Awesome video! Very few impressions exist on TH-cam about the m9. I have the m9 and Andromeda S variant and fully agree with Precog's impressions. Although I love the sparkle older iterations of the Andro had. Btw. if you are into rock or metal or any of the heavier/busier stuff, get the m9. No fatigue, awesome comfort, a stellar IEM. Kudos on an excellent video!
The IER-M9 is the only IEM of these that has authentic and realistic impact. I don't know why people think its boring when instruments sound accurate, i mean it is if you don't want that instruments sound how they're supposed to do but... i don't know. Sometimes i have the feeling IEMs get higher ratings for artificial and unrealistic presentation just because its different from what people are used to.
This is the exact reason why I bought the M9, I like a safe tuning with a bit of warmth and impact. I have its' big brother, the Z1R too. It's better for certain genres, but I wouldn't say it's a safe, natural sounding IEM.
I have lusted after the m9 or even the m7 since I first saw them a while back. They are the only IEMs of that value I would buy without a demo. Very difficult to get gold of where I am unless you import them and accept the potential hassle. Another quality video.
I really like the M7. If you like something a little laid back with a really nice stage(for an iem), go for it, nice detail, pretty fair imaging and good separation, really liked the tonality. Bass was not the greatest, just kinda meh/okay in that department, coulda been punchier and more defined, but its a BA so you know what you're getting into going in. The fit was a bit finnicky on me though and ended up having to get rid of them.
I'd like to hear your take on the IER-M7. I really enjoy them and had a ton of fun with them, but sadly I do have to get rid of my pair because the comfort just isn't there for my ears no matter the tips I use. Really pleasing tonality with a very fun staging presentation. Out of the very limited amount of gear I've tried, I venture to say that it's really the most fun I've had listening to my music in a while.
Best tips for me for the M7’s are the JVC Spiral Dots++.. in sound and comfort.. driven by Earmen Sparrow in balanced via Win 10 pro Laptop using Jriver player..
@@toast9128 Cannot live without either. But if I really gotta choose one, M9 (better bass, god tier imaging, detail retrieval comparable to ToTL iems yet not in your face, supreme timbre and vocals as good as sennheisers)
Hi there, thanks for the great review. Could you explain why you rank the Andromeda 2020 over the S8 in this video but in your iem ranking list document you put the S8 (and Variations) above the Andromeda 2020? Thanks
Hi thank you for great comparison all very beautiful pieces… the S8 though what a stunner… I want to ask why the Hidition Viento B is the most appreciated what about the other tunings any experience Thanks✌️😃
I would say the S8 is more competent for a sense of innate detail. The Monarch has very good surface-level detail because of its tuning, but I didn’t think its technicalities were super special. S8 also layers better with more defined spatial cues in my book.
Just had my first month on Hidition Custom B-iento. Agree with PreCog in all front. My first, and accurately named, impression is 'sooo much air (Viento =wind)'. Fit is still uncomfortable when not methodically inserted. Once inserted deeply, it does not feel deep or centred - it kinda feels just 'attached'. Unlike the Etymotic ER4XR (where its tuning measures pretty closely to Biento), the Hidition excels in lower volumes (especially when hooked on with musical DACs). I feel the ER4 seems make you want to crank up the energy, intensity, image, slam, etc (hence, why I bought Biento). Hidition's somewhat harsh treble/sybillance (again, better when in lower volumes) becomes its strength with better DAC and high-res musics. It would show better imaging (better, not amazing). Sound stage is airy and external (somewhat underneath your ear and laterally splayed in front of you), instead of in-your-head (e.g. in the same sound booth studio) experience of ER4. Overall, Hidition has similar tuning but not the same sound signature of the etymotic. Besides the tuning, it's the opposite to etymotic.I would not buy Biento over Etymotic if you only want 1-3 IEMs in your life, but I would recommend it if you want to sit back with lower volume while retaining the same sound signature wanting to be more analytical with its better imaging. BTW, Hidition staff writes email in good English. Just email them to order. Costwise, definitely closer to 2 kilobuck, especially if you get the universal custom version, with added modification (e.g. shell pattern), plus your self-made/audiologist made ear impression, cost to send it to Korea, cost for them to send it to you, and the tax/addition shipping cost). Look forward to more kilobuck rev in 2022 by PreCog!
Nice shootout 👍🏻 i think I am one of the very few that find the sony eir z1r comfortable and are my favourite sounding iem. They have by far the best bass of any iem I have tried. How would they fare in your top 5 if confort wasn’t a issue?
I’m currently saving up for what I consider to possibly be my “end game” IEM which is the 64audio U6t. I’m also weighing up on whether to go for the custom version A6t. But for me that is my price ceiling
Great review. Fascinating to see how different reviewers have completely different opinions on these IEMs. I owned Viento D IEMs which I sold because of confort issues and disappointing soundstage imaging. You should try the IMR Athen. They are rarely commented but are quite unique and by far the best I have tried. Could you give more info on the song you used for testing? Thanks
I wish you would also do classic earbud reviews, like the FiiO EM5. I can't stand these ear canal type In-Ears, but need something small and handy for the hot summer times.
Maybe a bit of a stretch to compare the blessing 2s to this bunch even from a raw price standpoint, but the monarchs/clairvoyances are still benchmarks for their price range, which doesn't shoot far off this video's target (s8 is around the price of the monarch/clairvoyance). How do you think the monarch/clairvoyance stand up to these? Thanks from Maryland!
Sure, I've only heard the Monarch, but I would say that for the most part it's just a small step down in technicalities. Its technical performance is largely predicated on resolution and macro-detail; it sacrifices coherency and some imaging performance as a result. For raw tuning, though, it plays with all of these IEMs no problem.
I know you asked Precog but please allow me to chime in as I have all three. The VX is one level above all these. If you want detail and resolution - just go for the VX. If you like lush and laid back, avoid totally. Btw. the fit on the VX is unlike any imo. that is, it's almost a custom. To me, it's awesome.
@@AdnanFiroze thanks for your reply! I actually have the vx too and couldn't agree with you any more, they are the best thing I've ever heard including alot of TOTL over ears. I just wanted a second opinion haha
Wanted Shozy pola / pola 39 in between these haha , any reviews/experience on it ?, BTW in 4k your specs frame kinda do something spectroscopic hahaha really good to see it , love the review
Funny that nobody mentions that long Nozzles are more made for sweat and sports. Without that the tips will loose their pressure and sound. When people complain about the tips not being fit when they workout, nothing to do with foam tips or not. It's the body not long enough and short Nozzles. I prefer long and long body because it fits me all expects. Beach and heat and home. At home I place a bit loosed on my ears.
Sorry if this is a dumb question but what is the difference between an IEM and an ear bud type headphone? I’ve spent an embarrassing amount of time trying to figure this out
An In-Ear Monitor (IEM) consists of a nozzle that extends deep into your ear canal, accompanied by silicon eartips that create a snug seal. On the other hand, an earbud refers to the traditional flat-headed earphone resembling the ones originally packaged with older iPods. However, popular brands such as Apple or Beats now use the term "earbud" generically, even though their wireless counterparts are more accurately described as Bluetooth-enabled IEMs.
Great review! I'm on the market for a GOAT IEM (in this exact price range). I feel the same way you do regarding the Sony and M9 and the Andro. I'm stationed in Japan and had the opportunity to listen to both IEMs. As I mentioned before, I love the Andro but I have a an issue with the fit. What earths are you using with the Andro? They look like Spinfits?
Some of the very expensive models are more jewelry than audio gear and can sound pretty bad. Though all of the models in the video are costly, they are all modestly priced and respected high end IEMs. The Sony in particular is a professional in ear monitor, it comes with a ton of stuff, I think you would feel like you got your money's worth when unboxing it.
at the end of the day, your ear will tell you if you really needs those last details and dynamics. If dont, just forget the ToTL. You may be satisfied with the lower tier IEMs(relatively speaking) and can be equally happy especially for your money
I think if you could find a new one around 400-500usd, it is a good investiment. I also wonder that is M9 better than the custom model JH13pro, UE-RM or Westone ES50, which has similar cost.
Why not the Monarchs Mk2? They are better than the Andromeda, S8 and M9. Actually the best iem in this price bracket or even higher (yes for me better than the Mest Mk2).
Chi-Fi for 700 bux, that’s just crazy. The whole point of taking a chance on chi-fi is that it’s cheap and when it goes south on you then you just replace it or buy something better.
