Ok, I did get a 7' for a friend, but that's it. Not a single record on my wish list was available by the time I got inside. Not sure if I ever want to do this again.
I've been using the Moondrop Variations for a few years now, but they keep breaking on me. (TLDR, sometimes I fall asleep using my IEMs and this somehow breaks them. I've broken my variations 3 times now: the right one twice and the left one once and every time I get a replacement, they're tuned slightly differently which REALLY bothers me.) I'm tired of dealing with this, so I've decided to get a new pair of IEMs. (After doing some research, I've found 3 IEMs that I think I would prefer over the Variations: The Xenns Top Pro, NiceHCK Rockies, and Hisensor Mega5 EST, but I'm having a difficult time picking between them.
Some info about me: I LOVE the V-Shape sound signature. The majority of music I listen to is very Drum and Guitar focused: Rock, Metal, Alt, Indie, and Punk, which is why I prefer this sound signature over all others. One of my favourite IEMs I own is the IKKO OH10. It's bass and treble response is so punchy and fun. That being said, I still prefer Variations since it has much better technicalities, while still having strong bass and treble. Also the OH10 are a little too sensitive and pick up a ton of noise from the audio device I use (iPod Classic 5.5 gen).
My biggest issue with the Variations is both the build quality and bass extension. I already touched on the build a little bit but to explain a little more, what I meant by they break is that one IEM will suddenly become significantly quieter than the other. Sometimes I can fix this by replacing the filter on other IEMs but as far as I'm aware, the Variations don't have a filter, or at least a replaceable one. Now for the bass, I just wish it had more mid bass. Its sub bass is PERFECT, but the mid bass leaves a lot to desire. I understand that that's partially how it's able to have such astounding separation and whatnot, but I would like a more middle-ground for my next pair of IEMs.
So now that brings us back to my question: which IEM should I get to replace my Variations? Which one has a good V-shape like sound signature that also has great clarity and technicalities, AND has solid build quality that I can easily replace the filters on in case something happens to them? At the moment, I'm leaning towards the Xenns Top Pro (since that also boosts vocals a little bit, which is a nice bonus) but I figured I'd ask around just in case. Also if there are other IEMs you'd recommend that I didn't list, LMK as well please! Also if there's a way to fix my Variations instead, please LMK as well!
Thanks In Advance!