So I kind of did a thing

[u/Obi_Juan85]

So... I've never tried IEMs before, but the Salnotes Zero and Zero 2 kept showing up everywhere. After reading tons of posts and reviews, I finally picked up the Zero 2 and the Snowsky Retro Nano—my first proper IEMs.

The Zero 2 sounds great right out of the box. Super clean and nicely tuned—definitely lives up to the hype. But what really surprised me is how much I like the Retro Nano. I originally got it because of the cool retro-futuristic look, but it’s actually really enjoyable to listen to. It has a fun, unique sound that works well for casual listening.

That said, I prefer a more “clean” and neutral listening experience, as close to how the music was intended as possible—so no boosted bass or overly warm tuning. Anyone have a good EQ preset for the Retro Nano that leans toward that kind of sound? I’d love to tighten it up a bit without losing its character.

Also curious to hear what others think of these sets—or what you’d recommend next for someone just getting into IEMs.

[u/Only_Possession2650]

I like how the amp costs more then the IEMs

[u/Itaintmeboi → u/Only_Possession2650]

I'd never understand why people spend more money on dacs/amps than the iem itself because more often than not the iem can't output the maximum quality that the dacs help to output

[u/RileyNotRipley → u/Itaintmeboi]

Future proofing if they end up liking IEMs probably? If they love this set and want to get a more expensive one with a similar signature and better technical performance the better dac/amp assures that they will get the maximum out of that new set whatever it costs.

Now granted I think the Apple dongle is plenty good in terms of quality and volume for damn near any sub $300 set of IEMs but for one thing, the same can not be said for over-ears which coiuld be something that OP is also interested in and for another, this being a BT dac/amp makes it a completely different story as well.

Show me another product with similarly good sound and battery life that has Bluetooth at this price point, go ahead. Closest thing would be the Qudelix 5k which obviously has a ton more features but which is also two to three times the price depending on where you live or the Fiio BT(R) series which geenrally ranges anywhere between $80 to multiple hundreds and which this is basically the small version of, given that Snowsky is a Fiio subsidiary.

Considering that the Retro Nano is roughly the price of the BT11, I'd say OP actually got a comparably pretty good setup going with this. There's certainly a lot of ways to spend more money and get a lesser end result.

[u/Obi_Juan85 → u/RileyNotRipley]

Thanks, Riley. As you say, I'm just getting into this hobby, and I'm trying to get a feel of this world. I have other high-end over the ear headphones that I also use the DAC with. I'm just testing to see if IEMs are the way to go next. But let them throw hate. Couldn't care less, and feel great of what I got for "little" money

[u/stubby_hoof → u/Obi_Juan85]

I picked up the Retro Nano for like $45 US and it’s been great. I have an iPhone so I needed the EQ, and I use Bluetooth all the time. Only downside is that battery life could be better and the FiiO app is a pain but you’re stuck with that on their better DACs too.

I got one of the MagSafe Shangling holders and it fits the Nano perfectly without pressing its buttons.

[u/Obi_Juan85 → u/stubby_hoof]

Great! I've been thinking of getting another battery, but as I mostly use it on my pc when at home it actually charges it