Short answer: the iBasso IT04. It ranks #344 of 450 in-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 3.6/5, at $499. The Fearless Audio S8F ranks #353, rated 3.5/5, at $489, $10 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The case for the iBasso IT04: A preference score of 69 in crinacle’s measurement puts the IT04 in solid, listenable territory for an in-ear. The tradeoff: A score of 69 trails the best in-ears, so the tuning is noticeably off the Harman target in places.
The case for the Fearless Audio S8F: Crinacle’s measurement gives it a preference score of 68, a moderate match to the response most listeners prefer. Watch for: A 2.5 dB standard deviation from target points to an uneven response.
Buy the iBasso IT04. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $10 with the Fearless Audio S8F does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Still deciding? The full Headphones rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| iBasso IT04 | Fearless Audio S8F | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.00 | $489.00 |
| Ranked | #344 of 450 in In-Ear Headphones | #353 of 450 in In-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | In-ear | In-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 69 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) | 68 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.79 dB standard deviation | 2.47 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.02 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.40 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Driver Type | Hybrid (1 dynamic + 3 balanced armature) | Balanced armature |
| Drivers | 1 x 10mm dynamic + 3 x balanced armature | 8 x balanced armature |
| Sensitivity | 110 dB | 113 dB/mW |
| Weight | 0 lbs (13 g) | - |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 15Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
| Impedance | - | 26 ohms |
| Built-in Microphone | - | No |
Related Headphone Comparisons
More top alternatives to iBasso IT04:
- FiiO FD5 vs iBasso IT04
- iBasso IT04 vs Kinera Norn
- FiiO FD5 vs Fearless Audio S8F
- Kinera Norn vs Fearless Audio S8F
- Fearless Audio S8F vs Fearless Audio S6Rui
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 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.
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The Two Headphones In Full
iBasso IT04: $499.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: A preference score of 69 in crinacle’s measurement puts the IT04 in solid, listenable territory for an in-ear. The 110 dB sensitivity means it is easy to drive from a phone or dongle without a dedicated amp. At 13 g with a hybrid of one 10mm dynamic driver and three balanced armatures, it is light and uses a driver mix aimed at bass weight plus detail.
Cons: A score of 69 trails the best in-ears, so the tuning is noticeably off the Harman target in places. The FiiO FD5 has a higher rating at a similar price, which makes it the safer pick if the Harman fit matters most. It is wired only, with no wireless option.
Full iBasso IT04 review and specifications →
| Back | Closed |
|---|---|
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 2.79 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Hybrid (1 dynamic + 3 balanced armature) |
| Drivers | 1 x 10mm dynamic + 3 x balanced armature |
| Form Factor | In-ear |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 69 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) |
| Sensitivity | 110 dB |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.02 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (13 g) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -6.2 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | +2.9 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 230 Hz | -5.1 dB | 0.53 |
| Peak | 4,860 Hz | +5.6 dB | 2.87 |
| Peak | 770 Hz | +3.6 dB | 0.27 |
| Peak | 1,536 Hz | -4.0 dB | 1.44 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | +3.7 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 8,235 Hz | -2.5 dB | 1.65 |
| Peak | 5,832 Hz | +1.4 dB | 4.39 |
| Peak | 2,978 Hz | +1.5 dB | 5.39 |
| Peak | 3,642 Hz | -0.9 dB | 6.00 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Fearless Audio S8F: $489.00 Linsoul eBay
Pros: Crinacle’s measurement gives it a preference score of 68, a moderate match to the response most listeners prefer. Eight balanced armatures at 26 ohms and 113 dB/mW sensitivity make it easy to drive from a phone.
Cons: A 2.5 dB standard deviation from target points to an uneven response. The iBasso IT04 is rated higher at a similar price.
Full Fearless Audio S8F review and specifications →
| Back | Closed |
|---|---|
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 2.47 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Balanced armature |
| Drivers | 8 x balanced armature |
| Form Factor | In-ear |
| Frequency Response | 15Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 68 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 26 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 113 dB/mW |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.40 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -3.1 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | +2.1 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 177 Hz | -4.2 dB | 0.41 |
| Peak | 864 Hz | +3.9 dB | 0.91 |
| Peak | 2,553 Hz | +2.6 dB | 2.45 |
| Peak | 181 Hz | -0.2 dB | 2.11 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | +0.4 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 9,175 Hz | +2.2 dB | 1.87 |
| Peak | 4,346 Hz | -1.2 dB | 2.77 |
| Peak | 5,451 Hz | +1.7 dB | 6.00 |
| Peak | 39 Hz | -0.2 dB | 1.83 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons