Like the title says, im looking for a comfortable and good isolating IEM under $100. I like to listen to music and watch movies on my comp at home but am easily distracted by background noise.

So far, ive whittled it down to the Head-direct RE2, Westone UM1, JAYS j Jays, JAYS d Jays, denon c751, and the denon c551. Sound quality is also important but comes third after comfort and isolation. What would you recommend? Also, please list any other IEMs that fit this category that I havent mentioned. Thanks.

I just got the UM1 very recently (a week ago) after much consideration.

Comfy? Definitely!!! (note: I'm using the stock foam tips)

Isolation? As much as I want it to be! I can listen to my music pretty clearly on the streets even if I use a very very low volume setting

Sound? I find the sound quality somewhat lacking... or maybe I had higher expectations. I used Shure E2C for around 3 years and a bit before it having cable issues, which prompted me to find an alternative. I choose UM1 (similar price range) while expecting it to be a bit better in sound quality, but it just doesn't seem so... or maybe I'm just getting used to it.

I read around the forums, and tried to use a different tip: bi-flange tips (modded from Shure's triple-flange) and it sounded a lot better!! But maybe it's just me... it's not really comfortable to me, so I'm just using the stock foam ones for now.

But if comfort and isolation comes before sound, I highly recommend UM1!!!

thanks. thats pretty much confirms what ive been reading from other UM1 reviews. ive been leaning towards the UM1 but the only thing holding me back is the sound quality. i just wish it was better sounding. that and i dislike that you can only wear it over the ear. keep the recommendations comin

Etymotic ER6 or ER6i (6i = more bass and more useable without an amp). Each is under $80 on amazon.com

Great isolation and very compact. I've used the ER6 on planes, and it gives better isolation that either of my custom IEMs. You may not hear the phone ring or the smoke alarm.

Comfort is subjective - if you are ok with silicon earplugs (like the kind used for shooting or swimming with multiple flanges), then you have some idea of whether the Etys will work for you.

Soundwise - not as much bass as the UM1, but more detail out of the Etys.

ive considered the etymotic er6/er6i also but i have a feeling the tips might be bothersome to me. they dont look too comfortable

also just to add to my original post, i was wondering if anyone could comment on the durability of the IEMs listed above. that and if anyone knows where i can find the Westone UM1 for cheap. lowest ive seen is $100 after shipping + handling, and taxes