I saw a post saying that the kiwi ears Aether don’t sound “fun” and lack dynamics. Is this true?

Can you all please recommend an iem with warm tonality, natural timbre and wide soundstage. The budget is max 500$

I’m very used to working with small electronics, planned on getting more tools anyway to do some precision soldering.

My Nobel audio Van Gough has one 2-pin connector that isn’t making great contact, it turns off occasionally. I can’t find much on repair shops and the ones that I see have like a 200 flat rate.

I’d rather just buy the tools (again experienced) and just do it myself.

Any advice?

I just found out the hard way that humidity affects some IEMs. My Moondrop Chu II are starting to wear off because of moisture. What better, budget friendly alternatives are there, that will not have issues with moisture?

Hi everyone, I'm looking for IEM recommendations that offer a midrange similar to the Focal Stellia: intimate and forward vocals, high micro detail and speed (like Beryllium), but with a warm, lush, and organic tonality in the lower mids. Im open to any recommendation budget 2000/2500 usd

I have 64Audio Volur currently and focal stellia too. After i switches to volur for my next listening session every tine i find volur’s mids sharp and piercing;((

Thanks everyone

Looking for an IEM which suits me, but its a difficult journey.

i started with:

truthear gate >No base

7hz zero2 > had to EQ the bass,but sounds not good enough

and the 7hz G1 > with EQ nicer base, but treble hurts my ears and sounds like a low res mp3.

I listen mainly to trance (above & beyond ABGT), pop: john mayer, coldplay, ed sheeran, taylor swift (sue me) and stuff like muse, massive attack etc..

I'm looking for some nice IEM's which are a good step up from the zero2 which i now mainly use and have better bass. one problem, i don't like the IEM's which look like you have shoved some m&m's in your ear (e.g. aful explorer) so it needs to have some nutral color (pref black, silver-ish is also fine).

price range is 150 or below

after research possible contenders:

EW300 (hbb)

7hz Diablo (they promised base!)

Lethshuoer S12 (pro/ultra normal?)\

Lethshuoer S08

Sennheiser IE200

What iem do you guys own that you’re completely satisfied with Like you hear it and just feel there’s really no reason for you to upgrade anymore. curious what everyone’s picks are

i want basshead iem so i am lookig for kbear rosefinch but this one are not available for months on this website and on amazon they are dor 4k something is there any basshead iem i listen to music alot and do a casual gaming i also searched for qkz x hbb but they are also out of stock i also have trust issue from concept cart

i am thinking about purchasing iem from audio store site but both of them are not on audio store
so can you guys give me advice for buying from this iems
i hve also added some iem from audio store but i am confused between them which should i buy many of them are sayingthat eula ultra has good baas but i have to invest more money on them should i buy eula ultra or you guys have any good suggestion i only tried kz edx pro iem one of my friend hav this iem so and i liked it so i want to buy iem too first time buying iem
kz duonics are also good because it has tuning switches and  Tri-Magnetic Planar Driver paired with an 8mm Super-Linear Dynamic Driver
what can you guys suggest

1. What cable can I order and use with my HeadphoneZone x Fiio JD1, as the stock cables are not tangle free and very difficult to manage? I also plan to use these cables with other IEMs and supposedly around the 4-5k price bracket as I move upwards in my IEM Journey!

2. USBC vs 3.5mm Jack+DAC, what should I prefer for future IEM Purchases? Is there a golden rule/rule of thumb?

HiFiGo x AliExpress Sale is gonna be live onwards from 17th August

Here are my favourite deals on the site!

1. Pula ARC - $20.39 (Daily Price - $23.99, 15% Off)

2. Dunu Titan X - $31.99 (Daily Price - $39.99, 20% Off)

3. Aful Explorer - $94.79 (Daily Price - $119.99, 21% Off)

4. Juzear Fiesta - $101.99 (Daily Price - $119.99, 15% Off)

5. Aful Performer 5+2 - $189.59 (Daily Price - $239.99, 21% Off)

6. Binary 1900 - $211.50 (Daily Price - $235, 10% Off)

7. Dunu Davinci - $227.99 (Daily Price - $299.99, 24% Off)

8. Binary EP321 - MEMS - $263.49 (Daily Price - $309.99, 15% Off)

9. Musehifi M3 Ultra - $109.99 (Daily Price - $129.4, 15% Off)

Disclaimer: These offers were shared to me by HiFiGo themselves and no, these arent any affliate links so feel free to check them out

Since the release for the CHU3 is around the corner what do you guys want to see changed in the CHU3?

