You are the only reviewer who I can say have very similar taste in tuning with me. I have Timeless and Kato. I kept the Kato and sold the Timeless. To my ears, Timeless are 2 levels higher than Kato in technicalities. But the tuning and timbre on Kato is really refined (I do agree that it could you just a little more sparkle but still, it is amazing). Mids are more natural and bodied in Kato as well without sounding too warm. Imaging is also surprisingly better on Kato than Timeless.
You should have tried oratory's HT and USOUND eq profiles on the timeless before you sold them, his usound profile is superb and really improves on the stock tuning.
@@TheHonestAudiophile I finally got it 5 days ago and boy! The heaviest things I've ever put inside my ears but as soon as they go inside, they disappear. Pretty comfy, can wear for about 2 to 3 hours until they start feeling weighty. KATO is now the best sounding headphones/iems I own. I love good clean crisp Bass, KATO really delivers on bass, sub bass is also amazing.Blue Laces 2 by Nipsy Hustle and Doin' it right by Daft punk were 2 songs that I used to try sub bass. Vocals sound so clear and feel like the artist is right in front of me singing to me! Instruments do sound the way they do in real life. I Don't find the trables sharp like some say, I really enjoy them and they sound sparkly to me. Soundstage is also very nice but could be better. I'm being nit-picky now. Just before I got my KATO I broke my btr5 so all the listening is done straight out of my phone headphone jack; I don't find myself wanting for more. Very satisfied with what KATO delivers. Thank you for helping me make this purchase decision, I was going through dilemma and your suggestions really helped me. Btw. I got the gun metal finish and glad I did. They look way better than how they usually look on videos. Spring tips! Softest tips I've ever put in my ears, the first time I put them in,I thought they didn't go into my ear cannels. Edit : can't tell a difference between steel and brass nozzles but I use the brass ones just cause I like them.
To clarify, the specs are: 32ohm impedance 123db sensitivity (not the 103db I said in the review) 10hz-45khz frequency response 10mm DD Extra cable was only provided during the pre-order period
depends. Some companies rate sensitivity on input voltage alone. Some rate it on power (current x voltage= watts) in that case, the db number will change if theyre rating on voltage vs power.
You present a great review of the Kato’s, Dave. Your description of the sound is excellent and your comparison with other IEM’s is so good. I have the Starfield’s and from what you say the Kato’s are a significant improvement. The accessories seem to be great too. The Kato’s are now top of my shopping list! Thank you for excellent video and review. 👍🏼😀
You are one of the few people on RU-vid that's here just to inform & share your passion. So many people are just here for the $ which is fine but they often have an agenda & can be influenced by sponsors.
Hallo Dave, Your honest reviews and your enthusiasm about this IEM made me bought the Moondrop Kato & Kotori Dauntless. Please proceed with making these great RU-vid videos and informative reviews. Warm wishes out of the Netherlands!
Once again great review Dave. Here’s a suggestion for a review that should prove to be a popular upload for you. The elephant in the room. A direct comparison of the KATO vs Starfield vs Aria. Not sure if you ever owned the KXXS. I still remember the sound signature of the KXXS which is similar to the KATO.
De Niro pointing at Dave " You,Youu...Youuuuu!! " In short. These were meant to be heard with well recorded, mixed and mastered music. Other than that, it is a hit or a miss with anything else outside a good production...Yeah! These don't lie. Went with the warmer nozzle. I'm sensitive to the upper mids, so the silver nozzle was playing pacman with my ears (biting). Only using EQ (Poweramp EQ/Android) to cut upper mids when the song is harsh to me. Truly amazed hearing all of this coming out of a 1DD. Very happy to have run into you. Happy owner of the Kinera Celest Pandamon. And now the Moondrop KATO too. Buying the P1 MAX with confidence! Thanks again Dave! Be Well Used: motorola ace 5g, FiiO BTR5, Lenovo Laptop, Topping DX-1, 1Mii B03 Bluetooth 5 Transmitter(TV to BTR5/LDAC stream) and a RU-vid/Music streamer - Simple audio setup. Works well for me. Hope this helps, a bit more, for those seeking too.
Well David you are on the home run reviewing all the great IEM of these days...the last one in this price range is the Hana 21...I thought about the Kato...but I have Tanchjim O2 which is incredible DD so for now I skipped the Kato and got today Blessing2 and Timeless ✌️🔆
Me too, Dave! I really wanna know about these two. How does it compare? I was thinking about which one should I buy, but after few days and reviews, i got the Timeless, because it's cheaper and i never listened to a planar.
@@TheHonestAudiophile I finally received my katos. These are my first IEMs the quality is great I can’t believe I didn’t get into the audio scene sooner!
And what would Moondrop Kato's update be? Considering all the technicalities and sound, tonal and detail characteristics. I'm afraid to buy a more expensive earphone and keep liking Kato more! haha
Thanks Dav, I read and heard lot about kato but your review forced me to buy over timeless and blessing2... As you said it's rocking all genres..no need to skip
Excellent, to-the-point review... thanks Dave ! I've been comparing reviews/graphs of the Kato with the Timeless and the Yume Midnight for my next IEM purchase... Your valued input is greatly appreciated... cheers !
Yes thanks for mentioning this. Even i had so painful experiences. and they always fail exactly after 13 months lol. so no warranty. This is why I can't trust fiio iems & most mmcx iems.
@@TheHonestAudiophile love your reviews. One of the best out there. Still confused between kato vs kinera freya[getting it for less than kato] i know its old but have you heard freya too? if yes a brief comparison would be appreciated
Random comment I'm listening to this with salnotes zeros and just caught myself going, wow this dude literally sounds like were in the same room. Thays a testament to the salnotes zero clarity and the quality of the upload itself.
fantastic reviews of all the headphones you've mentioned. you are one of the few reviewers i've found that have had an extremely consistent opinion on IEMs. lots of other youtubers i've watched are a bit lost sometimes saying one IEM has way more of something than the other (bass/treble), when measurements show that they are near identical in that area. you, on the other hand, are extremely reliable in your reviews because they are never wrong when cross-referenced with the measurements. really good stuff
Thinking of the KATO..in the grey finish. Got the Moondrop Aria a d the IKKO OH10’s..I think I’ve gotten a signature that I like. I’ll give them a serious look. Great review 🥃
theyre having QA issues on the matte finish. This is why theyre very hard to find right now. I dont get what's so difficult about sand blasting an empty IEM case before assembly but whatever. Maybe theyre over complicating the process to achieve the result.
Hi! I've really been enjoying your IEM reviews lately! Do you prefer the AFUL Perfomer 5 to the Kato? How would you compare the bass slam of those two IEMs?
@@TheHonestAudiophile Thanks for the response! I've been trying to decide between those two for a 200 dollar-ish IEM. Do you maybe have some other recommendations in that price range?
@@TheHonestAudiophile Well, I just introduced her to the Moondrop Aria..and she likes them..so it seemed like the logical thing to do. I hope you and yours have a safe, and music filled Christmas season 🎄🍻
I got the Aria, I think you shouldn't get it, more hype than anything. I way way prefer my kz zsx over it and costs less. far more details than what you can ever get on Aria/Blon 03 etc.
Thanks!---I waited for your review and went ahead and ordered. Have the Timeless and love the tuning. These are also tuned to my preference. Love them out of the box and can't wait to put them through the paces over the upcoming holiday. Again, thanks for the no b.s. review.
Sorry-- fat finger. I love them both. Timeless definitely has more emphasis in the bass department,both have very well controlled bass.Both are resolving and clean. If I had to make the choice of keeping one over the other, it would be difficult. Build and cable with Kato wins quality points, I am torn over deciding and like them both for what each respectively offer. These are currently both my high use iems. I guess for fun factor, I would go with the 7hz and balanced 4.4 mm connection to a clean source.
What would you all suggest for an iem that presents at least similarly to the openness of the Moondrop Kato, but that is a lighter body and cable (still good quality tho), and maybe grey or black (not a dealbreaker), with just as much, if not a touch more bass. Around $100, but willing to go up to $120 or $140. I have the Kato and I love it...for home listening. When I'm singing I need something lighter with a lighter cable, but I need smooth mids and highs, in order to stay as least fatiguing as possible, and like I said, just as much bass, or more. Ideally black for wedding gigs, but that's less crucial cuz I'm currently using the Kato mirror finish and they look slick, it's just the cable is on the heavier side, so that contributes to the iems slipping out little by little when doing even simple dance moves. Any recommendations? Been looking at the Linsoul Tangzu Vudu Verse 1, Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red, Simgot EA500LM, 7hz Sonus, Kefine Delci and Shanling Sono. Are any of those decent options for what I'm looking for? Sorry for the long question. Lots to be explained. Currently using SpinFit W1's. They seem to be a good balance for me.
Great video. I really enjoy your content. Is the Kato a good upgrade from the Starfield or are they too similar? I would hate to spend $200 on the Kato and wind up with a 2nd Starfield. Thanks.
Your Reviews are Great and Thank You For Being Honest and Simple as Myself and Eventually I Will Buy Them And Have 50 Pairs Of I E M’s !!!! LOL 😂 You are The Best !!! Thank You Again
Dear Dave, first of all thank you for your videos, which I follow and listen to with interest. I'm new to the HiFi world, and I'm looking for a great IEM for a special gift. I've read a lot and listened to many opinions, and I've come to a crossroads. On the one hand the Kato, on the other the Letshuoer S12 Pro. Now I know that they have different technicalities, but I'm looking for something quite neutral, perhaps with a small prevalence of bass (electronic music) but at the same time as rich as possible in definition and soundstage. Can you give me advice based on your experience? Which of the two do you think would be closer to those characteristics? I was initially oriented towards the S12 Pro, but more and more often I come across conflicting opinions on the trebles being too pushed, and the mids that remain a bit hidden as well as the vocals in the S12 Pro. Any suggestions from you would be a great help to me. I think I'll drive them with a FiiO Q3 MQA. A thousand thanks
Thanks Dave for another well presented review. I like that you take the time to compare the item being reviewed with items that you already have and as well how to get the best performance out of it (EI: tips DAC & amp pairing). It helps to gage how it sounds and how to best use the reviewed item. Can I ask you how the Kato sounds as compared to another well regarded & popular IEM, the Moondrop Starfield? Also Dave can I ask you to review the XDuoo XD-05 Balance DAC/amp. I’m thinking of purchasing it to use my home and office desktop kit with the hopes of doing OpAmp swapping for variety…. Thank you
Thanks for the kind words. Glad you enjoyed the review. Starfield is warmer and has more mid bass presence. The Starfield isn't as detailed or resolving. The Starfield has more treble presence and is somewhat fatiguing in comparison. In my opinion, the Kato is an to the upgrade to the Starfield. Thanks for the suggestion of the xDuoo XD05, I'll see if one is available for review.
Thank you Dave for your reply and the Starfield comparison. As for the XD-05 Bal, I struggled with this chose. I share my work time between the office and home desk where critical listening is not a priority. I rather make a saving on my desktop set-up purchase and transport the XD-05 back n’ forth and put this savings towards a better DAC as I slowly upgrade my two channel listening system….. thank you once again!
hi, awesome video now Im thinking about buying the katos (I was between the blessing 3 or the katos but man you got me). But now I have a question, is there any real difference between the katos and any bluethoot earphone, lets say the buds pro 2?
I'm glad you found the review helpful. Look forward to hearing your impressions of the Kato. Differences between a TWS and the Kato are vast in my personal experiences. I've not heard the Buds Pro 2. But the most noticeable differences will be better detail retrieval, resolution, more accurate tone and timbre.
Hi Dave!! I am looking for an iem to listen to classical piano(Chopin, Schumann etc.) and am torn between the kato, tea 2 and ie200. Which amongst the three has the best tone, timbre and technicalities?? Feel free to recommend any other iem that you think is better suited to the task. Thanks!!
I've not heard the IE200. The Kato and Tea 2 both are excellent for the genres of music. I also recommend the Moondrop Blessing 3 and SoftEars Studio 4.
The Kato is a worthy upgrade in technical abilities over the Titan S. Titan S has a more intimate, forward mid but the Kato has better staging, detail and resolution.
Hi Dave! i hope are you doing well! one question would you still recommend the kato in 2024? or do you think exist better DD iem in which kato can be compared and surpassed? have a good night!
hello dave, it's been a while since you recommended me the Moondrop Aria and i love them. it's time to get a new iem, what do you think ? should i get moondrop starfield or kato ? i know you said its a really nice upgrade to the aria but does it worth the 3xPrice ?. Thank u dave.
Subscribed this was the perfect review right when I needed it. Kato’s arriving this weekend! Q5k dac Tuesday can’t wait. Do wonder though, if you were asked to EQ these (even if that’s not your style or preference usually) what would be your forced recommendation for lossless bassy hip hop?
Glad you found the review helpful. I don't eq and have no idea how to answer your question, sorry. Look forward to hearing your impressions of the Kato.
Fortunately it was from Amazon and within 30 days. As a new audio enthusiast I really appreciate your no nonsense and honest reviews. I watch your reviews even if it's not something I would ever get as they are so enjoyable.
I already own the blessing 2 and the aria, I like the blessing 2 but would also enjoy to have a warmer headphone like the aria but with better highs/vocals, do you think the Kato would be a good fit for the purpose or maybe the timeless?
@@TheHonestAudiophile Thanks, I have an amp but based the reviews I've seen I guess I'll grab the Kato since they appear to be less clinical, really appreciate that you still reply to older video, really cool of you :)
Hi Dave. Can you answer a question for me? What accessory (DAC dongle, other?) would I need to drive the Kato when used with a smartphone? Background info: I am NOT an audiophile. I listen to music via Spotify on a smartphone, exclusively, and will continue to do so. I daily an Android at the moment (Pixel3, USB-C, no headphone jack). Current headphones are Sony WH1000XM4. Current ear buds are Sony WF1000XM4. I really like both of these Sony products. I am just considering "upgrading" to something a little more "music focused", if that makes sense. Open to your suggestions given my scenario. Thanks!
@@9rows Maybe I'm too late, but I would say you should *not* get a pricy DAC for how you're planning to use the Kato. One of the main appeals of IEMs in comparison to headphones is that they are easy to drive and usually can plugged straight into a phone/computer. It's possible that a DAC could have a slight audio improvement to not using one, but whether or not this difference is actually significant, or real at all, is a subject of debate in the IEM community. It's much better value to buy a $300 earphone than a $200 earphone + $100 DAC. Since your phone does not have a headphone jack, the Apple usb-C to 3.5 mm dongle is actually an excellent DAC with such low distortion it competes with DACs 5-10x its price. It's only $9, with free shipping straight from Apple.
@@TheHonestAudiophile I'm looking for a one and done IEM for my Galaxy S21 ultra and i'd like to try the KATO based on the good reviews. I'm currently using a $5 type-c DAC to drive my AKG samsung earphone. I don't want to buy a separate Hiby FC4 so I dropped the Timeless in my options. Is a cheap dongle like the one that i'm using enough to drive the KATO?
Which one do you recommend? The timless or the kato? If im only listening to anime songs or like jpop, which one would be a better iem for me? Im gonna be using it only with my phone.
I ordered and returned the Kato. The high mids where too present and very fatiguing after a while. On metal music, the timbales where too present, despite the swap of tips of nosle.
Good evening Dave, hope you’re doing well! Thanks for your honest reviews and content! Any chance you could provide your thoughts on the Kato vs your previously reviewed ER2XR? Worth the $100 price difference sonically?
ER2KR has more forward mids, intimate stage width. Kato has little more detail retrieval and resolution, slightly more bass impact, is more controlled with treble, has wider stage, deeper depth and little better layering. Fit is more normal for the Kato.
Hi Dave, thanks for the detailed review and comparison. I have the Aria and the Kato and Timeless are available at a similar price, well the Timeless are actually $65 more, both used which is fine. I was leaning towards the Timeless because planar sounds intriguing but you seem to prefer the Kato more. Do you still feel the same way now, 1 year later? Cheers from New Zealand. :)
Hi Dave, good review as always. You mentioned not being able to wear them for more than about an hour. I’m assuming that is due to the case rubbing on your ears. I have fairly small ears. Any recommendations for something more comfortable with similar performance up to £300? Thanks.
Could you give me a summary review of the Kato and Hidizs MS3?, I'm thinking of buying one of those and I'd like to have a reference/opinion from an audiophile like you. I'm looking for a somewhat relaxed sound but without being flat because I don't like something without bass or treble but with very good quality and I hope I won't be disappointed when choosing one of those
HI Dave @the Honest Audiophile I'm wanting to get my 1st iem & would like your opinion. I'm currently considering the 7hz Timeless, the Moondrop Kato, or just starting cheap with the Aria. I currently have the Drop Sennheiser HD 6xx & Ifi Zen Dac v2 Any input or advice would be appreciated.
I'd shy away from Aria as both Kato and Timeless are vast improvements over it. Kato has a little more fun side and Timeless has a little more technical side when comparing the two. Both are amazing in my opinion and you can't go wrong with either.
Hi Dave, Really nice review and explanation in details. Really appreciate it. I have confused in between 7 HZ TIMELESS and MOONDROP KATO. Can you please helping me out which one I should opt for? One guidance will be much appreciated.
