Always great to hear another Monarch mk2 enjoyer!! That was the IEM that really got me into the hobby, and for that reason I think it’ll always be my favorite
Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 and Moondrop S8 are mine. No idea why no one mentions the S8 anymore even as an option in comparisons, its just as competitive as the IE600 is with better tuning imo
I had no idea you owned the Monarch MKII! That’s awesome, man. My pair will stay with me for a very very long time, they hold a very special place in my heart as well. Awesome video, Dave 🤝
I've bought way too many iems in my search for 'the one' only to realise it's variety i truly enjoy so the search ended. Funnily enough a recent purchase of Final Audio A5000 landed me 'the one' but I'm still not selling the other 30+ iems as they all have something enjoyable about them.
@@dileepmonk8656 the only iems I've bought recently under £250 are the letshuoer s12 pro and the simgot ea500 both of which are very good, I wasn't expecting the s12 pro to be so well tuned. The final a5000 was only a little over £250.
Don't know that I have a never sell list but if I did it would be 1) sa6 mk2 2) fat freq maestro se 3) thieaudio monarch mk2 Had to liquidate a lot of gear to justify these 3 sets. I guess we agree on 2 out of 3 , not bad.
Only have a handful (less than 10) of IEM's so there would be two I could never sell, right now. A brand most people haven't heard of, Thinksound, and the in20's. One 8mm DD. They use reclaimed/recycled materials as much as possible for their IEM's. They are bullit style and don't have a detachalbe cable which seems to be a big turn off for a lot of people. The other is an older set from about six years ago that are still for sale, the AKG N5005's. One DD, four BA' set up and was originally $1000.00. Got them on a sale last Christmas for 200.00, brand new sealed. Still can get from about 250.00 to 350.00 if you look.
Nice Video! I love the concept, I am now thinking through my collection like this. The IE600 would be on my list of top 5 for sure. I put a Null Audio 4.4mm cable on it and now I don't even shake my head at the cable when I pick it up 😀. Of course, I have the SA6 OG and it is special. I've ordered the mkII. Keep the great content coming. I have the Oracle but I've never tried the Monarch mkII.
Great vid. You might fall in love with the Symphonium Meteors. At their price $600, they compete with iems up to $1000. Great bass and warmth with beautiful and smooth mids and treble. Amazing timbre and tone.
Just got a set of Scarlett Minis from FatFreq. Really amazing set that I would recommend as a much better 'bass king' than the IE600. I don't discount the high end on these either. The highs are definitely not the focus of this set, but they remain clear and separated no matter how much bass is being pumped out.
"Bass king" is about preferences imo. A lot of reviewers call the Z1R or IE900 bass king. Bassheads love Empire Ears, FIR and Fatfreq stuff. Just different flavors of bass. Personally i'm not a basshead, the 7hz Legato was already too much bass for me, just very distracting. It had quantity but the punch was not hard and satisfying like the IE600. I'd love to try some Fatfreq stuff one day though, hear nothing but praise for this brand.
The struggle is real I have the Dunu sa6’s as welland will never sell them either …. Unfortunately, there are many more than three headphones and iems I would never sell… 😊 although I only have 2 ears I somehow convince myself that me having 20 headphones and 30 iems is justifiable ….😢… addiction is a real thing…
would you make a video with a lower price bracket? I guess these 3 IEMs are wonderful but not really affordable for many... a 150-300 price bracket would be definitely something easier to consider for the majority of your veiwers - thanks for the always great reviews!
Very nice video. This kind of video informs a lot, beyond the normal reviews, which are also great. Thanks 👌🏼 Have you heard the KiwiEars Orchestra Lite? I'm very curious as to how they compare to the SA6/Ultra/Mk2.
Thank you! I appreciate you taking the time to watch! I have had so many people bring those up and my curiosity is definitely piqued! I need to try and get my hands on a pair.
Nice selections! Thanks for sharing, still kinda kicking myself for not taking advantage of a big discount on the studio 4 at canjam (I got the cheaper kiwi ears orchestra lite instead)
Mine are my Mangird Tea 2 & Fatfreq Maestro Mini. I don't think I'll get a better purist bass centric IEM than the FFMM. Mangird Tea 2 just sound amazing with everything. I've been considering going $ up to something like AuR Neon or the Letshuoer MJO7, but I am intrigued by the Dunu SA6 MK2. I have a couple of pairs of very nice Headphones as well - Senn 800 (original, not the downgrade S & certainly not those closed back variant monstrosities) & the Senn 660 S2... so I'm certainly not looking for an IEM that is in this direction (I mean there's not really a chance of that with the 800 anyway!!)