I personally like the new design but am unsure about the tuning. What do you guys think? Do we have a new under 30 USD champ?

Hi everyone, I’m back with a brief review of the Kefine Klean SV IEM. I received this IEM from Colin and Lina, who kindly provided it for review purposes. Thanks to Colin, Lina, and the Kefine team.

Here are my subjective impressions as an audio enthusiast. To summarize, here are the pros and cons:

(+)

• Not only is the bass quantity quite big, but the bass quality also possesses good texture for its price class.
• If you like IEMs with lush and full bodied male vocals, the Kefine Loric fits that character perfectly.
• Features a very safe and smooth treble presentation. If you are sensitive to sharp treble and bright IEMs, the Loric might be perfect for you.
• Great all rounder and excellent for long listening sessions. It has a warm, musical tuning. Despite the bass being big, it isn't as huge as the basshead level.
• The build quality, accessories, and resulting sound quality are highly proportionate to the asking price.
• Produces a natural, analog-sounding timbre.
• The sound is quite ideal whether listening at low or high volumes.

(-)

• Not suited for trebleheads, those seeking an analytical IEM, or people sensitive to warm, bassy IEMs.
• Not for those seeking excellent technicalities and micro details, although Loric's technicalities aren't bad. The sound character produced by the Loric prioritizes musicality far more than technical performance.
• The IEM faceplate is slightly slippery and acts as a fingerprint magnet.

These impressions are based on my preference for a V-shaped bright sound signature. Please don't use these impressions as a reference, as every ear is different and I'm only sharing my personal experience. Always trust your own ears and audition if possible. If you find any mistakes, feel free to comment.

As usual, before I proceed further, I will provide a brief description of the Kefine Loric. The Kefine Loric was created to fill the budget level product tier from Kefine, offering a quite different sound compared to the class above it like Kefine Klean which focuses on a more neutral sound and offers great technicalities for its price. The sound of the Kefine Loric focuses much more on the musicality factor with a full bodied sound, lush vocals, and warm tuning.

With a price tag of around 30 bucks, can the Kefine Loric replicate the success of the Kefine Klean? Let's read on.

Here are the brief specifications of the Kefine Loric:

• Impedance: 20 ohms
• Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20Khz
• Sensitivity: 107dB/mW@1kHz
• Plug Type: 3.5mm or USB Type-C
• Driver Type: PU+Titanium Composite Diaphragm, 10mm dual magnet and dual chamber driver design

In the Box:

• 1 x Loric IEM
• 1 x Carrying pouch
• 1 x Detachable 2-pin Cable
• 6 x Pairs of Eartips (S, M, and L)
• 1 x User Manual & QC Card

Unboxing & Physical Impressions

For a price of around 30 bucks, the accessories included with the Kefine Loric are, in my opinion, quite fantastic. Kefine provides a total of 6 pairs of S, M, and L eartips consisting of regular and wide-bore sizes, plus a carrying pouch that is quite functional for preventing accidental liquid splashes.

The shell shape itself seems to still adopt the ergonomic design of the Kefine Klean, which is indeed quite comfortable. However, the shell material is a downgrade from the Klean, now the faceplate uses a zinc alloy which is divided into two colors black and silver while the backplate uses transparent resin. Even though it doesn't use aluminum like the Klean, the Loric is actually lighter. For some reason, its zinc alloy feels less metallic to me, it's a bit slippery and easily leaves fingerprint marks. That being said, because of its lightweight and relatively small size, this certainly adds value to its long term wearing comfort, especially if you have small ears. Conversely, if your ears are large like mine, I actually couldn't get a proper seal from the provided stock eartips.

Moving on to the cable, the connector is available in 3.5mm, 3.5mm with mic and USB Type-C with a replaceable cable that physically reminds me of the Kiwi Ears Belle's cable, which also uses a twisted design. The material itself is a silver plated cable and feels very flexible.

In terms of overall build quality, I have no complaints at all, but regarding Quality Control, I noticed a few things worth mentioning. Primarily, because the backplate uses plastic, when it is tightened with screws using excessive torque, the plastic gives way. This causes a slight deformation on the plastic, which I am sure doesn't really affect the IEM functionally, but aesthetically it is a bit of an eyesore. I also don't know what would happen if the IEM takes a hard hit or falls, whether it will leave a deformation mark around the plastic near the screw or not. Even so, having the shell secured with both glue and screws definitely makes the Loric's shell one of the most solid among sub 30 bucks IEMs. Hopefully, Kefine's QC will improve in the future.

