Side-grade from the Image X10?

[Anomaly10]

Hey guys

Sadly, despite the fact that the Image X10 will probably always be the best (for my tastes, at least) IEM that I've ever owned, I've come to the painful realization that it simply isn't practical for me to keep them. I bought my first pair of X10s in January of this year, and within a month, I started having the infamous cable issues with the rubber near the driver housing starting to peel away. Slightly put off, I contacted Klipsch and was happy to see that they were great about warranty, sending me a new pair. Now, only a month after I received my SECOND pair, those too are starting to fray.

Although it makes me sad, I've realized that the lifestyle I lead, even though I take care of them very well, wrapping them carefully and always puttning them in an empty compartment of my backpack, probably isn't conducive to keeping these IEMS. I'll hang on to them as long as I can, and when I have to return then to Klipsch again, I'll try and sell the new ones they send back.

My question now is what other IEMs are available that match the signature Klipsch sound? I particularly liked the very warm nature of these headphones, as I'm slightly put off by the more analytical phones like the ER6-i. I realize that there are few non-basshead phones out there that can keep up with the X10s superb base output, but I'd like to get as close as possible.

Possible options I've come up with after looking around a little are the Shure SE530s, and perhaps even the Atrio M5s (not sure on these, as I feel like I might want a little more out of the mids).

Thanks for the help!

[VoLTaG3]

The Shure SE530 has tight, deep, and detailed bass with a quantity I find perfectly adequate when the song calls for it. The midrange from the Shure SE530 is by far unbeatable by any universal IEM. The highs are clear and detailed but their presence can be a bit laid back. Basically the Shure SE530's gives a very smooth high presentation which will greatly reduce listener fatigue. Once you get used the sound signature of the Shure SE530 you will realize why it is amongst the top of line in earphones for nearly 4 years.

[Anomaly10]

Sorry voltage, I've seen you in far too many SE530 threads praising them as though the were paying you quite well to take anything you say without a grain of salt =P. Not to say that I wasn't considering the SE530s anyway, I've heard from friends that they would be excellent IEMs for me, I just wanted to hear my other options before making a decision

[VoLTaG3]

Originally Posted by Anomaly10

Sorry voltage, I've seen you in far too many SE530 threads praising them as though the were paying you quite well to take anything you say without a grain of salt =P. Not to say that I wasn't considering the SE530s anyway, I've heard from friends that they would be excellent IEMs for me, I just wanted to hear my other options before making a decision

It's ok. Don't accept my opinion then. Good luck and I hope you find the perfect IEM for you!!

[cn11]

You may want to do a little digging/searching around for the Sennheiser IE7 & IE8's. They're a little more pricey (not really the IE7, which is going for $190 now on JR), but they take what the X10's did to a new level. I own the IE8's and they are a warm phone for sure with bass that betters the X10's, treble detail that's very nice yet never sibilant, and they have a huge soundstage. If you like a natural, speaker-like sound, they'd be a great choice.

I haven't heard the IE7's, but I've read comparisons that say they are a little more neutral, with a slightly narrower soundstage. They have almost the same level of bass that the IE8's have, but may not be quite as much of a 'fun' earphone.

[Zalithian]

Depending on your budget, you may want to look at the Sennheiser IE series. Perhaps the IE6, 7, or 8 would be good options. Monster Turbines as well are supposed to be good in the bass department. There are plenty of warm phones out there that you haven't mentioned yet.

[cn11]

Zalithian,
The IE8's opening up still for you?

[Zalithian]

They're only on about 60 hours at the moment but I don't think I could be much happier with the sound right now. I'm just keeping them burning in anytime I'm not using them, just to make sure.

[ka-boom]

Is the klipsch custom 3 out of your range?

[cn11]

Excellent, glad to hear it. There may be a slight improvement in treble around the 200 hour mark, I think I noticed that, but it may be 'brain effect'. Heh.

[VoLTaG3]

Originally Posted by ka-boom

Is the klipsch custom 3 out of your range?

How many drivers do those have in each ear?

[kobayashi]

1. IE8
2. IE7 or Atrio v2

Bass on the SE530 can't match the X10.

[Zalithian]

Yeah, we'll see. Thanks! I think anyone who doesn't believe in dynamic drivers burning in needs to buy themselves a pair of IE8's and test it for themselves, but that may be a can of worms we don't want to get into.

[VoLTaG3]

Originally Posted by kobayashi

1. IE8
2. IE7 or Atrio v2

Bass on the SE530 can't match the X10.

Can't match it in quantity but quality is a different story. I couldn't imaging wanting anymore bass from my SE530's the song will sound so imbalanced. I tried bass boost from my FiiO E5 and it added more volume to the bass without distorting it and I did not like the sound at all since I felt there was just too much bass then I flicked the switch back to neutral and the bass sounded "just right".

[ka-boom]

Originally Posted by VoLTaG3

How many drivers do those have in each ear?

"Each enclosure plays host to two drivers: one woofer, handling low-end frequencies up to 1,500Hz, and a tweeter handling everything above 1,500Hz."

~source