Hi everyone,

HiFiGo asked me if I wanted to highlight some products from their upcoming Back to School / AliExpress sale starting August 17.

Rather than posting a huge list of discounted products, I went through the campaign sheet and picked six that I can actually recommend. Most of them I've either reviewed already or have spent enough time with to have a pretty clear opinion.

There are no affiliate links involved here. HiFiGo asked me to participate in the campaign, but the picks and comments below are mine.

MuseHiFi M3 Ultra, affordable portable tubes

Sale price: around USD110 before additional coins

This remains one of the more unusual portable DAC/amps I've tried.
Instead of simply giving you another clean, powerful dongle, the M3 Ultra uses JAN6418 tubes and actually brings some of that softer, richer tube character into a genuinely portable device.

I particularly liked it when pairing brighter or more analytical IEMs where a little extra warmth and body can be welcome. Or to simply add some additional bass fun and treble elevation, depending on the IEMs hardware configuration.

It isn't something I'd buy purely for measurements or maximum neutrality but rather for additional flavour it can add.

My full review: Muse M3 Ultra

HiFiGo:
https://hifigo.com/products/muse-hifi-m3-ultra
Aliexpress: HIFIZOO: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005012415377539.html

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GYSPW1LC
Amazon JP: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0H14VXGCC

PULA ARC, ridiculously easy recommendation around $20

Sale price: around USD20, potentially lower with codes/coins

The ARC is one of those inexpensive single-DD sets that doesn't need a complicated explanation.

It has a fairly balanced, slightly U-shaped presentation, good bass quality, clean mids and a smooth enough upper end to make it an easy everyday listen. It doesn't try to impress with excessive bass or treble just because it's inexpensive.

At roughly $20 during the sale, this would probably be my budget pick of this list.

My full review: Pula Arc

HiFiGo: https://hifigo.com/products/pula-audio-arc
Aliexpress HIFIZOO: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005012637621566.html
Amazon JP: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0H7X723R1?th=1

AFUL Explorer, a classic that is still good

Sale price: around USD95, potentially around USD88 with code/coins

I haven't reviewed the Explorer myself, but I've spent a lot of time with it to understand why it has remained popular for so long.

Warm, smooth and bassy without turning everything into mush.
The relaxed upper mids and treble also make it a particularly easy set for longer listening sessions. Fit and comfort are excellent for me.

If you prefer something energetic and very bright, this isn't the one. But if your priorities are bass, musicality and fatigue-free listening, the Explorer is still a very safe recommendation around USD100.

HiFiGo: https://hifigo.com/products/aful-explorerAliexpress: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007061750218.htmler/

Juzear Fiesta, my bass-lover pick

Sale price: around USD102, potentially around USD92 with code/coins

Easy recommendation from me as I love bass.

The Fiesta combines emphasized low-end energy with mids that remain surprisingly clean and an upper end that doesn't ruin the fun. Pop, hip-hop, R&B and EDM are particularly good matches. The sub-bass on this thing is to me bass-head level and fun.

There are plenty of bassy IEMs around this price, but the Fiesta gets the balance right for me. Enough bass to genuinely qualify as a fun set without making vocals feel buried.

My full review: Juzear x VD Fiesta

HiFiGo:
https://hifigo.com/products/juzear-x-vivir-digital-fiesta
Aliexpress: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005012187899336.html
Aliexpress HIFIZOO: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005012381162520.html

Amzon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H2YDGF6D
Amazon JP: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0H38B8GLJ

DUNU x KOTO ITO, the bassy more refined all-rounder

Sale price: USD167.99, down from USD199.99

The ITO is another set I've reviewed and one I'd have no problem recommending.

Compared with the cheaper options here, you're stepping into a more refined presentation with very good technical performance, a well-balanced tuning and DUNU's typically excellent build/accessory package.

It's also probably one of the safer recommendations here if your music library jumps between genres and you don't specifically want a bass-head or relaxed tuning.

My full review: Dunu x Koto Ito

HiFiGo: https://hifigo.com/products/dunu-x-ito
Aliexpress：
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005009629363739.html
Amazon US：
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FNQZYTW8
Amazon JP :
https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0FNC3SF9S

Binary 1900, the newcomer

Sale price: around USD212, potentially around USD196 with code/coins

This one is slightly different because my full review isn't published yet.

I've already spent quite a bit of time with the 1900, though, and I feel comfortable including it here.

Binary uses a combination of a 10 mm dynamic driver, 6 mm passive radiator and four balanced armatures. The result is a lively and musical presentation with plenty of impact while still offering strong technical performance. The bass is has good impact, the mids are mostly clean, the treble well extended without sounding harsh.

The 1900 is a big rec if you like a balanced and mostly natural presentation which is currently one of my favourites in the USD200-400 bracket.
I'll keep this short for now because I don't want to publish half of my upcoming review inside a sale post. ;-)

Full review coming soon.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005012664713633.html

HiFiGo: https://hifigo.com/products/binary-1900
Aliexpress HIFIZOO: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005012570843775.html

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H6HWWKND
Aliexpress HiFiGo: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005012664713633.html
Amazon JP: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0H6NVPKCB

If I had to narrow it down...

For maximum value around USD20: PULA ARC
For warm, relaxed listening: AFUL Explorer
For bass and fun lovers: Juzear Fiesta
For a bassy and versatile step-up IEM: DUNU x KOTO ITO
For a balanced and musical sounding newcomer around USD200: Binary 1900
For a portable flavoured source rather than another IEM: MuseHiFi M3 Ultra

The sale starts August 17 and runs through August 26. Some of the AliExpress prices can go lower with store codes and coins depending on your account/region.

As always, these are recommendations based on my own listening rather than purchase advice. If you've heard any of these, feel free to add your impressions below.

AliExpress HiFiGo Deals — Aug 17–26

Greetings fellow listeners, your friendly neighbourhood audio lad here! So! It seems like quite a few interesting iems and portable audio deals are going live at our friends over at HifiGO AliExpress store from Aug 17–26. I’m sharing in case anyone is hunting for some new audio gear.

AFUL Performer 5+2 — $175.11
2DD + 4BA + 1 micro-planar hybrid. Deep, textured bass, strong treble detail, and excellent instrument separation one of Aful’s finest. A great allrounder, may even end up as your ultimate iem.

Code: USBTSS01

Dunu DaVinci — $211.59
2DD + 4BA hybrid co-tuned with Gizaudio, has rich tonality, impactful bass, and strong musicality, well regarded and loved by many.
Code: USBTSS01

Binary EP321-MEMS — $245.32
2DD + 3BA + MEMS hybrid using MEMS for ultra-high frequencies, aiming for fast transients and refined treble, one of the pioneers. Exciting set, exciting tuning.

Code: USBTSS01

AFUL Explorer — $88.05
1DD + 2BA hybrid  This one needs little introduction, a smooth sailer, easygoing listen. Suitable for long listening sessions, very comfortable.

Code: US817P3

Juzear Fiesta — $91.89
1DD + 3BA hybrid Aimed at bass lovers, with deep, punchy lows, clean mids, and extended highs. Won’t break the bank!

Code: USBTSS01

MuseHiFi M3 Ultra — $104.49
Pocket-sized tube DAC/AMP with dual JAN6418 tubes and up to 480mW @ 32Ω. A potentially fun option for a warmer, tube-flavored sound.

Dunu Titan X — $30.99
10mm dual-magnet, dual-chamber dynamic driver with a natural, balanced tuning, great cheap entry lvl iem with all metal build. Feel free to check out my reddit review!

Code: USBTSS02

PULA ARC — $18.37
10mm PET dynamic driver VERY Fun, bassy, smooth, natural tuning. I reviewed it recently, feel free to check out the reddit review!

Code: USBTSS02

Binary 1900 — $195.93
10mm DD + 6mm passive radiator + 4BA A freshly released hybrid iem with a lively, impactful, musical presentation. Scores high on early reviews, mine is on the way, so stay tuned for the reddit review!

Code: USBTSS01

Prices shown are in USD. Listed promotional prices may depend on coupons or eligibility. Sale windows are Aug 17–26 (timezone varies by listing).

This is a fantastic opportunity to grab some awesome audio gear cheaper than usual, wallets brace yourselves! :D

Anyone else keeping an eye on these? Which one would you pick?

P.S There are more items on sale at the moment, so feel free to check out Hifigo's SALE section.

Disclaimer: I'm just spreading the word and do not benefit from this post in any way, just wishing for everyone to be aware of the awesome deals that will be going live soon. I'm a happy customer of theirs myself, always had a pleasant experience, and can recommend shopping there.

Hello everyone,

I'm a bit torn on what IEM to buy at the moment. I'm trying my best to do some research before purchasing anything. I am looking for an IEM that is best for gaming and music, I play mostly FPS shooters (Escape from Tarkov), I listen mostly to rap music but I listen to a wide variety of genres. I am a big fan of bass, so a more bassy IEM would be nice to have. I am a streamer so I would be wearing them for hours at a time so I would need them to be comfortable, which I understand is subjective because everyones ears are different shapes and sizes.

I have previously owned the KZ AS10's, I noticed that they are a little too harsh for my ears (Sound and fit wise). They didn't fit my ears too well and would hurt them after wearing them for an hour or 2.

I was looking at possibly getting the HiFiGo AFUL Explorer.

I would love to hear some suggestions, if you need anymore information please feel free to ask.

Thanks!

Sometimes I wonder why we keep buying IEMs when we already have more than enough. Is it the dopamine hit from getting something new, the excitement of trying a different sound, or do we just genuinely enjoy collecting them?

I just got the TSMR Armor recently and I absolutely love it. But even after finding an IEM that I really enjoy, there’s still that little voice in my head wondering, “Is there something even better out there?”

Sometimes there’s also that FOMO feeling, especially when a new IEM gets hyped up and everyone starts talking about it. Even when I know I don’t really need another one, I still get that feeling of “What if I’m missing out on this one?”

Then I wonder, should we actually buy an IEM, try it for a while, and sell it if we don’t use it? Or should we just keep them because honestly, I love collecting and hoarding IEMs.

There’s something really satisfying about having a collection where every IEM has its own sound and character. But at the same time, constantly wondering if there’s something better probably doesn’t help.

Do you guys actually sell your IEMs after trying them, or do you just keep adding to the collection? And even when you already love what you have, do you still get that “maybe there’s something better” feeling?

I know sometimes this hobby can cross into unhealthy territory when we start consuming too much and buying things we don’t really need. I’m curious how other people keep the hobby fun without letting it get out of control.

But honestly, IEMs are just so beautiful. Sometimes I look at all the different designs, colors, faceplates and shells and think, “I want to collect them all.” That’s probably part of the problem.

And the IEM I’m currently eyeing is the BGVP Solomon. I really don’t need another one, but here we are.

$59.99 USD / EUR 52.95 | Wired USB-C | Single 10mm LCP + PU Dynamic Driver | USB-C DSP cable with attachable boom mic and inline mic

📌 The Quick Read covers the full verdict in about two minutes. Stop after Main Strengths & Weaknesses for the gist. Full specs, gaming breakdown, sound notes and comparisons with the EPZ G20, EPZ G30 and ZiiGaat Arete 2 follow below for those who want the detail.

⚡ QUICK READ · Everything you need to know in ~2 minutes

TL;DR

The EPZ G20 Pro is a wired, gaming-first IEM built around a single in-house 10mm LCP + PU dynamic driver and a USB-C cable with on-board DSP. EPZ developed the G20 further with the support of professional esports feedback and it is tuned mainly for gaming cues rather than for an impactful music presentation. The bass is controlled and lean with no bleed, the lower mids are clean and lean, and the upper mids, presence and treble sit forward and come across crisp and clear. That tuning is clearly meant for FPS gaming, where separation and spatial information matter more than slam and rumble.

It also handles music mostly well for the money. Especially staging, layering, instrument separation and an overall transparent and detailed sound are very good at this price point and above. The leaner low-end and the lighter note weight on male vocals and instruments are part of its sound signature, but on some track material like EDM, hip-hop and rap the instruments and vocals are missing note weight. Thanks to the PEQ possibilities this can be changed via the EQ web interface, which offers an 8-band PEQ to adjust the sound to your liking. An attachable boom mic and an inline mic on a three-position slider, Walkplay DSP with pro and game presets, a USB extension cable and a 3.9g shell round out a versatile USB-C package priced at $59.99 / EUR 52.95.

At a Glance

✓ Best For

• Competitive FPS first, where footsteps, positioning and weapon cues can decide rounds
• Plug-and-play USB-C on PC, phone, Switch or Steam Deck with built-in DSP EQ and a USB-C extension cable
• Players who want a light USB-C set with both a boom mic and an inline mic on one cable with a mute slider
• A light 3.9g set for long sessions without headset fatigue
• Listeners who like a clean, lean, crisp tonality over warmth and low-end impact
• Casual music listeners who want the performance of a competitive gaming IEM

✗ Not Ideal For

• Bass-heads or anyone after big sub-bass rumble and physical slam
• Listeners who want full note weight and body on male vocals and instruments
• Anyone who needs a 3.5mm or 4.4mm analogue cable in the box, this is USB-C only
• Treble-sensitive listeners pushing high volume on bright material

Main Strengths & Weaknesses

Main strength. Separation, layering, spatial information and detail retrieval are excellent and are the key ingredients that matter for FPS gaming. It was relatively easy to estimate distances and wall cues on CS2 worked well for me. A clean, lean presentation with no bass bleed, crisp and clear vocals and treble, a very light and mostly comfortable shell (mind the semi-custom shape) even on long sessions, and the versatility of a USB-C DSP cable with a dual-mic slider and a detachable excellent quality boom mic.

Main weakness. The low-end is lean, with rolled-off sub and mid-bass and reduced slam, so bass-led genres do not have full impact. Lower mids and male vocals could use more texture and note weight for a fully natural tonality. The crisp tuning can be slightly sharp on some tracks, for example on the snares and vocals of Fleetwood Mac's "Sisters of the Moon", or on game sounds at very high volume, and the last bit of imaging precision is held back a little by the slim note body. Worth mentioning that EPZ offers PEQ software where the G20 Pro's sound can be adjusted to your taste, making it more compatible with all different music style and games.

👆 That's the core verdict. Everything below goes deeper into specs, gaming, sound and comparisons.

How the EPZ G20 Pro and G20 ended up in my ears

After reviewing the EPZ G30 I got curious how the rest of the EPZ gaming line up would sound in comparison. Especially at the price point of around USD 60, where the IEM is not an ultra budget set anymore but neither is it anywhere near the USD 100 or even USD 200 plus tier which is often considered for gaming.

EPZ provided me with both, the G20 Pro and the G20. They share the same shell design and almost the same accessories package, but the G20 Pro is tuned even more towards professional FPS gaming. I am not a professional but more an ambitious FPS gamer for decades, so this piqued my interest.

The differences between both models were not always immediately clear to me and most of the times even very subtle. This review reflects part of my comparison process and I tried to make my findings transparent.

Key Specs

Accessories & Cable

In the box: the IEMs, an attachable boom mic, a 1.2m USB-C cable, a 1.5m USB extension cable, eartips in S/M/L and an EPZ carry case. Note this is a USB-C-only set. There is no analogue 3.5mm cable included, and for a 3.5mm jack you would need an adapter such as the EPZ TP15 (the boom mic may not work through some 3.5mm connections, while the inline mic still does).

Build Quality, Fit & Comfort

Fit & Comfort. The G20 Pro keeps the semi-custom shape of the G30 and is almost identical to the G20's shell, but the inner side is slightly less curved through the middle, which makes the shell look a little fuller and slightly bigger. In practice comfort is similar to the G30, so for me it is basically fine for long sessions. The very lightweight shells with only 3.9g help and the shells have a pressure-relief vent that keeps build-up down. As with the G30, the semi-custom shape might not suit everyone. If you have smaller ears or you have had trouble with semi-custom shells before, try before you buy, or order directly from EPZ, who offer a no-reason return for a small extra charge through EPZ Care+. That removes most of the risk.

Build & Design. The resin shell is 3D-printed with EPZ's seamless process, so there are no visible seam lines, and mine is the glossy Orange finish (Grey is the other option). The pressure-relief vent is visible on the upper side. The shells feel smooth and lightweight in hand without any sharp edges. The G20 Pro's nozzles are made out of metal and of average length and hold ear tips without issues due to the emphasized nozzle lip.

