Short answer: the Shanling ME500. Both are rated 3.6/5 for sound quality (#692 and #756 of 1291 in-ear headphones), and the Shanling ME500 costs $269 against $279.99 for the ddHiFi Surface (E14D), and with sound quality even, the cheaper one is the better buy.
Why pick the ddHiFi Surface (E14D): A broadly balanced tuning with a preference score of 69 against the Harman target. Watch for: Treble about 3 dB below target from 3 to 10 kHz, which can sound dull or veiled next to brighter headphones.
The case for the Shanling ME500: A one dynamic plus two balanced armature hybrid with a preference score of 69 in crinacle’s measurement and a balance that leans very slightly bright rather than warm. Watch for: An average deviation of about 2.8 dB from target means some frequency bands still stand out.
Buy the Shanling ME500. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $10.99 less than the ddHiFi Surface (E14D).
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphones rankings.
A broadly balanced tuning with a preference score of 69 against the Harman target.
Amazon $279.99 eBay
A one dynamic plus two balanced armature hybrid with a preference score of 69 in crinacle’s measurement and a balance that leans very slightly bright rather than warm.
Apos Audio $269.00 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 16, 2026 at 5:46 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| ddHiFi Surface (E14D) | Shanling ME500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $279.99 | $269.00 |
| Ranked | #756 of 1291 in In-Ear Headphones | #692 of 1291 in In-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | In-ear | In-ear |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
| Harman Preference Score | 69 (median of 3 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) | 69 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.16 dB standard deviation | 2.76 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.79 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | +0.15 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+0.4 dB at 30 Hz) | - |
| Connection | Wired (3.5mm / 4.4mm) | Wired |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Hybrid (1 dynamic + 2 balanced armature) |
| Drivers | 1 Dynamic (10mm dynamic driver) | 1 x 10mm dynamic + 2 x balanced armature |
| Impedance | - | 18 ohms |
| Sensitivity | - | 111 dB |
| Frequency Response | - | 20Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | - | No |
Related Headphone Comparisons
More top alternatives to Shanling ME500: