Top In-Ear Wired Headphones for Audiophiles
A lot of the time, much of the detail in the music we listen to is lost due to the inability of earphone drivers to reproduce it accurately. Higher quality earphones are specially designed to reproduce audio better than their everyday counterparts. We've shortlisted some of those earphones that are available on Amazon. They've been picked on the basis of their specifications and sound signatures.
Shure SE425-CL
Shure Inc. is a legendary name in audio circles – with a history spanning nearly a century, it's to be expected that any and all of their products have big shoes to fill and the SE425 definitely proves itself worthy of its pedigree. Featuring dual high definition micro drivers that act as a dedicated tweeter and woofer housed in an attractive clear shell, the SE425 produces accurate and balanced sound. Designed for studio monitoring, the Shures also work for personal listening for people who value a neutral signature where no region of the frequency response is emphasized. Detachable MMCX type cables that can be replaced when worn out as well as dense, well-built shells inspire confidence in the In-Ear Monitors (IEMs) and ensure the longevity of the earphones.If you are someone who prefers reference-grade sound,
Stealth Sonics Universal U4
A relatively new company, Stealth Sonics is quickly making a name for itself with its innovative and new IEM designing technologies. The U4 is their universal model with 4 Balanced Armature (BA) drivers that are dedicated to different parts of the frequency spectrum – lows, mids, highs and super highs, respectively. The IEM has a very pleasing, warm and smooth sound signature – meaning that there’s a slight emphasis on the mids, while the highs are consistent with no sudden peaks or dips. The shell is built with their proprietary Stealth Kompozit material which makes it feel really sturdy while being incredibly light. The faceplates are interchangeable, letting you change the look of the IEM as well as change the bass response by leaving it off if preferred. If a pleasant signature and fatigue-free listening is what you’re looking for, the Stealth Sonics U4 is an excellent pickup.
FiiO FA7 Quad Driver Balanced Armature IEM Earphones
FiiO as a company has grown leaps and bounds to become a dominant player in the market despite starting off very humbly. Their flagship-level IEMs, the FA7 boasts an impeccably well-made shell with the good build quality and great aesthetics. There are plenty of accessories in the box, including a sturdy carrying case and several pairs of ear tips. Four Balanced Armature drivers produce a distinctively L-type signature – with a heavy emphasis on the lows and a flat or neutral response in the other parts of the frequency curve. This coloured sound signature makes the FA7 a basshead’s delight, making music genres such as hip-hop and EDM sound absolutely fantastic. For anyone looking for a fun sound signature that doesn’t compromise on details, the Fiio FA7 might just scratch that itch.
Audeze iSINE 10
Back in 2016, Audeze revolutionized the entire portable audio industry by releasing the world's first IEM using Planar Magnetic drivers. Usually found only in full-size headphones, these drivers are capable of producing really deep and high-quality bass that's very tight and punchy, reminiscent of speakers – that's the best way to describe the sound of the iSine 10. The open-back design gives it an incredibly wide soundstage and the detail the drivers are capable of is amazing. The only issue is the stem that is fatter than standard IEMs and the ear hook design might be uncomfortable for some leading to fit issues and inability to listen to them for long periods of time. If you have above-average size ears and want big sound in a small package, the Audeze iSine 10 should be your pick.
Siddharth Parwatay
Siddharth a.k.a. staticsid is a bigger geek than he'd like to admit. Sometimes even to himself. View Full Profile