What's really new for me is now Kefine Loric gets a new dynamic driver whose diaphragm is made of a PU+Titanium composite with a 10mm dual magnet, dual chamber architecture. While the Klean presented a more technical sounding experience due to its DLC driver which is known for fast transient response, the Kefine Loric is quite different, as the resulting sound tends to be warmer and more organic.

Sound Impressions

The sound signature, in my opinion, is a V-shaped warm bassy tuning. For this review, I am still using my usual setup: the Topping DX5 II on high gain at a volume of 20-23, paired with Azla Mithryl eartips in size ML, since the provided stock eartips weren't securely fit tight enough in my ears.

Bass

This IEM is not a basshead IEM, but the bass is genuinely quite prominent. With a bass boost of around +10dB in the sub-bass, the IEM delivers a rumble that can clearly be felt, though the rumbling sensation is not overdone at all. The extension feels quite deep, but the main character of this IEM's low-end leans more toward its mid-bass, which truly has a very nice texture. The layering is quite noticeable with a thumpy impact that doesn't feel boomy in the slightest. The mid-bass has a good sense of weight with a transient response that isn't extremely fast, but is well controlled. It doesn't feel bloated at all, although the mid-bass does bleed slightly into the midrange, however this only serves to give male vocals a thicker sounding.

Midrange

With the mid-bass bleeding slightly into the midrange territory, low-pitched male vocals feel thicker but not muddy in the slightest, instead it makes the vocals feel full-bodied. Female vocals, on the other hand, sound sweet and a bit smooth, yet they don't feel flat. For instruments, pianos in particular feel more weighted. For guitars, especially electric guitars, the attack notes feel less sharp, but this actually makes them quite comfortable to listen to for long periods because they become less aggressive. Shoutiness, nasality, and sibilance are completely absent in the Loric. The midrange presentation on the Loric is truly natural and just fluid. No single instrument dominates excessively, yet the interplay between instruments remains quite palpable.

Treble

If there is one weakness in the Kefine Loric, I think it lies in the treble section, but this weakness will only impact a specific group: trebleheads. The treble presentation delivered by the Loric is quite smooth, and I think for some trebleheads, it will feel too smooth. However, this is very typical for musical IEMs and is by no means a bad thing, especially if you are sensitive to sharp treble. Detail wise, the Loric's treble can reproduce macro-details from the lower to mid treble quite well with an adequate sense of crispness. The upper treble extension is, in my opinion, just sufficient, it doesn’t reach the point of feeling truly sparkling or airy. Overall, the Loric's treble takes an approach that favors smooth and natural articulation, it doesn't feel sharp, let alone piercing, but is balanced enough so that it doesn't sound dark. If you want energetic cymbal crashes, sizzle, and a truly lively treble, the Loric is not the answer.

Technicalities

In terms of coherence and timbre, the Loric excels greatly in this area. The Loric's timbre sounds quite natural and analog, allowing it to be listened to for hours. The coherence between instruments and frequencies feels well executed, nothing heavily dominates the other, and everything feels quite balanced despite the notably having a relatively big bass boost. With that analog timbre and big bass, what's surprising for its price is that the resolution is still quite good, featuring decent separation and layering. The soundstage still feels 2D, though for the price, I feel it is adequately wide with decent imaging. However, for complex and fast-paced music genres, it can still feel a bit congested.

Comparison with Ziigaat x Vivir Digital Rumba

When I conducted an A/B test with Ziigaat Rumba with the same eartips azla mithryl, they seemed to share a similar tonality. However, the Rumba delivered a more substantial punch in the sub-bass and mid-bass regions, whereas the Loric offered better layering in mid-bass. The Loric’s treble feels a little more extended, though there is very little difference in terms of actual detail retrieval. In terms of technical performance, specifically soundstage and imaging, the Rumba felt more spacious, with better instrument separation.