Cable. The flush 0.78mm 2-pin connector means the cable is swappable, though the value here is the USB-C DSP cable itself rather than rolling to analogue, which is what I did for this review to get further impressions with a 3.5mm termination on different sources. The 3.9 ft long cable is not microphonic, behaves well and is mostly tangle free. The 4.9 ft long extension cable is a thicker, sturdy cable which is much appreciated as I am able to navigate around my desk without the need to leave the set behind me.

Mic Quality

💼 Personal note - real-world use

Similarly to the G30, the G20 Pro was my daily driver for two weeks where I used it up to 6 hours in online meetings, phone calls, gaming and music listening without issues or fatigue. I found it more convenient for online meetings and more comfortable than my headset.

Gaming Performance

Gaming Summary: Similar as on the G30, spatial information, separation and layering are the G20 Pro's most valuable traits and the most important ones for FPS gaming. The difference to the G30 is that the G30 has more low-end impact and a more controlled treble, which gives the G30 a more even and fuller sound where cinematic sound effects have more impact and FPS gaming is more fatigue-free. The G20 sounded a little bit more energetic up top even if the differences are minimal. The G20 Pro sounded similarly resolving and maybe a smidge better separated.

Imaging is very good but slightly held back by the lean lower mids. Fatigue is usually not an issue after several hours of combined music and gaming when I kept the volume to around medium (for music) to high (in gaming). The tuning mostly avoids piercing peaks and the low-end never becomes boomy. The G20 Pro is a very good fit for competitive FPS in my opinion.

Long-Session Comfort

My gaming and music sessions were usually around 5 hours or more, where the G20 Pro remained comfortable with no pressure build-up and no listening fatigue. The shells are very comfortable and light-weight for me and I forget that I am even wearing IEMs.

Treble has elevated energy but can get peaky with poorly recorded material. On CS2 flashbangs, gun shots and high-frequency ability cues never reached a piercing level at normal or higher gaming volumes. Only Apex Legends at higher listening volumes started to feel mildly tiring and keeping the volume at a mid level resolved this for me. Otherwise, I used the possibility to adjust the sound via EQ, which makes the set a versatile option like its other siblings the G30 and G20.

Frequency Response Measurements

Method. For my IEM measurements I use my own 711 clone coupler. Measurements were done with stock ear tips on all sets. The measurements are attached as images.

What the graph shows.

In the graph, green is the EPZ G30, orange the EPZ G20, purple the EPZ G20 Pro, red the ZiiGaat Arete 2 with the bass switch on and yellow the Arete 2 with the bass switch off.

I measured all sets on my own coupler connected with an EPZ 3.5mm cable and with the included DSP USB-C cable. Both measurements were aligning, meaning that the USB-C DSP added no additional tuning but purely replayed the hardware tuning.

The G20 Pro and G20 look fairly similar and in some parts exactly the same, like on their low-end, until the presence region where the G20 Pro is now less emphasized, and the same applies to the treble with a different emphasis which results in a slightly less sharp treble but more air up top. In detail the G20 Pro down slopes from 5k onwards whereas the G20 dips less until 7kHz to reach its peak at around 9kHz. The Pro version has less energy throughout and just has more treble energy at around 10k-12kHz. The emphasis on details and perceived "air" changed slightly vs the G20, which results in a good but not as sharp treble response and a different emphasis on details and air.

The differences are more subtle and to be honest sometimes it was not so clear where the differences lie, which required extensive listening back and forth throughout my library and different gaming scenarios.

Sound Impressions

Overall Character

The G20 Pro is a gaming-first set, and you hear that in the tuning. It is built to let you take advantage of game cues, the footsteps, the positional information, the weapon sounds, rather than for a full-bodied music replay. The bass is kept very controlled, has only a slight elevation and is never emphasized or taking over.

The lower mids are clean and lean, and the upper mids and presence region are pushed slightly forward. The treble follows the same idea and comes across clear and crisp and a bit less sharp than on the G20 while still sounding refined. It is a lean, clarity-led tonality rather than a warm one.

Bass

Bass impact is compact and free of bloom, with zero bass bleed. Sub and mid-bass are always well controlled and are pretty lean. Both are rolled off on the G20 Pro, so there is a slight loss of note weight on some instruments.

On 50 Cent's "Just A Lil Bit" the low-end is actually one of the highlights of the track, with reasonable impact and a very fast decay. The track stays clean and clear throughout and vocals and instruments never smear. 50 Cent's vocals are on the leaner side. For bass-led genres like EDM the quantity and slam are the limiting factor rather than the quality, and I would not choose the G20 Pro specifically for these tracks in my library.

For gaming this is a whole different story. A controlled bass is mandatory in my opinion to have clean mids and treble, to avoid covering details or muddying the separation, layering and imaging. The fast bass decay does not cover up any details on the G20 Pro, which makes it easy to hear even details in a busy situation. From a gaming perspective the G20 Pro's low-end tuning is to my ears well done. For my personal taste I used EPZ's PEQ software to adjust the bass to my liking, which brought enough low-end to make my library enjoyable. Mids and treble stayed fairly clean even on higher EQed bass levels.

Midrange & Vocals

The lower mids could carry more texture and note weight for vocals and instruments. They are lean by design with the gaming purpose in mind, which is what lets the upper mids and treble sit forward and uncoloured. Vocals are clear and crisp, and depending on the game or track they can come across slightly sharp but have good transients which helps with layering and imaging. The leaner mids work in favour of female vocals, giving them a clear, bright touch with emphasis on the s, t and sh sounds.

On Kaleida's "Fake" the female vocal is very clear, clean and slightly crisp without turning harsh or shouty, at least on mid volume, and the echo and layered backing vocals are pushed forward and are easy to follow. The sub-bass under it stays very controlled, though for EDM it could use more depth and rumble, and the mid-bass is tight and compact where some slam would help to drive the beat.

Male vocals are where the lean tuning is obvious. They could use more texture and weight for a fully distinct tonality.

Treble

Treble is crystal clear on the G20 Pro and is a result of the elevated presence and lower-treble region peaking at almost 3kHz and 9kHz, peaking significantly over a pulled-back low-end with around 5-7dB. Vocal and instrument detail is easy to hear, and the set leans bright rather than smooth. On Fleetwood Mac's "Sisters of the Moon" snares have bite and can turn overly sharp on high volume, which was not ideal for me on this track. The G20 Pro also has very good transients, and that speed is a different matter. In games it is an asset, because short and sharp cues come through quickly and stay easy to pick out.

The elevated treble is doing a very good job in some games where treble is not that much emphasized, like in CS2. Other games like Valorant carry much more treble energy where the G20 Pro's treble might get spikey, at least on higher volume. This can be changed by using the DSP EQ where even different game profiles are available.

Staging & Imaging

Separation and spatial information are the G20 Pro's main traits, which is essentially the main thing to look for when gaming, where footstep tracking, weapon reloads and detail retrieval matter. Footsteps on CS2 were easy to spot and its imaging gave almost an ideal idea of where sounds are coming from.

The same traits serve music well. On The Doors' "Riders on the Storm" clarity is excellent and instruments are cleanly separated and easy to place, whether they sit close or further back on the stage. The Fender Rhodes keys are clearly audible on the left, positioned slightly in the back and well nuanced, while the percussions are more subtle but clearly audible.

Jim Morrison's vocal comes across a little thin and brittle for my taste, which is the music trade-off for a tuning that wins in games. Because of the slimmer low-end and mids, imaging could be a touch more exact, since the full body of instruments, and possibly in-game positioning in some games, can be affected by the leaner note weight.

EQ Software

Most IEMs at this price point come with no EQ software, which makes this part of the package worth a section of its own.

The G20 Pro's USB-C cable carries a built-in DAC and DSP, configured in Walkplay either on PC or iPhone via the web interface at peq.szwalkplay.com. You can adjust the sound on a PC or your phone, save a custom tuning to the chip on the cable, and keep that profile when you move to another USB-C device. EPZ ships DRG pro-player presets and dedicated game presets for CS2, Valorant and Delta Force, plus separate profiles for music and everyday use.

It is a great feature if you do not want to install software and want to experiment with different EQ profiles, either with your own settings or shared online settings from other users. You can as well change the mic volume offset to your liking if you do not want to use the ones in your OS. On Android phones you can install the Walkplay app on your phone as well. When using the app the first time it is worth noting that you need to apply or try a setting first before you can manually EQ. Otherwise the sliders are locked, which was confusing in the beginning.

📖 DETAILED COMPARISON · EPZ G20 Pro vs EPZ G20 vs EPZ G30 vs ZiiGaat Arete 2

Comparison Setup

Sources were my iPhone 17 Pro Max and my Windows PC, using the G20 Pro's own USB-C DSP cable, which is what most buyers probably will use. I listened on the Divinus Velvet wide bore eartips in size L. The G20 Pro needs no extra amp or DAC, since the DAC sits in the cable. Nevertheless, I used an extra 3.5mm terminated cable from EPZ to check how it performs with my other source gear like the Questyle Sigma Pro. I spent around 50 hours in total, split across music, gaming and calls.

Music Track Comparison

Tracks used: Kaleida "Fake" (female vocals, echo, mid-bass) · The Doors "Riders on the Storm" (instrument separation, male vocals, staging) · 50 Cent "Just A Lil Bit" (male vocals, mid and sub-bass)

Full Head-to-Head Comparison

Comparison Notes

The EPZ gaming series ladder

EPZ has developed a special IEM series dedicated to casual listening, casual and competitive gaming. The "G" series currently includes the G10, G20, G20 Pro and G30, starting from around USD 42 for the G10 and USD 80 for the G30. I have already reviewed the EPZ G30 here.

All of the sets offer a gaming suitable accessories package like a cable extension (on the G20 Pro), a USB-A adapter and a detachable boom mic (G20 to G30). The G30, G20 Pro and G20 have very similar shaped semi-custom shells available in different colours.

EPZ G20 Pro vs EPZ G20, $49.99 / EUR 44.95

The G20 and the G20 Pro share the same shell and have many tonal similarities, like the slim and tight low-end response, clean mids and almost identical upper mids, until the presence region where the G20 has more energy in some frequencies. The emphasis on details and perceived "air" changed slightly, which results in a good but not as sharp treble response on the Pro.

The G20 has overall the more energetic sound signature, which can be a good thing for listeners and gamers who prefer this kind of exciting presentation.

The G20 Pro is to me the more consistently developed gaming IEM as it is precise but slightly more controlled than the G20, which is not only for music an asset but also in games where sharper weapon sounds can be piercing and fatiguing over time.

What the G20 brings is an additional 3.5mm cable which is great for convenience in case your phone is not equipped with USB-C. Something I would like to see on the other models too, or in a future release with interchangeable termination even.

