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What IEM's I reach for when I am NOT reviewing & why - Honest Audiophile Impressions

  • Writer: dbstechtalk
    dbstechtalk
  • Feb 24
  • 4 min read

People frequently inquire about which IEM I use daily. To be completely honest, I'm usually in reviewer mode, so I tend to use products that are either being reviewed or compared for a review. However, when I'm not in reviewer mode, which is rare, due to vacations or personal time, which IEM do I choose and why?


This isn't a straightforward single-product solution; it's a multifaceted response.


Let's begin with vacations or journeys that require flying or lengthy car rides where I'm not the one driving.


For the past three plus years, I've been using the DROP Plus Universal for such occasions. The reason is straightforward: comfort and isolation. Additionally, they are older and can be substituted with another IEM if they are lost, stolen, or damaged. The shells are small and ergonomic, fitting my ears as if they were custom-molded. I prefer using them with the stock wide bore tips, which are quite similar to ePro Horn tips. I also pair them with Sonic Foam tips for a bit more isolation from external noise without compromising the sound presentation. While they aren't neutral or analytical by any means, they are sufficiently competent for long-distance travel. The sound presentation is enjoyable, with enough accuracy and technical capability to be satisfying.


But what do I use when I am not traveling on an airplane?


I consistently choose the Westone Mach 60 first. The reasons for my preference include its comfort, noise isolation, and sound quality. The Mach 60 is compact and lightweight, fitting me perfectly; only the DROP Plus Universal surpasses it. With Sonic Foam tips, the noise isolation is outstanding, comparable to the DROP Plus Universal. The sound is neutral and natural, with accuracy in all aspects. The Westone Mach 60 serves as my reference IEM and is also my favorite for personal use.


I frequently use the ThieAudio Oracle mk iii. To my ears, it sounds almost neutral and natural. The ThieAudio fits me well and provides excellent noise isolation, though not quite as much as Westone and DROP. With its slightly forward midrange and more open presentation, the ThieAudio Oracle mk iii is one of my preferred reference IEMs. If I were to tune an IEM for an all-around sound, it would be like this.


The Tangzu Nezha is another IEM that I frequently choose to listen to and use as a reference. It fits me perfectly and effectively blocks outside noise. Its neutral, natural, cohesive, and balanced sound presentation resonates with me every time I listen, prompting me to analyze the music during each session.


The FatFreq Reference Pro is used for both reference and personal listening. While its comfort doesn't match the previously mentioned IEM, its isolation is impressive, particularly with foam tips. The stock tips and cable appear to be an afterthought, so I opt for alternative tips, such as Spinfit W1, and an Effect Audio Cadmus ii cable. The strong, emphatic bass, rich instruments and vocals, controlled treble, ample detail retrieval, and good resolution result in a non-fatiguing, analytical presentation.


Outside of reviewing duties, I frequently use many other IEMs, but as you can see, I primarily stick to the same reference IEM for my personal listening.

Occasionally, I crave a bass-heavy setup or a more lively and expressive sound. However, I genuinely appreciate the neutral, natural presentation I use as a reference and rarely deviate from it outside of review periods.


I am Dave the Honest Audiophile. Thanks for reading, and I will catch you in the next one. Don't forget to enjoy the music and that honesty is the BEST policy!


I am not a professional sound engineer, producer, musician, or vocalist, etc. I have not done any scientific research, measurements, or in-depth testing of any kind; just my own listening, comparing and internet reading/research.  I have limited, real-life experience with recording, mixing and mastering gear.  I have been involved since my teenage years with various churches as an amateur sound booth technician.

Please take these thoughts, opinions and reasonings as just that, my honest audiophile thoughts, opinions and reasonings.


Twitter: https://twitter.com/TalkDbs @TalkDbs



Recommended Gear:

Rosson Audio Design RAD-0: http://www.rossonaudiodesign.com/

Audeze LCD 2 Closed: LCD-2 Closed Back (audeze.com)

Massdrop THX AAA 789: 


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