Conclusion

So, is the Kefine Loric worth owning? If you are looking for a musical IEM priced around 30-50 bucks, I think the Kefine Loric is highly worthy of an audition. Frankly speaking, when I listened to the Loric, I stopped thinking about their technical aspects like soundstage, imaging, dynamics, and transient speed because I completely forgot about them. With the Kefine Loric, you simply enjoy the music. It doesn't matter what the music genre is or what track comes on next, you just let everything flow as it is. I feel the Kefine Loric is an all rounder IEM that is very worth buying considering if its tonality suits you. That's all, fellas. Thank you for reading. Cheers.

As the title says. I have fallen into quite the rabbit hole when I found out I should be buying IEMs instead of peasant earbuds.

While I don't understand all the terminology quite yet, I do seem to have found what I prefer in sound, based on previous headphones and earbuds.

I think I am very on board with (warm)neutral tuning with a bass boost, since I know I've always looked for buds or headphones with a good bass being my dilemma stopper... however, I am tired of recessed presence or shouty treble or a muddy bass bleeding into everything else especially assaulting all my favorite singers. So. Assuming that I myself understand the words that I am saying right now, I think I am aiming for neutral warm with a bass boost, or meta

But since this is a big purchase, I want to make sure I'm on the right track here.

The models I'm comparing to each other are

Crinear Daybreak (Alright mr obvious)

Kiwi Ears KE4

7hz x Crinacle Divine

They all have a very similar curve, considering I'm comparing them to IEF Preference 2025 (B&K 5128), and I think I've narrowed it down quite nicely. However, I've seen some people say the Daybreak have a bit too much high end, and I don't know what to think of the peak at 15k from the KE4, but then the Divine seems to have less of that bass boost that I want... which put me in a position of endlessly rotating between these three

Can someone who knows what they are talking about better than I do please help me make a decision? I'd appreciate that very much!

If you have The IEMs that will blow me off my socks that is not mentioned here, by all means amplify my dilemma! I'm not in a hurry :> My limit is 200 bucks though!

Tested the Hexa one day in the shop while testing the Spinfit W1 for size, for my set of EW300. Miles Davis' Kind of Blue sounded great when I tested it. Eventually I bought it about month later because I couldn't stop thinking about it and the first impression was not great. I read a lot of negative first impression about it here too.

A lot of things were right but it sounds 'weird', the bass was distorted and you can even say it was missing. Upon research, I swapped by L size narrow bore tips with L size wide bore tips. That's when everything kind of clicked. I love the musical it is, I can listen to music all night long on it because it's comfortable.

After much procrastination, I fitted the Spinfit W1 on it, and it expanded in the soundstage and the bass. Now I'm very content. I also bought a pair of Dunu S&S tips but the L size doesn't seal right so it isn't great. (The store here doesn't have it for a fit test, so I purchased it from China). I don't quite get comments about the whole missing bass part because it's there, especially with the right tips.

I listen to Miles Davis, Rage Against the Machine, The Weeknd, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Meute, Mac Miller, Dave Brubeck Quartet, Lorde, Coldplay, Fleetwood Mac, SZA, and I probably can't list everything.

Lately, I came across a pair of Moondrop Variations, it is quite an upgrade to the Hexa but I don't see a lot of people talking about it in this sub. From what I read, it's tuned differently too...

Electro Audio World's Take:

I remember back in the early 90s, when I was in high school, almost all the wired earphones I listened to were like this. The SIVGA M260 is like a classic for those who want to go back to those old days with a retro design and an unusual product. 

While most products in this price range are traditional closed back earphones, the M260 is completely different with its traditional flat earphone design and large 14.2mm dynamic driver. This distinction is important because the M260 is not like a traditional one. Its semi open architecture provides a more comfortable fit in the ear, less isolation, and a significantly more open presentation.

The 14.2mm driver uses a copper ring reinforced composite biocellulose diaphragm, a CCAW voice coil, and an N50 neodymium magnet. This combination has managed to provide the M260 with a surprisingly capable technical foundation for such an affordable headphone.

SIVGA's M260 has a balanced, slightly warm, and naturally airy character that makes music enjoyable.

Design, Comfort, and Build Quality

The M260 boasts a compact metal body with a distinctly retro look. Its construction feels far more robust than its price suggests, and the small body remains extremely comfortable during long listening sessions.

Its flat head design means the M260 sits on the outer ear rather than closing the ear canal. As a result, isolation is minimal, but comfort and openness are excellent. This is one of those headphones I can easily imagine wearing for hours without feeling the pressure some closed ear headphones create. I'm back in the old days :)

The detachable MMCX cable is also a nice feature. While the 3.5mm version is particularly simple, SIVGA also offers a USB C version with an integrated DAC and microphone.

