An adapter with user-replaceable batteries (best case scenario using off the shelf AA batteries) that you put in your pocket where you can plug in any IEM and it would could connect with your phone wirelessly, but you can always remove it to listen via wired with a computer, mp3 player, or whatever else.
You would get the benefits of the convenience of TWS buds, you could listen while being away from your device, but you also don’t have to replace the whole thing when the battery dies, just the batteries of the receiver. You could also fit a way bugger battery since it’ll go in your pockets rather than your ears.
Why hasn’t any IEM company made something like this? I’ve seen the opposite being done (converting a wired port, like those in planes, into a bluetooth receiver. This would be converting a plug into a transmitter) but nobody has done this I think, especially not with replaceable batteries and such.
edit: Nope, I was thinking of bluetooth dacs. These things do exist, which is good (but no replaceable batteries as most wireless things don’t, very sad)
Someone suggested the Fiio BTR7, but Fiio also sell a cheaper model without the fancy screen and such called the BTR11. There’s also a other options like the BTR13 and BTR15 at various price points, and of course other brands too. Seems pretty cool, I might get the BTR11.
Something like a bluetooth DAC?
https://www.fiio.com/btr7
I always thought those were for bluetooth earphones w/ better dacs, but after looking at it more, it seems they can be used with IEMs, which make a lot more sense now that I’m thinking about it.
It also looks like they can be used when plugged into the phone as well like an extremely bulky apple dongle. Interesting.
I like my qudelix-5k, does flawless 96Khz/32bit LDAC to my Pixel7 (not that I use media that high, but it works well). Balanced output, onboard equalizer, it’s a good usb DAC as well., been solid for 2 years+, goes great with IEMs. It’s a bit pricey and likely to be a pain when I have to go in to replace the battery, but I find myself charging ~ weekly, so Li-ion is good for ~ 1000 charges, perhaps 500 before significant degradation, which is 10 yrs or so. Worth it for my use case.