11:31 what eartips are those on the Monarch Mk2? Regarding the Andromeda, any tips to easily get rid of its noise floor? The Thieaudio V16 Divinity also has a slight noise floor due to it's sensitivity. PS: Thieaudio's V16 Divinity is quite underrated, partially because the stock cable 100% does not match it. i'm surprised it still received such high tech scores by reviewers who seemed to use the stock cable. the eartips are also too stiff so finding a perfect fit from the 3 sizes isn't perfect. they shouldn't have skimped out on their flagship, although it did save me money i guess, but it does no favors for their reviews.
My favorite IEM for the last year has been the UM MEST MKII (custom) I love this IEM! It plays everything so well. I reach for it more than the 64 audio u12t, the other IEM I own. I'm very curious about the Monarch MK3. I'm wondering if it does things better than the UM and u12t. Wish they could make a custom \.
Hello, you really have the best reviews and an awesome collection. I am considering the Monarch MK III. Does anybody have fit issues with them? I can’t demo them…
Im would prefer the ie600 bcoz for me comfort comes 1st then sound comes next because I usually sleep with them on my ears but how do you compare the fit of monarch? Is it good to sleep with?
Hello Brother Please rank 1,2,3,4,5 which iem you like most & give valid reasons why : ✅ KZ Castor Bass ✅ KZ D-Fi Switch ✅ KZ Vader ✅ CCA Duo ✅ CCA Rhapsody 1 = the best 5 = the worst
i really wanted to get the monarch mk2 for my 25th birthday. sadly here in the netherlands i'd have to pay 21% tax over it making it a whopping 1200 bucks. It is however the dream iem and i do wanna gift myself something. ive been debating wether to get the dunu sa6 mk2 or wait for the aful performer 8's since the p5's are my favorite iem i currently own. you might be my favorite iem channel. i love the relaxing cozy atmosphere you create! if you have any recommendation for iems please let me know :)
To me, at this point, after spending 3 years in the hobby, I will never sell: Penon 10th AE, Andromedas 2019, and Tripowin Olina SE. Somehow, they are different from each other but not as different as your top 5, I guess.
Great video. Unfortunately i have smaller ears but not a small size. I guess abnormal is the right word. I bought the og sa-6 and have had a hard time fit wise with them. I bought the blessing dusk and had to sell them just too big. Have heard the same with the monarch mk2 can't afford it anyways, ha-ha! I do have the hook-x got it for a great deal last 11-11 and will never sell that one!!
No worries, I totally get what your asking. I can connect emotionally with neutral, and V shaped but usually I prefer, something that has a little more of an "honest"(for lack of a better term) presentation over an exaggerated one. It's also easier for me to listen to a neutral tuned iem for longer periods.
I have a bit of fit issue on my Monarch MK2 and think about sell it to get DUNU SA6 MK2. how about the fit on SA6 MK2 and is this a massive downgrade in sound when compare this two.
Andromeda 2020 my current favorite iem, stock cable is god awful though using the fiio lc-rd pro is MUCH better. Curious about the emerald sea andromeda it seems like they ruined the andromeda tuning
It depends on your tuning preference. It would be an upgrade, in terms of both, tuning and technical performance in my opinion. But you don't necessarily have to jump up to $1000. If you're trying to find something similarly tuned, but don't want to spend $1000, you could go with the Thieaudio Oracle. It's tuned a little different in the upper mid-range, but it offers a little more detail. There is also the Xenns Top. Both of those have similar tuning but are a little more engaging in the upper mid-range and treble and maybe a little more detail. Some people say the Variations has more detail, but I think it's about the same as the Studio 4. So, I guess to answer your question the Monarch MK2 is not necessarily a direct upgrade, but it is a clear one. The others I mentioned could be considered a direct upgrade. Thanks for watching and thanks for the question!
Still doing Gizaudio but only reviewing dacs and sources. My roll is as more of a guest reviewer while Timmy reviews whatever he wants because it's his channel. I just did a video for Gizaudio 4 or 5 days ago. This is actually my channel. Hope that clears things up. Thanks for watching!
Love the Odin and Hero. One of the most immersive experiences I've ever had was with the Odin. The bass quality was also absolutely incredible! Thanks for watching!
You sound like a guy who would never even try a $60 iem. The fact is that from this price to say, $160, there are a bunch of Iems that are just as good as these $500 units. This is a new thing, but it's real, and it's not Dunu pushing the market down, it's KZ/CCA at the root of that trend, and the better ones have to follow..
Always great to hear another Monarch mk2 enjoyer!! That was the IEM that really got me into the hobby, and for that reason I think it’ll always be my favorite
Nice, thanks for checking out the video!
these 3 iems kinda cover all sorts of sound signatures...clever choices...
Thieaudio Monarch Mk2 and Moondrop S8 are mine. No idea why no one mentions the S8 anymore even as an option in comparisons, its just as competitive as the IE600 is with better tuning imo
Wow. I'm so touched by your pilgrim to the IEMs with music, wishing the updated video to come this year :)
I had no idea you owned the Monarch MKII! That’s awesome, man. My pair will stay with me for a very very long time, they hold a very special place in my heart as well. Awesome video, Dave 🤝
I've bought way too many iems in my search for 'the one' only to realise it's variety i truly enjoy so the search ended. Funnily enough a recent purchase of Final Audio A5000 landed me 'the one' but I'm still not selling the other 30+ iems as they all have something enjoyable about them.
What's your favorites under $ 250😊
@@dileepmonk8656 the only iems I've bought recently under £250 are the letshuoer s12 pro and the simgot ea500 both of which are very good, I wasn't expecting the s12 pro to be so well tuned. The final a5000 was only a little over £250.
Really these kinds of videos. Iems that have lasted way past their hype time are definitely worth knowing about
Don't know that I have a never sell list but if I did it would be
1) sa6 mk2
2) fat freq maestro se
3) thieaudio monarch mk2
Had to liquidate a lot of gear to justify these 3 sets.
I guess we agree on 2 out of 3 , not bad.
This is a very valuable kind of video. Good to know what stood the test of time and frequent listening. Thank you very much for sharing.
An update of this list would be interesting.
I don’t think I’ll ever get rid of my Monarch MK2.
It's fancy to have , but it's always that I'll used the most favourite one yes only one for me !Thank you.
i still have my old CFA Solaris classic because it has nice warm vocals i like listening with when relaxing
I agree.
Sa6 for everything and ie600 for jazz/edm.
Only have a handful (less than 10) of IEM's so there would be two I could never sell, right now. A brand most people haven't heard of, Thinksound, and the in20's. One 8mm DD. They use reclaimed/recycled materials as much as possible for their IEM's. They are bullit style and don't have a detachalbe cable which seems to be a big turn off for a lot of people. The other is an older set from about six years ago that are still for sale, the AKG N5005's. One DD, four BA' set up and was originally $1000.00. Got them on a sale last Christmas for 200.00, brand new sealed. Still can get from about 250.00 to 350.00 if you look.
Nice Video! I love the concept, I am now thinking through my collection like this. The IE600 would be on my list of top 5 for sure. I put a Null Audio 4.4mm cable on it and now I don't even shake my head at the cable when I pick it up 😀. Of course, I have the SA6 OG and it is special. I've ordered the mkII. Keep the great content coming. I have the Oracle but I've never tried the Monarch mkII.
Thank you so much Christi! SA6 MK2 is awesome! I'm excited for you!
Let me know how the ie600 is compared to the mk2. The mk2 is very tempting, I had the og sa6 for a while, currently have the ie600 and u6t.
I had TFZ No3ti's . Onrle broke, gave it to a guy from work and never seen it again. The were the best
Nice video! SA6 Ultra has become a never-sell for me too
Awesome! Thanks for watching!
Great vid. You might fall in love with the Symphonium Meteors. At their price $600, they compete with iems up to $1000. Great bass and warmth with beautiful and smooth mids and treble. Amazing timbre and tone.
Thank you for sharing these views man, great presentation.
Thank you, and thanks for watching!
Just got a set of Scarlett Minis from FatFreq. Really amazing set that I would recommend as a much better 'bass king' than the IE600. I don't discount the high end on these either. The highs are definitely not the focus of this set, but they remain clear and separated no matter how much bass is being pumped out.
"Bass king" is about preferences imo. A lot of reviewers call the Z1R or IE900 bass king. Bassheads love Empire Ears, FIR and Fatfreq stuff. Just different flavors of bass. Personally i'm not a basshead, the 7hz Legato was already too much bass for me, just very distracting. It had quantity but the punch was not hard and satisfying like the IE600. I'd love to try some Fatfreq stuff one day though, hear nothing but praise for this brand.
Nice.
Great video! I feel so happy having yours top 3.
thank you for watching!
You gotta try Sedna Light tips on Andromeda it’s amazing
Fortunately, Vision Ears created the VE7 for me. They’re exactly what I’ve been waiting for. And affordable.
Collection shrinking is my worst fear.
lol, Agree! thanks for watching!
A new ranking in 2024, please!
The struggle is real I have the Dunu sa6’s as welland will never sell them either …. Unfortunately, there are many more than three headphones and iems I would never sell… 😊 although I only have 2 ears I somehow convince myself that me having 20 headphones and 30 iems is justifiable ….😢… addiction is a real thing…
would you make a video with a lower price bracket? I guess these 3 IEMs are wonderful but not really affordable for many... a 150-300 price bracket would be definitely something easier to consider for the majority of your veiwers - thanks for the always great reviews!
Definitely, should be up soon! It will be $50 to $200. thanks for watching!
I'm amazed you've not decided on a potential upgrade to the Prestige Ltd, with it's set up and speaker like sound quality.
You tempted?
Very nice video. This kind of video informs a lot, beyond the normal reviews, which are also great. Thanks 👌🏼
Have you heard the KiwiEars Orchestra Lite? I'm very curious as to how they compare to the SA6/Ultra/Mk2.
Thank you! I appreciate you taking the time to watch! I have had so many people bring those up and my curiosity is definitely piqued! I need to try and get my hands on a pair.
Nice selections!
Thanks for sharing, still kinda kicking myself for not taking advantage of a big discount on the studio 4 at canjam (I got the cheaper kiwi ears orchestra lite instead)
Mine are my Mangird Tea 2 & Fatfreq Maestro Mini.
I don't think I'll get a better purist bass centric IEM than the FFMM.
Mangird Tea 2 just sound amazing with everything.
I've been considering going $ up to something like AuR Neon or the Letshuoer MJO7, but I am intrigued by the Dunu SA6 MK2.
I have a couple of pairs of very nice Headphones as well - Senn 800 (original, not the downgrade S & certainly not those closed back variant monstrosities) & the Senn 660 S2... so I'm certainly not looking for an IEM that is in this direction (I mean there's not really a chance of that with the 800 anyway!!)
11:31 what eartips are those on the Monarch Mk2?
Regarding the Andromeda, any tips to easily get rid of its noise floor? The Thieaudio V16 Divinity also has a slight noise floor due to it's sensitivity.
PS: Thieaudio's V16 Divinity is quite underrated, partially because the stock cable 100% does not match it. i'm surprised it still received such high tech scores by reviewers who seemed to use the stock cable. the eartips are also too stiff so finding a perfect fit from the 3 sizes isn't perfect. they shouldn't have skimped out on their flagship, although it did save me money i guess, but it does no favors for their reviews.
My favorite IEM for the last year has been the UM MEST MKII (custom) I love this IEM! It plays everything so well. I reach for it more than the 64 audio u12t, the other IEM I own. I'm very curious about the Monarch MK3. I'm wondering if it does things better than the UM and u12t. Wish they could make a custom \.
I just love that green case. What is it and for what player? Thanks :)
Woahh.. great collection man, just enjoy the music, that's all we have to do hehe❤👍
Thank for checking out the video!
Hello,
you really have the best reviews and an awesome collection.
I am considering the Monarch MK III. Does anybody have fit issues with them? I can’t demo them…
lol all the other ones have cool designs and then there's the quiet kid, the senhisers, but Ik people prefer the minimal look too
Im would prefer the ie600 bcoz for me comfort comes 1st then sound comes next because I usually sleep with them on my ears but how do you compare the fit of monarch? Is it good to sleep with?
Hello Brother
Please rank 1,2,3,4,5 which iem you like most & give valid reasons why :
✅ KZ Castor Bass
✅ KZ D-Fi Switch
✅ KZ Vader
✅ CCA Duo
✅ CCA Rhapsody
1 = the best
5 = the worst
Good day sir. How does SA6 mk2 compare to xenns mangird top?
i really wanted to get the monarch mk2 for my 25th birthday. sadly here in the netherlands i'd have to pay 21% tax over it making it a whopping 1200 bucks. It is however the dream iem and i do wanna gift myself something. ive been debating wether to get the dunu sa6 mk2 or wait for the aful performer 8's since the p5's are my favorite iem i currently own.
you might be my favorite iem channel. i love the relaxing cozy atmosphere you create! if you have any recommendation for iems please let me know :)
To me, at this point, after spending 3 years in the hobby, I will never sell: Penon 10th AE, Andromedas 2019, and Tripowin Olina SE. Somehow, they are different from each other but not as different as your top 5, I guess.
Very interesting video.keep up the good work. Do you have a budget iem you would not sell?
