What is with the prices of IEM going up recently? I was reading through some old threads while trying to search for an IEM to purchase, and I noticed that many of the prices stated were much lower than they currently are. For example, Denon C700 were 100 on Amazon, now above 165. SuperFi5 were 135-150, now they are above 180. Atrio M5/M8 used to go for around 130-140, now they go for 180. Seems like these things are in very high demand.

I need some good value IEM under 200 (unfortunately this rules out the better ones, eg. SA6, UE10), preferably at prices similar to what I could have purchased them for back in early 2008.

I'm currently looking at the Denon C700, Atrio M5 or the Q-Jays. I have been thinking about the UE5, but the over-the-ear wearing style and abnormal shape have put me off (and that other branded tips, eg. Shure olives, cannot be used without modification). Any comparisons between these? Have I missed out something I should be getting? Build quality isn't too important as I will be either carrying it on me or in a case in my bag, microphonics will be an issue.

Also, if anybody is selling (and shipping to Australia - I will cover costs) any of the aforementioned IEM (including SA6) for whatever reason (as long as they work 100%), please give me a shout (especially on the M5 Atrios - I've been looking for these and people seem to be selling them used for around 100-120 USD.

Atrio's have also gone for $180 USD. However, on certain sites, you can bargain to pay 140 for them. Superfi 5s are still going for the same price, if you know where to look.

Denon C700s were replaced by C751, which is basically the same thing but with added accesories, and they go for $120 on amazon.

Well I know when I bought my Shure 530 PTH a while ago I got them brand new for $320 if I remember correctly. Didn't like them so returned them and now see they are a lot more expensive. Yes I did try them out but it may be because I had no amp ? I don't know I just was not impressed. I was going from full size closed headphones to these so maybe that was it I don't know? Yes I did have to pay for return shipping for those who are wondering. I didn't care though.

The price goes up must have something to do with global warming and El Niño... or perhaps it is the weak Americans' dollar and price increase on almost everything?

You might want to put RE1 in your list of consideration.

How about Westone UM1s? I haven't heard them but they seem to get pretty good reviews...

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The weak dollar has caused more than iem's to go up check out the rest of
the hi-fi gear of late.

Here you go...:
Newegg.com - Etymotic Research ER4P 3.5mm Connector Canal Earphones

Listed at the Etymotic site at $299.00!

I'm kind of glad I went bonkers earlier this year and bought a lot of gear hehehe. I am still playing around with about 5 IEM's I bought and still have not decided which ones I prefer but I keep them all hehehe

I keep finding new ways to improve the sounds with different sleeves etc.

Oh. I just didn't think the American dollar weakened that much to contribute to a >50% rise in price.

I'm no longer considering the SA6 unless I can buy it used off someone for less than 200 USD shipped (unlikely), so right now I'm tossing between the Denon C700/C751 and the Futuresoincs Atrio M5. Might go with the Atrio M5 since I've heard they have less microphonics issues to deal with, but the Denon have better construction. As for sound, I've heard both are relatively equal. Anybody who can provide more recommendations?

Also, something I couldn't find properly on Google, but what exactly is "fatiguing" sound quality?

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Haha. Keep me updated if you make a decision soon I may want to buy one of your old ones

its due to gas prices because shipping requires gas

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Very good value for money! They are so comfortable with the shure black foams, can't even feel them in your ears! The mids and highs are not harsh but still very clear and present. The bass is lacking (on a flat EQ) but the driver is more than capable of handling bass boost, ive got mine on +2 on my Sony 618F and it really brings out the lower end, pretty deep and quite controlled, +3 bass boost actually makes them boomy so the drivers are very capable indeed!

You can get them for US$109 and invest US$14 in a pack of black shure foams from ebay seller "idealsound". A pack of 5 pairs should last you well over a year (provided you keep your ears clean!).

For two reasons I guess.
1. The low USD value.
2. Increased fuel prices, which in turn lead to higher shipping costs.

You used to be able to buy the atrio m5/m8 from road-dog online on ebay for $140 shipped, but due to limited supply they no longer take the "best offer". I don't think you'll be able to find them at that price anymore unless you buy them used from someone here. I've had mine for over a year now and they are still going strong. I can't recommend them enough, even for $180. One of the sellers on ebay offers free worldwide shipping if you do a search.

You should definitely consider / reconsider the RE1s or maybe even the RE2s. You will probably like the both the Atrios and the Denons.

In terms of SQ / $ I think the RE2s are pretty much unrivaled. I have not heard any reasonably priced earphone that can compare to them. The RE1s are almost as good they are a really unique sound characteristic and they sound incredible when amped properly.