Hello, here's what I do with my TWS earbuds and TWS adapters (like FiiO UTWS3/5) or really Bluetooth/wireless/rechargable/etc. stuff in general: I try to only charge it when it has no battery or will have no battery soon.

So if I am going to eat, I just either turn off the TWS earbuds/etc. or like leave it playing. Do not eat with TWS earbuds or IEMs inside your ear btw, it's not good for your health/comfort.

And yes if your TWS earbuds or Bluetooth devices have app support sometimes there'll be settings to set it to 80% battery life or something like that to prolong the battery. This will help preserve the long term battery life in theory.

So for now just keep playing if you want to maybe save the battery life in the future. But most people will not mind the disposable nature of TWS earbuds or Bluetooth stuff and so they'll be surprised when it has way less battery life within 1-2 years.

Realistically, people are always doing that recharging habit though. It's actually very rare that people are like me where I will use the TWS earbuds/etc. without ever taking them off.

Most TWS earbuds/TWS adapters/etc. last only say 5-6 hours in practice despite claims of 8 hours or so. This depends on if you're using regular AptX, LDAC, etc. And like how loud you listen too.

Always make sure you have that perfect vacuum seal in order to save your hearing health and also to get more batter life out of the TWS earbuds.

You have to specifically look for TWS earbuds/Bluetooth devices that have long battery life if you want legit 8 hours or so.

Try Spinfit W1, FiiO HS18, AZLA SednaEarfit XELASTEC, Dunu S&S, etc. ear tips for possibly better fit/seal, noise reduction/isolation, and comfort.

You can use ear tips for wired IEMs with TWS earbuds (and vice versa) but they'll probably be too long/wide for the TWS earbuds case and so it won't charge at all, you'll need to remove the ear tips each time.

Try Spinfit CP360/CP1025, AZLA SednaEafit MAX for TWS, etc. Those are specifically made for TWS earbuds, they usually have adapters for weird nozzles like Apple, etc. devices.

There's also Final Audio E for TWS ear tips. The smaller sizes of the regular Final Audio E ear tips (it's $15 for the 5 sizes multipack on Amazon) for wired IEMs should also fit inside TWS earbuds cases. Check Audio46 (this is from New York) if they have the Final Audio E for TWS version in stock.

The dimensions/sizing/measurements/etc. for most ear tips these days will be on Amazon/AliExpress/HiFiGo/etc. Unfortunately you have to blind buy the ear tips in order to get a feel for the dimensions/measurement/etc. that you like for your ears. Remember, this will also change with different IEMs as they'll have different nozzle length, nozzle angle, and so on.

Here's a bit more info on ear tips: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/10k210n/alternative_tips_for_aria/j5o2f8q/

This is how you should use Etymotics or really any IEM or TWS earbud to make sure you have that good/perfect fit for that vacuum seal (necessary for the bass to be properly produced): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KwXEqe6Gq4

For TWS earbuds, see here for more info: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/10hdr2p/are_there_any_wireless_earbuds_witouth/j58keli/

Click through those thread links if you want to look for cheaper (<$50) TWS earbuds for specifically gym/running/etc. use. Look for the ones with IPX5/7 water resistant or waterproof ratings. And ya always wipe the ears and IEMs with a clean paper towel or microfiber cloth so that it doesn't get clogged and also because sometimes the gold charging ports will be covered in sweat/dirt/etc. and it won't let the TWS earbuds charge properly.

Try ASMR at night, it's godlike sometimes. Especially if your room/window/etc. doesn't allow in external noises easily.

Here's some videos/channels for ASMR triggers: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/xqq9kw/can_a_normal_person_hear_binaural_sound_when/iqcayk9/

ASMRSurge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1g337o1AVU

ASMR Destiny: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUZMQtOzbIk

ASMR Bakery: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zq_eaKGTWrM and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pJiZpB2Mv0

ASMR Suna: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vg2QAA6YgcE

Btw the Neumann KU 100 microphone (costs like ~$10 000+) got sent to a lot of Youtubers and now some ASMRtists and VTubers are using them regularly as they got their own, lol.

華凛（karin_asmr）with Hatomugi ASMR: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2eGTuJz2wQ

asmr zeitgeist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkXdsn-gw_E

Workt ASMR: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSxQfOgfxbk

Rapunzel ASMR: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6v4Rl9Ai9pQ

Heather Feather: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQB_fLLnmQ0

I forgot how popular those joyrides/drive through/etc. videos are. There this channel called dmitrivalencia where they update on current highway projects and so on in the Philippines: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cyp72WaGbIE

And then for walking in the cities, there's channels like Rambalac for Tokyo/Japan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHfe1xTpomE

Driving is very dangerous and so you can't really enjoy the sights. But if you don't mind slow time, walking really does feel better for views, especially if you can walk 10km/20km/etc. in one go.

With electric bicycles/scooters/etc. these days though, you can just cruise with those if you want to sightsee. Though yes be careful with the cars and pedestrians and also the battery life for the electric bicycle/etc.

I have Etymotics too and used to listen with my Android phones. These days I just use TWS earbuds but the app/settings/etc. remain the same.

Ear tips and cables, resources for Etymotics: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/10i5ha8/7_unused_at_a_local_amazon_warehouse_store/j5dpuij/

See here for more info about parametric EQ, squig.link comparison graphs, AutoEQ, ear tips, et cetera: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/10hhn0g/i_dont_notice_a_sound_difference_between_the/j58iozt/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/109meb5/eq/j40cy1n/

Timmy from Gizaudio explaining squig.link and AutoEQ: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpQalW_bjLQ

You can do (parametric) EQ with $8 Neutron Music Player or UAPP on Android. If on PC, the free (Peace) Equalizer APO. There are free apps on Android(/Apple) that can also do a good enough job, but most of them have those graphics sliders instead of parametric or just plug the numbers in EQ. EQ can also be used to help with channel or ear imbalances.

There's also the free Wavelet app that has the AutoEQ available now. And other free apps for more simple graphic sliders EQ, etc.

Don't forget oratory1990's preset EQ list, mainly for headphones but there's some IEMs there: https://www.reddit.com/r/oratory1990/wiki/index/list_of_presets

So I have my 16-bit and 24-bit FLACs with Neutron/etc. and then listen without EQ. Sometimes I'll apply EQ but I enjoy the stock sound of my Etymotics/TWS earbuds/etc. anyway (I spend a lot of time looking at graphs and reading the reviews so that I don't waste money/time) and so ya it's just there.

Parametric EQ is actually useful if you know your particular IEMs are not good with specific genres and like you have no other different sounding pair at the moment to switch for that desired genre. As with just a few numerical inputs or button presses, with parametric EQ the bass/treble/etc. can be altered accordingly.

Anyway TWS earbuds often have their own app and EQ system too. So things are changing for better (parametric) EQ everywhere.

It's expensive at $110-130 but the Qudelix 5K has a pretty nice user experience.

In theory any device you pair the Qudelix 5K with will have the parametric EQ still applied. There's also the various preset parametric EQs already available, just adjust according to your taste. Like you'll probably want to fine-tune a bit the AutoEQ values.

Qudelix is making a gaming/7.1/etc. device called Qudelix T71, so no successor to the Qudelix 5K for maybe 2023 or 2024: https://forum.qudelix.com/post/qudelixt71-12037543?pid=1334122761

The Qudelix 5K has no competition for value and features. They recently released the v2.0 update, it's just unparalleled software achievement: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/zsjmng/qudelix_5k_v20_update_released/

Here's a bit more info/resources/etc. about the Qudelix 5K Bluetooth amp/DAC dongle as it's often out of stock these days: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/zgk4s8/equalizer_apo_doesnt_for_me_best_alternative/izhf43z/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/zsjmng/qudelix_5k_v20_update_released/j18t8qo/

This thread link talks about the Qudelix 5K, AptX Adaptive dongles, and specifically Apple devices: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/zc1znn/qudelix_5k_arent_these_issues_a_big_issue/iyuh35j/

Yes my 7Hz Timeless came properly wrapped in plastic from AliExpress/China.

There's other options now though, especially cheaper or better value than the Timeless.

The current well-reviewed planar IEMs are using 14.2mm/14.8mm/14.6mm/14.x/etc.mm planar drivers.

So, the 7Hz Timeless (there's AE version with changed stuff), Shuoer S12 (there's Pro, Z12, etc. versions), Tin HiFi P1 Max, Raptgo Hook-X (there's the HBB version), 7Hz Salnotes x crinacle Dioko, TANGZU Zetian Wu (there's the new HeyDay Edition which is actually quite different), and if the price is lowered a bit, Dunu Talos. The new Moondrop Stellaris is too bright/etc. for a lot of people.

There's also the KZ PR1 Pro with KZ's own 13.2mm planar driver. This actually launched for $40 (the promo was like a whole week or so) instead of its current $80 price but ya KZ might not do that anymore.

And the Kinera/Celest SPD planars like Gumiho and Pandamon, though these are not considered as planars by some, still reviewed nicely though and for now the ones from Kinera/Celest are around that ~$50, which is good but there are better options at that price, so only get it for the novelty/etc.

Some people have problems right now with Linsoul due to the ThieAudio Prestige quality control issues controversy with one of their customers. Check the ThieAudio thread on Head-Fi for more info on the Linsoul customer service issue: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/thieaudio-signature-series-tribrid-iems.936212/page-274

Though as a regular customer of Linsoul, AliExpress, and other Chinese websites, basically even if it's $1000+ assume it's final sale, lol, because return shipping is just too much and they often get lost in Mainland China customs (because they'll ask you to underdeclare it too, etc.).

For the Linsoul website, they actually pack it well and should come shrink-wrapped or whatever with plastic. Though I've heard some stories and experienced some weird things...

Anyway, this is not me shilling/making excuses/etc. for Linsoul, but they probably have an upcoming Chinese New Year gift card promo again. Where you'll probably like say pay $25 and then you get a $50 gift card, like no other tricks/etc. to it, just literally free $25 if you can reserve some time for the event.

These days they're doing a $1 charge to be able to buy the gift cards, but they've allowed better time zones and so on and so if you click the page for the event time, you get free gift card, you don't have to play games or like promote them on social media, just free money, lol. So it's like a pre-order for a pre-order, lol.

Here's more info about Linsoul gift cards and such: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/zbw1sm/salnotes_zero_sound_advice_in_comparison_with/iytnl4j/

For Linsoul, they actually own/subsidize/market/etc. a lot of IEM brands and so on. So they have a lot of direct stock of the items, like that's why you often see Linsoul being thanked in some Youtube/Head-Fi/etc. reviews for supplying the reviewer/influencer/etc.

So they shouldn't be short on legit new, untouched, boxes/units of the IEM.

For buying from China/AliExpress/etc. there's really no guarantee but ya they're almost always with the plastic wrapping or seal, so don't worry too much about it.

The problem here is yup, Amazon people that like to return stuff over and over. I've seen people here and elsewhere constantly brag about buying like 5-10+ headphones/IEMs all at once for like a battle royale demo event, lmao wtf smh.

Like for me I'm broke af too and have to save a lot of money and time to afford audio stuff. And so it's tempting to also abuse the amazing Amazon return policy (especially during the holidays as starting in October you can usually return stuff again by January 31 of next year, lmao, that's legit 3 or 4 months of trial period).

But ya my principles and experience with also receiving used/broken/etc. products from Amazon has me not doing that return thing. Like it's a really sad feeling because I have to waste time going to the post office to return the item that I really wanted. Sometimes if it's like a limited edition or limited price drop, then yup when you get a wrong/used/etc. item they can only refund you instead of give you what you bought in the first place.

Anyway, don't worry too much about it since it happens to a lot of Amazon/etc. customers.

Like search up the ridiculous situation with microSD cards on Amazon. They mix the third party storefronts and official Amazon stock all the time. It's so sad and so it's better to buy things like microSD cards from Best Buy or a physical store/retailer. As otherwise you'd get fake microSD cards and all that. Smh.

Linsoul, ShenzhenAudio, etc. also have official storefronts on AliExpress btw. For Linsoul, they're called DD Audio Store there.

If you want more choices/options, look into AliExpress/Linsoul/HiFiGo/etc. and there's often no extra fees after your initial payment/order. So it's usually free international shipping, well some of them will ask you to pay $5-10+ for cheap trackable shipping these days.

Basically expect the usually free AliExpress Standard Shipping to arrive after 1-3 weeks if you live in a major city or near an international airport. It might be different for your region/country, so check your fellow customers' experiences on AliExpress/Head-Fi/etc.

Linsoul/HiFiGo/etc. are often the same as AliExpress for shipping time, though sometimes they will be delayed or actually even faster too.

Here's a bit more about ordering from AliExpress/Chinese companies in general: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/zav570/is_hifigo_a_scam/iynrt65/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/xky24f/americans_and_europeans_ordering_high_end_iems/ipgtsuk/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/uwk248/should_i_order_shuoer_s12s_from_conceptkart_or/i9t7zo0/

Here's a bit more info on AliExpress shipping times: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/uw4uq1/earbud_advice/i9q7fql/

Use parcelsapp.com and 17track.net to check your package progress. Usually it'll be a week before it actually leaves China by the airport and then the rest of the time is just waiting for your country's customs and the national/local mail delivery service.

That audio cutting out in silent passages is pretty much the norm with those receivers/transmitters combo units. FiiO confirmed, IIRC, it, like it was on the earlier BTA30 (non-Pro) thread or something on Head-Fi.

Check these threads: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/fiio-bta30%EF%BC%8Chi-fi-desktop-bluetooth-receiver-transmitter%EF%BC%8Crca-optical-coaxial-interface.926876/page-39 and https://www.head-fi.org/threads/fiio-bta30pro-create-a-comprehensive-home-bluetooth-system-fiios-high-fidelity-bluetooth-transceiver-bta30-pro.960334/page-23

You basically have to play white noise or something, forgot now, to prevent the cutting out issue.

Look into the KB9P AptX Adaptive USB transmitter dongle, they're like $15-20 from AliExpress. It's not LDAC, but it's maybe the best Bluetooth transmitter available right now before those AptX Lossless dongles finally arrive.

This is the AptX Adaptive/AptX Lossless/etc. USB transmitter dongles (like KB9P, etc.) thread on Head-Fi, they talk about other Bluetooth stuff there too: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/aptx-adaptive-aptx-lossless-usb-transmitters.961856/page-57

Here's more (direct) updated info about the AptX Adaptive USB transmitter dongles (KB8P, KB9P, YET-T10P): https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/zr41fe/which_lossy_codec_to_use_compress_with_before/j12cdwt/

Here's more info on TWS adapters like the FiiO UTWS3/5, KZ AZ09 Pro, etc. alongside adapters/converters, AptX Adaptive dongles (KB9P, YET-T10P, etc.), and so on needed for them: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/zvmt4a/wireless_zero_other_wireless_earphones/j1q2s6f/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/zz7ukz/is_kz_az09_worth_it/j29ze5u/

For latency, unfortunately it's just inherent Bluetooth tech limitations right now, see here for a bit more info: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/z5pfj4/tws_iem_conversion_thingies/j2ps3qy/

Or ya actually recently some people are using LDAC through Windows 11 or so, check here: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/aptx-adaptive-aptx-lossless-usb-transmitters.961856/page-45#post-17277046

The LDAC for Windows is supposedly from here, it's like in beta mode or something right now: https://www.bluetoothgoodies.com/a2dp/

Ayo, Kurisutina.

With the alternate dimension, tutturu!

Yup, that https://www.bluetoothgoodies.com/a2dp/ LDAC thing for PC is new IIRC, like maybe first available this second half of 2022.

Windows/Microsoft is legit like so slow with Bluetooth updates (and for some people it's sometimes really buggy with like blue screens and so on), they kinda said AAC will be available for Windows 10 but then they just made it exclusive to Windows 11, lol. So those of us with the Intel AX200/210/etc. Bluetooth/WiFi (PCIe) cards basically only have regular AptX (and AAC if on Windows 11). Hopefully they integrate LDAC and AptX Lossless soon but ya it'll probably not be in the near future, lmao.

Anyway there's actually LDAC USB transmitter dongles in development. It'll first be available on Taobao and then a few weeks or so later, AliExpress and other places.

In addition there's also the Bluetooth 5.3/AptX Lossless/etc. transmitter dongles (there's receivers or neckband adapters and so on now that allow you to get AptX Lossless with your wired IEMs and headphones, etc.), but sadly they are delayed. Wait for those transmitter dongles as they'll probably only cost $20-30 or so, maybe ~$50+ if they think people will pay that much.

So ya no need to pay ~$130 for the LDAC through USB from the FiiO BTA30 Pro (and probably its successor, if there's a BTA40 in the near future).

In theory you can use those AptX Adaptive USB transmitter dongles to output AptX Adaptive with any device that has USB. So use USB-C or USB-A adapters/converters if needed. Or in your case probably a Lightning converter/adapter.

Btw, it seems you have to get the 16-bit version for compatibility with older devices like say TV, otherwise go for the 24-bit version as those are often newer and have bugfixes and so on. They're like the same price, so just get the 24-bit versions of the AptX Adaptive dongles.

There's a Lightning/Apple version for the AptX Adaptive dongle (KB8(P)), it might be on one of the AliExpress listings still, but it'll be on Taobao for sure.

So just to be clear, if you get the $15-20 KB8P or KB9P dongle for your iPhone (or really any device that can output sound with USB, in theory), then it should output AptX Adaptive. So your TWS earbuds, Qudelix 5K, et cetera should get AptX Adaptive too.

If you don't have that KB9P/etc. dongle then it'll likely just be AAC with the Qudelix 5K and your TWS earbuds. As yes unfortunately iPhones/Apple devices pretty much just have AAC (and SBC), and so you'll need those extra transmitters to get the other codecs like AptX Adaptive and LDAC.

With Apple TWS earbuds or Bluetooth devices, those have hardware/software/etc. onboard that make them sound good (through AAC) when paired with iPhones or other Apple devices that have a particular chip, like the new H2 chip or something like that.

But ya with Bluetooth amp/DAC dongles like the Qudelix 5k and basically other non-Apple TWS earbuds and so on, it'll just be AAC only.

The main selling point of the overpriced ($130) FiiO BTA30 Pro is probably the LDAC through USB. But it's not like a dongle, it's not really portable with the phone.

A bunch of us are actually in contact with the Taobao/Chinese sellers or manufacturers that are making these AptX Adaptive USB transmitter dongles. You can use the Taobao shipping agents like Superbuy/ParcelUp/CSSBuy/et cetera to navigate the Taobao site with English translation, and when you actually message them through Aliwangwang or the messaging system, they have decent English due to the autotranslate and so on system.

Anyway, maybe earlier this 2022 those Taobao sellers said that the new Bluetooth 5.3/etc. dongles with LDAC and so on are in development, but sadly ya they're still delayed. For reference, they released the new KB8P and KB9(P) around January to April 2022, I forgot now.

So for now no LDAC USB transmitter dongles, same with the AptX Lossless USB transmitter dongles, though it seems there's some other companies (like say Nura with their NuraTrue Pro TWS earbuds) that are trying to get those AptX Lossless USB transmitter dongles out soon too.

TL;DR: get KB9P dongle as it will give your iPhone AptX Adaptive and so on.

Yes Bluetooth adapters will have compression/etc. but it doesn't really ruin the audio quality since it's the best that we have right now with the technology for us general consumers.

For sound degradation, it depends on your environment and how loud your listening levels are. Some people will hear the inherent Bluetooth compression more, others will be able to ignore it after a while or so.

At safe hearing levels and also when outside, people probably won't be able to easily tell the difference due to the external noises competing with the sound/music. Like even when at home at louder volumes some people also can't tell between wired and wireless, when using LDAC, AptX, etc.

Like they just released the Qualcomm QCC 5171 chipsets and so for 2023, there should be some more Bluetooth stuff with Bluetooth 5.3, LC3 tech, AptX Lossless, et cetera.

Try to get the KB9P AptX Adaptive USB transmitter dongle, there's some software for it called Dongle Assistant, see here for more info on those AptX Adaptive and AptX Lossless dongles and Bluetooth stuff: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/aptx-adaptive-aptx-lossless-usb-transmitters.961856/page-55

Here's more (direct) updated info about the AptX Adaptive USB transmitter dongles (KB8P, KB9P, YET-T10P): https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/zr41fe/which_lossy_codec_to_use_compress_with_before/j12cdwt/

Here's more info on TWS adapters like the FiiO UTWS3/5, KZ AZ09 Pro, etc. alongside adapters/converters, AptX Adaptive dongles (KB9P, YET-T10P, etc.), and so on needed for them: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/zvmt4a/wireless_zero_other_wireless_earphones/j1q2s6f/

The KB9P is usually from AliExpress (often takes 1-3 weeks for delivery if you live near an international airport), but you can sometimes find the KB8P/KB9P/etc. on Amazon under different names, just look at the pictures on the product images if it seems like it'll be the KB9P and so on.

As for the PC motherboard, there's Intel AX210/etc. Bluetooth/WiFI (PCIe) cards available for like say $40 or so. Those only have regular AptX available but it lets you see the devices names, initial battery level, et cetera.

But ya better to get the KB9P AptX Adaptive USB transmitter dongle as it's like half the price at $20 and then you also get way more features for Bluetooth. As part of the cost for the Intel AX210 is the WiFi portion that isn't really relevant to Bluetooth audio.

Btw disable WiFi when not using it or make sure your routers/etc. are a bit further away as sometimes those can interfere with the Bluetooth TWS earbuds range and connection and so on. Like you'll maybe hear static/interference or having cutting out issues if you have like a congested area and such.

Yes, the FiiO BTR7 has AptX and so on. For sound degradation, it depends on your environment and how loud your listening levels are. Some people will hear the inherent Bluetooth compression more, others will be able to ignore it after a while or so.

At safe hearing levels and also when outside, people probably won't be able to easily tell the difference due to the external noises competing with the sound/music. Like even when at home at louder volumes some people also can't tell between wired and wireless, when using LDAC, AptX, etc.

This is the BTR7 thread for more info from FiiO and more regular people: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/fiio-btr7-portable-bluetooth-amplifier-color-ips-display-high-performance-dac-es9219c-2-thx-aaa-28-2-amps-3-5-4-4mm-outputs-one-click-%E2%80%9Cdongle%E2%80%9D-mode-fw1-88-firmware-is-available-in-2022-11-28.963808/page-90

Look into the FiiO BTA30 Pro if you want LDAC for PC: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/fiio-bta30%EF%BC%8Chi-fi-desktop-bluetooth-receiver-transmitter%EF%BC%8Crca-optical-coaxial-interface.926876/page-39

Or ya actually recently some people are using LDAC through Windows 11 or so, check here: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/aptx-adaptive-aptx-lossless-usb-transmitters.961856/page-45#post-17277046

The LDAC for Windows is supposedly from here, it's like in beta mode or something right now: https://www.bluetoothgoodies.com/a2dp/

Or just get those $15-20 AptX Adaptive transmitter dongles, here's more (direct) updated info about the AptX Adaptive USB transmitter dongles (KB8P, KB9P, YET-T10P): https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/zr41fe/which_lossy_codec_to_use_compress_with_before/j12cdwt/

Though ya just get the Qudelix 5K instead as it's like half the price at $110.

For the Qudelix 5k, expect no newer model or successor to it in 2023 and possibly beyond. This is because Qudelix is finishing up their Qudelix T71 gaming/7.1/etc. device for now, see here for more info: https://forum.qudelix.com/post/qudelixt71-12037543?pid=1334122761.

And it seems other companies, like FiiO, etc. are not really spending money and time to make a competitor any time soon to the Qudelix 5K, so it's just the Qudelix 5K for like 3 years and possibly half a decade now.

The Qudelix 5K has no competition for value and features. They just recently released the v2.0 update, and wow, it's just unparalleled software achievement: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/zsjmng/qudelix_5k_v20_update_released/

Here's a bit more info/resources/etc. about the Qudelix 5K Bluetooth amp/DAC dongle as it's often out of stock these days: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/zgk4s8/equalizer_apo_doesnt_for_me_best_alternative/izhf43z/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/zsjmng/qudelix_5k_v20_update_released/j18t8qo/

This thread link talks about the Qudelix 5K, AptX Adaptive dongles, and specifically Apple devices: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/zc1znn/qudelix_5k_arent_these_issues_a_big_issue/iyuh35j/

Hello, I've had the 7Hz Salnotes Dioko since its release (I was actually part of the first ~150 or so customers that had the wrong filter problem).

You don't really need an amp/DAC, it should be fine with or without a dongle. It will require a bit more pressing up for increased volume though compared to more regular dynamic driver IEMs.

Your interface/computer/etc. should be fine. Planar IEMs are still IEMs and try not to listen too loudly as the people saying you need overkill amps are listening at hearing damage levels, lol.

Here's a bit more info on dongles (with physical volume control) and static/hissing/buzzing/et cetera: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/zn88xs/help_on_iems_pc_usage/j0fns20/

For the ear tips, people complain about (mid)bass and so use Final Audio E ear tips. Or parametric EQ. It looks like it won't fit but you just have to aim it at an angle and it'll grip just fine.

AZLA SednaEarfit XELASTECs is good when you want to make sure you have a good fit/seal but it can lower/alter the bass a lot. A lot of medical grade silicone or similar ear tips will change or lower that bass, so keep that in mind, though for me often the comfort and fit/seal is way more important than sound changes.

