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Budget Audiophile List! Get in here
15
items Nowadays you can get into the audio hobby without breaking a bank. These are called “Chi-Fi” or chinese high fidelity, they are much more affordable and sound great too! I got into this hobby 2 years ago, joined a FB group and learned a lot, so i fig...
Sections
3
IEM
DAC/Dongle
DAP (Audio Player)
IEM
In ear monitors. These Chi-Fi IEM have come a long way. Lots of these quality sounds you'd have to shell out >$300 for in the past. Sorted from cheapest to most expensive (order might change due to price changes tho)
Easiest to recommend, appeal to everyone, because it's more musical or exciting than 7hz Zero. Sound is harman-ish.
Moondrop CHU II
Natural-flat sounding. Good details, good cables, average soundstage. Might not suit everyone.
Linsoul 7Hz x Crinacle Zero IEM, Blue
This is if you prefer more bass, good bass without clouding the details too much, Not really a sucessor to the Salnotes Zero from before, more of a different flavour.
Linsoul 7Hz x Crinacle Zero:2 IEM
Fit is ok, airy and good soundstage. V shape tuning (extended bass and treble). It also got a mic good enough for calls.
TINHIFI C2 Mech Warrior TIN HiFi C2
VERY detailed for it's asking price. In my collection for some while now. Good bass, bright sounding, treble may be too strong for some people (but orchestral music go HARD on THESE!).
SIMGOT EW200
Very pretty. It's got dual driver. Sub bass is more pronounced compared to EW200. Vocals and separation i also prefer this one
Fanmusic TRUTHEAR x Crinacle Zero:RED Dual Drivers
Straight upgrade from EW200. Better imaging, soundstage, fidelity, basically everything, very linear upgrade. Bright sounding, shell is a fingerprint magnet though.
Linsoul SIMGOT EA500 LM 2nd Gen Gaming Earbuds
60 Dabloons, 2 Driver, VERY DETAILED, balanced tuning with a sub-bass rumble, tamer mid-bass compared to EW200. They cheaped out on the cables though, but you can replace it for cheap if you want.
7HZ SONUS 1DD + 1BA Earphones
Reminds me of coffee. If you're looking for bass around the 70 range, this is the one. Not a bass canon but it's pleasant.
HiFiGo Kefine Delci 10mm Dynamic IEMs
If it looks video-gamey to you thats because its by design. GREAT MICS, it's catering to gamers. Can be tuned with moondrop propreitary app
Moondrop Rays Gaming Earphones
DAC/Dongle
DAC or Digital Audio Converter outputs better sound quality, and allow you to listen to Hi-Res format, Something that's not possible by using bluetooth or a 3.5mm jack. (YOU WONT NEED THESE IF THE IEM COMES WITH A USB C CABLE)
Dual audio chip, and a flagship one at that. 3.5 & 4.4mm jack (improves sound further). Honestly best of bang 4 buck.
Linsoul DUNU DTC480 HiFi Earphone AMP/DAC
Good little entry level DAC. Extends a little bit of everything, from treble down to technicality of your IEM
Linsoul Kiwi Ears Allegro Mini
Nice entry level audio chip, great choice if you're just looking to wet your feet in this hobby
Linsoul 7HZ SEVENHERTZ 71 Headphone Amp DAC
Fiio has a dedicated mobile app to tune the profile of the sound to your liking.
FiiO KA11
DAP (Audio Player)
Remember iPods? this is basically them now, except with sophiticated audio chips
If you're looking for an audio player that's not your phone, this one is worth taking a look at. It fits in small pockets, good battery. (This device stores its music offline through SD card)
SnowSky/FiiO Echo MINI HiFi Bluetooth MP3 Player