this post was submitted on 23 Nov 2023
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I heard this in another sub, that only tuning matters for IEMs but I'm not seeing it.

Aside from tuning what parts are giving advantages? The housing, the drivers, the materials used?

Example, the truthear nova ($150) is tuned nearly the same as the moondrop variations ($520). Does that mean they would have the same sound quality?

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[–] LevanderFela@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago (3 children)

That sounds rather dismissive - soundstage, instrument separation, etc. matters too. IEMs have all the same things as headphones, dismissing all such characteristics and going with "tuning is the only thing" sounds incorrect.

I've tried various IEMs ranging from $20 to $1000, and tuning is definitely not the only important thing.

[–] Knale@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago (1 children)

Exactly. Just because a frequency sweep "looks" the same on a graph, does not mean those frequencies are delivered in a good or bad way to your ear.

[–] userIoser@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago

FR is a best case scenario. Doesn't answer for example if other frequencies will be drowned when bass is present. This is common weakness of DD but almost not present with planars

[–] blah618@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago (1 children)

wouldnt all that be part of tuning?

unless tuning refers strictly to the frequency graph

[–] LevanderFela@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago

I assumed tuning as frequency response; though we then enter the woods of "audiophile terms"

[–] Additional-Basil-893@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago

It's sad you're getting downvoted for this, this subreddit is so reductivist and loves trashing any advice that doesn't validate their budget options. Yes, there are diminishing returns and e.g. although an apple dongle is amazing for what it is, there are definitely better sources out there whether or not you are willing to admit/perceive they provide better sound. There are definitely differences in IEMs besides frequency response e.g. detail retrieval etc., and although some people may suggest frequency response may play a role in shaping these differences, it doesn't mean they're not useful in addressing them directly and independently.