For the last 11 months I’ve been on a mission to become an audiophile. Now, I realise that sounds cringe, but it’s not about getting a badge (though that would be pretty sweet). It’s about seeking out the joy I've found in actively listening to music using beautifully designed, expertly tuned headphones and IEMs. And, it turns out, it's really easy to do.
So why aren't more people becoming audiophiles? After all, everyone loves music, right?
Well, audio can be a daunting hobby to get into, shrouded in mystery and unprovable statements. Not only is there a dictionary-worth of terms to learn, but there’s a robust industry keen to keep things opaque, so they can sell their baffling products to gullible punters (if anyone tries to sell you 'audio-grade quartz rocks', run!)
But if you've got a smartphone with a 3.5mm jack, being an audiophile is as easy as spending $22 on a high-quality, budget IEM. Don't have a jack? There's a $9 Apple dongle that will sort you out.
Below I've chosen some of the best entry-level IEMs that have interesting tunings, which I think can bring you closer to your music. I'm not saying these are the best options, but they're a fantastic, inexpensive start.
The audiophile starter pack
At $22, the Truthear Gate has been the first audiophile IEM for many an audiophile starter, since its release in 2024. It's because they are tuned very well, offering a neutral, slightly bright sound signature with a punchy bass boost. It's a crowd pleaser, but it's worth noting that it is all plastic, and some might find the treble a little too bright.
These are the IEMs that I recommend for first time buyers. They feature a really enjoyable V-shaped sound signature, with bass boost and plenty of crisp treble. But unlike the V-shape signature you'd see in more consumer audio, the Cadenza retains definition in the bass while preserving plenty of midrange detail.
The grown up Gate? The Lan is tuned very similarly to the Gate, though it has less bass, and so the overall sound is more clean and clear, though with a smidge less treble it comes across as more laid back than the Gate. The Lan is a step up in build quality, with a metal shell, though it's twice the price.
Don't have a smartphone with a 3.5mm jack? (I mean, who does?!) Well, you'll need an adaptor. Luckily Apple is actually a low-key, budget megacorp and sells the excellent USB-C to 3.5mm dongle for a mere $9. That's exceptional value – you can find dongles that do exactly the same job for $49!
Redefining 'audiophile' for 2026
The headphone audiophile world has changed considerably over the last decade or so, and today there are more people than ever who actively want to cut the bullshit associated with the old way of engaging with audio products.
You see, for the longest time audiophiles were all about random strings of adjectives describing the essence of deep-felt vibes. Electronic devices took on almost mythical attributes, DACs became 'welcoming' and cables 'allowed you to hear the music as it was meant to be heard'.
Absolute tosh!
In a 2014 study, industry legend Sean Olive and pals took five completely different headphones with wildly varying price tags and internal distortion levels, tuned them identically, and played them to eight industry professionals. These trained listeners couldn't tell the difference between them.
Long story short: The tuning of a headphone is the most important thing when determining what it sounds like – not expensive cables, not exotic drivers.
So now anyone can pick up a $22 IEM that's tuned well, and call themselves an audiophile... just don't expect a badge.
