A small digression: Earphones, IEM and Headphones...

Sometimes you cannot crank up the volume, so you need to use 'phones!

I usedo to listen to headphones (AKG, Koss, Yamaha), but I've started using earbuds more and more...
First I tried Monk+ (wow!), then I bought EMX500 (more WOW! Exactly 3 times the sound quality!)!

Here they are: monk+ and the unassuming emx500...

Then I wanted to try some high impedance ones, just to be able to use an old cmoy amp I have at home doing nothing.

The first that arrived from china were a pair of TY HI-Z 150, the "entry level" of the high impedance earbuds (150 ohm):

After some hours of "burn in" the sound was nice and relaxed, a bit thin in the bass (thus the doughnut foams, just to give them more load).
Hights were less pronunced than the other earbuds I have (Monk+ and EMX500), so no need of a full foam, the doughnut is enough.
My phone wasn't able to drive them properly, but my DAP (Xduoo X10) drove them really well.

Just after them, another hi-z cheap gem arrived: the Faaeal (or Fareal...dunno!) Narcissus 2.0.
Their impedance is quite high: 300 ohm, so the amp is needed (not for the Xduoo, again, but this time is just ok, no much power to spare!).

Being more expensive than TY (USD 28,00 vs USD 18,00) they came with lots of foams, a 6.5mm adapter and a soft pouch.
Just out of the box they were already good, after some burn in they maintained their smooth and pleasant signature. Those are the only earbuds I don't need to cover with any kind of foam.
Another plus is the cable, it's very soft and comfortable, no microphonic at all.

So, why I bought them all? Well earbuds for me are as good as my headphones, with the plus that they are more comfortable to wear (especially in summer). The the high impedance one can be also used with a standard amplifier (so I don't have to change system every time!).




I also love IEMs, they less comfy than earbuds, but more "complete". I's like comparing fullrange and multi-way speakers: the former is more "natural" sounding but without sub-bass, the latter could be a bit "disjointed", but having sub-bass is so good!

First love: KZ ZS6...

The definitive upgrade: Rose Mini 2

Man! They are tiny, aren't they?! But the sound is BIG...neutral too! A very good way to test your system...
I mean: with the earphones it's easier to set up properly your analog source:

Amplifier(s)

So, let's go up in the audio chain.
What powers the speakers? The amplifier, of course.

Let me point out one thing: I love amplifiers! They are, IMO, a nice way to add "your taste" to the system.

I'll elaborate better: once you're set with loudspeaker preference (electrostatic, horn-loaded, fullrange, multiway ecc) and you can trust your source (wether analog or digital), then you can explore the beautiful world of amplifier topologies!

I've tried lot of amplifiers: class D, chip amps, tube amps...now I'm finishing a pair of class A transistors: one standard and one current source topology.

So, what have I learnt with my speakers and my sources?

Tubes: I love tube Amps...full lush sound, even the smallest tube power can give huge sound with the right speakers and room. I build a SE triode with ecl86 and the experience was really rewarding: good tone, good imaging and zero listening fatigue

Only 1,5 watt, but good watt...I tried also smaller power, I built a Darling amp...0,75 watt

So cute...

Class D: I've tried only small powered ones, 2024 based (T amps) (Fenice...)


and TPA3122 (battery power) (I'll write about the other 2 boxes soon...)

The first is a masterpiece, the latter is a nice, simple amplifier, but it hasn't the "magic" of 2024 chip. I would rate the 2024 as a very good tube amp, just a bit more fatiguing.

Chip amps: I bought a lm3886 chip amp. It is a real bargain, with 60 watts there is power to spare, and the tone is nice. I would recommend it when power is needed and if you have woofers to control.
I've enjoyed this amp better with multi-way big speakers rather than my fullranges