Not anymore, Chi-fi used to just mean random Chinese companies that were selling their products on chinese marketplaces, but those random companies have put most of the rest of the world to shame in the last few years, look at Tin audio, Topping, Hifiman (yes were a Chifi brand as well), KZ, ect. They've been making advancements while the rest of the industry milks you for dosh.
![[Live สด] การออกรางวัลสลากกินแบ่งรัฐบาล งวดวันที่ 16 พฤศจิกายน 2567](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/wPd7VFfWHIA/mqdefault.jpg)
Awesome video! Very few impressions exist on TH-cam about the m9. I have the m9 and Andromeda S variant and fully agree with Precog's impressions. Although I love the sparkle older iterations of the Andro had. Btw. if you are into rock or metal or any of the heavier/busier stuff, get the m9. No fatigue, awesome comfort, a stellar IEM. Kudos on an excellent video!
Hi, just wanted to ask, how secure is the fit for the m9? Does it fall out easily
The IER-M9 is the only IEM of these that has authentic and realistic impact. I don't know why people think its boring when instruments sound accurate, i mean it is if you don't want that instruments sound how they're supposed to do but... i don't know.
Sometimes i have the feeling IEMs get higher ratings for artificial and unrealistic presentation just because its different from what people are used to.
This is the exact reason why I bought the M9, I like a safe tuning with a bit of warmth and impact. I have its' big brother, the Z1R too. It's better for certain genres, but I wouldn't say it's a safe, natural sounding IEM.
This is a simply fantastic review. Maybe the best review I have ever seen. Thanks so much.
Glad you're doing more videos on the channel
Thanks for the Review. M9 is really underrated IEM because of z1r
I have lusted after the m9 or even the m7 since I first saw them a while back. They are the only IEMs of that value I would buy without a demo. Very difficult to get gold of where I am unless you import them and accept the potential hassle. Another quality video.
I really like the M7. If you like something a little laid back with a really nice stage(for an iem), go for it, nice detail, pretty fair imaging and good separation, really liked the tonality. Bass was not the greatest, just kinda meh/okay in that department, coulda been punchier and more defined, but its a BA so you know what you're getting into going in. The fit was a bit finnicky on me though and ended up having to get rid of them.
I'd like to hear your take on the IER-M7. I really enjoy them and had a ton of fun with them, but sadly I do have to get rid of my pair because the comfort just isn't there for my ears no matter the tips I use. Really pleasing tonality with a very fun staging presentation. Out of the very limited amount of gear I've tried, I venture to say that it's really the most fun I've had listening to my music in a while.
Best tips for me for the M7’s are the JVC Spiral Dots++.. in sound and comfort.. driven by Earmen Sparrow in balanced via Win 10 pro Laptop using Jriver player..
Young Vincent Teoh reviewing kilobuck high end IEM’s..
😭😆😆😆
HDCDTest
m9 is the best iem I've tried to date. looking forward to affording one someday
I have one now. and the equally amazing wf 1000 xm4 alongside HD650 now lol
How is its soundstage? Does it provide a 3D effect?
@@ourada46 M9 is dead accurate when in comes to Soundstage and imaging. So yeah, pretty 3d and precise. Extremely natural timbre comes as a bonus.
@@ahmedshafiul3851 if you would have to choose between the 650's or m9s, which would you go for?
@@toast9128 Cannot live without either. But if I really gotta choose one, M9 (better bass, god tier imaging, detail retrieval comparable to ToTL iems yet not in your face, supreme timbre and vocals as good as sennheisers)
Hi there, thanks for the great review.
Could you explain why you rank the Andromeda 2020 over the S8 in this video but in your iem ranking list document you put the S8 (and Variations) above the Andromeda 2020?
Thanks
Anyone putting variations above andro is a drug addict
Can't believe I'm the proud owner of his 2020 Adromeda! Got them for a real steal!
How much?
Hi thank you for great comparison all very beautiful pieces… the S8 though what a stunner… I want to ask why the Hidition Viento B is the most appreciated what about the other tunings any experience Thanks✌️😃
Brilliant iem reviewer. I take it you prefer the u12t to all of these?
Thank you for the review. Any thoughts on the Meze Rai Penta?
Hey Precog! How does the Thieaudio Monarch compare to the Moondrop S8 in terms of technicalities, especially soundstage and imaging? Thanks!
I would say the S8 is more competent for a sense of innate detail. The Monarch has very good surface-level detail because of its tuning, but I didn’t think its technicalities were super special. S8 also layers better with more defined spatial cues in my book.
Just had my first month on Hidition Custom B-iento.
Agree with PreCog in all front.
My first, and accurately named, impression is 'sooo much air (Viento =wind)'.
Fit is still uncomfortable when not methodically inserted. Once inserted deeply, it does not feel deep or centred - it kinda feels just 'attached'.
Unlike the Etymotic ER4XR (where its tuning measures pretty closely to Biento), the Hidition excels in lower volumes (especially when hooked on with musical DACs). I feel the ER4 seems make you want to crank up the energy, intensity, image, slam, etc (hence, why I bought Biento).
Hidition's somewhat harsh treble/sybillance (again, better when in lower volumes) becomes its strength with better DAC and high-res musics. It would show better imaging (better, not amazing). Sound stage is airy and external (somewhat underneath your ear and laterally splayed in front of you), instead of in-your-head (e.g. in the same sound booth studio) experience of ER4.
Overall, Hidition has similar tuning but not the same sound signature of the etymotic. Besides the tuning, it's the opposite to etymotic.I would not buy Biento over Etymotic if you only want 1-3 IEMs in your life, but I would recommend it if you want to sit back with lower volume while retaining the same sound signature wanting to be more analytical with its better imaging.
BTW, Hidition staff writes email in good English. Just email them to order. Costwise, definitely closer to 2 kilobuck, especially if you get the universal custom version, with added modification (e.g. shell pattern), plus your self-made/audiologist made ear impression, cost to send it to Korea, cost for them to send it to you, and the tax/addition shipping cost).
Look forward to more kilobuck rev in 2022 by PreCog!
Did you order them through the Singapore company Zeppelin?
@@tcc5750 nope, just email straight to the hidition
Can you plz talk about sony m7?,how is it compare to m9?
"Last but not least" (but actually least)
Nice shootout 👍🏻 i think I am one of the very few that find the sony eir z1r comfortable and are my favourite sounding iem. They have by far the best bass of any iem I have tried.
How would they fare in your top 5 if confort wasn’t a issue?
It’s the next review! It’s been at the top of my list alongside the U12T for quite some time.
I’m currently saving up for what I consider to possibly be my “end game” IEM which is the 64audio U6t. I’m also weighing up on whether to go for the custom version A6t.
But for me that is my price ceiling
Great review. Fascinating to see how different reviewers have completely different opinions on these IEMs. I owned Viento D IEMs which I sold because of confort issues and disappointing soundstage imaging. You should try the IMR Athen. They are rarely commented but are quite unique and by far the best I have tried. Could you give more info on the song you used for testing? Thanks
Taeyeon - Fine
I wish you would also do classic earbud reviews, like the FiiO EM5.
I can't stand these ear canal type In-Ears, but need something small and handy for the hot summer times.
Maybe a bit of a stretch to compare the blessing 2s to this bunch even from a raw price standpoint, but the monarchs/clairvoyances are still benchmarks for their price range, which doesn't shoot far off this video's target (s8 is around the price of the monarch/clairvoyance). How do you think the monarch/clairvoyance stand up to these? Thanks from Maryland!
Sure, I've only heard the Monarch, but I would say that for the most part it's just a small step down in technicalities. Its technical performance is largely predicated on resolution and macro-detail; it sacrifices coherency and some imaging performance as a result. For raw tuning, though, it plays with all of these IEMs no problem.
@@Precogvision Gotcha, thanks so much for the response!
This is a 4k iem review, holy crap
Wonderful review!
Great reviews and comparison. Wanted to ask a question though. Is Dunu SA6 comparable to these IEMs as far as Imaging and detailing is concerned?
No
Extremely well done!
Can you list other iems that does this "holographic imaging" beside andromeda ?
thank you,
Other good examples include the UM MEST, CA Solaris, Sony IER-Z1R, and the Tia Fourte.
How do the sony and campfire compare to QDC anole vx? Thanks
I know you asked Precog but please allow me to chime in as I have all three. The VX is one level above all these. If you want detail and resolution - just go for the VX. If you like lush and laid back, avoid totally. Btw. the fit on the VX is unlike any imo. that is, it's almost a custom. To me, it's awesome.
