Looking at all things Wired, IEMs and Hi-Res
Wired earphones are forever a recurring trend, but do you know about the benefits of IEMs? Maybe you’ve even heard of IEMs, and are keen to venture more into better quality listening, such as pairing IEMs with a DAC. Don't worry if this sounds confusing - this blog post will explore all of the above, and ensure that you find an accessible way into Hi-Res listening!
IEMs
Walk down the street, scroll through TikTok or people-watch on the train and you'll probably spot someone wearing wired earphones. Yep, after years of wireless earbuds dominating the scene, wired audio has made yet another comeback. Though, it seems that this time, they are truly here to stay. Maybe it’s because of digital fatigue, or the analogue resurgence, or maybe it’s due to increasing awareness on audio quality.
Many Gen Zers have reported online about just how much clearer wired audio sounds. But, while everyone is rediscovering the charm and heightened detail of wired listening, there's another wired trend that's quietly growing alongside it: IEMs.
If you've never heard of them before, don't worry. They're nowhere near as complicated as they sound, and once you've tried them, regular earphones might never quite hit the same.
IEM stands for In-Ear Monitor.
Originally designed for musicians who needed crystal-clear and secure sound while performing live, IEMs have now become a favourite amongst gamers, commuters, students and anyone who genuinely loves listening to music.
Think of them as wired earphones that have had a serious upgrade.
IEMs often give a cleaner and louder sound since they sit much more snug and secure into the ear canal. The snug fit creates a seal that blocks out more of the outside world, helping you hear more of your music and less of everything else. You will experience true sound isolation and audio clarity, meaning no more tinny or thin sounds.
This also makes them feel even comfier, as you choose the suitable tip size for your ears, and therefore never feel the pain of earphones being too big, or the annoyance of them being too small and falling out. IEMs also keep securely in place because of their over-ear loops, which feel invisible when worn, but mean that activities such as sports or working out are light work. You really will forget you’re even wearing them.
DACs and Hi-Res Listening
So, we've established that not only do IEMs feel better quality, but the audio they transmit is also of a higher quality. Now, that's a good start, however, true Hi-Res audio can be achieved with one last step - a DAC.
Typically, every time music is streamed, downloaded or stored, some detail can be lost. Hi-Res Audio is designed to preserve much more of the original recording, meaning you're hearing music that's much closer to what the artist and producer created in the studio.
Imagine watching your favourite film in standard definition compared to 4K. It's still the same film, but the extra detail makes the whole experience feel richer and more immersive.
Hi-Res Audio does something similar for music. You'll notice little background instruments, subtle vocals and tiny production details that often disappear when listening through basic headphones.
DACs (Digital to Analogue Converters) are a piece of technology that help bring every ounce of detail and life back to your listening, and allow for a true Hi-Res experience.
Every phone, laptop or tablet already has one built in because digital music needs to be converted into an analogue signal before your earphones can play it. The problem is that the built-in DAC inside many modern devices isn't always designed for the best possible sound quality.
An external DAC does that conversion better. It helps your music sound more dynamic without needing expensive headphones or a complicated setup. Think of it as giving your music a better translator.
DACs can hugely range in size, use and price, but the Hi-Res Starter Kits include everything you need to start listening at a higher level, just instantly and easily.
So, put the two together - snug invisible-feeling IEMs and a Hi-Res DAC. Sounds useful and trendy, now add affordability onto that and you’re really onto a no-brainer.
Hi-Res Starter Kits
This is where the iFi x AIRO starter kits come into play. AIRO is a simple yet smart tech company that sell the best IEMs for first-time users.
AIRO, known for their affordable, trendy and daily tech products, teamed up with iFi, a well-established British HiFi company, to show that young people can experience the sound of lossless, without breaking the bank. The companies’ collaboration is a great way to introduce more young people to the world of HiFi, in a way that avoids any barriers of overwhelm or inaccessibility.
They created four Hi-Res Starter Kit Bundles to pair ergonomic IEMs with high quality portable DACs, and boost high-quality audio even further.
The starter kits vary, including four different DACs, these being the Go blu Air, Go link 2, Go pod Air and Hip-Dac 3. Each DAC comes with the wired AIRO Astra IEMs, so that you can plug in and instantly be ready for heightened daily listening. Plus, as much as we loved a wired earphone, it’s clear that for activities such as sports, the wireless earphone is superior. That’s why the Go pod Air Starter Kit is wireless, though be assured that the iFi DAC will retain all of that high-quality analogue data that wires usually have.
So, in summary, upgrading doesn't have to mean spending hundreds or learning loads of technical jargon. A great pair of IEMs and a quality DAC can completely change the way you experience music, helping you hear songs the way they were meant to sound. If you've already joined the wired earphone revival, the next step is easy. The AIRO x iFi Hi-Res Starter Kits are an affordable, stylish and beginner-friendly way to discover what you've been missing—and once you hear the difference, it's surprisingly difficult to go back.
