Which Audio Gear to use or to NOT use for Metal? IEMs, Headphones & DAC 

Love this video. It's like chilling with a friend on the streets the morning after a wild night of headbanging.

Let me show my deepest respect for your music taste. I got hooked with your channel because of your t-shirts first, and then stayed because of the material you share.

Yes! I second the MP145! I just recently got it after a very long search for IEMs for metal; fast enough for even the busiest of tacks, but also hard hitting enough in the low end to bring out much needed meatiness.

Phenomenal video. Finding gear that cater to metal is genuinly difficult considering how crowded the mix are on a lot of albums.

THANK YOU. Finally a reviewer that listens to Godflesh! Dead Head is one of my all time favorite tracks. Thank you for the valuable overview of the types of IEMs that would fit my preferred genre(s) of harsh, lo-fi, "music" such as grindcore, electro-industrial, noise rock, etc.

Andy, the video is great, now I need more of your recommendations for classical music, jazz, rock. Great idea, more videos like this!

Thank you for breaking things down for us newcomers.

I've been listening to metal almost exclusively for more than half my life at this point and I'm absolutely in love with the Artti T10s paired with a Fosi DS1, I mostly listen to very technical, fast and busy subgenres (deathcore and tech death are probably my favorites) and they just go so well with the planar sound is just a match made in heaven for me, the cymbals sound super detailed and being able to clearly distinguish kick drum patterns at 300+ BPM is so nice, the only thing that I feel it's missing a bit at times is in growling vocals, especially deep bassy gutturals which sound okay but lack a bit of texture in my opinion, but still to me this setup almost feels like endgame especially considering how cheap it is.

This is the type of content that i been looking for on this community in a loooong time! Great content, love this vídeo!

Loved this style of video. Thank you Andy! Just one thing missing.... Where's Geoff? Haha I have a few ideas you may like ... 1. Make spreadsheets for different styles of music and suitable IEMs. Be nice to see all your fave equipment for different styles, too. 2. Make videos where you share your fave music and how you listen to it (including music source, DAC, cable, IEMs, tips used. Share tidal playlist. And then do the same for some of your subscribers music - what you would use to listen to it .. Just came to mind when watching this one which was very enjoyable and different. You Rock, Andy 🤟

I liked a lot this style of video, great recomendations. I'm also a huge fan of metal music

Amazing video Andy,we need more like these videos for other genres ,as after all it's all about music and we would love to know which audio gear goes well with different types of music genres

Great analysis of what to use for particular genre of music Andy thank you 🙏🏼

My current favorites for metal are the Hisenior Mega 5 EST and the Tangzu x HBB Wu Heyday.

Awesome video ❤❤ Need more of this chill type of videos

i m not to much into metal. Will have to look into it after 60 years of life. appreciate the detail and effort you put into your clips to present something original. will listen to your spotify list, Thanks Andy

beautiful background

Intro with Sarcofago 😮 Nice vídeo Andy!!! Thks a lot

Just a great way to show how gear can impact music. Will be waiting for the Jazz and Electronica recomendations...specially the budget ones....hahahaha great video Andy, thanks a lot

Man this is the video and advices i was waiting for, great job !!!

Very nice video, Andy! Please do this for other types of music as well!

Glad to hear as I m metal head with 90% of my music collection specific being thrash, death n deathcore. I use tanchjim 4u ultra (monitoring), EPZ Q1 pro & cklvx D41 most of d time. Use ibasso dc04 pro & newly added onix aplha Xi1.😊

Great video bro! Much needed from you. I’ve seen multiple videos about the same subject from other reviewers but none of those addresses the common production quality issues leading to sibilance that plagues metal sub genres especially early black/thrash metal. I am glad to see that mention here and your advice on reaching out for an analogue sounding gear for this genre is on point. This video sure feels like coming from an OG metalhead and not some random reviewer making another content just for the sake of it. Thanks for mentioning the bands as well which really helps.

Very healthy video i always love your content 😊 mine too hidizs mp145, tanchjim zero, and sennheiser ie200 neutral. Waiting for my onix alpha for arrival😊

🤘🏻 Edit: Completely agree re Dunu Falcon Ultra. Wanted to like them, but couldn't get past its shouty upper mid-range

I have koss kph-40 with a simgot DEW4X DAC. Couldn’t be happier. Love your recommencdations.

very happy to see my beloved tanchjim Zero is in this list .... after last dac video I got very sad to see you found cheaper and better option then FiioKA17 that is ONIX Alpha XI1 ☹🙁

