I’ve only heard good things about both fiios. My FF5 are in the mail so fingers crossed.

No experience with those, sorry. I do have a pair of moondrop starfield’s and the experience with IEMs is just very different. Buds are a fun listening experience and have different fit you may enjoy, but your not going to get that extended bass without the seal IEMs provide.

The ve monk has had the most time in my ear but they were the first earbuds I got since owning my originals in the 90s. They feel like home to me.

Iris ancestor are current favorites.

Price can vary but for most between $5 and $20. But you know… you can spend $200 on some tgx earbuds.

I have hours and hours on the monks. Really love them and they are kind of home for me. Notice no pads on them. Constantly wearing out and replacing, haha.

Aside from them the iris ancestors are in my ears constantly.

The shiro yuko are actually my least fav. Zero bass. Maybe something is wrong with them? Just very different from the rest.

Right now I’m really digging the Iris Ancestor. They are hitting the sweet spot with me.

I haven’t tried the Fiio but a pair of FF5 are actually on their way. The suggestions here and elsewhere pushed me over the edge. Can’t have too many right?

Those look wild!

From left to right: VE Monk, Faaeal Snow Lotus, Edifier H190, KBear Stellar, Moondrop Shiro Yuki, Faaeal Iris Ancestor.

I grew up in the mid 90s and winding up a pair of earbuds into the plastic case was the perfect end to a listening session.

Sadly the plastic winder cases are gone but I still love the fit and feel and yes, the sound, of flathead buds. The extended bass on IEMs is nice, but they give me an uncomfortable sinus pressure so I never really latched on. Another sad thing is all of my 90s… vintage? :( buds are long gone. Funnily enough I’ve never thought to grab a pair of MX500s.

Anyone else still love flathead buds?

Edit: Not sure if it’s more appropriate to make a new post or edit this but I just got my FF5s in the mail. Bottom line up front: Like with so many things, diminishing returns. They are really good and a welcome addition to the collection. The build quality and the accessories included are top notch. I think the braided cable is a little heavy and unwieldy for portable use so I’m looking for a shorter TPE alternative with mmcx connectors. If you have the means and want “the” flat head this is probably your ticket.

If your new to flat heads, don’t have the disposable income and aren’t worried about mmcx connectors there are a hundred fish in the sea under $30 that will get the job done.