Yup, always make sure to use OTG cables (allows for data transfer) with dongles. Some of us still have those micro-USB phones/devices and so we can forget that it's a requirement and another point of incompatibility if it's somehow not implemented properly.

This thread link talks about the Qudelix 5K, AptX Adaptive dongles, and specifically Apple devices: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/zc1znn/qudelix_5k_arent_these_issues_a_big_issue/iyuh35j/

Extra Qudelix stuff, like Bluetooth capabilities, et cetera: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/11832uu/qudelix5k_hidden_gem/j9hq4fd/

See here for more info about Qudelix 5K, parametric EQ, squig.link comparison graphs, AutoEQ, et cetera: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/109meb5/eq/j40cy1n/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/11ahxu1/just_picked_up_the_dt990s_250ohm_for_my_pc_sound/j9s5sht/

Open back headphones do not leak that much unless you're listening really loudly, you can confirm this with dongles/devices that have those estimations (still not that accurate) for decibels or volume hearing levels, see here for more info: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/11a5ysg/qudelix_5k_and_moondrop_kato/j9r0kp2/

Open back headphones barely have noise reduction/isolation. Whenever people use them outside, they'll get tempted to raise the volume to drown out the external noises and this is not good for your hearing health. Try closed back headphones (with ANC or not) or wired IEMs instead or better yet, TWS earbuds (with ANC or not) when going outside, those will have better passive noise reduction.

Try Bluetooth ANC headphones or TWS earbuds instead, or wired IEMs.

More info on headphones/IEMs and PC gaming: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/1151ezm/looking_for_1st_real_pair_of_headphones_mostly/j8zm0q8/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/10zxpfb/why_are_you_using_openback_headphones_for_gaming/j85vv18/

Open back headphones noise reduction (scroll to the bottom half part of the comment), earwax clogging issue, parametric EQ, noise reduction for your PC/room, et cetera: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/115c99b/coming_from_iems_and_looking_for_headphones_150_eu/j92mpe9/

For noise reduction/isolation, try Etymotics, they'll beat top of the line ANC from Sony/Apple/Bose/etc. Make sure to try Comply P (or Comply T(x)100) foam ear tips before giving up as the deep fit can be a dealbreaker.

Some more info on Etymotics, Adorama links to get them for $50-70, ear tips (has some info on custom ear tips, custom IEMs) for them, TWS adapters and neckband adapters for them, et cetera: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/10lyo41/earphones_that_wont_fall_out_of_my_ears/j60alja/

Extra info about Etymotics, noise reduction, et cetera: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/111j1hj/i_know_nothing_about_headphones_help_me/j8f69ei/

And yup, you can use those 3M noise reduction earmuffs too or so for factory workers and so on, they should be available on Amazon. You can probably use them with a lot of wired IEMs and TWS earbuds.

Etymotics and TWS earbuds for noise reduction: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/11a7p7g/i_need_the_absolute_best_noisecancelling/j9rqpfx/

Extra info on wired IEMs/headphones/Bluetooth/et cetera: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/11a550d/how_can_i_learn_the_basics_about_soundheadphones/j9r9r48/

Yes, search up the various other bigger drawer boxes, watch boxes, earrings boxes, accessories boxes, et cetera that some other people use for their IEMs. There's pictures here on /r/headphones, and also Head-Fi, etc.

There's also some good earbud cases from AliExpress for like $5-10, lol. But there's always the $5-10 cases from Amazon too. Those will work just fine for individual IEMs/TWS earbuds/etc.

For humidity, maybe get those tiny Ziploc/plastic bags and put them in there, maybe don't worry about static/etc. Don't worry too much about humidity, just put your electronics away from the window during winter if you don't have HVAC or constant heating.

How to maybe soundproof your room for better noise reduction/isolation: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/10epr17/struggling_to_enjoy_my_headphones_in_noisy/j4t4qaw/

If you get (legit, the expensive heavy ones, not the light/cheap/etc. ones) blackout curtains and tape them, it should do some changes. Though actually even using those plastic film thermal insulation kits did nicely as the vacuum seal on the window reduced the sound a lot.

Those thermal insulation kits will help a lot with not needing to run the air conditioner (or heater) all the time, you can keep it on a timer if your AC unit has that option. Just make sure to achieve that good/perfect vacuum seal with the windows when it comes to taping it. There's also those door draft stopper or like foam you put at the bottom of the door, those can actually help quite a bit too with retaining the heat/cold, believe it or not.

Back when wired IEMs or old school earbuds/earphones were given as freebies with the phones/other devices, some of us just lost them over time all the time, lol.

These days the $20 IEMs are really good and so just use those for outside use.

Right now the current marketed hype sets are the $20 Truthear HOLA, TANGZU Wan'er, 7Hz Salnotes Zero, et cetera.

There's a lot of earbuds cases these days that may be really easy to find, like put stickers/etc. on it to make it distinguishable. As in, always have a container for your IEMs so that they don't get damaged or lost easily. Treat IEMs/audio stuff as jewelry as when you drop them, the sound/everything can be damaged, and so yup, always use some caution when using them.

For $50 or so IEMs, parametric EQ, squig.link comparison graphs, et cetera, click here: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/1153zi3/any_advice_on_what_headphones_i_could_buy_for_my/j9iic7p/

Extra info on wired IEMs/headphones/Bluetooth/et cetera: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/11a550d/how_can_i_learn_the_basics_about_soundheadphones/j9r9r48/

TL;DR: just get the Apple dongle or some other well-reviewed dongle (with physical volume control) and see if it gets your headphones loud enough. Your Realtek ALC1200/etc. from the motherboard will probably just drive the headphones just fine too.

Hello, try the cheaper headphones first before you get the HD6xx/etc. Some people talk of the Sennheiser veil or vocals part, so note that fact.

People really like the Sennheiser HD 560S for gaming instead of the HD 600 series.

For budget headphones over $100, see here for more info: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/11ak45m/what_are_the_best_overall_headphones_in_2023/j9sk0c0/

Oh and Amazon also offers financing for certain popular (Sennheiser) headphones (legit free, no interest rates/etc.), over 5 months or 12 months, and so on. It'll depend on your account history with them though, as in you will probably get that offer if you buy a lot from Amazon and don't return as much items.

Anyway, some people always just use the $10 Apple dongle/etc. with headphones. But you'll probably want a well-reviewed dongle (~$30-100) with physical volume control in order to have more volume variation (this is really helpful with background static/buzzing/hissing/etc.).

For the ~$10 Apple dongle, just note the reduced power if it's the EU version, or the apps needed on Android to bypass Android's DAC/etc. system in order to get the best capabilities.

Some people will say those cheap dongles are not enough and then the next progress would then be to get the usual $100 stacks/options of amps/DACs/etc. from JDS Labs, Topping, Schiit, etc.

But tbh, you'll probably have better value by just going with wired IEMs and gaming.

More info on headphones/IEMs and PC gaming: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/1151ezm/looking_for_1st_real_pair_of_headphones_mostly/j8zm0q8/

The $50 Truthear x crinacle Zero is the one that some people really like right now for gaming. Though yes you can just be fine with the $20 7Hz Salnotes Zero, etc.

TL;DR: Buy online and hope that the reviewers/influencers/etc. are not overselling the products. Past experiences will come in handy and help you avoid future problems.

I'm a fairly minimalist, non-argumentative, et cetera person due to poverty. And so sometimes my fashion senses are way off when I'm not at events needed for networking/socialization/et cetera. This also means I try to avoid conflict because ain't nobody got time for that.

Anyway, so I walk into this audio store to demo and buy a specific headphone, hold let me find that text, I was gonna post it in the "https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/10tibxb/the_headphone_show_cables_can_make_a_difference/" thread as like another anecdote about experiencing things differently IRL or debunking myths/marketing/et cetera.

Wait fml, that rambling of mine is like 6000+ characters long, ain't nobody got time for that too.

> Anyway, long story short, about a decade ago I was going to this store to demo and buy a hyped headphone. I had a let's just say unorthodox outfit because I basically just got out of bed, lol. > > The salesman, old guy with glasses, tucked in shirt with the belt, lol, et cetera then approaches me, looks me up and down and says what can I do for you. > > I'm like I'm here to test headphones (they got a wall of them). He tells me here, have some Grados, lol. And I'm like wtf, that's not what I wanted but ya I didn't specify anything so it was kinda expected. This man literally gives me the cheap Grado stuff and I'm not about them on-ears, we here for over-ears. > > I'm pretty conflict-averse due to poverty and so because of the immediate salesman aggressiveness that the old guy approached me with, I was just going along before obviously ya just directly testing the specific headphone I want. > > So like after a while (I was basically the only customer for the headphone section, this same salesman was watching me stand there with the headphones) he asks me what's my budget. When I start pulling out piles of green $20 bills out of my pocket, totaling half a stack or so, his whole demeanor changed. This guy then shoved an Astell & Kern DAP at me, the $1000+ ones, and I'm like wtf is this guy on about, I don't even listen to whatever rock/etc. music they have stored in the DAP, lmao. > > Eventually I was like whatever, this is clearly how other people get roped into overspending. And so I just tell him to give me a brand new set of the particular headphones everyone back then was praising. So then they start selling me cables, insurance, et cetera. And I was like fam, you see that half a stack already gone and my lazy outfit, does it look like I can spend more. > > Seriously, I saved up so much money (same to this day (as I'm still relatively poor) when it comes to audio/other hobbies) and like people be legit wanting you to overspend for no reason. Sigh. > > --- > > Fml, that was so long and specific (I cut it down from 6000+ characters, could be shorter but I wanted to have a bit more context). But I guess the point is that don't buy headphones IRL as if you don't know salesmen tactics or are easily influenced, you will get scammed by people that already have million dollar houses and so on, like rofl. > > Thankfully I grew up in Asia and helped my relatives in the wet markets (just means raw meat, vegetables, clothes, and lots of haggling) and all that jazz. And I already had previous experience with other local audio stores too. So ya, it was just funny seeing a screenplay straight out of the movies. > > My guy's whole attitude changed as soon as the money appeared. Before he just wanted me to go away (remember, appearance is extremely important as being more attractive means better opportunities), but after that, he wanted me to buy twice my budget plus an unnecessary, overkill, etc. DAP, like wtf man.