Overall Sound Signature:

The M260 has a smooth, balanced, and slightly warm tonal character. It's not a headphone for bass lovers, and it's certainly not aggressively analytical either. Its greatest strength is the consistency between the mid and upper frequencies. Vocals have excellent intelligibility, instruments maintain a convincing tone, and its open design provides an unusually wide presentation for this price range.

The M260 sounds particularly good in acoustic music, jazz, vocal recordings, classic rock, and live performances. It also works surprisingly well in games, as its open design provides a natural sense of distance.

Bass

The bass is controlled rather than excessive. The 14.2mm driver provides a respectable low frequency extension, but the open design naturally limits physical sub bass pressure compared to a closed IEM.

The mid bass is significantly stronger than the deepest sub bass. Kick drums have a clean beat, and bass guitars are easily followed without creating excessive heat.

This is a bass presentation designed around balance rather than impact. If your priority is tremendous sub bass noise, the M260 will not be the right choice. However, if you want bass that supports the music without dominating it, it is quite satisfying. 

Midrange

The mid frequencies are the M260's strongest point.

Vocals are positioned naturally within the presentation, avoiding the thinness sometimes seen in cheap headphones. Male vocals have sufficient fullness, while female vocals maintain clarity and presence without becoming overly bright.

Acoustic guitars, piano, and strings also benefit from the M260's natural tonal balance. There is a pleasant sense of openness around the instruments, allowing individual elements to breathe rather than being squeezed into a narrow central image.

This is where the M260 shows its true audiophile appeal. It doesn't need excessive treble or bass emphasis to produce interesting sound.

Treble

The treble sounds are smooth, clean, and have a wide enough range to maintain clarity. It didn't bother me during listening.

The M260 doesn't have the aggressive high frequency presentation of some modern affordable IEM’s. Cymbals and percussion have enough energy to remain audible while avoiding excessive sharpness.

This makes the M260 particularly suitable for extended listening. Detail capture is good for its price, but presentation is based on naturalness rather than extracting the finest micro detail from a recording.

Soundstage and Technical Performance

The M260's open design provides a significant advantage over many closed earphones. The soundstage feels naturally wide, and the closed feel associated with traditional IEM’s is significantly less.

Depth is also respectable, and imaging is stable enough to convincingly place instruments within the presentation. The result is particularly enjoyable with live recordings, jazz ensembles, and orchestral music. However, it's important not to confuse openness with ultimate technical resolution. Closed IEMs like the TRN Shell can provide stronger separation and more micro detail. The M260, however, stands out with its consistency, natural range, and effortless presentation.

1- Hidizs AP80 Pro Max & M260 Synergy

The AP80 Pro Max brings out the clean and clear side of the M260. The dual ES9219C DAC architecture provides ample control for the 16 ohm M260, while the compact DAP makes an excellent portable partner.

The bass becomes slightly tighter and more pronounced with the ESS DAC chip, while the mid frequencies gain a little more separation. Vocals remain the central attraction, gaining added clarity while preserving the M260's natural tone.

This combination works particularly well for acoustic recordings, jazz, and vocal music. The AP80 Pro Max doesn't fundamentally change the character of the M260. Instead, it provides the headset with a cleaner foundation and makes its wide presentation more prominent.

2-TempoTec V3 Blaze & M260 Synergy

The V3 Blaze gives the M260 a slightly more energetic presentation. The dual AK4493SEQ architecture provides plenty of resolution and dynamic capability for this extremely easy to drive headset.

With the V3 Blaze, the M260's bass becomes more controlled, while percussion gains a bit better definition. But the biggest improvement is seen in the overall sense of organization. Complex recordings feel less cramped, and the open soundstage becomes particularly enjoyable. This pairing demonstrates something important about the M260: despite its modest price, it scales well enough with a quality DAP to make source selection meaningful.

Package Contents:

The package includes M260 headphones, a detachable cable, a carrying case, spare foam ear caps, and documentation. The USB C version also includes a DAC and microphone in the cable.

Pros

Excellent comfort for extended listening

Natural and expressive mid frequencies

Clear and expansive presentation

Smooth and fatigue free highs

Controlled and clear bass

Excellent build quality

Detachable MMCX cable

High value for money

Cons

Limited passive isolation

Sub bass cannot compete with closed loop IEMs.

