7Hz x Crinacle: Salnotes Dioko

This is probably one of the most resolving, technical IEMs available at the ~100 dollar price bracket. That in itself is an accomplishment. But I also own a pair of Hexas.

The Diokos are better in all the traits mentioned earlier, and harbours better bass soundstage. Whereas on the Hexa, the bass is more closed-off, narrow, and so on. It's been interesting comparing the two, as I have similar expectations for products at similar prices, and they are similar in overall performance, but for very different reasons.

Thing is, the Diokos are just not very well-tuned. Or at least, it is, until you hear the horrific, shrill treble peaks at ~7 and ~12KHz. They ruined the sound and made this IEM pretty unbearable for me until I EQed them. Then, I felt as if I tamed a beast. These are really good with EQ and the comments below also mention that. I find the planar timbre unideal, but not bothersome. Vocals were a tad shaky and everything seemed to have a metallic sheen, with or without EQ, but again, the amount of detail these pair of IEMs can extract is impressive. So perhaps they're not for casual listeners, but for those who want their music meticulously dissected at a reasonable price, and are willing to dive into EQing.

Regarding the Hexas, even though they do have (so-called) BA Timbre, I find that to be less artificial than planar timbre. It's the difference between music sounding "plastic-y" and "metallic-y", the latter of which I notice a bit more. Dynamic drivers are still the golden standard. Otherwise, out of the box, they are better tuned, and owing to their multiple drivers, are better at distinguishing and making distinctive the separate sonic elements of a song in its soundstage. In comparison, the Diokos are wider and a bit more expansive. As a package, out of the box, I'd argue the Hexas are a better product. But I by no means, regret purchasing the Diokos. I've owned them for almost half a year at this point, and still occasionally use them. The fit can be a bit loose, though.

These have their place in the market. The unconventional design, myriad accessories and planar technology make these quite unique at this price. I think it's worth a consideration if you're a beginner audiophile, and want to take a gamble at your first purchase. I highly recommend these for musicians or audio engineers. If you're a bit more risk-averse, go for the Hexas. You can't go wrong with it. But these are way sexier.

This IEM punches way above its price point. I has amazing clarity and a great soundstage. It is not too bass heavy or sibilant. Cannot recommend enough

I'm very impressed with these at half the cost of the Timeless AE. The highs are a bit sharp but with some EQ'ing, they have a good overall sound and really good low end for general use. I got them mainly for yard work paired with my phone. The Timeless AE are more technical and seem to have better stereo separation and more forward mids. I can't speak on soundstage as I'm still comparing. If you're looking for audiophile quality sound, go with the AE. If you just want really good all-around IEM's for music, these are a really great pick the the price. Techno/EDM/D&B/Dub all sound great. Jazz is good to go as well. Setting up an EQ app on my Android was easy & works across multiple media players so it adds extra bass in my car as well for Sirius XM and Spotify (Flat Equalizer - Bass Booster from jApp). My wife has the AE's for movies and I've played with them a little. I just got mine today so still tweaking the EQ settings on the phone & PC. I generally prefer over-ear on PC but currently creating profiles to switch between headphones when needed. I'm tired of Windows Bass-Boost screwing with my mids & highs so went with Equalizer APO.
Dioko's are well worth the money. Be sure to figure out which tips seal well.....it's pretty important for low end. I had to steal a set of my wife's (small) barrel-style tips from her Timeless AE and ordered a set of (small) DUNU S&S Eartips from Linsoul so I can give hers back. I'm using these DENU's on the Dioko and now my AE's now. Keeping the factory barrel-style tips in the AE cases as backup spares. (Small) cone-shaped tips just slowly loosened out of my ears.

IEM's themselves are good if a bit quieter than timeless, but eartips are frustratingly horrible, none of the provided ones fit

I got the Diokos on sale and it seemed like a bargain for such a highly praised (although contentious) IEM. However, when I recieved them two days ago it was immediately apparent that the left unit was much more quiet than the right one. I chalked it up to wrongly fitted tips or the source, which was my phone through a dongle dac at that moment. Since then I've tried multiple tips (silicone and foam, both of which seal up just fine) and different sizes, different cables, different devices, different dacs/amps/Interfaces, but to no avail. The left unit also has what I can only assume to be driver flex (Although I know flex on planars is rare, but I can't think of another reason) as whenever I move my head, jaw or barely touch the left iem (Essentially whenever there is a microscopic change in pressure) there is a distinct "clicking" or "popping" sound from within. This only occurs on the left unit. Because of these reasons I have made contact with Linsoul and hope to get a refund for what is a defective product. I have absolutely no idea how they "really" sound as I have not been able to use them as intended and will make no comment on that matter. The shape and fit suited me just fine.

I will update my review to a mid-high score given that Linsoul agrees to take it in return and refund the cost. Afterall, its not their fault and I have the utmost faith that they will do so and that this unit was simply defective. However the Diokos' quality control and potential longevity of its functionality left me disappointed to the point where I wish to spend my money on a different brands other than 7hz. Your mileage may vary and you may be tempted to give them another chance, but this is my personal opinion.

Kind Regards.

I got these in the 11.11 sale, i was weary of the reviews being mixed online. As soon as i got them i removed the stock ear tips and put some on from another pair of iems and boy does that make all the difference,
These are really good earphones and i think a lot of the issue based on reviews are based on stock tips.
In terms of sound these are fantastic, i have a pair of Goldplanar headphones and they actually match if not beat them.
Bass is good (with the right tips) there is a decent amount of sub bass it is controlled but i have found that with the Goldplanar headphones as well
Mids are only slightly recessed giving a nice tone to the bass without making the highs sound to piercing.
Highs are wonderful they are slightly forward but all the frequencies are balanced in these.
Resolution is excellent and the sound stage is so wide both horizontally and vertically. Each instrument sounds so life like and voices are spectacular.
Sting instruments shine in these iems.
I am of the mind that you shouldn't have to pay through the roof for planar drivers and these are a great step up from the 50USD range currently available, so don't worry if you are unsure just change the ear tips and you will love them. It does go without saying what you listen to them through helps but i would recommend the Fosi audio K5 pro (and for those that want something on the go the trn bt20xs sound great with these)

After a couple days my phone just fell and I broke it but other than that I enjoyed it

I've had generic Senheizer IEMs and wanted to improve the quality of music and game sounds. Even though Salnotes Dioko sound pretty decent, the sound volume is much lower, making it a bad choice for gaming. If you only plan to listen to some music, that might be an OK choice

This is my first IEM. I am used to having rather cheap but reliable earphones. However when it comes to speakers I become picky quickly. I wanted something that satisfies the need for quality without going broke.

For me this is "A whole new level". Just pure, not muddy, not shouty. Might be even a bit too sharp at some moments but it never fails to amaze me. I do not think it lacks much in the terms of bass. I am someone who loves their bass and that shows in my car as well. But this does not need much from me. Although slight EQ-ing is issued but nothing over the top. Most of the time it will be used with an iPhone, but when I arrive home I will put this thing on a Videoton RA 6386-S amplifier and just have a blast.

Either way, the resolution it provides is great and engaging. I can recommend it to anyone.

I'm barely a few hours into the break in period and I love the sound. Clean, clear and detailed is what I have to say even this early in. I don't have a problem with the amount of base as some reviewers do. Some even mention the over driven muddy base heavy headphones they are used to. These have a balance that makes you want to keep listening. With these you are hearing the music, not some marketing driven audio war. It's clean, simple beauty.