@@AdnanFiroze thanks for your reply! I actually have the vx too and couldn't agree with you any more, they are the best thing I've ever heard including alot of TOTL over ears. I just wanted a second opinion haha
Wanted Shozy pola / pola 39 in between these haha , any reviews/experience on it ?, BTW in 4k your specs frame kinda do something spectroscopic hahaha really good to see it , love the review
thank you for this excellent comparison. wish you included Meze Rai Penta in this mix though.
Funny that nobody mentions that long Nozzles are more made for sweat and sports. Without that the tips will loose their pressure and sound. When people complain about the tips not being fit when they workout, nothing to do with foam tips or not. It's the body not long enough and short Nozzles. I prefer long and long body because it fits me all expects. Beach and heat and home. At home I place a bit loosed on my ears.
Thanks a lot!
Sorry if this is a dumb question but what is the difference between an IEM and an ear bud type headphone? I’ve spent an embarrassing amount of time trying to figure this out
An In-Ear Monitor (IEM) consists of a nozzle that extends deep into your ear canal, accompanied by silicon eartips that create a snug seal. On the other hand, an earbud refers to the traditional flat-headed earphone resembling the ones originally packaged with older iPods. However, popular brands such as Apple or Beats now use the term "earbud" generically, even though their wireless counterparts are more accurately described as Bluetooth-enabled IEMs.
Have you got to try the Sony IER-Z1R? really digging up its reviews right now haha
Great review! I'm on the market for a GOAT IEM (in this exact price range). I feel the same way you do regarding the Sony and M9 and the Andro. I'm stationed in Japan and had the opportunity to listen to both IEMs. As I mentioned before, I love the Andro but I have a an issue with the fit. What earths are you using with the Andro? They look like Spinfits?
Yup, they're Spinfit CP145. They're really good at firing the air frequencies because of the way they're shaped haha.
How big margins are companies making with these? Not hating, just curious how much these cost to manufacture.
Some of the very expensive models are more jewelry than audio gear and can sound pretty bad. Though all of the models in the video are costly, they are all modestly priced and respected high end IEMs. The Sony in particular is a professional in ear monitor, it comes with a ton of stuff, I think you would feel like you got your money's worth when unboxing it.
at the end of the day, your ear will tell you if you really needs those last details and dynamics. If dont, just forget the ToTL. You may be satisfied with the lower tier IEMs(relatively speaking) and can be equally happy especially for your money
@@mrfrosty3 Also, the Sony M9 uses proprietary Sony BAs that have a unique design, so R&D also enters into the equation.
I wanna see you review the um meat mkii
Mest*
I'm interested in it! Just waiting on a response from UM :)
please review Softears RSV,
much love from Indonesia, ♥♥♥♥♥
Oh my god the biento
poor precog... can't fit the viento and the ier z1r.
Nice film!
Ier M9 also gets chipped badly..the cable quality is also meh. Build quality eise I expected a lot better for the price
12:56 Literally last *and* least. :-)
The shure se846 2021 worth it?
I think if you could find a new one around 400-500usd, it is a good investiment. I also wonder that is M9 better than the custom model JH13pro, UE-RM or Westone ES50, which has similar cost.
My target is campfire 2020
Japan know what they are doing with jp music
End of 2020
Why not the Monarchs Mk2? They are better than the Andromeda, S8 and M9. Actually the best iem in this price bracket or even higher (yes for me better than the Mest Mk2).
this video was released in earlyish 2021, before the monarch mk2 came out
Well if you think a1000 is reasonable I have a pair for you for a grand.
Chi-Fi for 700 bux, that’s just crazy. The whole point of taking a chance on chi-fi is that it’s cheap and when it goes south on you then you just replace it or buy something better.
Not anymore, Chi-fi used to just mean random Chinese companies that were selling their products on chinese marketplaces, but those random companies have put most of the rest of the world to shame in the last few years, look at Tin audio, Topping, Hifiman (yes were a Chifi brand as well), KZ, ect. They've been making advancements while the rest of the industry milks you for dosh.
Way over my head, lol. You clearly know your stuff.
Yeah but the Monarch though
Mann, this guy swallows his words. Had to back track multiple times, to work out what he was saying