little bit of everything: crystal clear vocals, a bass end with rumble and a hint of leakage, and a top end that never seems smoothed out.
BASSY: QUESTYLE NHB12
Here we go; if you’re looking for affordable, ear-piercing bass, your search is over. Though the Questyle NHB12’s low end can be overbearing at times, the NHB12 possesses impressive capability in all areas.
Even while the NHB12’s main selling point has been that it is “The World’s First Apple MFi certified true lossless earphones” (with a lightning port on the wire, so there’s no need to elaborate), there’s a lot more to it than that.
In addition to its remarkable technology, Questyle succeeded in making this IEM entertaining with its striking vocals that make the musician seem to be right there with you. With Tim Hennson’s innovative rifts carrying so much weight, the guitars are rich and detailed, giving the Polyphia tunes that extra flair and zing.
When it comes to bass guitars and 808s, the show-stopping rumbling may make your skull tremble and your mind feel like it’s at a party. NHB12’s stunning design and industry-leading technology are sure to grab your attention, but that’s not all it has going for it.
NEUTRAL: NOBLE AUDIO STAGE 3
Many audiophiles don’t appear to be familiar with Noble Audio Stage 3, but I believe it has fantastic character in every aspect. Stage 3 has a very safe and balanced sound profile throughout, and its tiny shell makes it suitable for both audiophiles seeking an IEM for extended listening sessions and newbies to the hobby.
The name comes from Noble’s dedication to tuning this IEM with an emphasis on realistic timbre, which is ideal for performers on stage. Nothing is overdone, misplaced, or overstated, yet Noble added just the right amount of melody to make Stage 3 elicit feelings when played again. Stage 3 is an IEM that I would use for both live performances and relaxing listening sessions, even though I’ve never been a very talented musician.
BALANCED: MEZE ADVAR/SENNHEISER IE 600
I wanted to give ADVAR its due after include the IE 200, but I couldn’t resist adding the IE 600—one of the greatest IEMs for the money—to the mix.
The bass is robust and full-bodied, while the treble is crisp and clear in both of these in-ear monitors. They are, to put it mildly, quite similar, and they satisfy the need for an active integrated amplifier that doesn’t skimp on resolution or capability in favor of a flat, uninspiring bass.
Instead, the rock music that IE 600 and ADVAR create has a unique harmony that adds a burst of energy to the cymbal crashes, guitar whines, and vocal shouting, making for an unparalleled listening experience.
If you’re blown away by the Beatles’ “Elanor Rigby” string rendition or by Limp Bizkit’s “Break Stuff” guitar and drums mayhem, IE 600 and ADVAR both provide tunings that will let you experience music in totally new ways.
Excuse the monarch. It would be a heinous sin to exclude the obviously most popular IEM of 2023, Monarch MKIII, which is priced less than our pricing category.
Although the MKIII does have a lot of bass, it also has great treble and a strong middle, so I hope that describing it as bassy doesn’t make it seem one-dimensional. Even though I like the MKII’s higher mids, I have to give props to the MKIII for the way it brings vocals forward and makes them seem personal.
The treble is also somewhat quieter this time around, but ThieAudio has nailed that treble intensity that keeps listeners engaged. The next part of the characteristic sound is the sub- and mid-bass combination, which produces a powerful and renowned bottom end.
The basshead who wants to bring the house down will be satisfied, as Monarch MKIII can create a melody with superb precision and execution regardless of the genre.
NEUTRAL: HIFIMAN SVANAR
I debated this one for a long time. There are valid points that may be raised to cast doubt on my assessment, but I truly believe that HiFiMan designed this in-ear monitor with a neutral tuning aim in mind, despite a subtle overall impression of warmth and low-end presence. Just like MKIII, Svanar is somewhat priced below our range, falling just short of really fitting in this category.
Svanar, with its in-ear monitor design, nails the essence of HiFiMan’s headphones, in my opinion. Amazing imagery and a strong sense of distance between equipment make it easy to tell where they are.
Although I considered concluding with the 64 Audio U12t, it would be uninteresting to do so. The Campfire Audio Bonneville left a strong impression on me during my listening session at CanJam SoCal 2024. The recent arrival of these units in our shop has further reinforced my confidence in this in-ear monitor (IEM).
