I am still testing the Yanyin Canon which has a chance to surpass the vulkan as well. I am sure I will be asked what I think the differences are between the hook x HBB and the original. If you own the original, I would stick with it. I find the sub bass may be slightly elevated in the hook x hbb, and I enjoy the color more, but other than that they are very similar to me. There seem to be driver improvements in the Hook x HBB.
Are you able to hear yourself speak when wearing the raptgos since they’re partially open back? I’m interested in IEMs but being so sound isolated has always been an issue for me with earbuds
@Gmiller47 not much more than other IEM'S. I have them also and a few other IEM'S and the sound isolation is pretty similar and nothing like open back headphones, for example
What could make the Canons superior to the Vulkans? The ability to adjust low, mids and high with the switch? give us a preview! 😜 I'm waiting for the Vulkan delivery, can't wait! Merry Christmas!
What sort of “driver improvements” are there in the Hook x HBB? I did not find any specifications of that on their website. Damn, I just bought 2 sets of the OG Raptgo Hook-X, if there's a better driver, I may need to return and swap them for the HBB version. Update: I manged to return 1 set of the OG Hook-X and bought the new HBB Hook-X, now I have one of each, I'm all set.
Indeed lmao. A lot has happened this year and has been gaining popularity very fast. I think hardware cannucks had a bit to do with that. They sold a lot of fh3 early this year lol.
I'm using Tripowin Cencibel at the moment and I'm loving the balance of it, perfect for both music, FPS and campaign games. I recommend everyone to take a look.
Came here to check you out from badseed, honestly not disappointed man. Really organized in terms of description and you seem like a truthful man in term of reviews... Gained my sub and hope you continue your journey and kill it more!!
Wanted to say HUGE THANK YOU for Dunu Kima recommendation. Bought those recently, my first IEMs, never been so happy with sound in-game and for music, despite I use them with iPhone with lightning adapter :) Thanks!! :)
Merci pour cette review qui m’a permis de m’orienter vers les Xenns top! Que dire de plus … elles sont incroyables ! Venant d’un DT 990 pro c’est comme le jour et la nuit ! Je peux enfin entendre correctement les bruits de pas dans mes jeux compétitifs et avoir un vrai avantage ;) ( CS2 , PUBG , Valorant ) plus de retour possible en arrière ! Les IEM devrais être fortement recommandés tellement c’est avantageux de les utiliser. Merci encore🎉 ( French boy )
I would love to thank you for this series since its been a great help for choosing which IEM I should buy first since I want to test the waters I will soon buy the Truthear x Crin Zero seems like a good choice since you have recomended it many times and you also play games that I played like Apex.
@FreshReviewsYT, would you recommend Raptgo Hook X HBB over the original Hook X solely for gaming? I bought the original one, but you seem to be using the HBB one for your videos. Does it provide any advantages over the original one?
Would you still say the xenns top are your favorite or has something surpassed it? Been eyeing the Dunu SA6 MkII but I’m not sure if it’s good for gaming.
Tried the Truthear x Crinacle Zero and they were way to heavy on bass for me and couldn't hear footsteps with them despite what other people were saying. Picked up the Dunu Kima after watching your videos on them and they are the best IEMs I have tried yet. Immersive for single player games, extremely good imaging for Comp FPS games. Music sounds good, really good. 5/5 for the Kimas. Overall the sounds are just crystal and it's hard to beat them imo.
Hey just wanna come back and say thank you! Xenns Top is amazing in-game, and actually better than my DT900 PROX for FPS. I paired it with tws final e and I feel like I'm hacking. One thing I noticed is that if I use the 4.4 with balanced input the audio cues are just gonna sit in the middle of my brain and I cannot pin point them. It's all good with the 6.5mm input. Does this happen with you on balanced input?
I bought the Xenns Top for music but started using them for gaming as well. The difference from my HD650 to the Top's were insane. Sadly my Senn's are going and I dont want to spend crazy money for headphones so went with Hyper X. BUT if you have the money and can spend for IEM's which do get CRAZY. I would highly reccomend the Xenns Top allll the way !! They are beautiful as well as each are hand done so no one Xenns Top looks the same. I love it when IEM's are like that. I just go ehhhhh do I want to take the Xenns outside 🤣🤣. Sometimes I want a $100 or less pair to walk out.