Anyway, with that random unnecessary story out of the way, just buy from Amazon UK (Amazon USA, Amazon Japan, et cetera also ships there), lol.

If you're in Europe, with Amazon UK I can usually find stuff there available to shipping for a lot of international places. There's also Amazon Germany, Thomann (German audio place), etc. that some people like to use in Europe/elsewhere. And IIRC there was also that Scandinavian/etc. site that some people used.

Wait let me add the beginning of the cut down post:

> Sometimes when I browse Head-Fi and other dedicated audio forums, people be talking about the setups or configurations they use. And then I also have some of those gear and test it. And it's like wtf, is the universe experience really that relative, different. > > Then I remember that a lot of the people there are older people that don't want to use (parametric) EQ for whatever reason. Or visit an ENT doctor or audiologist for hearing tests, ear cleanings, et cetera despite it being covered by the regional/national/etc. government if over or under a certain age. And like some of them be really do flexing for the sake of collection/prestige/etc. > > Like a lot of us got many Pokemons, KZ Pokemons (they just got a new bullet style IEM called KZ LingLong, lol), et cetera, but those folks be legit spending only $500/1000+ and nothing less. They even have them paired with the velvety watch boxes, lol. It's wild out there.

> Thankfully some of us have access to local audio retailers that carry a few of those kilobuck and so on IEMs/headphones and sometimes they're often really quiet too (barely any customers, lol) if the separate isolated booth is not available for better hearing experience. There's also the audiophile groups that often do trades, switches, tours, or demos with each other. > > And so we can kinda gauge for a while if something is worth the diminishing returns and so on. Seriously, some of the local audio stores will often let you use your own gear and so you can do whatever you want, oftentimes they will even let you stay there for hours as there's like barely any customers and like people are just chill, lmao. > > Some audio stores be legit pushy af though. But from experience those are usually the ones that have a separate speakers or home theater section.

Sigh, this reached 6000 characters again already, fml.

What I'm trying to say is that a lot of those physical (audio) stores have older salesmen that are really pushy. And so unless you have the patience to deal with that, don't bother and just buy online after demoing the products. It feels bad to do that, which is why sometimes I buy cheap products (say $20 or so for Comply foam ear tips, etc.) for their time.

I'm privileged enough to have a few places here that don't have those types of old people and so they are amazing resources if you don't want to fully blind buy based on the reviews on the internet from influencers, hype people, et cetera. This is mostly applicable to headphones and speakers btw, not so much for IEMs, but it'll different in Asia/elsewhere.

Lmao, let's put this post to the max of 10000 characters.

Thank God now we have $10 dongles (lol) that can do the job. Or $50-100 dongles (with physical volume control) if you still want more volume, Bluetooth, and so on options. Dongles can be legit overkill, no need to really spend more unless you want those extra features like the volume knob, microphone/speakers/etc. ports, et cetera.

Oh and Amazon also offers financing for certain popular (Sennheiser) headphones (legit free, no interest rates/etc.), over 5 months or 12 months, and so on. It'll depend on your account history with them though, as in you will probably get that offer if you buy a lot from Amazon and don't return as much items.

Basically barely any of us have local audio stores like e-earphones.

Everything is unfortunately pretty much a blind buy unless there's like an e-earphone (Akihabara, Tokyo) equivalent near your area: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUbeBBh2guM and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GMP8cjAEq0

Some people also abuse (some people get 5/10+ IEMs/headphones all at once and demo them for 30 days, lol smh) the generous Amazon return system because we can't really test out IEMs/headphones, especially TWS earbuds as the best value are often exclusive to China/etc.

Btw, there's the October to January (some people apparently demo a lot of IEMs/headphones/etc. around this time as it's 4 months of free trial with the product, lol) extended holiday return period.

Wouldn't recommend you do that often as Amazon do ban people's accounts if they abuse it too much. Make sure you bought a lot of (expensive) stuff from Amazon if you're going to test IEMs/TWS earbuds/headphones/etc. as I heard they give more chances if you do that.

Thankfully now we also have squig.link, AutoEQ, et cetera for the more informed resources.

See here for more info about Qudelix 5K, parametric EQ, squig.link comparison graphs, AutoEQ, et cetera: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/109meb5/eq/j40cy1n/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/11ahxu1/just_picked_up_the_dt990s_250ohm_for_my_pc_sound/j9s5sht/

Look up oratory1990 (check the subreddit, /r/oratory1990, don't forget the preset parametric EQ list (mainly for headphones but there's some IEMs there): https://www.reddit.com/r/oratory1990/wiki/index/list_of_presets) and crinacle's articles on what amps/DACs/etc. are and what they do.

Extra info on wired IEMs/headphones/Bluetooth/et cetera: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/11a550d/how_can_i_learn_the_basics_about_soundheadphones/j9r9r48/

As for the question on how to appear that you're a serious buyer IRL, just make sure to not be like me, lol. Don't go with casual clothing, and try to speak in say a more fancy accent/dialect, usually they'll see you as coming from the upper class and treat you better, lmao. I don't wear jewelry or anything, so maybe try that too, like an expensive watch.

Phew, this reached 10000 characters, I apologize for that.

That's normal, don't worry about fear of missing out, not a lot of people have access to 24-bit/16-bit FLAC and so on. Those files are usually what people like to differentiate with, like they compare it to 320kbps MP3, 256kbps AAC, et cetera.

These days yes those streaming services also offer lossless now but there's some random fake marketing and snake oil stuff there too, so just stick to what sounds best to you. For the most part, if you listen to those higher quality, higher bitrate, and so on stuff, it will drain more battery and so that can influence the usage.

Try binaural ASMR tracks or say use Bluetooth, usually those will let you hear more differences due to the different factors with LDAC, AptX Adaptive, et cetera. For some people the louder you listen, the more you hear the compression/static/etc.

Here's some videos/channels for ASMR triggers: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/11advtw/what_do_you_do_with_your_gear/j9rw19i/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/xqq9kw/can_a_normal_person_hear_binaural_sound_when/iqcayk9/

Try the ASMR videos with the $1000-10000 microphones, lmao. Like the Neumann KU 100 microphone, it may show better spaciousness, sharpness, et cetera.

Hatomugi ASMR has this about new (about a week old) Neumann KU 100 ASMR video with rubber gloves: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJHZX3GpgG4

Rapunzel ASMR has a slow twin ear cleaning video (also about a week old) with the $6000 3Dio Omni Pro microphone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUCLtkmlrVo

Extra info on wired IEMs/headphones/Bluetooth/et cetera: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/11a550d/how_can_i_learn_the_basics_about_soundheadphones/j9r9r48/

Hmm, let me try to condense some common stuff.

1. Open back headphones do not leak that much unless you're listening really loudly, you can confirm this with dongles/devices that have those estimations (still not that accurate) for decibels or volume hearing levels, see here for more info: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/11a5ysg/qudelix_5k_and_moondrop_kato/j9r0kp2/

2. Open back headphones barely have noise reduction/isolation. Whenever people use them outside, they'll get tempted to raise the volume to drown out the external noises and this is not good for your hearing health. Try closed back headphones (with ANC or not) or wired IEMs instead or better yet, TWS earbuds (with ANC or not) when going outside, those will have better passive noise reduction.

3. Earpads and ear tips can make a big difference in sound. Not to mention the comfort/fit factors.

4. So amps/DACs/etc. are pretty much made redundant by well-reviewed dongles (with physical volume control) now, just look at the specs of those dongles these days, it's overkill. Only get the standalone amps/DACs/etc. if you want a volume knob, microphone/speakers/etc. ports, et cetera.

5. That's pretty much it. If you want to learn more about speakers/subwoofers/et cetera, go to /r/BudgetAudiophile and other speakers-focused communities. For the most part, that side of the audio hobby is even more inaccessible due to the room changes that you may have to do to chase that "best" sound.

Here's a bit more info on dongles (with physical volume control) and static/hissing/buzzing/et cetera: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/117ya99/why_are_balanced_cables_so_damn_expensive/j9eib7g/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/100lh5a/dac_for_new_mb_asus_and_new_headphone/j2icwxm/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/zn88xs/help_on_iems_pc_usage/j0fns20/

Look up oratory1990 (check the subreddit, /r/oratory1990, don't forget the preset parametric EQ list (mainly for headphones but there's some IEMs there): https://www.reddit.com/r/oratory1990/wiki/index/list_of_presets) and crinacle's articles on what amps/DACs/etc. are and what they do.

See here for more info about Qudelix 5K, parametric EQ, squig.link comparison graphs, AutoEQ, et cetera: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/109meb5/eq/j40cy1n/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/118lcq3/question_regarding_iems_for_gaming_reposting_a/j9i8l1n/

Extra Qudelix stuff, like Bluetooth capabilities, et cetera: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/11832uu/qudelix5k_hidden_gem/j9hq4fd/

Search up Dekoni, Brainwavz, et cetera for aftermarket earpads, don't know which ones are good now as some people report recent quality control issues with Brainwavz/etc. and so check /r/headphones and Head-Fi for more updated info on earpads.

Try Spinfit W1, FiiO HS18, AZLA SednaEarfit XELASTEC, Dunu S&S, etc. ear tips for possibly better fit/seal, noise reduction/isolation, and comfort.

The dimensions/sizing/measurements/etc. for most ear tips these days will be on Amazon/AliExpress/HiFiGo/etc. Unfortunately you have to blind buy the ear tips in order to get a feel for the dimensions/measurement/etc. that you like for your ears. Remember, this will also change with different IEMs as they'll have different nozzle length, nozzle angle, and so on.

