The budget IEM category has countless choices, and it’s the entry-level where things are particularly interesting. ddHiFi is a well-known Chinese outfit, and its latest collaboration with India’s Headphone Zone has resulted in the Skyfall and Iris, two IEMs that target the same category.
The Iris has a 10mm dynamic driver and costs ₹2,699 ($28), and the Skyfall has the same 10mm driver alongside a BA driver, and it comes in at ₹3,699 ($38). Both usually cost ₹300 ($3) more, but with Headphone Zone having a sale, now is the best time to get your hands on either if you’re interested.
I’ve used both IEMs interchangeably over the course of the last month, and I tested both with my Fiio M21. I’ll get to the sound in a little but, but before that, I want to highlight the design. The Iris has a green hue that looks great, and the Skyfall has a bold blue design that makes it stand out.
Both IEMs have a 3D-printed shell, and the design is definitely a plus point; you don’t usually see this kind of build quality in in the entry-level. I like the see-through design as it does a great job highlighting the drivers and the connectors housed within the shell. This is even more evident on the Skyfall, as you can easily make out the dedicated BA driver.
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Either shell is on the larger side, but I didn’t see any issues when it comes to usability. The sound nozzle on the Iris is a smidgen bigger than that of the Skyfall, but this didn’t prove to be a problem.
You get a decent selection of ear tips with the IEMs, and the Iris has a 3.5mm cable, with the Skyfall bundling a 4.4mm balanced cable. The default cable is good enough, and the braided cable has a nylon sheath that gives it a little better durability.
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Both IEMs sound great in their own right. They have detailed bass, a clean mid-range that allows vocals to shine, and good treble extension without coming across as bright. I like the Skyfall a little better in this area; the addition of a BA driver leads to better detail in the mid-range and a livelier overall sound, and in my testing, I preferred it to the Iris. You also get better much sub-bass energy, lending itself very well to mainstream music.
That isn’t to say that the Iris is bad by any measure — it has standout vocal presentation, and if that’s what you need, the Iris will be better-suited to your needs.
If you’re unable to decide between the two and just need a recommend, I’d suggest going with the Skyfall. It costs a little bit more, but you’re getting a more engaging sound, and a balanced cable. I also like the blue hue a little better, and I think it’s a good all-rounder at just ₹3,699.