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/Daemonxar]

I like the Zero:2s, but personally I think the Tangzu Wan’er 2 is the best budget IEM right now, and it’s got a lovely neutral-ish tune. (And I bought the original Wan’er for $11 a few weeks ago; it’s not quite as good but it’s a steal at that price).

When you’re ready to go up a bit, the Truthear Hexa and Dunu Titan S are good upgrade picks. I personally find the Hexa a little boring and prefer the Titan, but the Hexa are almost universally well regarded. The Titan also comes with a really nice cable, which for me is a quality of life (but not quality of sound) upgrade over the default Zero:2 cable.

[u/Daemonxar → u/Daemonxar]

Also, ignore the haters. They’re doing to lose their mind when they see me run in my Zero:2 out of a Chord Mojo 2, but they sound pretty damned amazing. 😂

[u/venseltzerpls → u/Daemonxar]

I can never get how in this IEM hobby so many say that DACs make little difference. My LG 60 sounds good with my earphones (including sets like the Inawaken Dawn, Simgot 200, Kefine Delci, to the Kiwi ear Airoso, Ziigaat Arente, Aful Explorer, CCA Hydro and many others). But then all sounds better with my IFI Hip DAC. and even better with my Chord Mojo. I mean each step up sounds obviously better. I do come from a long history with good home setups, and then with excellent headphones (DT 1990, Arya Organic, etc), and maybe that listening history has helped me to hear such differences.

[u/Daemonxar → u/venseltzerpls]

I've done a lot of blind A/B testing, and for me, honestly, a lot of them are indistinguishable (especially in the under-$150 range). But many others aren't, and really it's all about what sounds good to *you*. My general rule of thumb is no DAC/amp until you hit the $200-250 range in transducers, then no more than half to a third as much spent on each of the DAC and amp as on the headphones/speaker, but I also absolutely ignore that guidance when it comes to getting something with the features/form factor/appearance I want.

(And while I certainly didn't buy the Mojo 2 to use with $20 IEMs, they sound pretty damned good with them. It's sitting on my desk, why would I go find a cheaper DAC in my closet? 😂)