I don't believe the DJ100 uses ti coated drivers. I believe it is only the ksc75 and ktxpro1 which use the titanium coated drivers. Also, this is a closed design as you know, so it is going to sound very different from their open designs, regardless of whether the drivers are ti-coated or...

What are some excellent choices in amps for the PS500/e? I will be pairing them with a Fiio X3 or X5. Thanks for any suggestions.

Interesting. I thought it was mentioned in their recent manufacturing video that they sourced from overseas, but maybe that was just an assumption of mine since everything seems to be produced overseas now.   I think you're right: the only QC problems I've been reading about involve their...

My planned upgrade path is 60e -> 325e -> PS500e. I may keep all of them or sell off depending upon any tangible gains in SQ. The defect rate isn't enough to scare me off. I'm pretty sure that if there are any problems, they'll most likely show up early on within the warranty period. There...

This thread is a gold mine for great music recommendations. :)

  The stock tips are not bad. They're about average in noise isolation and fit. I'm getting better noise isolation from cheapo foam tips from ebay. I just think foam tips are better in general for noise isolation. I think the average user will find the stock tips sufficient however.

How do these compare to apple's latest earpods?

So is it actually possible to buy these now? Is there a US based dealer?

Thanks claritas. Hadn't considered TTVJ.   I will probably go with a very low risk route like crutchfield considering the (apparent? real?) QC issues.   Off topic, I was considering the xiaomi pistons IEM's, but there seem to be a lot of counterfeits out there. I'm just striking those off my...

It looks like 4yourears has pulled all e series grados off of amazon. Is this in response to a higher than average rate of defects and returns? Amazon is my first choice for buying a pair of grado's, but if they are not available, I wouldn't mind buying from another great vendor.

These IEM's have an exaggerated V shaped sound signature. A lot of bass and a lot of exaggerated treble. If you are looking for a neutral sound signature the philips are not for you. They seem to respond pretty nicely to EQing. Also, I'm getting good noise isolation with inexpensive foam tips...

Does anyone have any experience with the igrado? It's listed at $49, which is tempting since I can save $30 compared to the SR60e. Are they very similar in sound signature/quality or is the 60e have significantly better sound quality?

I'm really perplexed by the apparently high rate of defects with grado's especially higher end grado's. I saw the recent video of grado's being manufactured. It seems the process is very straightforward? It seems there are so few steps, it would be difficult to make many errors, especially with...

Thanks to everyone weighing in on the 60e vs 80e question. My purchase seems straightforward now. BTW, does anyone know if the black sheep of the line, igrado's, have been updated with the new red drivers? Should they be re-labeled egrado's if so? :)

So, SR60e vs SR80e... ...which offers more bass and a slightly darker sound signature? I am definitely not looking for a dark sound signature overall, just a slightly darker version of the grado house sound. PS500e is way out of my price range for now, so sticking with entry level.