Cheap ear tips (basically FiiO HS18, Spinfit from some AliExpress storefronts, Chinese websites like MTMTaudio/et cetera, and so on) and possibly better soundstage: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/1157giz/upgrade_imaging_with_balanced_cable_iem_or/j90a003/

Here's a bit more info on ear tips (talks about narrow/wide bore ear tips, effects of sizes of ear tips, how to put ear tips on wide nozzles, et cetera): https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/10lly6d/how_to_make_sense_of_iem_tip_fit/j5xnyv2/

Also extra info on ear tips: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/10k210n/alternative_tips_for_aria/j5o2f8q/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/10x7ast/suggestions_on_getting_a_good_seal_with_the_7hz/j7qrrcg/

This is how you should use Etymotics or really any IEM or TWS earbud to make sure you have that good/perfect fit for that vacuum seal (necessary for the bass to be properly produced): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KwXEqe6Gq4

More info on headphones/IEMs and PC gaming: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/1151ezm/looking_for_1st_real_pair_of_headphones_mostly/j8zm0q8/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/10zxpfb/why_are_you_using_openback_headphones_for_gaming/j85vv18/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/10ks4tr/looking_for_iem_for_gaming_and_music_listening/j5sjhyh/

Open back headphones noise reduction (scroll to the bottom half part of the comment), earwax clogging issue, parametric EQ, noise reduction for your PC/room, et cetera: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/115c99b/coming_from_iems_and_looking_for_headphones_150_eu/j92mpe9/

For comfort with headphones, if you have a big head, ear piercings, glasses, et cetera, basically anything that will interfere with the seal/fit of the earpads, here's more info about headphones and glasses and workarounds it: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/zkjjcu/are_there_any_headsetsphones_that_are/j00kjt2/

For TWS earbuds and Bluetooth usage, see here for more info: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/11565qg/need_help_buying_a_bluetooth_wireless_adapter_for/j9033u7/and https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/10hdr2p/are_there_any_wireless_earbuds_witouth/j58keli/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/10kai7u/should_i_keep_ear_buds_out_of_the_case_after/j5so87z/

Old school earbuds, earphones, et cetera are having a resurgence right now, more info here: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/119tndv/please_explain_inear_to_me/j9o244r/

ASMR, supplements for focusing/brain fog/et cetera, delaying or cleaning earwax with IEMs and ear tips, et cetera: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/118ny8q/identical_qc_issues_with_kz_iems/j9ifzz9/

Earwax, hearing health, et cetera with Etymotics and other bullet style IEMs: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/10iwqmt/does_insertion_depth_affect_volume/j5ifw7r/

With quality control of Chinese IEMs, AliExpress shipping times, see here for a bit more info: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/10sna0p/i_have_it_engrained_in_my_mind_as_an_american/j7395yr/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/zav570/is_hifigo_a_scam/iynrt65/

Actually right now is a great time to get into the old school earbuds/earphones/etc. segment of the audio hobby as there's a lot of DIYers and also more traditional companies that are finally making waves about it this past 2022 year.

FiiO is also releasing the FiiO FF1 for ~$30 around September 2023, and so that's another more mainstream IEM that will be easily available on Amazon/etc. See here for more info on FiiO's lineup of products for 2023: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/117qg60/fiios_upcoming_lineup/

For that underwater/etc. feeling, it's called the occlusion effect and so on. After a while you'll forget it exists (it's like car motion sickness, eventually you'll forget it was there in the first place), more on info on vacuum seal with ear tips, old school earphones, mini/small TWS earbuds, small IEMs (bullet style IEMs too), et cetera here: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/zs6dpx/any_loose_ear_tips_for_iem_headphones/j182676/

Check the Earbuds Roundup thread on Head-Fi, it's the ultimate thread for earphones: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/earbuds-round-up.441400/page-4568. That's mainly where people discuss the old school earphones as a lot of people just know of IEMs (and TWS earbuds) these days.

Right now there's TGXEAR and Rikudougoku, etc. for the DIY earphones. TGXEAR probably ships from Canada, Rikudougoku from Sweden/Europe. They're often above that $20, but it's still good to read the threads and see what's available with the current (DIY + traditional IEM/earphone/etc. companies) market.

TGXear: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/tgxear-discussion-thread.964894/page-58

RikuBuds: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/rikubuds-hangout.965014/page-3. Don't forget Rikudougoku's main thread: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/rikudougokus-database-iems-earbuds-headphones-tips-ranking-list-music-list.925319/page-78

See here for more info on those old school earbuds/earphones: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/zcs559/best_wired_traditional_open_earbuds_without_a/iyyaoi3/

For the cable part, ya those are say microphonics/etc. when it's touching your shirt, arm, et cetera. It's pretty much unavoidable with certain IEMs and their cables. Like with some IEMs you can switch the cable and it may fix it. But other times it doesn't.

Some people also report static/hissing/etc. with their IEMs especially when they are not looped around the ear or like near their shirt, etc. and that problem can be solved sometimes by just getting a dongle with physical volume control if looping the cable over the ear doesn't help a lot.

Here's a bit more info on dongles (with physical volume control) and static/hissing/buzzing/et cetera: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/117ya99/why_are_balanced_cables_so_damn_expensive/j9eib7g/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/100lh5a/dac_for_new_mb_asus_and_new_headphone/j2icwxm/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/zn88xs/help_on_iems_pc_usage/j0fns20/

Look up oratory1990 (check the subreddit, /r/oratory1990, don't forget the preset parametric EQ list (mainly for headphones but there's some IEMs there): https://www.reddit.com/r/oratory1990/wiki/index/list_of_presets) and crinacle's articles on what amps/DACs/etc. are and what they do.

Try not to wear on-ear headphones or over-ear headphones with a hat/hair/etc. on top of your head as this will tempt you to raise the volume higher. Unfortunately you just have to live with that microphonics/etc. situation with the cables or go for TWS earbuds or Bluetooth/wireless headphones.

For comfort with headphones, if you have a big head, ear piercings, glasses, et cetera, basically anything that will interfere with the seal/fit of the earpads, here's more info about headphones and glasses and workarounds it: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/zkjjcu/are_there_any_headsetsphones_that_are/j00kjt2/

With the ANC, ya I know exactly what you mean. When I first started using ANC I also had headaches/etc. but apparently this is not a normal experience for some people or they just forgot the experience of it.

For me I didn't really get pain or anything and eventually forced myself to get used to it. This was back with the way weaker/older Sennheiser/etc. ANC headphones, btw, not the newer and strong headphones from Sony/Apple/Bose/etc. that are a bit different but some people also report similar experiences when trying out ANC for the first time.

So people describe that ANC as cabin pressure, etc. And again for a lot of us it's just something we come to ignore but others say it's a major dealbreaker as yup, how can you use that feature if it's way too uncomfortable or giving actual pain.

IMO, maybe see an ENT and/or audiologist to see if you got say Eustachian Tube Dysfunction, TMJ issues, and other ear-related problems if you think it's affecting possible use with these audio stuff.

Earwax, hearing health, et cetera with Etymotics and other bullet style IEMs: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/10iwqmt/does_insertion_depth_affect_volume/j5ifw7r/

More info on headphones/IEMs and PC gaming: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/1151ezm/looking_for_1st_real_pair_of_headphones_mostly/j8zm0q8/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/10zxpfb/why_are_you_using_openback_headphones_for_gaming/j85vv18/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/10ks4tr/looking_for_iem_for_gaming_and_music_listening/j5sjhyh/

Open back headphones noise reduction (scroll to the bottom half part of the comment), earwax clogging issue, parametric EQ, noise reduction for your PC/room, et cetera: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/115c99b/coming_from_iems_and_looking_for_headphones_150_eu/j92mpe9/

For TWS earbuds and Bluetooth usage, see here for more info: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/11565qg/need_help_buying_a_bluetooth_wireless_adapter_for/j9033u7/and https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/10hdr2p/are_there_any_wireless_earbuds_witouth/j58keli/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/10kai7u/should_i_keep_ear_buds_out_of_the_case_after/j5so87z/

Try the regular 3.5mm cable, rotate the cables around a bit and see if it's properly plugged in. Try them with your phone/other devices or directly (without using the FiiO K3/anything else) into your front/back panel 3.5mm ports/plugs for the computer.

Make sure your glasses/hair/piercings/etc. are also not in the way, they may be affecting the sound.

For comfort with headphones, if you have a big head, ear piercings, glasses, et cetera, basically anything that will interfere with the seal/fit of the earpads, here's more info about headphones and glasses and workarounds it: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/zkjjcu/are_there_any_headsetsphones_that_are/j00kjt2/

Essentially try to isolate if it's a headphone problem as HiFiMan is infamous for quality control issues.

See here for a bit more info on HiFiMan quality control problems: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/zicl2e/most_common_defects_for_the_he400se/izrcf3p/

Otherwise yes it's probably just the expectations. Try IEMs instead as they are often better for value.

If you already tried parametric EQ, still go on squig.link and see if other sound signatures of headphones are to your liking, it's not gonna be like the other headphones but it should give you an idea.

See here for more info about Qudelix 5K, parametric EQ, squig.link comparison graphs, AutoEQ, et cetera: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/109meb5/eq/j40cy1n/

Look up oratory1990 (check the subreddit, /r/oratory1990, don't forget the preset parametric EQ list (mainly for headphones but there's some IEMs there): https://www.reddit.com/r/oratory1990/wiki/index/list_of_presets) and crinacle's articles on what amps/DACs/etc. are and what they do.