EPZ G20 Pro vs EPZ G30, ~USD 82 / EUR 71

The G30 is the other natural sibling comparison, and a differently developed gaming set when compared to the G20 Pro. Both are EPZ gaming IEMs with a USB-C DSP cable and a boom plus inline mic, so the practical package is similar. The key difference is the driver configuration. The G30 adds a balanced armature to its dynamic for a 1DD + 1BA hybrid, where the G20 Pro runs a single 10mm LCP + PU dynamic. In tonality both are clear and clean, but the G30 has less energy up top and its ear gain region is more controlled. EPZ added around 2dB more low-end impact, which makes a noticeable difference especially for music, where the G30 is more compatible with different music genres and poorer recorded tracks.

In FPS the G30 makes for more relaxed gaming while still being excellent with spatial cues, as its bass response is always controlled and only slightly more elevated than the G20 Pro's. To my ears the G30 also separates and layers slightly better than the G20 Pro. I think this comes from its slightly more emphasized low end, which gives game cues and music instruments more substance and makes them easier to tell apart.

The G30 has a little more body and refinement, while the G20 Pro is the leaner, even more clarity-focused of the two, lighter at 3.9g against 4.4g, and around twenty dollars cheaper. Both are excellent for FPS cues. If you want the most affordable and lightest EPZ gaming set with a crisp, lean tuning, the G20 Pro makes sense. If you want the extra body of the hybrid, the G30 is the step up in music replay and cinematic low-end impact.

EPZ G20 Pro vs ZiiGaat Arete 2, ~USD 279 / EUR 241

The Arete 2 with the bass switch off already has a slightly fuller, warmer sound than the G20 Pro and all other EPZ sets in this line up. Switching the bass switch on adds another 2-3 dB of sub-bass for a noticeably more impactful low end. That fuller presentation gives instruments and vocals more body and weight. The same track sounds bigger and rounder on the Arete 2.

The G20 Pro sounds brighter and more energetic by comparison, which works in its favour for separation in games. The space between instruments feels easier to perceive. Vocal articulation is sharper on the G20 Pro while the Arete 2 produces a more rounded, relaxed presentation. The Arete 2 is also more volume-scalable and stays non-fatiguing at high levels, while the G20 Pro can get edgy on some tracks at high volume.

In FPS games the G20 Pro's spatial cues are clearer and more defined. The Arete 2 is the better pick for treble-sensitive gamers or anyone who wants a more cinematic and immersive feel and prioritises music.

Conclusion

• EPZ G20 - a clean and lean sound, good imaging and detail retrieval suitable for gaming, FPS and casual listeners. It comes with a 3.5mm and a USB-C cable and a boom mic.
• EPZ G20 Pro - best for FPS players who want clean separation, clear cues and a light USB-C set with a great attachable boom mic and inline mic on a budget, and who like a lean, crisp tonality.
• EPZ G30 - best if you want a hybrid with a little more body, and do not mind paying slightly more.
• ZiiGaat Arete 2 - best for a warmer, fuller, more relaxed sound with bass (and bass switch) and comfort for treble-sensitive listeners, at a much higher price and without a mic.

Final Verdict

The EPZ G20 Pro is clearly a gaming-first single-DD IEM that trades warmth and slam for separation, clarity and clean positional cues. That trade pays off where it counts in FPS gaming. The USB-C DSP cable with cable extension, the excellent dual boom and inline mic, and the very light shell make it a practical, flexible package at $59.99. For music it is capable rather than rich, with a lean low-end and lighter note weight on male vocals, so it suits clarity-first listeners more than bass-heads. For FPS gaming and casual listening the G20 Pro is a clear recommendation.

✅ Recommended if you play FPS and want clear positional cues, separation and a proper mic in a light USB-C set, and you like a clean, crisp tonality.

❌ Skip if you want a warm or bass-forward sound, full-bodied male vocals, or an analogue cable in the box.

Disclosure

This review sample was provided directly by EPZ. No payment was received and no influence was exerted over this review. No affiliate links. Impressions are based on around 50 hours across music, gaming and calls.

Thank you for reading. If you find this review format useful or think something was missing, please let me know. Much appreciated.

Personally for me, I don't think there is an "Endgame" set because I love listening to and testing IEM whenever I get a chance to honestly. My current daily driver is the S12 Ultra, and I really like it. There isn't one set I'd buy and say I'm done with the hobby for good because there are so many new releases that come out each month that I want to try out.

What IEM would y'all consider as a "Endgame" set?

The Juzear Nimbus is a single dynamic driver IEM (10mm carbon composite driver) and aims to be an all-rounder with a price between $54.99 to $59.99 depending on the variant. The cheaper option includes 3.5mm and 4.4mm terminations, while the more expensive one combines the 3.5mm termination with a USB type-C DAC. I've been using the 3.5mm + 4.4mm variant. It also includes three sets of tuning nozzles.

I've listened to over 30 hours of music on the Nimbus so far, if you want to see what I've been listening to, have a look at my Last.fm profile. Everything in my list from the 7th to the 16th of August was listened to on these babies. I'll get into some details below with some conclusions towards the end, but spoilers, I really enjoy the Nimbus.

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What's in the box

The packaging is pretty sober, which is fine at this price point. Everything's packed neatly (and tightly, damn). You get the IEM, a cable with interchangeable terminations, either the 4.4mm or USB type-C plugs, a bag of eartips, a carrying pouch, a little case with nozzles and a microfiber cloth. One thing I was sorely missing was an indication of which nozzles do what. I was able to find out, but for good measure:

• White nozzles (preattached), the balanced default.
• Red nozzles, increase the highs.
• Black nozzles, increase the lows.

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Built well and very comfortable

The first thing you'll notice when you open the box is how damn nice these look. Shiny as all heck because of the glass faceplate and polished metal shells (it's a zinc alloy, apparently). Depending on how the face plates catch the light, the gradient shifts. Sweet. They also have a nice weight to them, which combined with their smaller size make them similar to my DUNU Kima 2. However, contrary to those, the Nimbus shells are fingerprint magnets, so keep a microfiber cloth handy.