What would you recommend more fore FPS comp gaming? Kima or the new Truthear Hexa? Was also considering the Zeros but some said that those are too heavy on the bass side.
I've been gaming with the Truthear x Crin Zero on Cod MWII (2022) and they are amazing for footsteps/positioning. Stupid question, but are the other options just as good for MWII? I don't play Valorant/Apex/CS so not sure if the sound signatures are different.
Hi Fresh I already have the OG Raptgo when it came out based on your recommendation. I made some extra money so I'm looking to reward myself. Do you think I should get the Xenns Top? Do I need to have a dac for it to sound well? I just plug my Raptgo to my mic audio interface. Thanks in advance!
I currently have the vulkans after watching your review of them sometime ago. But I always wanted to try the raptgo hook x, I noticed recently they have discontinued the HBB. Do you think the original raptgo hook x are still good for gaming?
Whoa! My Hook X I bought based on your recommendation have been replaced for audio use by Monarch MK2s the same day you replace them with the HBB version (within the hour of this video's release)! The Hook X are entirely for gaming and travel audio me now.
Thank you for the review. I have some questions! Do you use these iems with an amplifier? I have sound blaster x g6,I'm planning to get duno vulkan and use’m together to boost the sound!! I'm i wrong? is it worth it? will that combination gonna make a difference? If you read this comment please reply
@FreshReviews hello dude. First of all, amazing content! I have to ask, in your opnion, IEM are better than headphones for gaming? Im asking bc i see most people using iems and idk if is a hype or iems quality exceeded headphones. Im from brazil and didnt tested so many iems/headphones (they are expensive and didnt have a local vendor), always played with headphones. What you think? Obs: buyed a 560s because of your videos and i really liking
@@FreshReviewsYT make sense. I was thinking, the audio quality can be close or better because it's less expensive to produce a good iem comparing a headphone. But always see a heavy price on good iems comparing to good headphone prices. Im curious, so if you have to choose between iem vs headphone (any price) what you get?
hey fresh, i just got the xenns top and its my first iem. is there a way to reduce the punchy-ness sound of the guns in apex. its a bit too loud for me
Would you lose too much resolution/clarity with the Xenns Top running it from a GoXLR? Never tried a higher end IEM and ordered the Top last week so it would be good to get some insight.
I personally thing you would to be honest. For instance, even running them off the topping dx3 pro + and smsl c200, sure they sound great - but going to something like the SMSL DO400 or schiit bifrost and they sound even better
competitive features still remain of course - but the resolution improves for sure - some amp dacs can also open up the space and create a greater sense of depth or air
@@FreshReviewsYT DAMN, you’re right. Time to save up again 😂 In the meantime though, you say the competitive aspect should hold up in game and won’t be toned down too much?
Do pros use iems more or over the ear headphones? Also someone like aceu who uses AirPods is that like a freak of nature thing or just using a headphone so much it’s normal to them?
Please try Moondrop Variations with the 2 pin cables inverted 🙏 The iem is inverted polarity and changing it back to normal adds the soundstage that was missing
can I ask you something else , did you try xenns up too ? would it be good for gaming like the xenns top ? since up is so good for music too @@FreshReviewsYT
I have a question, and I'd reallyyyy appreciate it if you could help me on this. So I play competitive cod, and i currently use a pair of KOSS KS75. Yes, i know these aren't iems, but my question is, have you tried the ksc75s? And if you have, i just want your objective truthful opinion on which is better. The Xenns Top or the KSC75s? I am ONLY talking about an IMAGING and SOUNDSTAGE perspective. Will NOT be using them for music AT. ALL. Im actually one click away from purchasing the Xenn Tops, but i want to make sure that they are much more competitive than the KSC75s before purchasing them. Id appreciate your help!
@@InvictusLegend hahaha. Keep in mind you don’t have to go TOO expensive. For instance I think the orchestra lite is on sale for like $170 on amazon right now. That might be a safer bet for you to see what a solid gaming IEM sounds like. The top is better, but at least you have that return blanket. To get a feel for if you like IEMs before jumping to my mid range number one.
@@FreshReviewsYTI appreciate it!!! However, I'm taking your word that the Xenns Top iem will be GODLIKE solely looking at it from a COMPETITIVE standpoint, which is all I am looking for. I want the absolute best of the best. I am scared however, about how well they'll perform against the KSC75s. The KSC75s are hailed to be absolutely broken and OP af/wall hack worthy when it comes to gaming. It's what I've been using for 2 years. But im curious if the Xenns beat it, which I'd like to think they do. Would you say the soundstage and imaging for battle royale games on the Xenns, is the best there is for iems? You should definitely try the KSC75s btw as a future video. Only 20 dollars, and I swear that competitively speaking, they're soooo good.
Oh and, one last question. Do I REALLY need a dac/amp for the Xenns Top? I mean, I have a cheap one, the audiotechnica rth which works well but like, let's say I don't use any amps, will they be fine? Or do iems require amps? Specifically the Xenns top
Just bought the XENNS Mangird Top but wanted to use on ps5… could I use a moon drop cable with mic or will I lose some quality swapping cords? Was going to use ifi zen dac v2 (if compatible, already own) or buy a Sound BlasterX G6
Just got the Raptgo! Any reason to replace the cable it came with? Also is it normal for there to be a few mm offset where it plugs in? Thanks for all the info it helped with my purchase
Replacing the cable can have a few benefits. Primarily comfort related. Visual aesthetic. But some people do believe high quality cables can slightly better the sound
Is the competitive advantage difference between the kiwi orchestra lite and raptgo hook X that big? It seems like raptgo may have a more fun sound signature for gaming and rap music but kiwi may be more precise for gaming but I wonder if its worth sacrificing fun for competitive advantage.
Hey! I have a few picks which I think you should take a look at. They're all on Gizaudio's "Best IEMs of 2022 for every budget" list, so if they turn out to be good for gaming as well, we'll have more all-arounders to pick from, which is what I think all of us want. (Switching between IEMs for gaming and music listening is both tiresome and inefficient money-wise) So here they are: 20usd - Tangzu Wan'er 80usd - Truthear Hexa 200usd - Tangzu x HBB Wu Hayday (this is a planar, which are usually good at technicalities... so it might have great imaging) 320usd - Moondrop Blessing 2 Dusk
@@FreshReviewsYT Thanks for the answer! I assume then, that the ones you tried weren't good enough to make it into your recommendations. Which ones exactly if I might ask?
So I bought the Kinda Lava IEMs a few months ago and I am still in love with them. However, i want to explore more options and was considering one of the top 3 picks in the video. What do you think would be the best choice for my interests?
Kinda lava have INSANELY good soundstage and imaging. That being said, they're not tuned as well as the XENNS TOPS. Really depends on what you plan to do with them. I'd say that you don't NEED to upgrade from the Lava, but you do whatever you want.
hi, where i am i can get hook-x for 239 or hbb one for 254, which one should i get, also i don like bass heavy headphones, been usung audiotechinca ad700x for ages and love em just started to get headaches wearing them... or should i just get xenns top if they are so much better? if money was not a problem which would you get ? greetings!! love the channel!!
Hello! I have a pair of PC38X and been having a hard time pinpointing enemies in valorant. I was wondering would the Dunu Kima or Zero be better than the PC38X. Only planning to test IEM from the budget range as ive never used them before and would love to give them a try.
I am planning to test out the SHP9500 to check on how open back headsets work. For competitive shooter. How does it compare to Truthear Zero in terms of Imaging and soundstage. Should I go straight for Zeros? I've always used IEMs for gaming. Been using Tin T2's
Thanks for the recommendation. Just received the XENNS Mangird TOP today, and it does perform as Fresh points out. As the competitve pubg player, and had used BOSE QC20, Sennhesier IE300, HyperX Cloud III, I can said XENNS TOP outperforms the headphone & headset I had used. Personally, I'm using SoundBlasterX G6 as my DAC.
hi just want to ask any budget dac/amp combo to be used alongside my gaming PC. I would like to ask if is it required if I just run max 32ohms iems. Lastly, any thoughts with the QKZ HBB X Khan?
