BAs don't really need to be burned in (I'm undecided on dynamics).  The bass may not be what you expected, but it is there in spades and it is high quality.  You may need to adjust your expectations, possibly redefining what is good bass vs. loud or accentuated bass.  I have many tracks that can...

I have the regular (and discontinued) SF5 Pro (dual-BA) and the TripleFi Pro, but not the EBs.  The SF5 was/is a good IEM to me, and the TFP is a big step up in clarity and bass.  The EB was a very unique IEM when it was on the market, with those who loved it (mainly bassheads, but not only...

SuperFi 5EB, dual driver, one balanced armature, one dynamic for each earpiece.

The original Turbines are a good choice. I found their signature very Grado-like, but also improved in all the important areas. Guitar distortion is great on the Turbines.

I purchased the Loud Enough IEMs for my kids earlier this year and am very pleased with the results.  Having volume control on an iPod and in the IEM just reinforces the safety factor.  While not audiophile quality, they are still working fine and in great physical condition.  The fact they are...

I have the original Monster Turbines, as well as the Gold and Copper Pro versions, all are extremely good.  I don't have the IE6, but it's bigger brother the IE8, which is also excellent after some burn-in, and Sennheiser's IE line have a great reputation.   I believe the original Turbine...

I would recommend the Monster Turbine (in your price range or less), or for a bit more, the Monster Turbine Pro (Copper or Gold) or the UE/Logitech Triple.fi Pro. I like the E5c (good clarity and built like a tank), but more recent IEMs such as the Turbines and TFPs are improvements, especially...

Mine are 18 months old and have been used on all my international trips.  While they do not appear to be very durable, as long as you are careful with them you should not have any problems.  The Pros definitely feel more substantial and are reinforced with better strain reliefs, but my Turbines...

OMG.   Best.Review.Ever.  (Or at least since your Ortofon review).  You are the second coming of Corey Greenberg, albeit with a British accent.

I have to agree with everyone above.  I was able to purchase my IE8s in the UK directly from Amazon.co.uk for a good price.  But, these were sold directly from Amazon, not through a reseller or fulfillment model.  If you purchase from Amazon directly, then you shouldn't have a risk of getting a...

I have to agree with SolidVictory.  These definitely look like the fakes sold on eBay a few years ago. An E4c/SCL4 should be either all white, all black, or all grey, no mixed color schemes.  Also, the "standard" Shure black olives fit all of their models except the E2c, which as you note don't...

Given the difficulty in finding the other recommendations, I would probably concur with the IE7.  I enjoy my IE8, but the cost of the 8 is still going to be higher than the 7.  Plus, the Senns are very well-built and can take a lot of physical abuse.

In what country are you located?  Some of the suggestions listed may not be appropriate due to price or availability based on where you live.  Also, does your friend have a budget?

Yes, the Turbine Pros seem to work best worn straight down.

The Triple.fis are a very different, but equally high-end, IEM.  They have a bit of a mid-bass hump, but seem to go much deeper than the 530s, and have a very unique clear high-end the Shures don't possess.  Think of a V-shaped sound, but still very good, where the Shure is good in the bass...