Bonneville, one of the most impressive Campfire Audio IEMs I have seen so far, combines an enjoyable and mostly detailed sound characteristic that brings out the tonality of the Bonneville in a delightful manner.
BASSY: NOBLE AUDIO SPARTACUS
This year, Noble kept himself occupied by producing a good number of IEM submissions to keep us entertained. Noble Audio designed the Spartacus IEM with North America in mind, knowing full well how much Americans love our bass.
While the treble may be described as smooth, Spartacus rushes ahead with a sound signature that doesn’t compromise. In my opinion, Noble has really nailed the sense of clarity and resolution here, something they’ve done well in so many of their previous IEMs.
NEUTRAL: CAMPFIRE AUDIO SOLARIS STELLAR HORIZON
Possibly the hardest choice on the list was this one. When Campfire Audio debuted the Trifecta and Emerald Sea, Solaris Stellar Horizon was my pick for best in class, and it outperformed them both by a significant amount.
As of late, Solaris Stellar Horizon has been my choice for Campfire’s most considerate and impartial tuning; nonetheless, Campfire doesn’t always follow the rules about target tuning.
BALANCED: 64 AUDIO VOLUR
64 Audio Volur is completely strange to me. As of now, I still don’t know what most people think about whether the 64 Audio Volur is a bass-heavy IEM or a balanced tuning with a small bass accent. It sounds great at first, and the dynamic drivers give it a lot of punch and slam.
But then I compare it to other IEMs we have in the office, and I start to doubt everything. I’m happy to put it in fair because I think it makes everybody happy.
BASSY: VISION EARS VE10
Although VE10 has not yet touched down in 2024, it is scheduled for release shortly, and it has been heard at several concerts this year. The VE10 is an in-ear monitor that takes design cues from both the original Phonix and the EXT.
Its primary goal is to provide the right intangibles, and it does it with a little more weight in the lower midrange, which further enhances its presence in the bass.
THE MULTI KILOBUCK IEMS
NEUTRAL: EMPIRE EARS RAVEN
Many audiophiles don’t seem to be familiar with Noble Audio Stage 3, but I believe it has fantastic character in every aspect. Stage 3 has a very safe and balanced sound profile throughout, and its tiny shell makes it suitable for both audiophiles seeking an IEM for extended listening sessions and newbies to the hobby.
The name comes from Noble’s dedication to tuning this IEM with an emphasis on realistic timbre, which is ideal for performers on stage. Nothing is overdone, misplaced, or overstated, yet Noble added just the right amount of melody to make Stage 3 elicit feelings when played again. Stage 3 is an IEM that I would use for both live performances and relaxing listening sessions, even though I’ve never been a very talented musician.
BALANCED: MEZE ADVAR/SENNHEISER IE 600
I wanted to give ADVAR its due after include the IE 200, but I couldn’t resist adding the IE 600—one of the greatest IEMs for the money—to the mix. The bass is robust and full-bodied, while the treble is crisp and clear in both of these in-ear monitors. They are, to put it mildly, very similar, and they satisfy the need for an active integrated amplifier that doesn’t skimp on resolution or capability in favor of a flat, uninspiring bass.
BASSY: THIEAUDIO MONARCH MKIII
Excuse the monarch. It would be a heinous sin to omit the obviously most popular IEM of 2023, Monarch MKIII, which is priced less than our price category. Although the MKIII does have a lot of bass, it also has great treble and a solid middle, so I hope that describing it as bassy doesn’t make it seem one-dimensional. Even though I prefer the MKII’s higher mids, I have to give props to the MKIII for the way it brings vocals forward and makes them seem personal.
NEUTRAL: HIFIMAN SVANAR
I went back and forth on this one a lot. There could be arguments against me putting this in balanced, but I believe HiFiMan designed this IEM with a neutral tuning aim in mind, despite a modest overall impression of warmth and low-end presence. Similarly to MKIII, Svanar falls under a dollar of our price range, barely qualifying.
I believe Svanar encapsulates what everyone desires in HiFiMan headphones so beautifully in an IEM physical factor. Great sense of space between instruments and pictures, which makes determining where instruments are really simple.
BALANCED: CAMPFIRE AUDIO BONNEVILLE
I went back and forth on this one a lot. There could be arguments against me putting this in balanced, but I believe HiFiMan designed this IEM with a neutral tuning aim in mind, despite a modest overall impression of warmth and low-end presence. Similarly to MKIII, Svanar falls under a dollar of our price range, barely qualifying.
