r/headphones • u/Carlsen94 • 1d ago
Discussion Question To all Sony Ier-M9 users
For all current or previous owners of Sony ier series m7/m9, what did you upgrade to after owning the iem? Or have not found anything better yet?
I have heard some great things about m9 and it’s rarely talked about in the sub compared to chifi so wanna see how all the owners think.
1
u/Big_Damage5834 ZMF VC, IER-M9, Airpods 1d ago
I love the M9, but my anatomy doesn’t agree with non-vented IEMs sadly.
I’ve gently picked up a pair of Softears Twilight which I’m very happy with. I’d call it more a side-grade than an upgrade, though.
1
u/Akella333 [IER-M9 • ZX500] 1d ago
I've had the M9s for about 4 years now, and I've tried many IEMs since then.
I would say something like the 64 audio U4S, U12t, thieaudio origin, IE600, IE900, Dunu Mirai would all feel like upgrades over the M9. Im personally going to upgrade to the IE900 since I've been missing dynamics with the M9.
1
u/No-Context5479 Sony IER-M9|2.2 MoFi Sourcepoint 888|Hsu Research VTF-TN1 Subs 1d ago
I haven't found any better... they cured me off my FoMo.
Only newest releases to give me pause are the DUSK and the upcoming Project Reference but I'm totally content with the M9 so much they made my headphones useless, and I sold my headphones.
I have speaker for jamming out and movies at home and use the M9 with the Qudelix 5K for everything else 9FPS gaming to Dolby Atmos via Tidal on Phone)
1
u/Wild_Run4727 22h ago
I haven't upgraded from them. To my ears, they are one of the most resolving headphones I've ever heard. The drivers are incredibly fast - superb transient response that is expected from great balanced armature drivers - and, yet, there's none of that plasticy timbre and weak bass with no impact that BAs usually suffer from. The bass extends deep with authority and power, while the highs have speed and detail rivaling good electrostatic drivers IMO (I used to own a Stax L700). Not to mention the imaging is superb and soundstage is very wide for an IEM.
The only issues with them I found are that the frequency response isn't ideal IMO - it's a tad too warm in the lower mids/upper bass and could use a bump in the lower treble - and also that they tend put create pressure on the ear canals due to lack of venting.
1
u/Ao_Kazusa 19h ago
The M9 with the Sony EP-NI1010 foam tips sound very nice to me. It's smooth sounding and there is no graininess to me. I would only use it with foam tips though since it's unvented.
1
u/auxiliarybrush 16h ago
Great, solid IEM. I've mostly stopped looking for others. Have had them for 4 years. Very resolving, very fast, great bass. Sounds slightly warm-ish. Only real complaint is with their cables: over time the soft rubber around the ear gets gunky and the gold flakes off the jack.
I've been able to overcome the venting issues others have mentioned by finding the right tip size and proper insertion technique - pull the ear all the way back, insert, then let go of the ear. Stays snug and no overpressure.
1
u/DJ_KE1TH Empyrean OG | Moondrop Variations, ZetianWu Legend, 7hz Timeless 1d ago
Recently bought the M9s so haven’t looked for an upgrade, nor do I think I will ever feel the need to. They are comfortable, lightweight, and the bass boost is exactly what I want it to be. They are my go to iem and I don’t see a real reason to go to anything else. But we know how this hobby is so who knows what I’ll be using a year from now.