Setup: I bought THX 789 for the massive output of idk 6W/32ohms, but whenever I try to use my Sundara/Modhouse Argon/HD600/Arya V2/...whatever, I cannot reach decent listening levels in terms of db without getting this scratching/hissing noise in the background ... I think it's distortion. (DAC I use: Geshelli labs - J2, set to max volume) Settings: With an XLR output, gain setting level at 2/3 and the volume knob set to 2-4 o'clock, hearing distortion from a 250-350$ THX amp shouldn't be a thing, should it? With somewhat hard to drive headphones, I'm not reaching 70db, but I can already hear this godforsaken noise on all tracks without a constant stream of sound. If you dare to up the volume past 4 o'clock, or past 12 on gain setting 3/3, this noise becomes so loud, it might as well be an additional instrument Music: The tracks I usually listen to involve so few instruments, that you don't have a constant stream of sound. (e.g. Creep - Lena Hall) I'd love to get some feedback!...
Jun 5, 2024
I usually have to use foam tips to get a good seal, and have used both Comply tips (TN Series) and these Dekoni tips (purchased from MD) for a pretty good amount of time now, so thought a comparison might be useful to others.
Common to both brands: If you have trouble with your IEMs falling out, or with getting a good seal, foam tips can dramatically improve your IEM experience. If you don't know which size fits your ear, you should start with the multi-pack to get a good understanding of which size is right for you.
Foam tips will fall apart quickly if you use them regularly - much faster than silicone. Plan on replacing them regularly. Clean them with a slightly damp, warm cloth for longevity and appearance.
My experience of impact on sound quality is that, if you get a tight seal that you didn't have before, you can expect much more isolation and higher quality sound, particularly in the lower ranges. If you already have a good seal with silicone tips, my experience is that I don't really notice a difference - in line with this article https://www.innerfidelity.com/content/comply-foam-tips-and-effects-tip-selection. I also don't notice a sound quality difference between the two brands.
Know that they can get a bit...gross, as ear wax tends to affix itself quite visibly. If that hottie you've had your eye on makes her move while you're listening to your IEMs, don't pull these out and leave them in sight :).
Differences: The Dekonis have a slightly narrower, straighter profile, while the Complies have more of a rounded shape at the end (see images below). The biggest difference is that the Dekonis are "spongier" than the Complies. In other words, they rebound back to their shape much faster. Why this matters is that the best way to insert foam tips is to compress, insert, and let the foam expand to fill your ear canal. This is a much more rapid process that can make them frustrating to use when they are on IEMs with an over-the-ear fit, or something like that where it's not a quick "compress and insert straight in" process.
The Complies, on the other hand are slow to rebound, giving you plenty of time to place them. From my perspective, that slow rebound is one thing you're paying a premium for, as it does give them an advantage in applying them consistently and effectively. The other major difference is that Comply offers much broader compatibility with different size IEM stems than Dekoni - 6 or 7 sizes from Comply vs. 2 from Dekoni. Comply also has several different models for different use cases, which Dekoni doesn't offer.
Overall, if price is not a concern, I'd recommend Comply tips for better selection and user experience, but at the current $7.99 drop price, the Dekonis are a solid, viable alternative if they fit your particular IEMs. I can easily recommend them at this price.
Bonus- Will they fit my particular IEMs?: Visit the Comply Foam homepage at https://www.complyfoam.com/. Enter your IEM in the "Find Tips" search and see your results. If they come back with the 100 series, then the 3mm Dekonis should fit. If they come back with the 400 series, the 4.9mm Dekoni's should fit. If you get one of those two series, make your choice based on your brand/price preference. If it doesn't come back with one of those two series, I would say you're taking a chance on the Dekonis that I wouldn't :).
Comparison Images: Comply on Left vs. Dekoni on right