More info on headphones/IEMs and PC gaming: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/1151ezm/looking_for_1st_real_pair_of_headphones_mostly/j8zm0q8/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/10zxpfb/why_are_you_using_openback_headphones_for_gaming/j85vv18/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/10ks4tr/looking_for_iem_for_gaming_and_music_listening/j5sjhyh/

Open back headphones noise reduction (scroll to the bottom half part of the comment), earwax clogging issue, parametric EQ, noise reduction for your PC/room, et cetera: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/115c99b/coming_from_iems_and_looking_for_headphones_150_eu/j92mpe9/

I used the HE400SE with the FiiO UTWS3/5 TWS adapters and they were just fine too. Again just make sure HiFiMan quality control didn't strike you and it should be just fine.

And yes don't forget the library or genres variability part, for some people they need a bit more bass or say less treble with some headphones when it comes to certain songs/albums from genres and so try different songs from your usual library and compare it to your friend's Sundara/other audio stuff.

The other main recommended headphone in that price range is the Sennheiser HD 560S.

These days Sennheiser is always running them sales on their refurbished stock of the HD 560S/etc. and these are sometimes the new revised version (different cable/etc.), btw, but they are significantly cheaper. I've heard people are also able to get another (replacement) unit if their package is like clearly used/dirty/etc. but it's normal for the dust/etc. to be there though. Check /r/buildapcsales for those refurbished/renewed/used/etc. sales, it's usually with Best Buy and Amazon too.

Whenever I buy from China/Japan/Korea/Asia/etc. I sadly don't expect warranty/returns/etc. even if the company is well-reviewed by regular consumers too. It's one of those things that unfortunately happens way too often and so as much as possible I buy from Amazon (well, when it comes to IEMs I have no option but to buy from China unless I want to wait several weeks/months for it to be stocked in Amazon) and then talk to the customer service people there if I encounter problems.

IIRC Amazon will sometimes say they will give you a full refund even if you're past warranty/returns, though this depends on your account history (amount of spending/returns/etc.) or something like that.

Basically just open up the support chat even if it's been several months or a year or so since your purchase of the IEM/product, and then ask the customer service representative from Amazon if you can return the item, they'll usually do the process for you.

Wait a minute, did you buy from the ShenzhenAudio/etc. storefront on Amazon, you can talk to Moondrop/ShenzhenAudio/etc. there instead too but if they are still not responding after a week, just go with actual Amazon customer service.

Keep in mind that this out of return period warranty process is like dependent on your history with Amazon. As in you'll probably be able to do that if you spend a lot of money on Amazon and don't return that much or at all.

Like some of us get offered this: even if it's beyond 30 days or outside the October to January (some people apparently demo a lot of IEMs/headphones/etc. around this time as it's 4 months of free trial with the product, lol, but I don't recommend you do that as they will block your account if you do it often) extended holiday return period, Amazon will accept the return and just refund you what you paid.

Just try if it's available for your account, this is through the chat system by the way, and these days they made it so hard to find live chat support, lol. Anyway, some people also call to Amazon to complain, but for now just try the chat as it's pretty quick and automated there too.

For the customer service, some of the customer service reps will often be on the Discord servers, Facebook groups, and so on, and you can get in touch with them quicker there. A lot of them know each other and so they can help you reach the Moondrop people.

They will probably ask you to do return shipping to China but don't bother as it may get lost/et cetera, lol.

A lot of companies will go in circles just to deny you a proper new pair and so ya pretty much expect no warranties/etc. when buying from China/outside of your country.

Here's a bit more about ordering from AliExpress/Chinese companies in general: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/zav570/is_hifigo_a_scam/iynrt65/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/uwk248/should_i_order_shuoer_s12s_from_conceptkart_or/i9t7zo0/

More specific to European customers ordering from AliExpress, but goes sorta in depth about express international shipping, customs fees, delivery procedures, et cetera: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/xky24f/americans_and_europeans_ordering_high_end_iems/ipgtsuk

Here's a bit more info on AliExpress shipping times: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/uw4uq1/earbud_advice/i9q7fql/

Use parcelsapp.com and 17track.net to check your package progress. Usually it'll be a week before it actually leaves China by the airport and then the rest of the time is just waiting for your country's customs and the national/local mail delivery service.

Sound shouldn't leak that much with open back headphones, you're probably listening too loudly, especially when outside as you're trying to compensate with the external noises with your music.

Try not to raise your volume before you leave your home as yes it's damaging your ears when you make it compete with outside noises.

I have the Sennheiser HD 560S too and I can power that (one-sided only, lol) with the FiiO UTWS3/5 TWS adapters just fine and it's yes easy to get high volume, so yup don't try to increase it so much when outside.

But yes the HD 560S can leak quite a bit with certain albums/songs/etc. even if the other ones in your playlist don't leak at all. It's just varied like that and so you have to know which ones are more likely to leak, like usually you'll know as the volume is louder (even if you didn't change the volume on the app/phone/anywhere) but sometimes those songs are after you're already listening for a long time and our ears get easily used to loud noises and so it's easy to forget.

So yes just be mindful if you don't want to bother the other people commuting on the train/bus. Though I must emphasize again to try not to raise the volume once you leave your home as even though you likely won't be able to hear anything against the bus engines, people's conversations, et cetera, it's the safe way for your years.

Try IEMs or TWS earbuds instead for the better passive noise reduction. Closed back headphones, especially those with ANC/Bluetooth will also work well with commute.

There's Bluetooth amp/DAC dongles like the Qudelix 5K btw, but make sure to search up on how to use them with Apple/Lightning devices as people need special OTG (allows data transfer) cables and so on. Or adapters/converters like the Apple camera kit or something like that, so that the dongles work properly with the Lightning device.

Those Bluetooth amp/DAC dongles usually have parametric/etc. EQ these days and so you can easily change the sound there. As yup, covering the grills of open back headphones are not gonna really change the sound to what you think. Like usually it doesn't do much even with the noise reduction/isolation.

Try using aftermarket earpads like Dekoni, Brainwavz, etc. instead. Look for the leather/etc. earpads, or other materials known for noise reduction as velour is usually there for the comfort/sound.

Actually parametric EQ will have easily noticeable changes too.

Don't forget to check the subreddit, /r/oratory1990, for preset parametric EQ list (mainly for headphones but there's some IEMs there): https://www.reddit.com/r/oratory1990/wiki/index/list_of_presets

See here for more info about parametric EQ, squig.link comparison graphs, AutoEQ, et cetera: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/109meb5/eq/j40cy1n/

Open back headphones noise reduction (scroll to the bottom half part of the comment), earwax clogging issue, parametric EQ, noise reduction for your PC/room, et cetera: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/115c99b/coming_from_iems_and_looking_for_headphones_150_eu/j92mpe9/

Okay, so a lot of people have never used IEMs with PCs before and so yes that background static situation is a normal thing to encounter. I had super loud/etc. sound whenever I'd plug it in the 3.5mm plug/port of the front panel of the computer case, same with the plugs directly on the motherboard at the back of he case.

This was before dongles became really a thing, but what I did was basically yes, just get my standalone desktop amp/etc. and use that with the IEMs. Not practical due to the near guaranteed channel imbalance that you'll get before 9 o'clock or so on the volume knob, but it works with removing/reducing the buzzing sound. I also set a negative preamp/etc. volume with (Peace) Equalizer APO to further lower the volume for better hearing health.

And yes apparently sometimes getting just a cheap $10 extension/etc. cable helps for some people too.

Anyway, long story short there's many ways for the static on the computer case to be happening (for example when gaming at high framerates/resolution, bad motherboard/etc. installation, improper I/O shield installation, PSU problems, power strip/surge protector issues, et cetera) but these days you can usually fix it with the $10 dongles (the adapters/converters that let you use 3.5mm IEMs/cables with the USB-A/USB-C ports on your computer device) and so on.

Basically try to change something with the audio chain or configuration. Like really any extra external audio device will work and dongles are usually the cheapest and these days they're everywhere too.

Try to get the dongles with physical volume control as those will further help reduce the buzzing/static/hissing/etc. Essentially you press the physical buttons to the lowest volumes possible and then adjust on your Windows volume slider and so on.

As like some dongles without physical volume control will actually make that buzzing/static/etc. noise way louder, lol, no matter what you do.

Here's a bit more info on dongles (with physical volume control) and static/hissing/buzzing/et cetera: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/100lh5a/dac_for_new_mb_asus_and_new_headphone/j2icwxm/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/zn88xs/help_on_iems_pc_usage/j0fns20/

For the passive noise reduction/isolation (btw if you want active noise cancellation or ANC, you'll have to get TWS earbuds as wired IEMs/earbuds/etc. do not really have that feature outside of a few old and obscure models that are not reviewed well for sound quality), you can change that by using different ear tips.

Sometimes you may want smaller ear tips so it doesn't seal at all. Sometimes you want bigger ear tips so that a quick wiggle will easily break the vacuum seal. Et cetera. Some ear tips with easy warping/wiggling are Moondrop Spring (and kinda the new TRN T ear tips), FiiO HS18, etc.

For me I always shove the ear tips and IEMs as deep as possible for better noise reduction/isolation and so I just get used to that underwater/occlusion/etc. effect. The one like where you hear your breathing more and can't really hear much when you're focused on something. Some people get something like motion sickness with that feeling and to overcome it you just have to keep trying to ignore it, lol, it's like car motion sickness. After a while you'll forget it existed.

Anyway, so when people try to talk to you, you can try lowering the volume or remove the side of the ear closest to the person so that you can hear them better. Again unfortunately wired IEMs do not really have extra features like ambient/transparency/etc. mode where you press a few times and then it uses the mics to hear your surroundings, those are really only with Bluetooth/wireless stuff.

Which reminds me, whenever there's external noises interfering with your sounds/music, do not raise the volume as it's just making it compete with those external noises and probably damaging your hearing. Basically just try to achieve the best fit so that the noise reduction is as good as it gets.

Try something like Spinfits for better noise reduction/isolation.

For Spinfits, usually some AliExpress storefronts or like say MTMTaudio/etc. will allow people to only get 2 pieces of 1 size for cheaper or half price of the usual price. Like some Spinfits models are often $10 with 4 pieces of 1 size and so they sell it for $5 for 2 pieces.

Here's more specific 7Hz Salnotes Zero ear tip size comparisons: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/yzryfw/7hz_salnotes_zero_ear_tips_sizes/ix211ef/

Cheap ear tips (basically FiiO HS18, Spinfit from some AliExpress storefronts, Chinese websites like MTMTaudio/et cetera, and so on) and possibly better soundstage: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/1157giz/upgrade_imaging_with_balanced_cable_iem_or/j90a003/

Here's a bit more info on ear tips (talks about narrow/wide bore ear tips, effects of sizes of ear tips, how to put ear tips on wide nozzles, et cetera): https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/10lly6d/how_to_make_sense_of_iem_tip_fit/j5xnyv2/

Also extra info on ear tips: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/10k210n/alternative_tips_for_aria/j5o2f8q/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/10x7ast/suggestions_on_getting_a_good_seal_with_the_7hz/j7qrrcg/

This is how you should use Etymotics or really any IEM or TWS earbud to make sure you have that good/perfect fit for that vacuum seal (necessary for the bass to be properly produced): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KwXEqe6Gq4

More info on headphones/IEMs and PC gaming: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/1151ezm/looking_for_1st_real_pair_of_headphones_mostly/j8zm0q8/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/10zxpfb/why_are_you_using_openback_headphones_for_gaming/j85vv18/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/10ks4tr/looking_for_iem_for_gaming_and_music_listening/j5sjhyh/

Earwax clogging issue, parametric EQ, noise reduction for your PC/room, et cetera: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/115c99b/coming_from_iems_and_looking_for_headphones_150_eu/j92mpe9/

TL;DR: look into cheaper (but still well-reviewed) Bluetooth amp/DAC dongles like the FiiO BTR3K if lowest latency is the priority.

Hmm, honestly it will depend on you. I'm like a serious competitive gamer (and watch a lot of movies/TV/Youtube/etc.), like I used to play with professional esports players, but when it comes to Bluetooth/etc. devices I know that there's inherent limitations and so for me I can just brush it off.

Like the lipsync these days is good enough. With AptX Adaptive, you can still see the latency problem especially when playing ranked/competitive/etc. serious modes. But for casual gaming, after a while you should be able to adjust.

AptX Low Latency was so weird since only a few TWS earbuds had it, like the Sennheiser Momentum 1st gen TWS earbuds, and I don't even know now, lol.

It's been so long since I've researched low latency TWS earbuds and thankfully that was the time that the AptX Adaptive USB transmitter dongles (it was basically the KB8/HaiSenKeji dongle, some of us early adopters had to get it from Taobao as it was unavailable on AliExpress still) came out because otherwise regular AptX without dedicated gaming/low latency mode was just not it, lol.

Anyway, for LC3, it'll probably take until this Q3 or second half of 2023 for those LC3 devices to start popping up. Or maybe this spring season some brands will start flooding with LC3 devices but it's probably gonna be slow just like before with AptX Adaptive and so on.

So for now don't worry too much about LC3 as it's not really available. It's just like a showcase of what's possible and hopefully we'll get USB transmitter dongles for PC usage.

Like Intel/etc. promised that LC3/etc. will, IIRC, come with the Intel AX200/210/etc. Bluetooth/WiFi cards but ya they are delayed with everything, lol. Check your computer/motherboard if it has those Bluetooth/WiFi cards as you might just need wait for a driver update to get the new Bluetooth features but yes it might never come soon.

As it's now been a few years since those Intel AX200/etc. devices were put to market, and yup no LC3 because it's only been recently that the other companies responsible for those Bluetooth standards/etc. finalized the specifications and so on.

So hopefully those LC3 dongles will come soon and still at that $15-20 price from China/AliExpress.

For TWS earbuds, there's also Scarbir. Last time I checked he was on hiatus but he has decent overviews (he separates the latency, mic, etc. sections nicely) and is basically the main database for TWS earbuds for us English speakers.

Also, ReganCipher is pretty active still these days, he's sometimes on the Head-Fi thread for TWS earbuds, this one: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/going-fully-wireless-iems-too-soon-or-are-we-there-yet.861024/page-3401

ReganCipher actually has good written reviews as he also lists a lot of extra stuff there, and he now has a Youtube channel too.

Scarbir and ReganCipher often cover that budget TWS earbuds range, just like Kenneth Tanaka, and Sean Talks Tech.

Despite being sent free review units, those folks are usually pretty chill with their reviews, and they usually mention latency and so ya, they're nice resources for TWS earbuds stuff.

Wait fml, I'm rambling, sorry about that. Anyway, I'm also poor and so I feel you, like I have to sometimes save up a lot for the products that look really interesting or revolutionary. I feel like a lot of us are poor but still keep collecting these IEMs/TWS earbuds anyway, smh lol, consumerism life.

That's why for me I spend so much time researching to make sure that I have the right product as otherwise I can't buy again. Like you know how returns/warranties go unless it's Amazon or a similar store with good warranty/returns system. A lot of companies will go in circles just to deny you a proper new pair and so ya pretty much expect no warranties/etc. when buying from China/outside of India.

Like especially with quality control since it's always hit or miss with some companies or products. That's also something I highly value but people barely mention quality control issues unless it's like really apparent.

For example, for a while the FiiO BTR5 2021 Edition actually bricked devices, lol. Like now it should be (probably) fixed, but ya, FiiO messed up with that one.

With the Qudelix 5K, similar things have also happened, but only sparingly, IIRC. I don't keep up much with the Qudelix 5K (despite me mentioning it somewhat all the time) as I don't really use it (again the UTWS5's no cables feature is a huge advantage for me) and it's mainly us Qudelix 5K owners that relay the information, unlike FiiO with their customer representative that often posts here on /r/headphones or there in the /r/FiiO subreddit.

Like right now (just yesterday, lol) there's this battery drain issue that someone is encountering and like their warranty is about to be up and there's like a bad experience with the Qudelix people: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/10xxje8/qudelix_5k_kind_of_useless_warranty_as_it_turns/

Oh shit, the OP deleted the thread, but that link above should take you there.

Anyway, again really sorry this became long (so sleepy rn, lol) but I guess what I was trying to say is that the Qudelix 5K has so much features and you rarely hear about issues with it (try reading the recent dozen or so pages of the Head-Fi thread for the Qudelix 5K though for just more info about expectations). And so it's like an instabuy, as it's basically end game material, no need to really buy anything more.

Like some people say if you don't use parametric EQ, why not buy other Bluetooth amp/DAC dongles, and there's some lists out there that show the Qudelix 5K's features not found elsewhere in the market.

Here's a more direct list of Qudelix 5K features that ReaLx3m recently wrote: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/zxd1dt/25mm_louder_than_35mm_feel_like_ive_just_been/j221re0/

So literally the Qudelix 5K is cheaper (when in stock or locally available) and then it has way more features than the competition. If that isn't a great value, I have no idea what is, lol. Some people say it's shilling to keep mentioning Qudelix 5K but ya, just look at the specs on paper and how different it is compared to the other ones.

Like a lot of these dongles use the same ESS/etc. chips and so it's like not that different, but yes some people say the implementation and so on are better with other dongles. For the most part, it's not worth going beyond $100 for dongles but ya I mean, that's how much marketing/etc. goes with the audio hobby.

Personally I'm just fine with any well-reviewed dongle with physical volume control. And so like if budget is a concern, maybe try the BTR3K or something similar that has Bluetooth and AptX Low Latency if you want compatibility. Like I often see the BTR3K on sale or something like that though it depends on the local stores there in India.

Btw, it's probably a bit different there in India, but the other Chinese websites (AliExpress is still banned right) basically underdeclare all the time, lol. So it usually flies under the radar and gets no/minimal extra fees.

Like there's upcoming Valentine's Day and so on sales for some Chinese websites, so look out for discount on Bluetooth amp/DAC dongles during that time.

There was Chinese New Year recently and so some orders may be still be delayed: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/10ukd9o/how_reliable_is_hifigo/j7ce1qr/

Here's a bit more about ordering from AliExpress/Chinese companies in general: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/zav570/is_hifigo_a_scam/iynrt65/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/uwk248/should_i_order_shuoer_s12s_from_conceptkart_or/i9t7zo0/

More specific to European customers ordering from AliExpress, but goes sorta in depth about express international shipping, customs fees, delivery procedures, et cetera: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/xky24f/americans_and_europeans_ordering_high_end_iems/ipgtsuk

Here's a bit more info on AliExpress shipping times: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/uw4uq1/earbud_advice/i9q7fql/

Use parcelsapp.com and 17track.net to check your package progress. Usually it'll be a week before it actually leaves China by the airport and then the rest of the time is just waiting for your country's customs and the national/local mail delivery service.

Don't worry too much about the Chinese/etc. IEMs and MMCX as for the most part they will be standard.

Usually it's just Sennheiser, Etymotics, etc. that have those weird proprietary/altered versions of MMCX and so it's MMCX but not really as you have to get the MMCX version specific to the Sennheiser/Etymotics/etc. IEM, lol.

It just sucks because you have to spend more money on new cables or adapters/converters. Alternatively you can also try physically modifying the ports/plugs or cable of the IEM but that voids warranty and so not worth if those adapters/converters are easily available, like these days you can often fine them on Amazon but with just a bit of price increase compared to AliExpress/China.

For the Sennheiser/Etymotics/etc. the MMCX ports will be loose and so it will immediately fall off. Like you can tape it and it'll maybe still work (I did that with Etymotics and UTWS3/5 for a while despite the bad angle, just for testing, lol) but ya not a good idea for long term use.

Make sure you get the MMCX version of the UTWS3/5, here's more info about why (it's mainly due to IEMs that have recessed 2-pin ports, like the popular Moondrop lineup, etc.): https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/v3hs92/iems_help_need_a_new_pair/iaz200a/

Especially for Sennheiser IEMs, there's really only MMCX to Sennheiser IE 900/600/300/etc. MMCX adapters/converters. And they're sometimes still loose, lol, so ya, don't make sudden movements as they'll immediately fall off.

