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...

The E4c/SCL4 is still a good IEM, but I believe it has been surpassed in some ways by newer BA and dynamic IEMs, especially in those which can provide a bit more extension in the bass and treble (Shures are still known for their midrange).  The cable tends to be the weak link, so if it is...

I absolutely agree that in audio, old does not mean bad.  I still want to get some original B&W 801s and  mid-80's vintage Krell amps, let alone Linn's turntables are still in demand.   My only point, through personal observation, is that the advances in IEMs have been dramatic over the past...

I agree, but remember that the K702 and the UM3X are different beasts due to one being a full-size and one being an IEM.  If it's possible, try to compare two IEMs, one dynamic and one BA.  When I started listening to quality dynamic IEMs last year, I was surprised by the timbre and details that...

I have the SCL5 and Monster Turbine Pro (both Gold and Copper).  I prefer the SCL5 over its cousin, the UM2, and its successor, the SE420.  I believe it is livelier than either of these, and very very well-built.  The bass is clearer and seems to go lower than these, and the treble is a bit more...

^^Agree, as usual.  I especially liked the Canadian analogy, I believe it was perfect.

^^ That is impressive. It at least demonstrates the build quality of Ety IEMs.

I've been following this thread since it came out, but no one seems to have asked if the CX980, the IEM version of the MX980, sounds similar to the IE8 (or even the MX980).   Any takers?

I believe you can use Shure's PTH accessory with any IEM, and it is available separately:   http://store.shure.com/store/shure/en_US/DisplayProductDetailsPage/productID.104994500

I've been using my MTPGs and IE8s for awhile, and decided to listen to my SE530, ER-4P, and Triple.fis again this weekend.  My comments above still apply to the SE530, very rich mid-range, but to me they become fatiguing after a couple of hours.  The Etys deserve all the praise they are due, but...

From my personal experience of universal IEMs, I would also recommend the Monster Turbine line (original, Pros, and MDs), IE8s, the Triple.fi Pro, as well as what others have recommended, including the RE0, JVC FX500/700, or the Radius DDMs.