Audio gear tends to be expensive, and the words “cheap” and “audiophile” often don’t go hand in hand. Premium wireless earbuds typically go for around $250, with flagship over-ears retailing for double that figure. However, that’s only scratching the surface, because sub-$1,000 headphones, earbuds, studio monitors, and in-ear monitors are cheap in terms of audiophile-grade hardware. These standout audio products from renowned brands are now being challenged by budget Chinese startups.
As with any type of cheap audio gear, it’s important to keep expectations reasonable. These earbuds and in-ear monitors (IEMs) from Chinese brands have become colloquially known as “Chi-Fi” gear, an obvious play on the Hi-Fi moniker used to identify premium audio products. With realistic hopes, “Chi-Fi” IEMs can have you balling on a budget in no time.
“Chi-Fi” is taking the audio market by storm
Quality at prices that sound too good to be true
It’s easy to look at a crowded market of expensive headphones and earbuds and wonder how Chinese brands are delivering decent sound quality at much lower prices. The answer? It’s due to a combination of factors, chief among them the low cost of labor and IEM parts in China. Drivers — the part of earbuds that produce sound — can cost as little as a few cents.
If you look closely at different “Chi-Fi” earbuds models, you’ll notice that many of them use the same parts. Common components include 10mm dynamic drivers, detachable two-pin cables, and silicone ear tips. Manufacturing plans have perfected the efficient and cost-effective production of these products. This makes it easy for a Chinese audio brand to put together an affordable IEM without incurring massive R&D costs or needing to build production lines.
For instance, the cheapest IEM on AliExpress is the KZ EDC IEM, and it goes for $7.51 (or a stunning $1.41 with a welcome deal). The price feels ridiculous. When you realize all the IEM’s components might cost less than a dollar combined, the finances start to make sense.
I bought them, and they haven’t let me down
My go-to IEMs are the KZ ZSN Pro X — they’re only about $20
As for how “Chi-Fi” gear sounds so superb for the price, the answer to that question is a bit more complicated. In part, these IEMs sound great simply because it’s easier than ever to mass-produce high-quality audio drivers. Another way Chinese brands hit absurd price points is by seeking out “B-stock” drivers.
As I mentioned earlier, plenty of audio products use the same components. However, high-end brands have stringent quality control standards that result in certain components being rejected. Budget audio brands can then scoop up parts in the reject pile for cheap. These components still sound great, and are typically of higher quality than “A-stock” drivers available at the same price.
Because most “Chi-Fi” gear is manufactured using the same components (possibly at the very same plant), there’s no reason to pick a particular brand. Linsoul, Moondrop, KZ, and Tin Audio are a few of the more popular names. I went with the KZ ZSN Pro X, and for $20, they’ve been outstanding.
I like the wraparound style, which ensures a comfortable, secure fit in my ear. The cheap price means I can replace them if they get lost or broken, but I probably won’t need to. That’s because they’re extremely durable and support a modular cable design — if your cord tears, you can get a new one for even less than the cost of a new IEM set.
I can’t say the KZ ZSN Pro X are better than my most expensive earbuds or headphones, but they also retail for about 25 times more. What I can say is that these “Chi-Fi” IEMs are my go-to for listening to iPods and digital audio players (DAPs), and I don’t need anything better for casual use. In other words, I can see why “Chi-Fi” is eating up the audio market.
These cheap Chinese IEMs shouldn’t surprise you
Tech always gets better at lower prices over time; audio is no exception
Frankly, the emergence of “Chi-Fi” audio gear isn’t a surprise — it was inevitable. As any kind of technology advances, older versions become cheaper to produce. The trailblazers handle the research and development, build production lines, and improve efficiency. Then, it’s easier for successors to deliver products of similar quality and prices that seem too good to be true. It’s the same reason why the cheapest smartphones today would beat the best ones from a decade ago.
While there is still innovation to be had in the world of wireless audio, the wired audio scene has been nearly perfected. As such, you can get a pair of wired IEMs manufactured by a no-name brand in China for around $20 or less with sound quality that can rival your AirPods. The value and quality of “Chi-Fi” hardware scales with its price point. A $15 set of IEMs will be an excellent deal but won’t blow you away; a pair of “Chi-Fi” earbuds costing roughly $100 can seriously challenge the big brands and heavy hitters.
I use budget IEMs, cheaply manufactured in China, for on-the-go listening, valuing features like a detachable cable and large drivers. They’re not a replacement for my high-end audio gear from brands like Sennheiser, but an alternative. If you haven’t tried “Chi-Fi” yet, it’s worth giving it a shot.
I bought the KZ ZSN Pro X, but there are plenty of variations for what is essentially the same product — buy the one that you like, or the one that’s on sale.
- Brand
-
YINYOO
- Drivers
-
10mm dynamic driver
- Microphones
-
Included
The KZ ZSN Pro X are budget in-ear monitors with a detachable cable and 10mm dynamic drivers. You can configure them with different colors, transparency, and cables with or without a microphone.