See the 12:40 mark for comparison between Timeless and Kato. If you have a powerful source the Timeless is a good choice, if not, the Kato is excellent.
I didn’t even watch this video, but just read the title, I recently bought both of them and returned the KATO … I couldn’t even focus on the sounds because they are just. SO UNCOMFORTABLE. The timeless sound amazing as far as I’m concerned, and they are comfortable as heck.
Also bought both timeless AE and Kato. They didn't arrived yet but I have a question, does it makes sense to keep both? Did you tried timeless AE or OG?
Hello, I want to buy my first Iem headphones and the choice fell on moondrop kato and 7hz timeless. I love female vocals and listen to kpop and jpop. I want the headphones to work well from the phone. And I wanted to know if they would be the best of my soundcore liberty 4 in terms of detail
Thanks for the deep review! I am going to purchase my first IEM and I would use it mostly for entertainemnt, so movies/music. Music ranges from classic/rock/bass/house/chill.. I am considering a budget up to $200, although i don't mind to get 5% better performance for 50 bucks more.. I would use it mostly attached to iPhone with lightning to jack or to the laptop. By far, this is the list I did for the best IEMs up to $200: - DUNU Titan S - Stardust - TRI Starsea - Fiio FD3 (no FH3, some artificial sounds) - Final a4000? (in the list but .. I don't know) - Shuoer S12 Planar - Hana 2021 - Kato - 7Hz Timeless What would you choose in your opinion that could fit your taste and use? And what would you suggest me? Also, please let me know of any other possible valid IEM. Thanks a LOT! :)
As a word of caution I just got these and for my ears the stock tips make them unusable. Not enough grip from any of them to keep them in my ears due to the excess weight of the metal construction. I have small ears and medium tips are normally fine. Fortunately I have the tips from my T3+, which is an improvement, but the fit still isn’t ideal. I’d argue the supposed improvement over the T3+ is negligible due to the inferior fit.
As a follow up I can only use the memory foam stock tips as they’re the only type that provide enough grip to offset the weight of the metal case and thick cable.
Try TRN T-Ear tips (red; originally blacks perform differently): these improve planar-magnetic IEMs by boosting bass, conserving energy, and smoothing out peaks in the high frequencies; With a good material and good manufacturing, which make them provide a good fit and a pleasant sensation. (They remind me a bit of the tips that come with the Kato)
Almost up to 10,000 subs….good job, buddy. These are pretty. Nicer cable than the kxxs. Kxxs, technically solid, quality set, but lacking personality, in my opinion. This is clearly personal preference, but I prefer good technical accuracy, with a bit of subtle artistry to the sound signature. I like some nuance, with a baseline of quality technical sound engineering. I get to try these in a few days, very interested.
Ah Mateus - I’ve read your comments before, I can’t remember where, exactly, but I found them engaging, then you throw in a twist, to add a bit of mystery…just a simple “kato looks lit”. Still waters run very deep..
Thanks for the video. I have a question for you. I am new to IEM world. I have tried a close back headset at a friend. (Beyer DT177X GO) that are 32 ohm. I liked a lot the sound profile but they were out of my budget. I have a HIP DAC from IFI (gen 1) that was able to run the Beyers so I guess the DAC would not have any problem running those IEM. My current daily driver are the Soundcire Liberty Pro 2, they sound OK but I cant stand the bluethoot "Hiss" anymore. Would those be a good candidate for a new guy like me ? Thanks a lot for your time and your review !
I’m obviously late to the party for this, but I’m brand new to the world of IEMs. Do you think think that the Kato would work well with classical music and jazz, which are primarily what I listen to? How about compared to the Timeless in those genres? Thanks for the very informative and friendly reviews!!
@@TheHonestAudiophile Man ...u just stopped me to buy B2 .. already am in confused state Kato vs B2 cuz I heard a lot of B2 fit issues also it costs 100 more ..waiting for my Kato..so you mean Kato is more natural right ?!
Could you please compare the bass between the Kato and the Timeless from a "technical" or "qualitative" standpoint? I think the latter is more up my valley overall but I'm concerned with reports on its somewhat smoothed-over bass with soft attack - that's a big no-no for me personally. Somewhat controversial reports on its sounstage don't help either.
Timeless review: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-12_ZnHHJBYc.html Timeless is more technical of the two but still has that touch of fun. I don't find the Timeless to be smoothed, soft bass. Bass on the Kato does have a little more texture to it and is more impactful and leaning toward the fun side but isn't lacking in details or resolution.
Hello Dave just got my first pair of iem the kz crinnacle zex pro I'm pretty blown away by things I'm hearing and that's just paired to my note 20 ultra and a 5 dollar Walmart dongle and pair of spinfit cp100+ . This all being said I think after about 20 hours of listening that I wanna dive into the iem world after spending the last 4 with strictly tws earbuds and over ear headphones. I listen to mostly rock from 50s 60s 70s prefer live sets over studio albums but kinda not sure where to start!!! I'd say 200 to 250 max for pair of iem and 150 to 200 for a portable dac but after watching other reviews and yours here now I think the Kato is what I should go for and curious if you could recommend a dac for gettin started but that can last for yrs ahead as I take care of my stuff !!!!! Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!!!
Moondrop Kato is a great starting point. A solid DAC/amp dongle like the Periodic Audio Rhodium is a solid option to pair the Kato. I look forward to hearing your impressions.
I have the Tin T2 plus, Blon BL03 & the KZ ZS10 Pro, falling for the hype train, I've ordered the 7hz Timeless and the KATO....will be arriving in a couple of days, How much of a sound quality jump can I realistically expect from these two compared to the dirt cheap ChiFi's that I already own? I use apple music Lossless on my Sony A105 and a Shanling M3X...
Big difference, really. I didn't listen to any of the IEM you mentioned except the 7hz timeless, I can say it really blew my mind, I didn't believe an IEM could be this good before I tried them. As a comparison point headphones are more of my thing and I have AKG k142hd, Q701, Shure Aonic 50, Audio-technica ATH-500X, Beyer DT990 and ibasso SR2, I can clearly hear a clear difference between the 2 AKGs for instance, or between the ATH-500X and the beyer DT990. The bump you are about to experience is even wider than those I think, at least as big, so, really I think you should really enjoy the Kato and 7hz.
Hah same thing here except for a kz zsn pro x instead of the blon, also choosing between the timeless and kato, would love your input once they arrive. Hope you enjoy them
ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-PGEXmE7001s.html FH3 is boring and isn't as detailed or resolving and has slightly less accurate tone and timbre.
@@TheHonestAudiophile I do like the spring tips. Unfortunately, the reason I ask is, I accidentally ripped one of the large ones I use yesterday. I know moondrop sells replacement spring tips. Maybe I'll just do that. Thanks again for all you do for all of us!
Bummer. Sorry I don't have any recommendations other than the Spring tips. You're welcome for the content. Glad you enjoy it. Thank you for the kind words.
The IEM market seems to be saturated at every price point. You pick one then look around and find dozens of rivals. I am trying to find an IEM, around £200, for a mobile phone, or at least a cable to upgrade my existing Kz's. The thing is the headphones have to terminate in a 6.35mm jack. The Aune head amp/dac I have, annoyingly, outputs through this monster jack. The Flamingo dac is supplied with a 6.35mm adaptor but that's an extra layer in the system and I prefer to keep things as pure as possible. Finally, for the love of all that comes straight from the barrel, please stop projecting anything you're holding towards the camera. It's an annoying trait and frightens the snake [long story]. Unless you're making a fifties style 3D film, accept we can see all the detail we need just fine.
For the cable termination it would have to be custom made. I can't think of any cable options that terminate in 6.35mm. As for IEM, I'd recommend the Moondrop Kato as the all-around under $200.
@@TheHonestAudiophile Thank you, there is probably no point spending more to upgrade the KZ ZS10's than I spent on the IEM's themselves. Interestingly I hadn't thought of custom made, just found one that's not overly expensive. I'll probably give the Kato's a try first, many thanks.
I haven't heard the FH3 since I reviewed it so I am not able to do a direct comparison. Based on what I remember, I would take the Kato over the FH3 as it is more balanced and cohesive in the mids and treble and it also has more natural tone and timbre and a bit more of soul.
Dave, where are all the bass heads I keep hearing about? I can’t find them anywhere….I just keep hearing about bassheads…are these the raycon/beats crowd? I know, “some beats don’t suck”. I hate all the plastic on these mainstream, ugly headphones. Sony, Bose, skulldestroyercurbstomper, etc.
Haven't heard the Meze Rai Solo in a long time. If memory serves me correctly, the Rai Solo are more energetic and forward in the upper mids and treble and have less bass impact. The Kato may have better detail retrieval and resolution and tone and timbre is more accurate.
