Only place I can fine them is their website for $1000, sadly. All this talk has a very tempted to just get those, though more than I planned to spend.
I listened to the FiiO FA9 for some last night as it certainly is a higher performer than the JVC, and worlds more comfortable. More space and separation, better timbre for sure.
I’m hoping they come back up on to drop for the $700 price
An Oriolus Crassirostris could be pretty sweet if you can find it for around $750 used
I made a problem for myself… about 6 months ago I gutted my IEM collection to help fund other equipment upgrades. All I kept are Tin P1, Tin T2, and iBasso IT01, with the intention to buy/upgrade in the future. Now it’s the future…
With a Chord Mojo sitting on my desk, begging for something better than a P1 to drive, I need to do some shopping.
So I’m asking for recommendations on IEMs that pair well with the Mojo.
My ideal sound signature is neutral, leaning warm. I like detail, but not overly analytical. I don’t want these IEMs to be overly aggressive, but somewhat chill/relaxing. Listening will mostly be while I work / travel.
I listen to a ton of jazz and blues.
Budget <$1k.
I’ve had Campfire Andromeda on my radar for a long time, partly because they are made in my home town (Portland Oregon), partly because they seem to have outlived early hype. But I have no idea if these will pair well with a Mojo, or if they will match my sound target (rough spending money without trying first).
So, please fire away - what IEMs should I consider?
Just going to requote this for this answer as well lol
I do think you could also potentially like the modern tuning andros so I’d say they are worth consideration.
The mmr gae bolg seem pretty sweet for this too but I haven’t heard it myself so I can’t comment there
All should pair well with a mojo although with the campfire you might need an iematch
Why? Because of the sensitivity picking up noise?
Thanks for the recommendations, the Crassirostris and the GaeBolg both look very interesting. I’ll have to do a little more reading on these. My purchase timeframe is mid October (bonus money coming in!), so I’ve got a little time to decide.
Yes there can sometimes be a hiss
Would you be able to sell your remaining IEMs to stretch the budget a tiny bit to get a 64a tia Trio? I only suggest because I think you’ll greatly benefit from the active pressure relief to wear all day. They also tune a lot of their sets with Chord.
Wait… actually, considering that you listen to a ton of jazz and blues, maybe not?
Perhaps FiR VxV instead, but would need someone to chime in for that one.
For sure! I have very little affinity for what remains, just the dregs of my early IEM enthusiasm of a year ago.
64a Tia Trio - why not for jazz / blues?
FiR VxV is a new one on me, I’ll have to look into it.
Thanks!
The trio is pretty V-shaped so maybe not so much to your preference. Maybe a u12t would fit the bill a bit more. Fir 5x5 would also be a good option too.
As far as jazz and blues go I’m not sure trio would be great for those genres. I listen to a bit of modern jazz genres but not enough to say whether it will work well with any of these.
Only reason I hesitated on the VxV as imo it’s very mildly v shaped and not something I’d consider warm either
I would def avoid tia Trio if you are not a fan of V-shaped.
Perhaps Andro is the way to go.
Maybe Solaris too, but again, need someone to chime in.
After a little quick reading this looks very interesting. Something I’ve not seen before.
I appreciate the recommendations! This is great. So if I line up the Andromeda, GaeBolg, Crassirostris, and VxV, other than looks, and reading reviews, without listening how do you pick? This is a pretty big step up for me in price, making me a little nervous. I doubt they have the Amazon return policy 
Based on a beauty contest the GaeBolg is my current winner!
In my mind I want to be conservative here, get a solid performer, and then try different/more unique with a future purchase.
Given that lineup I’d honestly go Oriolus because I think it’s a bit above the other options when it comes to technical ability, and also because I enjoy it’s voicing/signature the most.
But again all preference, if you like a cleaner more neutral slightly v’d sig, the vxv best scratches that itch. The andro has a unique wide and spacious but more hazy presentation, but it’s not for everyone and to me kinda looses some of it’s appeal in extended listening (although others would disagree lol). I can’t speak to the gae bolg but if it carries over what I enjoy about the thummim then it’s likely a great iem with a unique spherical warmer forward presentation as well but might not be the most technical for the money but can’t say without hearing it as this is only guesstimating
Thanks! I’ll do some reading and come back with questions. But this gets me off to a good start.
I’ve heard the 5x5, andro, and gae bolg. To me they are all great iems and would be a great foray into entry high end imo. I personally prefer the FIR the most though and would be the one I’d go with out of the 3.
Heres some impressions I did comparing the mmr to the FIR and andro earlier this year.
Okay so i will mostly be comparing the Gae Bolg to the Andromeda and 5x5 (keep in mind that i don’t have either of these in house so this will be from memory) in these impressions as these are the sets that I think are in direct competition with the mmr, not just in the price bracket but also in use case, specifically the EDC (every day carry) role. I would also throw Sarda as direct competition at least from a purely price and SQ comparison but I feel it is lacking in the build quality area that you really need for a EDC. Speaking of build quality, it is excellent and by far the first thing you notice upon opening the package. These things are solid feeling and just like the andro and 5x5 built like a tank. I would be confident in taking these out daily even with the risk of dropping them by accident.
They have a balanced tuning with a tilt towards a fun and musical signature coupled with the great fit (for my ears) it presents itself as a very non fatiguing listen. The bass is full and punchy, of good quality with good control, it lacks some rumble and texture that the 5x5 has but that’s to be expected compared to the DD in that set. The midrange is tilted warm with a rich tonality, in comparison the 5x5 has more intimacy and warmth overall but not quite as forward and neutral as the andro. Highs are smooth and non offensive but with just enough air and sparkle to be enjoyable, in comparison andro has more sparkle and extends a lot further so does the 5x5 in that regard. Soundstage is pretty wide, i’d say wider than the other two from memory. Plenty of air and separation in the stage with decent imaging, probably on par with andro but i think the 5x5 is more pinpoint in its instrument placement. The 5x5 has better dynamics and timbre as well edges the mmr out in detail, but the kind of sound the gae bolg is going for isn’t the most technical but rather the more enjoyable fatigue free signature.
Overall I really like the gae bolg, I’d probably pick it up over a andromeda in just about every instance as an all BA EDC. The choice between the 5x5 is a lot tougher, as not only do I think the 5x5 is the better sounding set imo but it also comes with ATOM pressure relief and direct bore tech as well as a better stock cable and is cheaper.
@Towa how would you compare the sarda vs the fir in terms of technical ability from your experience
Also yes the fir by far is the most comfy and most durable feeling out of the bunch
wow, thanks, this is very helpful! a lot to digest…
Looking at the Oriolus website, I don’t see the Crassirostris listed. I see it from other retailers though. Do they not make them any more? Or only sell them through distributors?
Different strokes for different folks, but if I wanted an EDC, I wouldn’t want it to be as loud. I like the muted look of FiR and Oriolus. GB is a bit too flashy for me to carry around.