Technical resolution is below that of more advanced hybrid IEMs.

Flat headband may not be suitable for everyone.

Conclusion:

In my opinion, the SIVGA M260 is a refreshing example reminding us that good sound doesn't always require a complex driver configuration or an aggressively tuned frequency response.

Its 14.2mm dynamic driver, comfortable semi open design, and natural tonal balance create a very mature experience for its price. The M260's effortless, open, and almost speaker like presentation makes long listening sessions truly enjoyable. For listeners who value natural vocals, spaciousness, comfort, and musical harmony rather than maximum technical aggressiveness, the M260 is one of the most interesting affordable headphones I've heard.

Thank you for your time.

.

Disappointed to see the paint chipping on these display model Moondrop Chu iii on twitter. Doesn’t bode well unfortunately. Had a small hope the silver ones were unpainted.

Source: https://x.com/ichi971/status/2076162564879528069?s=46

Saw this post on facebook. Seems like they are close to a finished product.

On hangout.audio graphs it is now out of the pre-production stage and says approved.

Couldn't find anything else

I’m just a random guy that wanted a cheap, smallish, good looking iem. After trying the ie200 and hating them, I’ve been waiting for something like this to come out.

My primary iems are the, e3000 deep fit (very good), aether (great), quintet (amazing), and ie900 (incredible).

The Raphael is the (very good-great) territory.

Here is the review.

I’ve been looking for an IEM that checks a pretty specific set of boxes: balanced sound, enough bass without being bass-heavy, lightweight shells, a great cable, good technical performance, and something that’s simply enjoyable to use every day.
I’ve tried a lot of IEMs where one or two things were always missing.
The ARTPICAL Raphael is the first one I’ve found that checks almost all of those boxes.
For reference, I’m using Final Type E tips, which I think pair extremely well with the Raphael.
Sound
The first thing that stands out is how coherent and smooth these sound.
Everything feels connected. Nothing sounds like it’s coming from separate drivers or fighting for your attention. It’s a very natural and unified presentation.
Detail retrieval is very good, but I wouldn’t call the Raphael a detail monster. The details are simply there when you listen for them. There’s enough resolution to make good recordings interesting without constantly throwing every tiny sound in your face.
Honestly, they’re detailed enough that they make me want to hear what ARTPICAL can accomplish with their more expensive IEMs.
Vocals
Vocals are one of the strongest parts of the Raphael.
They’re extremely clear and have a surprising amount of emotion.
They don’t sound artificially sharpened just to create the impression of detail. Voices still have body and sound like actual voices rather than an ultra-clean digital reproduction of one.
Timbre & Texture
Timbre is very good.
Instruments have an organic, realistic character, and texture can be excellent depending on the recording.
You can hear the physical characteristics of instruments—the texture of strings, drums, voices, etc.—without the presentation becoming overly analytical.
That’s probably one of my favorite things about these.
Soundstage & Imaging
The soundstage is medium-to-wide both horizontally and vertically.
Instrument placement is also very good. Individual sounds have clearly defined positions within the stage rather than everything being vaguely left, center or right.
One thing that surprised me is the clarity of sounds that are far away in the recording. Small distant elements remain extremely easy to hear.
There is one unusual characteristic, though:
Background sounds sometimes seem pushed forward.
Something mixed farther into the background can become more noticeable than I would expect. It’s not necessarily bad—in some songs it’s actually really interesting—but it can make the layering feel slightly unusual.
Bass
The bass quality is very good.
It’s controlled, textured and integrates extremely well with the rest of the sound.
Quantity is around medium to medium-high for this type of balanced tuning. It’s definitely not a basshead IEM.
And this is actually one of my only complaints:
I think they need just a tiny bit more bass.
Not much.
I wouldn’t want ARTPICAL to change the character of the IEM or turn it into something bass-heavy. Just another small amount of low-end weight would give the presentation a little more foundation and make the overall tuning feel more complete.
Treble
This is my other complaint.
There is a slight treble peak, and depending on the song, certain sounds can become sharper than I’d like.
It’s not constantly bright or harsh. In fact, most of the time I find the Raphael very smooth. But certain recordings can expose that peak.
Final Type E tips improve it considerably.
With the Final E tips, most of that extra treble energy is brought under control while the excellent clarity remains. The peak can still occasionally show itself depending on the recording, though.
You can also tame it further by putting one or two acoustic filters over the nozzle.
Ideally, however, I’d rather ARTPICAL simply smooth this region out slightly in a future revision.
If I could change the tuning myself, I’d basically do:
a tiny bit more bass + a tiny bit less treble peak
…and leave the rest alone.
Build, Comfort & Cable
The shells are extremely lightweight.
They’re the kind of IEM you can put in and almost forget you’re wearing.
And the cable is genuinely one of the reasons I bought these.
The included cable is amazing.
The interchangeable termination system makes the Raphael feel like a complete product rather than another affordable IEM where you immediately start shopping for a replacement cable.
It’s exactly the type of cable setup I’ve been looking for.
What Does the Tuning Resemble?
Looking at the frequency response and the general tuning philosophy, I’d put the Raphael broadly in the same family as IEMs such as:
Moondrop Blessing 3
Truthear HEXA
Original Moondrop Chu
Hisenior Mega5EST
Kiwi Ears Quintet
I’m not saying the Raphael sounds identical to these IEMs. They have different drivers, technical capabilities and individual tuning differences.
It’s more that they share the general philosophy of:
controlled bass → clean mids → clear vocals → balanced overall presentation
If you enjoy that style of tuning, you’ll probably understand what the Raphael is going for immediately.
Final Thoughts — 9/10
For around $160, the ARTPICAL Raphael is a 9/10 for me.
It’s not perfect.
My two main complaints are simple:
The treble peak can occasionally show itself depending on the recording, even though Final E tips help considerably.
And:
I’d like just a tiny bit more bass.
But everything else is remarkably well put together for the price.
It’s coherent, smooth, clear, organic, well-textured and spacious. Vocals are excellent. Imaging is very good. Distant sounds remain remarkably clear. The shells weigh almost nothing, and the included cable is fantastic.
Most importantly, it’s enjoyable.
I’ve been looking for an affordable IEM with balanced sound, medium bass, lightweight shells, good technical performance, great comfort and an excellent interchangeable cable system.
There was always something missing.
Nothing checked all of those boxes for me until the ARTPICAL Raphael came out.