Smh for the Sennheiser/etc. ports/plugs with some IEMs, they really make MMCX/etc. too varied and unnecessary extra expense for cables or adapters/converters.

Here's a more direct link for the adapters/converters required for the different IEMs and headphones: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/t3v7wp/looking_to_make_my_arias_wireless/hyv14dn/

Here's more info on TWS adapters like the FiiO UTWS3/5, KZ AZ09 Pro, etc. alongside adapters/converters, AptX Adaptive dongles (KB9P, YET-T10P, etc.), and so on needed for them: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/10yr7js/finaly_good_audio_on_the_go_utws5_and_fh5s/j805aru/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/10yr7js/finaly_good_audio_on_the_go_utws5_and_fh5s/j8049bu/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/10hfuxn/wireless_earbuds_for_gaming_with_plugin_to/j58i33j/

No problem, ya for me the convenience of the no cables is too good with the UTWS5. I also got the AptX Adaptive for low latency or gaming too and so I know how you feel, lol. Try getting the KB9P dongle and then use the USB Assistant Tool for it to enable the low latency version of AptX Adaptive/etc.

You can find it on the thread, https://www.head-fi.org/threads/aptx-adaptive-aptx-lossless-usb-transmitters.961856/page-70, and a few versions should have English subs as some people translated it and posted it in that thread.

There's the Qudelix 5K for ultimate Bluetooth amp/DAC dongle device, it might be too expensive if you have to order it from Korea as it's like $110 plus say $30 or so. IMO that's still worth it but if it's out of the budget range then try saving up or wait for the sales on the FiiO BTR5/etc. Check Keepa, CamelCamelCamel, et cetera for price alerts on basically anything on Amazon/etc.

For the Qudelix 5K, with the v2.0 update, this is what Qudelix 5K had to say about latency:

> Optimized Bluetooth Audio Latency > > The new firmware offers considerably lower Bluetooth latency for all codecs than the previous firmware. Qudelix-5K doesn't support aptX-LL, but we're sure the 5K would deliver the industry's lowest audio latency over Bluetooth across all codecs.

More info on Qudelix 5K (Bluetooth amp/DAC dongle), latency, and Bluetooth stuff here: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/10ky4ay/bluetooth_codecs/j5ttlgw/

Btw for reparability or battery life concerns, check the Qudelix Forums as they uploaded the schematics or steps on how to disassemble the Qudelix 5K safely if you need a new battery and so on.

But there's now new devices like the Soundcore VR P10 TWS earbuds for LC3 tech stuff, Kenneth Tanaka's (he focuses a lot on latency for TWS earbuds) video on them: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfX40jgy3Bg

It's not a TWS adapter, but if wireless gaming with Bluetooth is it, then that should be good. Hopefully in the future more TWS earbuds will start releasing LC3/etc. and also with app support so that we can EQ on their own app. There's also EQ from other apps but they don't stay applied on the device, you usually have to have that specific app/etc. open.

Maybe go with the Qudelix 5K if you don't mind wires. Don't go for the FiiO BTR5 or other Bluetooth amp/DAC dongles as they have less features and are usually more expensive.

More info on Qudelix 5K (Bluetooth amp/DAC dongle), latency, and Bluetooth stuff here: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/10ky4ay/bluetooth_codecs/j5ttlgw/

The Qudelix 5K is often out of stock these days and so you'll probably have to import it from Korea if it's not on Amazon USA.

Anyway, after the FiiO UTWS3/5 TWS adapter, I don't use cables anymore. So all my amps/DACs/dongles/etc. are just collecting dust unless I'm testing new IEMs/headphones.

You just have to mind the battery life and like if the IEMs or adapters/converters are too heavy then be careful with fast movements.

Here's more info on TWS adapters like the FiiO UTWS3/5, KZ AZ09 Pro, etc. alongside adapters/converters, AptX Adaptive dongles (KB9P, YET-T10P, etc.), and so on needed for them: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/10hfuxn/wireless_earbuds_for_gaming_with_plugin_to/j58i33j/

Make sure you get the MMCX version of the UTWS3/5, here's more info about why (it's mainly due to IEMs that have recessed 2-pin ports, like the popular Moondrop lineup, etc.): https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/v3hs92/iems_help_need_a_new_pair/iaz200a/

Here's a more direct link for the adapters/converters required for the different IEMs and headphones: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/t3v7wp/looking_to_make_my_arias_wireless/hyv14dn/

Info about UTWS5 battery life (5-7 hours): https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/10yr7js/finaly_good_audio_on_the_go_utws5_and_fh5s/j803bbw/

Here's more (direct) updated info about the AptX Adaptive USB transmitter dongles (KB8P, KB9P, YET-T10P): https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/zr41fe/which_lossy_codec_to_use_compress_with_before/j12cdwt/

FiiO might add it, they're adding LDAC/etc. for the FW5 TWS earbuds, check the Head-Fi threads for the FW5 and UTWS5.

Right now the UTWS5 only has LHDC and AptX Adaptive.

For LHDC, those are only found on Xiaomi or certain Chinese phones, so it's not gonna be easily available.

For AptX Adaptive, look into the $15-20 AptX Adaptive USB transmitter dongles like KB9P.

Some of us are waiting for the Chinese dongle makers (from Taobao/AliExpress/etc.) to make LDAC/LHDC/AptX Lossless/LC3/etc. USB transmitter dongles. Check this Head-Fi thread for more info on those AptX Adaptive dongles and other Bluetooth stuff: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/aptx-adaptive-aptx-lossless-usb-transmitters.961856/page-70

Here's more info on TWS adapters like the FiiO UTWS3/5, KZ AZ09 Pro, etc. alongside adapters/converters, AptX Adaptive dongles (KB9P, YET-T10P, etc.), and so on needed for them: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/10hfuxn/wireless_earbuds_for_gaming_with_plugin_to/j58i33j/

Info about UTWS5 battery life (5-7 hours): https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/10yr7js/finaly_good_audio_on_the_go_utws5_and_fh5s/j803bbw/

Here's more (direct) updated info about the AptX Adaptive USB transmitter dongles (KB8P, KB9P, YET-T10P): https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/zr41fe/which_lossy_codec_to_use_compress_with_before/j12cdwt/

TL;DR: Expect 5-6 hours for regular use or maybe 7 hours if you listen at lowest volumes with the UTWS5.

Btw, a few days ago they added PEQ and multipoint with the UTWS5 now, see here for more info: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/10x4o41/fiio_utws5_bluetooth_tws_adapter_for_iems_and/

There's also the UTWS15 (UTWS5 3rd version with ergonomics/etc. changes) or something like that, it may have better battery life, it's releasing probably this October 2023 or November 11.11 sale time.

I have multiple versions of the UTWS5 (and UTWS3) from the first batch (release in China/AliExpress/etc.), second batch, and so on.

Battery life is still somehow good. I basically use them every day, though that's not exactly true as I take breaks. Sometimes I go weeks/months without using the UTWS5 and just use my speakers/etc. instead.

Anyway, basically I use the UTWS3/5 for their full charge and rarely remove them from my ears or power them off. So for me it's continuous/nonstop usage, but other people will often put the TWS adapters or TWS earbuds back in the case when they're not using it.

In my case/testing/experience/et cetera at lowest volumes (2/32 or so volume on FiiO Control app) possible it goes like this:

UTWS5 + single dynamic driver/hybrids/tribrids/multidriver IEMs + regular AptX = 7 hours or so of battery life

UTWS5 + single dynamic driver and general hybrids/tribrids/multidriver IEMs + regular AptX Adaptive = maybe 6 hours and 30 minutes

UTWS5 + planar IEMs/some hybrid/multidriver/etc. IEMs + regular AptX (and AptX Adaptive) = variable, it's likely not gonna reach 7 hours for sure as you'll want more volume to hear approximately the same levels as a regular dynamic/etc. driver IEM. Personally clicking once or twice from 0 or lowest volume possible is enough to get the planar IEMs to be louder volume.

For context with my AptX Adaptive USB transmitter dongles like KB9P, I turn up the volume there first, like with planar IEMs it gets close to 100/100 dongle (Windows volume slider) volume, while still being at 2/32 volume on the FiiO Control app. That's mainly for everything at 100% or so with things like foobar2000, Winamp, MusicBee, VLC, et cetera. Or video games/etc. sound.

Then with some tracks or albums that are so low, I do have to press once or twice to get better volume and so on. Or if I'm listening to ASMR on Youtube, some videos are so low volume with planar IEMs that I have to click the physical buttons a few more times.

Here's some videos/channels for ASMR triggers: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/xqq9kw/can_a_normal_person_hear_binaural_sound_when/iqcayk9/

ASMR Bakery's latest video, she usually doesn't do 1st person POVs (more just regular trigger assortment/variety/etc.), check her other videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3c4Zay0e1PU

Anyway, I listen at whatever volume is at that 2/32 volume on the FiiO Control app (it depends on the IEM), and it rarely changes unless I'm using a planar IEM or some IEM like the QKZ x HBB Khan which needs a bit more volume than other more regular IEMs too. Again, usually it's just 1 or 2 presses on the right side of the UTWS5 and it should be loud enough again.

I listen at that 2/32 volume as I legit never take the UTWS5 off unless I have to eat, use the toilet, et cetera. Sometimes I don't actually play sounds or ASMR and so it's just idle and that still drains the battery. But with Bluetooth devices the constant recharging is what kills the battery life, apparently, and so I just leave it on and so far it's working just fine. Other people report worse battery life now though.

Like others are saying they get the advertised 8 hours and that's not true, lol.

Most of these TWS adapters and TWS earbuds advertise that specific 8 hours of battery life but in practice it's more like 6-7 hours for people like me that listen at lower volumes.

You have to specifically look for TWS earbuds that have that long (8-10+) battery life, and for TWS adapters it doesn't really exist. There's those neckband adapters like FiiO LC-BT2 that have bigger batteries and should theoretically have better battery life, but again it depends on your usage (volume levels).

For people that listen at 50% or so volume and regular AptX, some of them get 5-6 hours with the TWS earbuds (and TWS adapters). It's a noticeable battery drain once you leave the lowest volumes possible. But barely any people will experience the change as it seems people only use these Bluetooth stuff for a few hours at a time (which is better for your hearing health, always take breaks and listen at lowest volumes possible).

This is just for additional context, but FiiO also has its new FW5 TWS earbuds, which is like the UTWS5 internals but with actual TWS earbuds stuff (no ANC though).

More info on the FW5 in relation to the UTWS5/future UTWS7/etc. and LC3, like Bluetooth latency stuff: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/z5pfj4/tws_iem_conversion_thingies/j2ps3qy/

Here's more info on TWS adapters like the FiiO UTWS3/5, KZ AZ09 Pro, etc. alongside adapters/converters, AptX Adaptive dongles (KB9P, YET-T10P, etc.), and so on needed for them: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/10hfuxn/wireless_earbuds_for_gaming_with_plugin_to/j58i33j/

Make sure you get the MMCX version of the UTWS3/5, here's more info about why (it's mainly due to IEMs that have recessed 2-pin ports, like the popular Moondrop lineup, etc.): https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/v3hs92/iems_help_need_a_new_pair/iaz200a/

If you're using the UTWS3 outside with your phone, you should be good, otherwise for PC, there could be connection issues.

Here's a bit of context on Bluetooth pairing/connection/battery drain issues with the UTWS3/5: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/vjwq2p/never_thought_my_endgame_would_be_wireless_glad_i/idn2t9u/

Here's more (direct) updated info about the AptX Adaptive USB transmitter dongles (KB8P, KB9P, YET-T10P): https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/zr41fe/which_lossy_codec_to_use_compress_with_before/j12cdwt/

For TWS earbuds, see here for more info: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/10hdr2p/are_there_any_wireless_earbuds_witouth/j58keli/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/10kai7u/should_i_keep_ear_buds_out_of_the_case_after/j5so87z/

Try a legit Apple dongle, as in don't buy it from Amazon as there's fake/mixed up/etc. stock in the warehouses. Like buy it from a physical (Apple) store in real life.

Like search up the ridiculous situation with microSD cards on Amazon. They mix the third party storefronts and official Amazon stock all the time. It's so sad and so it's better to buy things like microSD cards from Best Buy or a physical store/retailer. As otherwise you'd get fake microSD cards and all that.

For the ~$10 Apple dongle, just note the reduced power if it's the EU version, or the apps needed on Android to bypass Android's DAC/etc. system in order to get the best capabilities.

No need to really spend more than that, but look into well-reviewed dongles with physical volume control if you think you need an amp/DAC/etc.

Here's a bit more info on dongles (with physical volume control) and static/hissing/buzzing/et cetera: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/100lh5a/dac_for_new_mb_asus_and_new_headphone/j2icwxm/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/zn88xs/help_on_iems_pc_usage/j0fns20/

But yes it could earwax/etc. clogging up the filter and nozzle of the IEM. See here for how to maybe fix it: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/yzkk5e/how_to_remove_ear_wax_from_iem_without_damaging_it/ix13bpo/

Basically use 90+% isoprophyl alcohol but make sure the IEM nozzle is facing down as you don't want alcohol to get inside and possibly damage the coating/drivers/etc. behind the nozzle/filters/etc. And then wait several minutes for it to dry, better to wait an hour or so for near certainty that everything is dry.

Look into the AZLA SednaEarfit MAX Standard if you want to maybe delay/prevent those earwax/moisture/etc. issues. AZLA SednaEarfit MAX Standard is basically the only silicone ear tip that has an integrated wax guard. Some foam ear tips have that, see the black Shure Olives foam ear tips.

Here's more info on the AZLA SednaEarfit MAX Standard: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/vi0pwb/azla_xelastec_vs_crystal_eartips_for_xm4/igcqyuf/

Here's more info on how to avoid/delay the condensation issues with the Olina, Chu, or most IEMs that have condensation issues: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/uznoqi/my_chus_broke_after_a_day_of_use/iadlxz5/. This has more info on the Moondrop Spring ear tips.

Basically for the future, just use a clean paper towel or microfiber cloth and wipe your ear tips and IEMs after each use. That should prevent/delay the clogging/condensation/etc. issues. It's just a problem with certain IEMs, more so the ones with metal outer shell designs. And if you live in a humid area or produce a lot of body heat.

More info on ear tips like TRI Clarion that help with vocals, soundstage, et cetera, and also parametric EQ: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/10hhn0g/i_dont_notice_a_sound_difference_between_the/j58iozt/

More info on AZLA SednaEarfit XELASTECs durability and foam ear tips too: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/zvmj9g/azla_sedna_earfits_tips_durability/j1pxvdz/

Here's a bit more info on ear tips: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/10lly6d/how_to_make_sense_of_iem_tip_fit/j5xnyv2/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/10k210n/alternative_tips_for_aria/j5o2f8q/

This is how you should use Etymotics or really any IEM or TWS earbud to make sure you have that good/perfect fit for that vacuum seal (necessary for the bass to be properly produced): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KwXEqe6Gq4

Try Etymotics, they beat top of the line ANC from Sony/Apple/Bose/etc. The noise reduction/isolation is great, make sure to use Comply P foam ear tips or Comply T(x)100 foam ear tips before giving up.

Etymotics and drumming: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/10jz2i4/iem_for_electric_drum_practice/j5njm0l/

More info on noise reduction/isolation with Etymotics and drumming: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/10ia8xe/as_a_drummer_i_need_help_with_iem_suggestions/j5do38b/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/10ia8xe/as_a_drummer_i_need_help_with_iem_suggestions/j5dp366/

Earwax, hearing health, et cetera with Etymotics and other bullet style IEMs: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/10iwqmt/does_insertion_depth_affect_volume/j5ifw7r/

Make sure you got proper ear tips with the vacuum seal so that you're not being tempted to raise the volume to compensate for the external sounds.

Try Spinfit W1, FiiO HS18, AZLA SednaEarfit XELASTEC, Dunu S&S, etc. ear tips for possibly better fit/seal, noise reduction/isolation, and comfort.

Haven't really seriously used the XELASTECs, Dunu S&S, and the other new sticky ear tips for running or fast movements yet but other people report good things with those sticky ear tips.

The dimensions/sizing/measurements/etc. for most ear tips these days will be on Amazon/AliExpress/HiFiGo/etc. Unfortunately you have to blind buy the ear tips in order to get a feel for the dimensions/measurement/etc. that you like for your ears. Remember, this will also change with different IEMs as they'll have different nozzle length, nozzle angle, and so on.

Here's a bit more info on ear tips: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/10lly6d/how_to_make_sense_of_iem_tip_fit/j5xnyv2/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/10k210n/alternative_tips_for_aria/j5o2f8q/

This is how you should use Etymotics or really any IEM or TWS earbud to make sure you have that good/perfect fit for that vacuum seal (necessary for the bass to be properly produced): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KwXEqe6Gq4

Try not to use foam ear tips when it comes to activities with a lot of movement/sweating/etc. as it's probably using up the lifespan.

More info on durability of foam ear tips (talks about AZLA SednaEarfit XELASTECs too): https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/zvmj9g/azla_sedna_earfits_tips_durability/j1pxvdz/

Oh and wipe your ear tips and IEMs after each use.

Here's more info on how to avoid/delay the condensation issues with the Olina, Chu, or most IEMs that have condensation issues: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/uznoqi/my_chus_broke_after_a_day_of_use/iadlxz5/. This has more info on the Moondrop Spring ear tips.

Basically for the future, just use a clean paper towel or microfiber cloth and wipe your ear tips and IEMs after each use. That should prevent/delay the clogging/condensation/etc. issues. It's just a problem with certain IEMs, more so the ones with metal outer shell designs. And if you live in a humid area or produce a lot of body heat.

Otherwise there's always Etymotics for ultimate noise reduction/isolation.

There's also Etymotics for $50 on Adorama. That's the ER2SE version. For $70 there's the ER3SE/XR versions. See the Etymotics links below.

Etymotics will beat any ANC, even top of the line ones from Sony/Apple/Bose/etc.

Look into Etymotics, especially with Comply P foam ear tips or Comply T(x)100 foam ear tips, as the deep fit and comfort can be a dealbreaker with the stock silicone tripleflanges/doubleflanges/etc.

Ear tips and cables for Etymotics: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/10i5ha8/7_unused_at_a_local_amazon_warehouse_store/j5dpuij/

Some more info on Etymotics, Adorama links to get them for $50-70, ear tips (has some info on custom ear tips, custom IEMs) for them, TWS adapters and neckband adapters for them, et cetera: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/10kgooz/searching_for_supreme_comfort_any_suggestions/j5sisjm/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/10fsl5b/i_need_headphone_suggestions_i_am_an_adult_who_is/j54m7gs/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/zqi0mj/truthear_hexa_vs_letshuoer_s12/j4su37c/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/1048v59/which_etymotic_iem_should_i_buy/j33skvq/

Below are more direct threads about custom ear tips, custom IEMs, et cetera.

Here's a bit more info on how to get custom IEMs: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/x5tsdb/can_someone_recommend_affordable_iems_please/in39yfd/

Here's a bit more info on hybrid/multidriver IEMs, making IEMs fit in your ears, TWS adapters like the UTWS5, various ear tips as workarounds, custom IEMs, custom IEM ear tips, et cetera: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/w17dts/iem_ear_pain_go_away/igjncnp/

You might be find with using say other bullet style IEMs like Final Audio E500-E5000 lineup but for me those were like huge and so they couldn't really go as deep. Even if I used Spinfit CP240 ear tips. Or say Spinfit CP155. It's been a long time, but worth a try seeing if bullet style IEMs suit you more. They often don't have removable cables and so it's not as durability, still worth a gamble as you can just easily wiggle them for noise reduction/isolation.