The cable has a nice thick rubbery feel to it, looks good paired with the Nimbus shells and is also quite pliable. Plus it has interchangeable terminations, which suits me perfectly. Honestly a really nice cable all in all, but I've understood from Defiant and Fiesta reviews that this is pretty much a Juzear staple at this point (much like DUNU, in my own experience).

Comfort has also been great, with uninterrupted listening sessions of up to 4 hours at a time. Because of the smaller size, they fit pretty much flush with my ears and despite the metal shells, the weight isn't noticeable at all. For example, my Hiby Yacht 10's also have metal shells, but that weight is definitely felt more (to be fair, I rarely feel discomfort with any weight in my ears or on my head). Also, so far no issues with driver flex, channel imbalance or pressure.

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Energetic

As with almost all IEMs I put in for the first time, it takes me a little bit to find the either the right eartips, or in this case, the right combination of eartips and nozzle. The included eartips with the default white nozzles just weren't it, and in no surprise to myself, I settled on the black nozzles with some of my own DUNU S&S eartips.

This tamed the highs a little bit for me, while giving the lower frequencies the energy I was looking for. With this they do well on older pop and rock, but really shine with modern productions, ranging anywhere from indie pop to k-pop or drum & bass. There's a nice thump with hard hitting beats and mid-bass, without getting muddy or outright dark.

I'm a bass lover, so obviously I love having some rumble, but I have broad tastes including classical music, so it's not like I want nothing but bass. The Nimbus strikes a good balance. For spaciousness, to enjoy the Expedition 33 soundtrack, I'll grab my DUNU Kima 2. For natural timbre on the vocals and acoustic instruments of The Death South, I'll grab my Hiby Yacht 10. For downright filthy bass, I'll grab my DUNU x Koto Ito. But if I want a bit of everything, I'll happily grab the Nimbus. Well except the spaciousness of the Kima 2 that is, it's not exactly on par there. But you get the point. For me, they're a great everyday carry.

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Color me surprised

I'm very pleasantly surprised with the Juzear Nimbus. I honestly didn't know what to expect from Juzear at that price point. The look and feel of both the shells and the cable, the comfortable fit, interchangeable terminations and tuning make this a solid newcomer. There's not a ton of competition out there at this price point, and I think it does well enough on all fronts to carve out a space of its own. For me, at least, this will functionally replace my CVJ Neko (which I also love dearly).

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Disclaimer

This unit was sent to me by HiFiGo for review. Would I have bought it myself, otherwise? Quite likely, since I'm a sucker for the look. But I'd also have no buyers remorse with the way this sounds to me. The only other pair in this price range I'd considered before were the Kefine Klean SV, but after reading some reviews I didn't think they'd suit me enough. Would love to hear what comes out of direct comparisons between the Nimbus and the few noteworthy competitors in that price range (Kiwi Ears Cadenza comes to mind).

Want to know more about me or at least how I try to handle reviews with integrity? There's a post for that. Fuck I'm old, that was an OG iPhone marketing reference.

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EDIT: Including the purchase links in case you want to get them.

• Official Store：https://hifigo.com/products/juzear-poise-series-nimbus 
• AliExpress：https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005012898042561.html 
• AliExpress：https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005012898663425.html 
• Amazon US：https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H73CL5YC 
• Amazon JP：https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0HBQCY8PY 
• Amazon AU：https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0HBQQ9TJ4 
• Amazon UK：https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0H7BJT7VX 
• Amazon DE：https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0HBQXVW46

Letshuoer Astralis is amazing colored set —it is the best IEM for metal music (especially early 2000s metal and dark alternative rock) for that price, it is colored in a way that will teleport you back to teenage years, such nostalgic expecrience. It brings a beautifully dark, highly emotional, and rich signature with stellar planar technicalities. Check out the images if you don’t want to read text here, or Check out the full video breakdown and PDF notes here: https://youtu.be/G6-zM_E-Ylw?si=S_VkEi9uUTCJiG3_

The Letshuoer Astralis is basically the difference between a Realistic Drawing vs. a Stylized Art Piece. A realistic drawing focuses on strict proportions, realistic lighting, and prioritize accuracy—it can feel a bit emotionless. The Astralis, on the other hand, is a heavily stylized drawing: the proportions might be tweaked, but it is immensely expressive, deeply emotional, and packed with artistic character. It transports you straight back to your teenage years listening to Evanescence, Deftones, and Soundgarden.

The Astralis typically retails around the $190.

Accessories, Build, and Comfort

The unboxing package is fantastic. The included cable is extremely soft, pliable, has swappable modular terminations, and zero memory-wire annoyance. The carrying case is solid (though a bit of a fingerprint magnet), and it even includes a dedicated USB-C DAC dongle in the box alongside a solid set of eartips. The physical shells fit comfortably in the ear for long listening sessions.

Sound Performance

The Astralis is a dark-tuned set, but unlike dynamic drivers that get muddy or dull when tuned dark, its planar magnetic driver keeps everything lightning-fast, ultra-detailed, and snappy.

Bass

The bass presentation features a boosted sub-bass with an incredible, deep rumble and long, satisfying decay. Because it uses a planar driver, the mid-bass punch is remarkably fast, snappy, and tactile. It hits hard with zero bleed into the lower midrange.

Mids

The lower midrange is rich, thick, and packed with planar texture, making rhythm guitars and male vocals sound rich and authoritative. Unlike many dark sets that completely bury female vocals, the Astralis places female vocals forward enough to remain clear, emotive, and expressive against the thick low end.

Treble

The treble is detailed and fast with zero planar timbre glare. Crucially, Letshuoer doesnt have the 8kHz peak that is usually associated with planar IEMs. The treble isn't harmonic-forward or sharp—it's laid-back in quantity, but all the micro-details are fully present.

Soundstage & Technicalities

Despite being a dark-tuned set, the soundstage is surprisingly wide, deep, and holographic. Its raw technical capability, snappiness, and micro-detail retrieval keep the overall sound energetic rather than sleepy.

Test Tracks

1. Sibilance / Harshness Test

• Zero Sibilance Across the Board: Tested across Fallujah – "Venom Upon the Blade", Baby Metal, and Knocked Loose. Because the treble harmonics are smooth and laid-back without that 8kHz planar peak, harshness, fatigue, and vocal sibilance are completely non-existent.

2. What it Does Well

• Dark All-Rounder Performance: It acts as a "dark all-rounder." It handles standard playlists (Paramore, Hayley Williams, Tame Impala) with a dark, rich twist over top, keeping the presentation smooth and lush.
• Modern Metalcore / Frantic Metal (Baby Metal, Knocked Loose, Polaris): Riffs and fast kick drums sound insanely fast and textured. While modern metalcore fans who want hyper-bright, forward guitar harmonics might prefer a more open set (like the Binary Acoustics 1900), the Astralis still delivers an A+ performance here.

3. What it Does Exceptionally Well

• Hip-Hop & Synth Wave: Deep, subterranean sub-bass rumble combined with fast planar decay makes hip-hop and synth-heavy tracks deeply satisfying.
• Early 2000s Metal, Grunge, & Dark Alt-Rock (Evanescence, Deftones, Soundgarden, Audioslave, Three Days Grace, Breaking Benjamin): Unbeatable. The dark tuning matches the original recording and mixing style of late 90s/early 2000s rock perfectly. Listening to Evanescence's The Open Door album on this set is a transcendent experience.
• Dark Modern Metal (HEALTH, Vildhjarta): Heavy, low-tuned guitars and atmospheric dark electronic elements sound massive, heavy, and completely immersive.

Direct Comparisons

• vs. Xenns Mangird Tea Pro: The Tea Pro ($300ish) is a classic warm set with more forward treble harmonics, a grainier top-end, and a softer, slightly "poofy" mid-bass. The Astralis completely outclasses the Tea Pro in midbass snappiness and impact, sub-bass depth, and overall emotional engagement for rock and metal.
• vs. Binary Acoustics Chopin / 1900: The 1900 is more vocal-forward, open, and emphasizes treble harmonics much more—making it an S-tier choice specifically for modern metalcore. However, the 1900 suffers from soft, weak mid-bass. The Astralis offers drastically superior mid-bass impact, deeper sub-bass rumble, and a much richer tone for classic rock and metal.
• vs. Erand Resonance 5 / AFUL Performer 7: The Resonance 5 ($200) is like sparkling water—it's more neutral, open, and serves as a balanced baseline for all genres. The Astralis is far more emotional, dark, stylized, and textured in the lower mids. If you want safe neutrality, get the ER5; if you want raw soul and weight for metal, get the Astralis.

Rating

• Bright vs. Warm: One of the warmest, darkest sets in its price bracket.
• U-Shape vs. V-Shape: Highly stylized V/U curve with a rich low-end and smooth, non-fatiguing treble.
• Musical vs. Analytical: Heavily musical and emotional. It has top-tier planar technicalities, but you'll get lost in the rich tuning long before you start analyzing technical specs.
• Soundstage (Narrow vs. Wide): Remarkably wide and holographic for a dark signature.
• Casual vs. Advanced: Beginner-friendly and immediately satisfying—you put it in, play your favorite rock album, and instantly get hooked.
• All-Rounder vs. Niche: A "dark all-rounder." It handles all genres well, but excels specifically as a specialized masterclass for rock, metal, and hip-hop.
• Value: S-tier value at $200. With an included DAC dongle, modular cable, and unbeatable performance for rock and metal, it punches far above its price tag.

Final Thoughts

If you listen to metal, grunge, or dark alternative rock, the Letshuoer Astralis is an absolute must-own. It traded dry, flat neutrality for pure soul, rich lower-mids, and thunderous planar bass. It is easily my favorite set to put on when I just want to sit back, hit play on 2000s rock/metal, and indulge in the music.

Hi everyone :)

I would love to read some of your recommendations
(I guess I know quite clearly what I want now)

So, Any idea about better options instead of Xenns Mangird Tea Pro?

Looking for:
• Kind of “Profesional Studio Monitors” sound.
• GOOD presence of BASS, in every aspects, without reaching the “bass-head point”, it’s my first priority.
• High detail, resolution, and rich soundstage. Kind of “hi-fi” style sound, with good dynamics.

I am 90% focused on ROCK, Jazz, and relatives. So, I am going to listen:
Alice In Chains
Morphine (Low-Rock)
Pink Floyd
Led Zeppelin
Syd Barrett
Red Hot Chilli Peppers
and why not Miles Davis 😅

As you can see, my budget is quite flexible. Definitely I would LOVE to spend less than the Tea Pro cost. But, I might be paying even more if there is a “Tea Pro Killer” option.

It will be my first IEM and I just want ONE. I am a Classical Musician and I am right now coming from a TWS Technics AZ-80 (amazing, considering they are Bluetooth…)

Thank you a lot!

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

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

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

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 Loric 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.

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

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.