Try to go for AZLA SednaEarfit MAX Standard instead, it's the newer white one that was released this summer of 2022. XELASTECs are also like foam ear tips as they collect a lot of particles and stay in one shape after a while and so they're disposable, you'll need to buy new ones every several weeks or so if you constantly use the IEM.

If you think you have big ear canals, you'll probably want ear tips with the width of 13/14mm or so. But try the Spinfit offerings first.

Maybe try Spinfit W1, CP100+, FiiO HS18, etc. for fit/seal and comfort.

The dimensions/sizing/measurements/etc. for most ear tips these days will be on Amazon/AliExpress/HiFiGo/etc. But unfortunately ya you have to blind buy the ear tips in order to get a feel for the dimensions/measurement/etc. that you like for your ears. Remember, this will also change with different IEMs as they'll have different nozzle length, nozzle angle, and so on.

Here's a bit more info on ear tips: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/zkl2fm/best_iem_tips_for_staying_put_and_isolation/j00d5yn/

Here's the reviews of someone with a lot of ear tips: https://www.audioreviews.org/guide-to-iem-silicone-eartips/

Here's the ultimate ear tip thread: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/best-iem-tips.626895/page-149

This is how you should use Etymotics or really any IEM or TWS earbud to make sure you have that good/perfect fit for that vacuum seal (necessary for the bass to be properly produced): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KwXEqe6Gq4

Again for the phone it should be fine. Otherwise ya you can just get the $10 Apple dongle, it'll do the job. Better to get a well-reviewed dongle with physical volume control though as it'll be safer especially when using IEMs with PC, check the above link about dongles for more info.

Look up oratory1990 (check the subreddit, /r/oratory1990, don't forget the preset parametric EQ list: https://www.reddit.com/r/oratory1990/wiki/index/list_of_presets) and crinacle's articles on what amps/DACs/etc. are and what they do.

If you like a particular sound, try looking into squig.link graphs for comparisons and so on. You can try using the AutoEQ there to make IEMs/headphones sound like the others, just keep in mind that obviously it's not going to be the exact same sound.

Here's Super* Review using the new AutoEQ feature of his squig.link site: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWzBw3XBn8c&t=332s

Use any EQ list or AutoEQ from squig.link as a base for your preferred taste. So like adjust the treble/bass/etc. areas if the Harman/crinacle/etc. target is still too much for you.

You can do (parametric) EQ with $8 Neutron Music Player or UAPP on Android. If on PC, the free (Peace) Equalizer APO. There are free apps on Android(/Apple) that can also do a good enough job, but most of them have those graphics sliders instead of parametric or just plug the numbers in EQ. EQ can also be used to help with channel or ear imbalances.

There's also the free Wavelet app that has the AutoEQ available now. And other free apps for more simple graphic sliders EQ, etc.

Look into AptX Adaptive USB transmitter dongles (like KB9P), they're often ~$15-20 on AliExpress/Amazon/etc.

In theory you can use those USB transmitter dongles to output AptX Adaptive with any device that has USB. So use USB-C or USB-A adapters/converters if needed. Btw, it seems you have to get the 16-bit version for compatibility with older devices like say TV, otherwise go for the 24-bit version as those are often newer and have bugfixes and so on. They're like the same price, so just get the 24-bit versions of the AptX Adaptive dongles.

For the KB8P and KB9P there's also the Dongle Assistant software, a few people have translated it to English, check the Head-Fi thread linked below.

There's ~$20 AptX Adaptive USB transmitter dongles like the KB9P. It'll go well with AptX Adaptive receivers/devices like Qudelix 5K and FiiO UTWS5. And of course TWS earbuds that have AptX Adaptive.

Here's more (direct) updated info about the AptX Adaptive USB transmitter dongles (KB8P, KB9P, YET-T10P): https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/zfkxgf/can_i_use_a_bluetooth_transmitter_to_bypass_s22/izcyrvn/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/x49xwl/bluetooth_52_aptx_adaptive_latency_with/imune2x/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/s54lbx/wireless_closed_backs_for_general_pc_use/imqv9px/

Here's more updated info about the AptX Adaptive USB transmitter dongles (KB8P, KB9P, YET-T10P): https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/zfkxgf/can_i_use_a_bluetooth_transmitter_to_bypass_s22/izcyrvn/

This thread link talks about the Qudelix 5K, AptX Adaptive dongles, and specifically Apple devices: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/zc1znn/qudelix_5k_arent_these_issues_a_big_issue/iyuh35j/

This is the Head-Fi thread for those AptX Adaptive/Lossless dongles and other Bluetooth transmission stuff: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/aptx-adaptive-aptx-lossless-usb-transmitters.961856/page-52

If you want Bluetooth or TWS earbuds for PC/et cetera, here's also more direct info: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/z74tif/wireless_earphones_for_pc_microsoft_teams/iy59w0n/

Hopefully we get QCC5171 TWS earbuds and TWS adapters soon as there's now QCC5171 neckband adapters with AptX Lossless and so on. And like hopefully Bluetooth 5.3 LC3/AptX Lossless/etc. USB transmitter dongles soon too.

Newer Bluetooth 5.3/etc. dongles will come out from Taobao/China, IIRC they're also maybe developing LDAC (maybe LHDC too, it's like an LDAC equivalent (LHDC has an additional low latency version), usually only found on Xiaomi devices) USB transmitter dongles. So that should come out after or like the same time. It depends on how the Qualcomm/etc. chipsets go when they implement/hack it together.

Anyway, for the storage, 128GB and 256GB microSD cards (SDXC/etc.) should be like pretty cheap, less than $50 these days. Latest phones should have OTG cable/etc. stuff already but if you're using older phones for storage, don't forget to get a legit OTG cable or cable that allows proper data transfer.

Like if your phone has no microSD card, you'll have to use external storage or the cloud storage and so on.

I have basically everything in FLAC and then the few other files are 320kbps MP3 files. Or if it's from ASMR (Here's some videos/channels for ASMR triggers: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/xqq9kw/can_a_normal_person_hear_binaural_sound_when/iqcayk9/) then it's sadly from Youtube compression already, though back then and even these days some ASMRtists will give away their source or FLAC files for free/cheap on Bandcamp and so on.

So having everything in FLAC is for the peace of mind. If you're storage-constrained, go for 320kbps MP3 or 256 kbps MP3, that's constant bitrate (CBR) not variable bitrate (VBR) btw, but you can also do VBR since some people don't mind. Or ya opus since some people like that format.

Don't worry too much about bitrate loss and so on as everything is still lossy/compressed/etc. even with the new AptX Lossless from Bluetooth 5.3/LC3/etc. that won't be enough for really picky people that like to look at things on paper, lol. Like in practice most people won't be able to notice, especially since they use TWS earbuds/adapters/receivers/etc. outside.

When you're outside, a lot of external noises are competing with the music/sound from the TWS earbuds. Especially since some people don't try to go for that good/perfect fit for that vacuum seal (necessary for bass to be heard properly). And so without that vacuum seal (especially with stem style TWS earbuds, like AirPods, as those have little to no ear tips), there's way less noise reduction/isolation.

With Apple TWS earbuds or Bluetooth devices, those have hardware/software/etc. that make them sound good (through AAC) when paired with iPhones or other Apple devices that have a particular chip, like the new H2 chip or something like that.

So with Android you'll have access to LDAC, LHDC (this is basically only for Xiaomi phones), AptX Adaptive, and now AptX Lossless (few phones have it, like Motorola, ASUS, etc. have like one or two models so far, it's not mainstream yet). Those Bluetooth codecs have better sound quality than AAC in theory (though again Apple does special things though with their proprietary chips if both your TWS earbuds and phones are from Apple) and so ya.

You can do (parametric) EQ with $8 Neutron Music Player or UAPP on Android. If on PC, the free (Peace) Equalizer APO. There are free apps on Android(/Apple) that can also do a good enough job, but most of them have those graphics sliders instead of parametric or just plug the numbers in EQ. EQ can also be used to help with channel or ear imbalances.

Neutron and UAPP are the usual audiophile apps. Some people use the free/etc. options like Wavelet, which also has AutoEQ.

If you like a particular sound, try looking into squig.link graphs for comparisons and so on. You can try using the AutoEQ there to make IEMs/headphones sound like the others, just keep in mind that obviously it's not going to be the exact same sound.

Here's Super* Review using the new AutoEQ feature of his squig.link site: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWzBw3XBn8c&t=332s

Use any EQ list or AutoEQ from squig.link as a base for your preferred taste. So like adjust the treble/bass/etc. areas if the Harman/crinacle/etc. target is still too much for you.

TL;DR: get the $20 KB9P AptX Adaptive USB transmitter dongle, some microSD cards or external/could storage, and then call it a day with any file/audio format you want as in practice most people won't be able to tell the difference when outside/etc.

If you want to avoid/dodge/etc. taxes and so on, go to the Chinese websites, like AliExpress, Linsoul, HiFiGo, et cetera. It usually takes 1-3 weeks to ship from China. Sometimes the shipping is free or like say $5-10.

Look into the new S12 Pro too as it's also often on sale. Like in general, I always see the S12 on sale, it's real wild actually since that's been the case since like this year or its release, definitely really good value.

Use parcelsapp.com and 17track.net to check your package progress. Usually it'll be a week before it actually leaves China by the airport and then the rest of the time is just waiting for your country's customs and the national/local mail delivery service.

Here's a bit more about ordering from AliExpress/Chinese companies in general: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/xky24f/americans_and_europeans_ordering_high_end_iems/ipgtsuk/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/uwk248/should_i_order_shuoer_s12s_from_conceptkart_or/i9t7zo0/ <--- this second one talks about Shuoer/LETSHUOER and their own website.

Here's a bit more info on AliExpress shipping times: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/uw4uq1/earbud_advice/i9q7fql/

Yes, use (Peace) Equalizer APO if you're on Windows 10 PC.

But ya, the Qudelix 5K is the ultimate device right now to pair with headphones/IEMs as it has parametric EQ (you won't really be able to find parametric EQ with Apple phones/devices) and other extra features in its app. It's normally $110 on Amazon USA (Amazon USA ships to some other international countries like those in Europe) but it's often out of stock these days and so it's $130 from the Qudelix website, international express shipping (be aware of extra courier (express shipping companies) processing/handlings fees, maybe add another ~$20+) from Korea. Sometimes it restocks on Amazon, so check it out there from time to time, try to make a price/in-stock alert for it.