See the new ultimate English database of bullet style IEMs for the various options, a lot of them are not as easily available on Amazon/etc. though: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/the-bullet-cable-down-iem-database-140-update.964041/page-3

Or look into aftermarket wingtips, earhooks, et cetera. Those are not guaranteed to work with your particular IEM/TWS earbuds/etc. but some of them should be fine for testing. Like earhooks for me make a huge difference, especially for peace of mind (I use TWS adapters like the FiiO UTWS3/5) but when the IEM is heavy or I do fast movements, they can still slip out, lol, that's why don't really run with TWS adapters despite other people saying it works well for them.

Some people also use those like DIY custom molds or silicone thingies with IEMs. It can help. I have some of those for light noise reduction and I don't like the feel of them but that's when they go inside my ear. If with IEMs, it should be just okay as it's just on the concha/etc. Some of those moldable silicone/etc. can be really sticky, so be careful with like the vents/nozzle/holes of the IEMs, lol.

For AptX Adaptive it's pretty good, likely drains less battery than say using LDAC, LHDC, et cetera. At lowest volumes possible I normally get 6-7 hours with regular AptX. With AptX Adaptive it has say 30 minutes or 1 hour less, so that's the battery life, which is my main concern as I often use Bluetooth stuff nonstop (don't be like me and forget to take breaks, always let your ears breath every 30 minutes or 1 hour) for several hours, as in until the battery dies.

For sound quality, don't worry too much about it. Most of the time I use 16-bit and 24-bit FLACs and it's all good with AptX Adaptive and so on. It's just inherent Bluetooth limitations and so we have to accept it.

For the microphone quality, it depends on how the TWS earbuds or Bluetooth headphones company implemented the cVc 8.0 and other mic tech stuff. It's kinda variable and hard to say but yes don't really expect much with Bluetooth mics, better to get standalone mics if you want good results.

Because tbh, it's all serviceable microphone quality when it comes to integrated mics on wired IEM cables and these wireless TWS earbuds, it's just that sometimes people want more or like say you have background noise muffling everything, so search up noise suppression and all that.

Check out EposVox's Youtube channel for those mic/gaming/OBS/etc. stuff. Or actually Podcastage/etc. for more up to date microphone info.

FML, wrote or copy pasted too much again, here's an actual long ass post but in a single link when it comes to Bluetooth codecs, it's not that comprehensive though but provides decent enough info.

If you want Bluetooth or TWS earbuds for PC, here's also more direct info: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/z74tif/wireless_earphones_for_pc_microsoft_teams/iy59w0n/

So the TL;DR for that is make sure you disable the "Hands-free Telephony" in the Bluetooth devices or Sounds settings.

And then for microphone options, there's some new options for IEMs now.

Like there's products like the Kinera Gramr and so on.

Btw for the Gramr, some people say the sound quality is good, some people say it's not. There's a decent video from two weeks or so ago on the Kinera Gramr by Teknickel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUzVpJkH4YI

Here's some more info for gaming with IEMs, more about microphones and so on: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/10hbqxz/budget_competitive_gaming_headphone_recommendation/j58hbcx/

For headphones there's the usual Antlion ModMic and so on stuff that you can attach on the side of the earcups.

TL;DR: AptX Adaptive (AptX Low Latency is replaced by AptX Adaptive) is what's easily available right now, wait for AptX Lossless or LC3 tech in 2024, lol.

Right now for mics, you can't really have good mic and low latency. Or even mic and high sound quality. It's just how the current Bluetooth system works everywhere.

Though now we actually have Bluetooth 5.3 and like LC3 tech stuff that promises/markets better microphones and latency altogether and so on.

Like Qualcomm just released the QCC5171 chipsets, I've seen some people they'll wait with QCC5181 chipsets because of all the LC3 tech or like AptX Lossless and so on stuff going on.

See this thread for AptX Adaptive dongles like KB9P and other Bluetooth related stuff like AptX Lossless, LC3 tech, et cetera: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/aptx-adaptive-aptx-lossless-usb-transmitters.961856/page-64

Or fml, I was recently accused of being a shill. Well, fans can shill especially when they post a lot like me as people will see it as stealth marketing/astroturfing/etc. if they are also always in every thread.

But I promise you, the following is not paid or otherwise from Qudelix, etc. I am just a regular person, not getting paid or anything by the audio people, I'm just trying to give back to the community. It's really repetitive, don't recommend doing it, lmao.

With that unnecessary disclaimer out of the way, look into the Qudelix 5K. LOL. It has microphone stuff with it.

Here's a more direct list of Qudelix 5K features that ReaLx3m recently wrote: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/zxd1dt/25mm_louder_than_35mm_feel_like_ive_just_been/j221re0/

But yes for latency or PC use, here's some more similar info on TWS earbuds and the UTWS3/5 TWS adapters: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/10g79j5/looking_for_low_latency_portable_bluetooth_ampdac/j542qp3/

The above direct reddit thread also talks about the Qudelix 5K, but here I'll post it again.

For the Qudelix 5K, with the v2.0 update, this is what Qudelix 5K had to say about latency:

> Optimized Bluetooth Audio Latency > > The new firmware offers considerably lower Bluetooth latency for all codecs than the previous firmware. Qudelix-5K doesn't support aptX-LL, but we're sure the 5K would deliver the industry's lowest audio latency over Bluetooth across all codecs.

In theory any device you pair the Qudelix 5K with will have the parametric EQ still applied. There's also the various preset parametric EQs already available, just manually adjust according to your taste. Like you'll probably want to fine-tune a bit the AutoEQ values.

Qudelix is making a gaming/7.1/etc. device called Qudelix T71, so no successor to the Qudelix 5K for maybe 2023 or 2024: https://forum.qudelix.com/post/qudelixt71-12037543?pid=1334122761

The Qudelix 5K has no competition for value and features. They recently released the v2.0 update, it's just unparalleled software achievement: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/zsjmng/qudelix_5k_v20_update_released/

Here's a bit more info/resources/etc. about the Qudelix 5K Bluetooth amp/DAC dongle as it's often out of stock these days: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/zgk4s8/equalizer_apo_doesnt_for_me_best_alternative/izhf43z/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/zsjmng/qudelix_5k_v20_update_released/j18t8qo/

This thread link talks about the Qudelix 5K, AptX Adaptive dongles, and specifically Apple devices: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/zc1znn/qudelix_5k_arent_these_issues_a_big_issue/iyuh35j/

I don't know if that new claim about best latency is decent enough for gaming (haven't had time to confirm), I don't use my Qudelix 5K that much outside of when I get new headphones or IEMs and test stuff. Or when I want to EQ with non-Windows PC devices.

Anyway, don't expect much as yes, you need a dedicated gaming/low latency mode most of the time outside of devices like the Qudelix 5K that have a lot of software and so on labor poured into them.

So for TWS earbuds/Bluetooth headphones, you'll probably want to instead use 2.4GHz headphones/headsets but those 2.4GHz headsets are not really well-reviewed for sound quality. So it's just trade-offs.

But yes there's now things like the new Soundcore VR P10 TWS earbuds for LC3 tech stuff, Kenneth Tanaka's (he focuses a lot on latency for TWS earbuds) video on them: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfX40jgy3Bg

I personally just game with my FiiO UTWS5. This is mainly for casual games, not competitive/ranked/etc. games. Like sometimes you can forget the lipsync delay is there. But if you're serious then you have to use wired as Bluetooth technology just isn't there yet.

Maybe when devices start releasing more LC3 tech stuff. That's probably in 2024 though, so save up money for that now as it'll be initially on the expensive gadgets, maybe. It's supposed to be a new standard though, so it'll probably be more easily accessible than other Bluetooth codecs before.

FiiO also has its new FW5 TWS earbuds, which is like the UTWS5 internals but with actual TWS earbuds stuff (no ANC though).

More info on the FW5 in relation to the UTWS5/future UTWS7/etc. and LC3, like Bluetooth latency stuff: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/z5pfj4/tws_iem_conversion_thingies/j2ps3qy/

Here's more info on TWS adapters like the FiiO UTWS3/5, KZ AZ09 Pro, etc. alongside adapters/converters, AptX Adaptive dongles (KB9P, YET-T10P, etc.), and so on needed for them: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/10hfuxn/wireless_earbuds_for_gaming_with_plugin_to/j58i33j/

Make sure you get the MMCX version of the UTWS3/5, here's more info about why (it's mainly due to IEMs that have recessed 2-pin ports, like the popular Moondrop lineup, etc.): https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/v3hs92/iems_help_need_a_new_pair/iaz200a/

If you're using the UTWS3 outside with your phone, you should be good, otherwise for PC, there could be connection issues.

Here's a bit of context on Bluetooth pairing/connection/battery drain issues with the UTWS3/5: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/vjwq2p/never_thought_my_endgame_would_be_wireless_glad_i/idn2t9u/

Here's more (direct) updated info about the AptX Adaptive USB transmitter dongles (KB8P, KB9P, YET-T10P): https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/zr41fe/which_lossy_codec_to_use_compress_with_before/j12cdwt/

Just a disclaimer again, for the UTWS5, people don't like the microphones with that. And for me I don't use Bluetooth mics at all as I've had a standalone microphone setup for several years now. Though they're often just not that good, you'll want stem style TWS earbuds (like AirPods) if you want good Bluetooth microphone quality but yes don't expect much still.

Here's a bit more (same) info on gaming headset and headphones, especially for microphone setup or options and like noise suppression/et cetera: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/zvjj2y/do_not_buy_from_razer/j1psvlh/