Right now, im just plugging my iems direct to the backside of the motherboard 3.5mm port with an extender so I don't have to reach at the back all the time.
what do you think about the etymotic ER2SE or etymotic IEM in general ? i have ER2SE and i dont know if i could get a good upgrade for gaming or i need to spend a lot of money for something really better
Hey, just got the Xenns Top thanks to you. Really magnificent and worth every penny. However I do have a bit problem for the directional and sound positioning during in game for R6 siege, the sound seems odd. Meaning I hear on the left side but actually its on the right side. You have any idea how to fix this? Thanks. Using qudelix-5k for dac/amp.
Hey Fresh, I'm not sure if anything has changed with your rankings, but I have been looking at Linsoul's sale and was thinking of making an IEM purchase. I'm probably willing to spend upwards of $500-600, if you have recommendations. I'm playing less FPS games these days, so I'd probably prioritize music listening although I appreciate good soundstage. I was looking at the Xenns Top, Xenns Up that's on sale and Oracle MkII, but maybe you have another recommendation.
Have you tested any IEMs on Warzone 2? It seems the footsteps are anywhere between the 110-140hz range so I'm trying to test out some IEMs that would do well with directional audio.
Ahhh I can’t decide. What do you think the best choice would be for warzone and escape from tarkov / extract shooters would be?? Raptgo sounds like best solution but could be wrong? $300 is the highest id want to go and a little nervous to spend that on an iem I may not vibe with…. Kzs10s just ain’t cutting it anymore though!! Lol
@@FreshReviewsYT thanks! I just saw your review regarding the orchestra lite. In terms of music listening which would be better the top or the lite? Thanks
Hey, everyone! I wanna ask for some opinions... I'd like to get Raptgo Hook-X as a birthday present for myself and since I'm a quite competitive gamer, would you guys recommend the OG version or the HBB version if I mainly play Valo and CSGO? Thanks so much!
Just to note that the price for both versions are not that far off in my region so I just want to know which are the best-suited option between the two for tact FPS.
hey bro what amp should i get for my iem to my pc what do you use also i am really sorry for being annoying i am just going to spend abit and get the XENNS Top
@@FreshReviewsYT hey bro will i need a amp or will my pc be good enough also does it matter what cable you have for the xenns tops or do i just plug it in to my pc ? my mother board msi b550a pro full atx motherboard
But won't it blow up my iem also fiio m3 is that a good one ? My favourite pubg player tgltn u uses fiio k3 is that a good one or also wont they blow it up like please explain also does it matter what cable you have for your iem or
Would you try to buy a Sound Blaster AE-9 to test for gaming? I bought ifi zen dac v2 before, but I sold it, because at apex it will make the vertical imaging of my headphones precisely the same, and I am used to playing games and starting Loudness Equalization, which is why I have always used gsx 1200, but The gsx 1200 has noise floor issues
I recentlly got Xenns Mangird Top and been using them on PC with my big boy amp, and on my phone with a portable dac/amp and these hit so hard for gaming. I've been playing a lot of cod mobile and these are really accurate for positional audio in that game. They are a bit treble focused, but still a fun sound. My tube amp brings them to life though for music with some of the colorations inherent of tubing.
Broooo, you're EXACTLY THE GUY IM LOOKING FORRRR. I play competitive cod mobile, and I play both SND in ranked, and lots of BR. Would you really recommend the Xenns Top? Are they actually like super overpowered in the way that they allow you to detect footsteps and where gunshots are coming from? Especially footsteps like in search & destroy, as well as battle royale. Would you recommend them?
