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!)!
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
I mean: with the earphones it's easier to set up properly your analog source:
