So these are definitely not bad headphones. But I just don't understand the hype. What they have is an absolutely superior form factor and cable. The form factor is different from most other IEMs, offering a snug and secure fit with an added flap that keeps it deep in the ear without discomfort. This may give the impression of better sound that others hear, but it really just fits. You can achieve the same thing on most IEMs by using higher quality tips (Comply or Spinfit, depending on your preference). The cable is cheap but great for the price. I would give the headphones 2 stars but the cable 5 stars. I feel my money hasn't been wasted for two simple reasons: 1) the mic is actually decent - most other cable guys can't even hear me on the other end of the call; 2) The ear hooks face inward so I don't feel like they're trying to scrape my ears like other cables do. It also has good wire inside as it is comparable in quality to the C8 cables I've bought before. They're not premium, they're just really good value for money and easy to use. Sonically, they're not consumer-centric in a V-shape. They are more informative. It doesn't really make sense as they aren't clear enough to work for the audiophile reference crowd. So it's nice that the bass isn't too warm, but due to the lack of clarity it sounds very weak and tight in pitch right now. It lacks the detail of a high-end IEM or the appeal of a V-Tune. So it's hard for me to understand who these headphones are for. My ears literally bleed from some music tracks that have way too many plates or cymbals as that's literally all I hear. It's like trying to enjoy live jazz at a jazz bar, but then a guy comes off the stage and insists on ringing the triangle right in front of your face. There's no drums, no guitars, no singers, just a constant ts-ts-ts-ts-s. It didn't go away with burnout. The best and only use I've found for them is for listening to podcasts and making calls. They shouldn't be used for music unless you're just into a style of music that benefits from exaggerated highs and no lows at all. However, I used a cable and connected it to my TFZ Live 3 and now I have the perfect everyday combo. But for this price, please explore a little more as there are dozens of better options for a reference or consumer matched pair.
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