Thank you! I'm working on a budget video and should have it up very soon. Thanks for checking out the video!
unique melody mesk II, campfire andromeda and seenheiser IE600, for me the three iems I cant sell
Great video Thank you❤😊
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!
Great video. Unfortunately i have smaller ears but not a small size. I guess abnormal is the right word. I bought the og sa-6 and have had a hard time fit wise with them. I bought the blessing dusk and had to sell them just too big. Have heard the same with the monarch mk2 can't afford it anyways, ha-ha! I do have the hook-x got it for a great deal last 11-11 and will never sell that one!!
In your experience, which warm-ish iem under $300 offers the most resolution? And which portable dac would be good with it?
So you like neutral tunning, but connected emotionally with V shaped IEMs? Honest question.
No worries, I totally get what your asking. I can connect emotionally with neutral, and V shaped but usually I prefer, something that has a little more of an "honest"(for lack of a better term) presentation over an exaggerated one. It's also easier for me to listen to a neutral tuned iem for longer periods.
received my Dunu Mk2, spectacular, but I need to find the correct eartips, to improve the Fit, could you make a suggestion?
IE600 is never sell IEM for me too.
In fact maybe I will sell it, if they die, to NASA probably ;)
I like Monarch MK2 , SA6 Ultra and Blesing 2 OG
Blessing 2 is still an awesome iem! Thanks for watching!
I have a bit of fit issue on my Monarch MK2 and think about sell it to get DUNU SA6 MK2. how about the fit on SA6 MK2 and is this a massive downgrade in sound when compare this two.
5 great IEMs. Not hard to understand these picks.
Andromeda 2020 my current favorite iem, stock cable is god awful though using the fiio lc-rd pro is MUCH better. Curious about the emerald sea andromeda it seems like they ruined the andromeda tuning
Best eartips for moonarch mkii ????
Which ear tips are you using for the IE 600's?
Final Type E. thanks for checking out the video!
Recebi meu Dunu Mk2, espetacular, porem preciso encontrar um eartips correto, para melhorar o Fit, poderia dar uma sugestão?
So, it's the monarch mk2 is a direct upgrade for Studio 4?
It depends on your tuning preference. It would be an upgrade, in terms of both, tuning and technical performance in my opinion. But you don't necessarily have to jump up to $1000. If you're trying to find something similarly tuned, but don't want to spend $1000, you could go with the Thieaudio Oracle. It's tuned a little different in the upper mid-range, but it offers a little more detail. There is also the Xenns Top. Both of those have similar tuning but are a little more engaging in the upper mid-range and treble and maybe a little more detail. Some people say the Variations has more detail, but I think it's about the same as the Studio 4. So, I guess to answer your question the Monarch MK2 is not necessarily a direct upgrade, but it is a clear one. The others I mentioned could be considered a direct upgrade. Thanks for watching and thanks for the question!
So, you're not part of the gizaudio thing anymore? I'm so confused ....
Still doing Gizaudio but only reviewing dacs and sources. My roll is as more of a guest reviewer while Timmy reviews whatever he wants because it's his channel. I just did a video for Gizaudio 4 or 5 days ago. This is actually my channel. Hope that clears things up. Thanks for watching!
How does the technical performance of the sa6 mk2 stack up with the ie600?
I have 5 that I will never sell.....1. Sony IER-Z1R .... 2. IKKO OH7 ... #3 The Noble Sultan's...#4 Shuoer EJO7.... #5 The Campfire Mammoth
U should try empire ears product sir...peace!
Love the Odin and Hero. One of the most immersive experiences I've ever had was with the Odin. The bass quality was also absolutely incredible! Thanks for watching!
Ops u missed the latest one...odessey..yup a colab between AK & Empire..N dats my worlds best currently .woo bone cond indeed..try dat one sir..peace!
IEM i can't buy
Just sell it handsome
Sa6 v Mangrid Top?
We’ll, this is definetly not a budget best iem list
Lol, in the works right now,
should be up soon!
These conversations/topics are weird. Disconnected.
Thanks for the input. I was hoping for the opposite, but I appreciate the honesty. Thanks for taking the time to watch!
It's for something valuable to keep , I.e. can Be more than one .filtering the best of the best top iems.
You sound like a guy who would never even try a $60 iem. The fact is that from this price to say, $160, there are a bunch of Iems that are just as good as these $500 units. This is a new thing, but it's real, and it's not Dunu pushing the market down, it's KZ/CCA at the root of that trend, and the better ones have to follow..
Try the AntLion Audio Kimura Duo dudes