You’ve finally realized that the cheap earbuds that came with your phone, or the ones you get from the mall, aren’t cutting it. You’re tired of tinny, weak buds that muddy up your music and you want something better. But going for the traditional audiophile route is expensive, and for some people, not worth it. Why spend tons of money for gear when there’s an alternative for half the price?
Let me welcome you to the weird and wonderful world of Chi-Fi.
What is Chi-Fi?
As the name suggests, the name “Chi-fi” is a portmanteau of the words “Chinese” and “high-fidelity.” While some people still cling to the notion that Chinese-made products are cheap and brittle, but finding a good Chi-fi brand opens you up to a new world of not just good, but great portable audio. In the world of Chi-fi, you’ll have access to not just earbuds, but amps, digital-to-audio converters, and more. This will give you an experience close to what you get on more high-end equipment.
Basic Chi-Fi: The In-Ear Monitor
When people ask about Chi-fi, they are often pointed to everyone’s starting point: the in-ear monitor (IEM). Unlike the usual earbuds that most people are familiar with, in-ear monitors come with a silicone or a foam tip that can be put inside your ear canals. This provides you with a seal that keeps sound from leaking in and out, and with it a better listening experience. You’ll be able to hear deeper bass and more audible treble, and with these frequencies you’ll be able to get more detail – and hopefully more enjoyment – out of your music.
Here are some IEMs that you can get started on:
- 7Hz Salnotes Zero – often costing less than Php 1,000, the Salnotes Zero offer a nice, pleasant EQ curve that is pleasing and detailed enough for the price. A good place to start.
- Moondrop Chu II – Moondrop is a crowd favorite among the Chi-Fi enthusiast crowd, as they often come out with great-sounding IEMs for an astoundingly cheap price. The Chu II is a great choice, with a strong bass and detailed mid and treble region.
- KZ ZS10 Pro – Although this one may be a little old, the ZS10 Pro is an excellent set of in-ears if you’re looking for something with a little more oomph in the bass region.
Note that these IEMs have basic dynamic drivers. These are great beginner kits that provide you with enough detail without breaking the bank. Just plug them into your phone or computer, pull up your favorite music player or streaming service, and you’re good.
Intermediate Chi-Fi: DACs & Amps
If you’re noticing that your IEMs seem to be a little quieter than you expected, then your phone may not be delivering enough power to deliver the oomph that you were looking for, then it might be time to look for DAC/Amps for your phone. DAC means digital-to-analog converter, which converts your digital audio files into analog signals that will go to your earphones. Amps, by definition, strengthen the analog signal coming from your source so it’ll be loud enough for your ears. To be honest, DACs are unnecessary for most people since phones do a good job with conversion. But you’d be hard-pressed to find a mobile-focused amp that’s separate from the DAC part.
Some DAC/Amp combos you can check out:
- Moondrop Dawn – this is a USB-C to 3.5 mm adapter which offers decent power to drive your IEMs.
- Fiio KA5 – if you’re looking for something a little more refined, the KA5 might work for you. Like the Dawn, it also plugs into a Type-C port and it’ll offload the DAC processing from your phone, and deliver that straight into your earholes.
Expert Chi-Fi: Pick Your Poison
This is the beauty of getting into this hobby – where do you want to go next? Do you plan to chase the more exotic and burgeoning world of planar IEMs, or do you want to chase IEMs that contain multiple drivers? It’s up to you.
So go on and pick a starter IEM and get started on your audiophile journey!