I believe Svanar encapsulates what everyone desires in HiFiMan headphones so beautifully in an IEM physical factor. Great sense of space between instruments and pictures, which makes determining where instruments are really simple.
BASSY: NOBLE AUDIO SPARTACUS
Noble kept us entertained this year with a plethora of IEM entries. Noble Audio is well aware of the North American love affair with bass, so they customized the Spartacus IEM to suit our tastes.
While the treble may be described as smooth, I perceive a genuine feeling of clarity and resolve here that Noble has achieved with so many of their other in-ear monitors; the Spartacus rushes ahead with an uncompromised sound signature.
Of all the choices, this one might have been the most challenging. Prior to the releases of the Trifecta and Emerald Sea by Campfire Audio, Solaris Stellar Horizon was my top pick for best in class. In spite of Campfire’s occasional disregard for tuning target protocols, I have recently found Solaris Stellar Horizon to be their most considerate and unbiased tuning. Solaris Stellar Horizon doesn’t put much emphasis in its overall sound character, yet I still wouldn’t put this IEM into balanced unless you asked me nicely.
BALANCED: 64 AUDIO VOLUR
I find 64 Audio Volur to be really out of the ordinary. Whether 64 Audio Volur is a fully bass-heavy IEM or a well-balanced model with a hint of bass is something I still haven’t figured out. While the dynamic drivers make me bop my head with their punch and bang, I find myself beginning to doubt everything after comparing it to other in-ear monitors we have at work. I’m pleased to have found a middle ground; I believe it will satisfy both me and the majority of readers.
BASSY: VISION EARS VE10
While VE10 has not yet been released in 2024, it is expected shortly, and guests at numerous exhibitions this year have had the opportunity to hear it. VE10 blends notes from the original Phonix and EXT to create an IEM focused on giving all the right intangibles, with some extra weight in the lower mid frequencies that only add to its low end presence.
The VE10 may be the most well-rounded Vision Ears IEM I’ve heard to date, with the luscious mid range that Phonix was able to make so well, and the bottom end that EXT excels at.
THE MULTI KILOBUCK IEMS
NEUTRAL: EMPIRE EARS RAVEN
You wouldn’t think it from looking at the driver configuration, but the Empire Ears Raven is anything but neutral. The bass is present, but it isn’t as thunderous as Empire Ears claims. Despite being extended and textured, the bass doesn’t seem to resolve any issues better than the midrange or treble.
BALANCED: VISION EARS X ASTELL&KERN AURA
Although I wasn’t a fan of A&K’s earlier collaborations like the Pathfinder and Odyssey, Aura appears to have shattered expectations and created something very remarkable with this. On one hand, the bass can be quite lively, giving Aura a lighthearted vibe; on the other, the vocals of the artists will be front and center, making you feel like you’re actually in the concert hall; and finally, there are moments when the treble is so deep and stretched that it seems to be the most prominent part of the entire sound signature. Rather than excelling in just one area, Aura truly shines in every single one.
Aura quickly gained popularity among Bloom staff members and was able to spend a significant amount of time on each of our workstations.
It’s difficult to find anything wrong with Aura, from its exquisite and detailed appearance to its well-considered and well balanced sound signature. Aura proudly stands alongside many other multi-kilo IEMs, however not many can claim to have the same sound qualities as Aura’s.
masterpiece by FiR. Since its debut, Radon 6’s popularity has skyrocketed, and it has received nothing but praise from listeners and Bloom coworkers. While the FiR’s ventilation and comfort features will keep you engrossed for hours on end, you really need to give yourself time to experience the bass’s dynamic energy and how it pulls you into the song.
Kinetic bass brings you one step closer to a film score like “The Batman” by Michael Giacchino by letting you feel and comprehend the drummer’s intense use of the kickdrum.
CONCLUSION
In retrospect, 2024,was filled with exciting developments, such as improvements in TWS IEMs, more affordable IEMs altering their respective price points, and incredibly groundbreaking flagships that expanded our perception of audio’s potential. And while there is a diverse range of IEMs available, we are always up for hearing new ones, so feel free to contact us via CanJam or our live chat to recommend one you’ve been enjoying.
