Hi everyone,
I’m looking to upgrade from my RE2’s. I’ve had them for a couple of months and have very much enjoyed them, but I’m afraid upgraditus has struck.
I’ve been using the RE2’s with a Fiio E3 amp, and have really enjoyed the bass boost the RE2’s desperately needed (I found that I’m more of a basshead than I previously thought).

I’m looking for some suggestions in the $200 range. And I’d like to use these without an amp.

My ears are a bit treble sensitive, so I don’t need phone with really high treble extension. What I do need more of (than the RE2) is bass. A bass level that equals the RE2+E3 or even a little bit more would be nice.

As of now, I’m leaning towards the SA6. I like their small size and their modular design, and the up coming wireless conversion kit is very intriguing. I am a bit worried about the build quality as some people on this forum has expressed those concerns.

Anyone who’s listened to both the RE2 and SA6 can do a quick comparison on bass extension and quantity?

Any other phones I should be looking at given my requirements and needs?

Thanks much.

The RE1s? If you dislike harshness they might be a better option than the SA6s.

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I recommend the SA6s, even with the build issues, if you are in CONUS. If not, I might not take the chance. Overall, the SA6s crush the RE2s, in my view. And if you get the SA6s, be sure to do the bass+ mod, which is as simple as sticking a pin through the middle of the bass+ module. Plenty of excellent bass.

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I'm trying to avoid having to carry an amp at the moment, and from what I've read, the RE1 needs an amp to sound their best.

Even the SA6's benefit from an amp. What about a pair of used UM2's or TF10's?

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I'm probably going to get a real amp some time down the line, but I'd still like to have a pair of phone that sound good without one, especially a pair that doesn't need a bass boost.

The UM2 and TF10 some what out of my price range right now. I'm trying to take this upgrade thing 1 step at a time, so ~$200 is what I'd like to spend right now.

Some other options I'm looking at:

Atrio M5
UE SF5 (standard, eb, or pro???)
And maybe Q-Jays?

i suggest u save a little more and go for UM2. iirc, it's usd250. better imho

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If you want more bass forget about the q-Jays. They're a fairly analytical sounding earphone. The Atrio M5 or UE Super.Fi 5 sounds like it'll be more up your street ... or you could consider any of the following Denon AH-C751, C700 or C551

Hmm...from all the reviews on this site, I'd consider C551 more of a side/downgrade. Don't really know if the 751 are much more of an upgrade either. Though I have been looking at the 751 as an alternative/replacement for the RE2+E3 combo. But If I'm buying new phones, I'd rather go a step up.

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Sorry, you're right ... the C551 wouldn't really be an upgrade (though it would have more bass). The C700 or C751 would be a slight upgrade, but not a great leap up.

If you're really looking for an upgrade, with good bass, then sounds like the UM2 is the way to go. I'm looking to get together some money for the Westones myself.