@@InvictusLegend I would recommend them, they are very good for footsteps and other positional cues. A bit pricey though if you just intend on using them for gaming and you have to make sure you get a good seal which might result in 3rd party ear tips depending on how awkward your ear canals are (mines are not the best for iems, especially my right ear but sticky tips make it work for long hours)
@@cursedrn1664 I ended up getting the Truthear x Crinacle Zero. There blue. Really good IEMs. Base is perfect and I heard every sound cue. Def would recommend.
If hook x hbb, xenns top, and dt 990 pro x were a choice for a big tournament which are you picking up? Need advice from someone that has all 3 since I hear all different things.
Hey Fresh! What a great video! You've helped me out heaps with my choice! I wanted to ask a few questions though: I'm looking to buy the Xenns Tops but wanted to know: 1) how are you powering them? With a DAC or something else? 2) what earbuds are you currently using with these? 3) is there anything else I will need to do with them to optimise audio for Apex Legends specifically? Thanks heaps bro! You've just gained another subscriber!! Happy New Year!
Thanks so much! I use the azla sednaearfit max ear tips and I do use an amp and a dac. Nothing fancy needed but my setup is somewhat expensive. I use a topping a90d and d90se. I’m trying the smsl cl200 and topping dx7 pro+ soon as all in one options. The dx3 pro+ is also great for IEM gaming
@@FreshReviewsYT wow! Yes indeed a very expensive set up! I currently have the sound blasterx G6 using the DT 990 Pro but I just feel as though the audio is so cluttered especially in Apex Legends. Now I'm not the biggest audio tech guy but will changing to the Xenns Tops clear that up? Or will I experience the same thing? Please help, thank you in advance bro 🎉♥️
Hey FreshReviews really love the channel! I’m looking into buying the Xennas mangrid top and the dt990 pro x or 1990. What’s a good amp/dac that you could recommend for those?
Hey man! Love your video ! hope you can help me to choose an IEM between your top 3. As for me my main game is EFT (Escape From Tarkov) the sound and ambiance is really important and i'm trying to find an IEM for me and was thinking of going for the xenns top or another similar one. What are you thought on that type of game ? thanks in advance ! Cheers!
@@ladbom i'm still wondering if i go for the Top or going for the hook... I don't have a lot of reviews where ppl are using IEM for tarkov (instead of sponsor ppl 64audio...) well probably waiting at the end of the month to buy mine.
im so confused, you preached kiwi Orchestra lite but its not in the list, did it lose its score? also what do you think about iem microphones like Kinera Gramr Modular, u havent said anything about the mics
On the kima, which tips do you recommend for best competitive gaming experience? Some reviews say the tips change the sound and the candy ones are the more bassy ones, the cylinder ones are for vocals, and the grey ones are the more neutral balanced ones.
Would you say these top tier IEMs are even better than the best of the open back headphones? Or same same or are the headphones still the better option?
I don’t think headphones are better anymore. It does depend on a lot of factors though. Whether you’re looking for a broader more expansive feel for instance and comfort. Competitive features I think are equal across both.
I'm wondering how much worse the Moondrop Variations are in terms of imaging in FPS games compared to Xenns Top? I need to import Xenns into EU so it's going to be 670USD compared to 520 for Variations, is it worth it to pay 150 extra?
Are the shure se215 good for gaming? I want to get some but I need them for gaming and I read that they are really comfortable which I need ?? If anyone has used them I could really use the help.
Hi fesh, can you do a review for the 7hz timeless AE edition? Seems they seem way more superiour than the raptgo. They are tuned by Angel Ears. Would love to know some feedback because i want to buy this one or the xenns top.
Currently have a dt1990 which I’ve had forever and love them. That being said, they can get stuffy where I live especially during the summer. How do your top 3 compare to the Beyers?
@@FreshReviewsYT Awesome, I am using a Beyerdinamic DT 990 Pro for gaming. Really looking for something similar in the IEM category. (Maybe a bit better). Using Dunu Kima right now, but missing the bass what DT 990 Pro has, and DT 990 Pro is a wallhack king. Wanted to change to IEM's, because my head hurts from headphones after a bit of time. (Even from a most comfortable ones)