The Qudelix 5K will be really good with Apple/etc. stuff as they often don't have access to easy parametric EQ.

As in theory any device you pair the Qudelix 5K with will apply that parametric EQ. So that includes Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and other video game consoles, TV, tablets, et cetera.

See this recent thread for the Qudelix 5K's features: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/vo8dua/what_are_the_main_differences_between_the_qudelix/

Somebody recently did stickers/etc. for the Qudelix 5K if you want to remember the button functions: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/v627gl/qudelix_5k_sticker_final_design_with_file/

For the Qudelix 5K, there's also a new FW 2.0 coming probably this end of November or year: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/yqbe0z/qudelix_5k_fw_20_update_coming_late_november/. It will have more parametric EQ customizability, so you can now better EQ one side or the other for any channel or hearing imbalances and so on.

This is the main Qudelix 5K thread (on Head-Fi): https://www.head-fi.org/threads/the-qudelix-5k-thread.914628/page-243. Don't forget to check the official Qudelix forums though it's not as active as other more generalist audio forums.

For IEMs specifically, try using Spinfits in different sizes. They have a rotation gimmick that may help with that.

Especially the Spinfit W1, I liked that one for fixing channel imbalance from IEMs (usually it's louder on the left side if the IEM/headphone is the problem, for your ears, it'll depend on your hearing imbalance and how it perceives the other issues). This ear tip (and many medical grade silicone ear tips) does lower/alter the bass quite a bit though, so it's up to you.

The new FiiO HS18 is oddly enough really good with fixing that channel imbalance too. But the problem with that one is that Small and Medium size can be quite a big difference due to its shape (think trapezoid). So basically it tapers off or like flares right and so you might need a size between Small and Medium or say Medium and Large. For now there's only those three sizes, so you'll either have to shove deep one side or shallow fit the other side and so on.

Same with Final Audio E ear tips. It's probably like the length/height of the ear tip. Or like the umbrella shape (especially if it's more of a triangle, cone, trapezoid, etc.). Like a similar situation happens with Spinfit CP155 and CP145, as in you just wiggle it a bit and you can fix some of that channel and hearing imbalance.

Here's a bit more info on ear tips: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/z0d7br/need_advice_for_purchacing_tips_for_my_pair_of/ix63xfz/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/z0gqhb/iem_tips_recommendations_for_someone_who_hates/ix60a53/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/xixh4y/iems_never_work_for_me/ip9gwan/

Here's the reviews of someone with a lot of ear tips: https://www.audioreviews.org/guide-to-iem-silicone-eartips/

Here's the ultimate ear tip thread: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/best-iem-tips.626895/page-146

This is how you should use Etymotics or really any IEM or TWS earbud to make sure you have that good/perfect fit for that vacuum seal (necessary for the bass to be properly produced): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KwXEqe6Gq4

For headphones, try aftermarket earpads from Dekoni, Brainwavz, etc. Maybe the angled versions will work if you shift them in different positions. It's been so long since I've used my Brainwavz/etc. earpads though so I can't really confirm that.

Otherwise, research more about allergy medicine (antihistamines/etc.) and how they can clear your ears (there's things like Eustachian Tube Dysfunction, etc.). Sometimes it's placebo for hearing loss, tinnitus, etc. but it can help a lot when you have blocked sinuses, so kinda worth it anyway.

But ya, just talk to your medical doctor first. Usually visits/tests/etc. with ENTs and audiologists are covered fully or partially by local/state/national/etc. governments, especially if under or over certain ages, and so that can help you figure out any remedies for the problem.

Though yes for the most part it's just learning to live with the hearing loss as there's no cure for now. Visit /r/tinnitusresearch and so on for hope though as it seems this upcoming decade we'll finally have actual products for general consumers, might be say 2025 or so though.

Since you're talking about Nuarl, you mean TWS earbuds, right? Yes, a lot of good TWS earbuds are kinda restricted to (Amazon) Japan. Right now there's also the new upcoming Nuarl ones, there's promo pics for it, might be releasing this December or early next year.

There's also the Audio Technica ATH-TWX9. And then the older (Panasonic) Technics EAH-AZ60. Don't forget the JVC IEMs too. Et cetera.

You can check out this thread for more expensive ($100/200+) TWS earbuds, but they still discuss cheaper budget sets there too: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/going-fully-wireless-iems-too-soon-or-are-we-there-yet.861024/page-3267.

Always buy in bulk (this is more so for ear tips and other small/light stuff but also applies to IEMs and TWS earbuds) from Amazon Japan. It's like a flat $10 for the DHL Express international shipping, usually arrives within 3-7 days. You have to make a separate account for Amazon Japan.

For products that are restricted to Japan and not easily available on Amazon Japan, there's always the shipping agents where you buy stuff that's only really marketed for Japan and then they store (and inspect/etc.) it at their warehouse and then they're the ones who'll ship it to you.

These days it takes a few months for Japanese TWS earbuds to enter the western or international Amazon markets, so just wait for now.

Check the e-earphone channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScO9Klkk94Y and https://www.youtube.com/@e_earphone/videos. They have the latest news usually on TWS earbuds. They even had the new FiiO (this is a Chinese brand) FW5 before it was confirmed as finally releasing in China/elsewhere.