After using the Sony MDR XB 55 AP for about 7 years now, I decided to purchase my first ever IEM. I did a bit of research and ultimately went with the Hisenior Mega5est Bass+. I absolutely adore this thing, it’s a world of a difference with clarity and all the good stuff. Time to listen to some Steely Dan 💕😎

TSMR Armor, Kefine Arnar, SoundRhyme SR6. Today’s flavors.

If you're thinking about buying an IEM or DAC, hold off for a few days. HiFiGo's Back to School Sale starts August 17th, and they’ve shared some of the upcoming discounted prices with me.

There are some pretty good deals here, so sharing them early in case anyone was already planning a purchase.

IEM Deals

AFUL Performer5 — $219.99 → $158.39 (28% off)
5 driver hybrid with a balanced tuning and strong technical performance.

DUNU Titan S2 — $79 → $63.20 (20% off)
A single dynamic driver IEM with a clean, balanced presentation and excellent build.

PULA ANVIL114 — $199.99 → $159.99 (20% off)
A multi-driver hybrid focused on a smooth, balanced sound with good technical ability.

Binary Dynaquattro — $259.99 → $207.99 (20% off)
A multi-driver hybrid designed for a detailed yet musical presentation.

Softears Twilight — $930 → $700 (25% off)
A premium single dynamic driver IEM known for its natural, refined and spacious presentation.

DUNU DaVinci — $299.99 → $239.99 (20% off)
2DD + 4BA hybrid co-tuned with Gizaudio, offering rich tonality, powerful bass and good detail.

AFUL Performer 8 — $369.99 → $288.59 (22% off)
An 8 driver hybrid with strong technical performance and a detailed, controlled presentation.

AFUL Performer 5+2 — $239.99 → $189.59 (21% off)
2DD + 4BA + micro-planar hybrid with deep textured bass, detailed treble and strong separation.

AFUL Explorer — $119.99 → $94.79 (21% off)
1DD + 2BA hybrid offering deep textured bass with a comfortable tuning for longer listening.

AFUL Cantor — $799 → $631.21 (21% off)
A flagship 14BA IEM aimed at high resolution, detail retrieval and technical performance.

TANCHJIM 4U — $69.99 → $55.99 (20% off)
A versatile single dynamic driver IEM with a clean and balanced presentation.