Excellent video! I wish more reviewers would talk about their favorite genre and the gear they recommend for such. As a fellow metalhead, I'm obviously happy to know your channel. Unfortunately, my ears don't have a good shape for IEMs. My ears cannals are narrow, short and curved. Good seal is difficult to get and they tend to create a peak around 4kHz. I have a LetShuoer S12 Pro - one of the best mid-fi IEMs - which to my ears have a strong peak around 4,5kHz, despite graphs showing a valley there! So I mostly use earbuds (RY4S, NiceHCK B40) and closed-back headphones (Takstar Pro 82, Kuba Disco). I might have to invest in custom IEMs, which cost an arm and a leg in my country...

nice video as always 👍

GREAT CONTENT. I use ikko OH10S for everything :D And HarmonicDyne Zeus Elite

Oh thank you soooo much, I'm struggling to find a good pair of iem for black death metal 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏, you got a new follower for what it is worth 😅

Hello, thanks for the video! I use it for metal and rock music Sound Rhyme SR5 and HiBy R2 ES9218 sounds really cool!🤘🤘🤘

I like your metal playlist in tidal using my sennheiser ie200 and ibasso dc 04 pro slow filter the sound is very detail and smooth not fatiguing 😊 i really enjoy it 🍻

Well made video and informative format! When I entered this hobby you where one of the first I discovered and now that I've found the IEMs that cover my bases I've unsubscribed from most, but after this video I'm keeping yours :D. In my opinion the Letshouer EJ07 (OG resin shell) is phenomenal for metal, because of its mid-centric fr and quality drivers, it scales very well and at high volume it doesn't distort and has great speed. Tight and punchy bass with the right amount of quantity as to not encroach on the other frequencies, or introduce harshness, the treble is still there and enjoyable but never reaches the harshness you'll find much earlier with harman tuned iems. It would be great if you could replicate this format for other genres that you enjoy as well. Thanks and I look forward to your next video, godspeed sir!

The 'more sibilised music' part was making me laugh. Thanks for the video Andy, xoxo.

Unlike me, I really enjoy metal music in a more aggressive way. Especially Trash and Progressive with my Shuoer S12 Pro and Shanling M1s. And what is certain is that the Onyx Alpha XL1 will arrive next month, you are the guilty one for this purchase. haha just kidding. But I really enjoyed the way you explained your perspective. Thanks and good luck Andy!

I respect your point, but I can't entirely agree with it. Metal music can be different and you covered only one part of it. It's black/dark metal which doesn't use too much low end, and your recommendation is correct for that type of music where fast and quality high frequency with mid is more important. But there are more metals like metalcore, industrial metal, and others that will be more important to have high quality and emphasized low-end frequency and you need a total different type of headphones.

Excelente video, acabo de adquirir los MP 145. Saludos desde México.

I subscribe that harman target doesn't work well with metal music. Metal music needs mid bass punch, resolution, a superfast transductor for avoid saturation sound and sieved and filtered highs frequencies. Nice recomendations for heavy metal fans!! I like the "unformal" video on the streets!

Great video Andy, once again you give a lot of advices. Can you suggest some eim's for good, agressive, sharp metal guitars?

Hey Andy! Nice video, could you make a review of home audio devices? Thanks and best regards from Colombia

Thank you! The IEM market is pretty complicated right now because the influx of choice! Appreciate your opinions.

Hey Andy i've been watching your content when Donglemadness was a website and not a channel and you have only improved throughout the years. The only improvement that can be done is dongle list should be sorted by scores and not alphabetically. Love your content and still waiting for review of Chord Mojo 2 and ifi audio Gryphon

Using a KZ SKS and Focal Radiance for listening metal. Both are great sounding. But price difference is huge))

Oh man I've not heard sarcofago for years! 😮I actually have that album! Nice start to your video.

Crazy that I have so many of these and do use for metal: Tanchjim Zero, FD11, (and CCA Trio with its mid-bass focus and wonderful seperation spaciousness is great for metal), the beaut that is Sivga Nightingale. Should get one of Delci or MP145 (actually waiting to see how the new planar S08 turns out to be). Waiting for Onyx Alpha X1 dac-dongle to arrive to join FC6 and Ibasso Dc03 Pro

As for headphones, I really like the HD600 as an allrounder including metal as well. I also like the newer silent revision of the hd560s.

The only thing harder than affording the Shure KSE1500 is finding metal albums with audiophile production.

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!! What you said makes lots of sense. 👍🏻🤟🏻 I listened to Marduk on my S12 and I immediately saw the potential in planars, though on some early Black Metal and stuff like Rage Nucléaire I found the treble a bit too much. Not sure if I should play with nozzle filters or wait for S08 reviews. Sivga Nightingale certainly caught my interest, and Tanchjim Zero should be a no brainer purchase. From comments below I see also lots of people enjoying Koss headphones and IE200’s. Based on charts I was cautious to pull plug on IE200 purchase though. And I will definitely check out HD600 and DT880 as you suggested. (Elsewhere, someone suggested Campfire Trifecta IEMs and Focal headphones in general for Metal … but now we are getting into serious $$$$ territory)

Hi Andy, I'm the guy that chatted with you on facebook yesterday by the way. For me, Moondrop Lan is my favorite allrounder in the 30 dollar level. Tanchjim zero is less smooth but is also a little more alive. I like them both. But as for metal for me it is a toss up. Plus I got my Tanchjim zero for 10 dollars.