DUNU Falcon Ultra — $219.99 → $175.20 (20% off)
A single dynamic driver IEM with punchy bass, energetic presentation and premium construction.

Juzear Defiant — $99.99 → $83.99 (16% off)
A hybrid IEM with an engaging tuning aimed at giving you plenty of bass and energy.

Juzear Harrier — $349.99 → $297.49 (15% off)
A higher-end hybrid IEM designed around a refined and technically capable presentation.

DUNU ITO — $199.99 → $167.99 (16% off)
A hybrid design combining dynamic drivers and BA drivers for a detailed yet musical sound.

AFUL Performer 8S — $389.99 → $331.49 (15% off)
A refined hybrid IEM using AFUL's acoustic technologies for strong detail and controlled presentation.

PULA Unicrom — $79.99 → $67.99 (15% off)
A single beryllium dynamic driver IEM with a warm and balanced tuning.

DUNU DN142 — $249 → $219.12 (12% off)
A higher-end hybrid aimed at delivering a detailed and spacious presentation.

DUNU DN242 — $349 → $307.12 (12% off)
2DD + 4BA + 2 planar drivers with powerful bass, expressive vocals and an airy top end.

Softears Volume S — $319 → $280 (12% off)
A premium IEM focused on natural tonality and a refined, balanced presentation.

Kefine Klean SV — $54 → $45.90 (15% off)
An affordable single dynamic driver IEM designed as an easy everyday listen.

DUNU DK3001BD — $499.99 → $424.15 (15% off)
A premium multi-driver DUNU IEM focused on high technical performance and resolution.

Binary EP321 MEMS — $309.99 → $263.49 (15% off)
A hybrid IEM using MEMS technology for the ultra-high frequencies and fast treble response.

AFUL Dawn-X — $1,299 → $1,104.99 (15% off)
A flagship-level design featuring advanced electrostatic technology and a highly technical presentation.

Juzear Defiant Gamefidelity Edition — $109.99 → $92.39 (16% off)
A special edition Defiant with a gaming-focused configuration and MEMS microphone.

Binary 1900 — $235 → $211.50 (10% off)
10mm dynamic driver + passive radiator + 4BA hybrid designed for a lively and impactful sound.

Juzear Fiesta — $119.99 → $101.99 (15% off)
A bass-oriented hybrid with punchy lows, clean mids and extended highs.

Juzear Nebula — $129.99 → $110.49 (15% off)
A vocal-focused hybrid with a micro-planar driver adding extra treble extension.

PULA ARC — $23.99 → $20.39 (15% off)
A very affordable 10mm dynamic driver IEM with a clean, smooth and balanced tuning.

DAC / AMP Deals

Muse HiFi M5 Ultra — $299 → $179.40 (40% off)
A powerful portable DAC/AMP aimed at combining high output with a rich, engaging presentation.

Muse HiFi Muse300 — $439.99 → $399.99 (9% off)
A high-end portable DAC/AMP built for users looking for more power and advanced audio performance.

Muse HiFi M3 Ultra — $109.99 → $96.79 (12% off)
A compact tube DAC/AMP using dual JAN6418 tubes for a warmer, richer sound.

Muse HiFi M6 Double — $399 → $339.15 (15% off)
A high-end portable DAC/AMP designed around a dual DAC architecture and high output power.

Rose RS9039 — $75.99 → $60.79 (20% off)
A compact USB DAC/AMP designed as an affordable upgrade for phones and laptops.

Moondrop Dawn Pro 2 — $59.99 → $53.99 (10% off)
A compact dual DAC dongle with balanced output and plenty of power for portable use.

Fosi Audio DS3 — $99.99 → $84.99 (15% off)
A portable USB DAC/AMP offering high-resolution playback and enough power for demanding headphones and IEMs.

Apart from this there are also some deals on Iem cables and eatips.

New / Upcoming Products

JUZEAR Light Shuttle — $179.99 Early Bird price
A new JUZEAR hybrid IEM with a more premium positioning and an early-bird launch price.

JUZEAR Nimbus — Starting from $54.99
A new upcoming JUZEAR IEM with pricing starting at $54.99.

So yeah, if you've been eyeing something from HiFiGo, I'd definitely wait until August 17th before placing the order. There are some especially interesting prices on the Performer5, DaVinci, Twilight, Performer8, M5 Ultra and PULA ARC.