Sarcófago and Sepultura mentioned! 🇧🇷🇧🇷

almost exlusively listening to prog/djent and very satisfied with my sr007 mk2

Love penon fan 2 with metal!!! (And other genres too) just use wide bore eartips to highlight treble a bit more and it's perfect! My favourite! Plus, penon always issues 40-50% discount on newcomers so great deal!

As usual great video...on your recommendation i owed a 5000 ...they r really awesome..thank you andy for your recommendation n your great videos

HAIL METAL ANDY 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘 I listen to a lot of metal and abrasive/abstract electronic music and find the same IEM usually do will with both. I've been using TSMR X with switches in the DUU position with a mixed metal cable with gold and graphene for most of my listening lately. I switch between sources, mostly Dethonray SG1, Cayin RU6, and Penon Tail. I just ordered Onix dongle and am really looking forward to seeing how that pairs with my various IEM!

Nice outdoor video people will love once awhile taking us out for a bit. Where is this btw?

Yes, I love the MP145! But too bad it gives a low 'humm' when I plug it to my Macbook Pro (either on the USB-C or it's 3.5 jack) and with the charger on. Probably got something to do with that magnetic planar, I don't know.

Great video my friend! I love metal music and still listen to it after more than 20 years. I agree with you on Etymotic, the er2 works great, but the er3 offers a "sterile" presentation, not suited to our favorite genre. Now I have to try the mp145s, I was tempted to buy them but wasn't sure about the fit. . Aren't they too heavy? ?

I like Porta Pros for metal. There's a photo of Mayhem wearing Porta Pros.

We know you love the look and feel of the Sivga Nightingale ... What other IEMs have you used that are similar in build quality and sexyness (to your eyes 👀) - real quality and craftsmanship

For me Tripowin Piccolo good for metal has a good driver solid metal shell just add better cable and is on sale 9.99 right now lol

I'm not a metalhead, but I do listen metal with the FH7S on my frequent walks. Midbass to the moon. I don't care. 😂

Great vid. Would you say Free Jazz would be same recommendation as Metal? I find similarities in musical styles.

Omg i'm a metal fan too! But now i'm even more in doubt about my gear, haha. I was ready to buy the Colorfly M1P to pair with my Sennheiser HD660S2 and HD560S. But now i see this Onix Alpha too. Would you say it is worth double the price of the Colorfly or are they similar for the Metal Genre? Also, i currently own a Moondrop Dawn Pro, really dont know if those two would be a big upgrade for metal listening, but i think it would! Thanks my friend and keep rocking \m/

Great video, thanks Andy! I think I’m going to buy Sivga Nightingale according to your recommendation. I’d like to know what kind of DAC you recommend for metal? I’m trying to figure out it between W4 and RU7. Many thanks, man! Great content!!

Would you create the same video but about best gear for Games ? (the iems/headphones with best 'imaging')

Whoa the squig for those Nightingales is wild. Based on that, I wouldn't think it would do well for metal, it's literally the inverse of most V shapes?

Yo I usually use an MDR-1AM2 and Motu M2 for metal. Pretty ok, definitely a lot of midbass.

Thank you Andy for this video. I've just received my first planar iems Hidizs MP145 and they are really good (run from laptop & Lotoo Paw S2). Which nozzle do you prefer the most?

Another metal head here from same time, I have the Dt770 pro 80 hms i like it but im searching another Overhead close back, in mind sivga oriole or robin and the Dt770 Pro x. I use the SMSL C200 i don't now if is the best combo ;)Thanks for the video.

I just found this video! It's what I've been looking for, but all of the IEMs mentioned aren't available where I'm at. I did find Moondrop Aria Snow, Moondrop Blessing 3 and Simgot EA500 LM. I don't know which ones are great for listening to Atmospheric Black Metal.

Grado sr60 for me

I like this video boss.

🤘🤘🤘

I already have Tanchjim Zero and Hzsound Heart Mirror. Would you recommend Origin for Metal music? I only use FiiO BTR15 so i don't know if it can handle very well the planar driver. I also really like the Tanchjim Zero so much that's why i'm thinking if Origin is the maximum upgrade i can buy?

I hear a lot about the dita project m, have you tried it? Worth for metal? Thanks again for this video, I'm waiting for the mp 145, and will get the sivga as soon as I'll can

Delci and MP145

On the topic of the burson playmate 2 being too analytical. I would suggest trying it with burson classic op amps in the input stage. I have 2 classic op amps in the input stage and the vivid on the gain stage. It takes back the harsh rawness and metallic bite you would get with old ulver or early dark throne albums yet puts in a bit more sound stage and space. Rest of my gear are denafrips pontus 2, headphones : hd600 and final audio d8000 pro.

Hi Andy, I’ve subscribed to your channel, due to this video subject. I’m a metal head myself 😅 so, I did order from Amazon, Tanchjim zero, however, I read in the comments, that it has sharped edges and is curious how to smooth those edges, without damaging them? Also, one more thing.. I’m using iPhone and only has Apple’s adapter lighting to 3,5mm jack - Do I need a different DAC, in order to get full potential of Tanchjim zero? All the best! 😊

You should also do video about iem/dongle that suitable for pop/rock music like Michael learns to rock MLTR, Michael Jackson, George Michael boss andy😅😅...i think there a lot of fans on that genre music

Hi Andy, great Video! :) Im looking for good iem around 150$ which is good for metal as well as movie soundtracks. Currently thinking about buying the Aful P5, Pula PA02, Chopin or Awful Explorer. Which one do you think is the best for metal and movie soundtracks?

thank you for explanation...i like your analyze about audio, when i watch and listen your analyze, maybe sometimes i think we have same taste...so, you're like online mentor for me... im sorry if im a little curious, may i ask you this question..."what is the most expensicve IEM that you ever try, use and analyze ???"

Can only say 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘

Hi there! I have the "Salnotes Zero" and I am a metalhead (but not limited by this genre, I also listen to a wide variety of music: rap, hip hop. instrumental, classical, pop, electronic.....pretty much everything). Do you have other recommendation in the same price range? Thank you!

Andy Almighty Alpha being, I enjoy your knowledge very much, Burson Audio Op Amps V7 Pro are coming soon for my Playmate 2, thankyou. Have you thought of some really meaningful Arm Tattoo's, relevant to your Culture, you already look so Cool???

Hey Andy I listen to rock a lot. Do u have any iem suggestion. I have Onix Alpha and Truthears zero red for now

Im using ea500lm gold for metal music, mp145 is too big for my ears. Any dd iem that you can recommend to me? Im planning upgrade to ea1000 or origin. Thx andy

Hail Andy, im malaysian and into atmospheric and symp BM/viking and speed metal. Why burzum and not emperor/watain? 😂😂 Thanks for recommendation of mp145. Super satisfied,love the speed and midrange produced. Any recommendation bluetooth dac? Or dap (small size).

Hi Andy Thank You, do you use High Gain for your alpha onix xl1 using hidizs mp145 iem? Thank you again 😊

Have you ever heard of the 4acoustic brand? If so, have you ever compared the MP145 with the Symphony series (STG 4P) for metal ?

How would you compare the LS S12 to Nightingale, Mp145 and A5000. S12 is hugely popular amongst metalheads and in my opinion similar to the Mp145

what is your opinion about fiio ka17? I really love the dynamics.. is it suitable for a metal song?

Hello Andy! Would you prefer (independent of the type of music) for most of your enjoyment Hifiman Sundata or MP145 or any other iem? Thanks

i think andy will recommend tanchjim zero no matter the genre hehe 😂

Hello thanks for that video, do you think 7hz timeless IS good for someone like me into melodic metal and groove métal?. Im using Hexa which IS neutral and I EQ the mid bass for kick vibrancy and higher mids for more presence. Timeless seems tempting Because it sounds bright and have a good kick it seems, have a nice day

Alisale에서 tinhifi p1 max2를 주문했습니다. 중저음이 매력적이고 고음이 잘 억제되어 있다고 들었습니다. 최근에 simgot supermix4를 샀지만 너무 밝아서 팔 예정입니다. p1 max2가 너무 밝거나 시끄럽습니까? 걱정입니다 mp145의 소리는 나에게 맞았지만 착용감이 좋지 않았기 때문에 판매했습니다.

Hi Andy. Can you use the MP145 just with a phone alone? Will it sound OK? I am thinking either MP145 or kefine delci based on your recommendation, but for classic rock and hard rock genres

How would artti t10 fare for metal? Seems like it might be bright be have a fast planar transient.

Hi Andy, I have a question I was using the shanling UA4 for last 2 months with the MP 145 I recently got the Hiby FC 6 after watching your videos and I am facing a stange issue . I use apple music to stream my music . Using FC6 , the volume is super low . When I raise the volume above 15 points ..I hear a lot of cracking , popping and static noises . Can you please check this on your DAC if you have one at the moment I want to use the DaC without the Hiby app or usb pro app Did you face any similar issues and do you have a solution for this But when I use the Hiby app and play FLAC songs from the internal memory card , most issues are gone . Sound is loud and less popping and static in background I bought the DAC to listen to songs from apple music as I don't have most songs in FLAC on my memory card .

Hi Andy How is the KInera Loki for Heavy Metal music? Thanks