Hello, I am currently looking for some IEM's in the price range of 160. I haven't really narrowed it down to any specific brand since.. there is quite a bit of choices in the market.

My music preference as of right now is Rock, Alternative, Pop, Classical.
I am more leaning towards bass,comfort and SQ over other factors.

Price can be for either used or new. (Best bang for the buck?)

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

(I am currently using Creative EP-630.)

Atrio M5, SF 5, SF 5 Pro and SA6. SA6 is USD180 after 10% off.

I'd take a look at Ultimate Ear's Extended Base line. You can get a pair for 150$ easy on the internet. It would be perfect for your rock, alternative and pop, but there may be better choices for classical.

I agree with crazylazybum, quality of the superfi 5 pro but with the bass to match. Be aware that they need to be burned in to get more controlled bass.

Downsides are that they are larger than average IEM's, If you care about the music then get them.

RE1...if you're getting an amp.

Thanks for the inputs guys!

I currently have a Little-dot MK1 as an AMP.

I will look into the Super.fi 5 EB, but these IEM seem more geared towards techno/rap and club music, which I don't really listen to.

The SA6 will make a great choice. You need to spend alittle more though. You can get a $10 off your purchase at Soundearphones.com and free shipping.

$10 off your order of $150 or more!
Enter this code at checkout: 10OffSound

You've described the Future Sonics Atrios.

I'm sure the others mentioned will serve you well, too. But at least read the Future Sonics thread (more like an epic). After I got the Atrios, going back and listening to the Creative EP 630s was jarring. I like the Creatives -- for what they are (inexpensive canal phones that improve on bundled earbuds) -- but the M5s are a logical upgrade (several levels up the food chain), but so much better (good enough that I have taken a most un-Head-Fi-like approach and refrained from upgrading 'phones since I got them ... so far, anyway ... they're that enjoyable for me). Excellent bang for the buck.

EDIT: EEXO's suggestion sounds like an excellent possibility, as well.

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Phones (in order of purchase):
Sony MDR71, Sony MDR51, Etymotic ER6, Panasonic RP-HJ50, Shure E3C, Koss PortaPro 2, Creative EP630, Etymotic ER6i, Sennheiser PX-100, Sennheiser HD555, Future Sonics Atrio M5

I am getting quite interested in the SA6... Anyone know a good place to purchase them online where shipping is relatively low to Canada? Thanks !

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www.soundearphones.com has free shipping for the SA6
They are one of head-fi's premium sponsors and I've personally experience their wonderful customer service.

Any other places by any chance? I feel like I am going to get booked a lot of tax...

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Sorry, I've got no idea.
Maybe you can send them an email to enquiry.

You could also consider the Denon C751s available for $100, however the SA6 may have them beat in some repects, sonically. OTOH, SA6 do have some reliabilty issues.



Portable Setup: Zen Sleek -- Cardas Mini -- Go-Vibe Petite -- Denon C751
Home Setup: Dell XPS -- MHDT Labs Paradisea+ DAC --Darkvoice THA332 Amp -- ATH W5000/Senn HD595

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Do you mind me asking what does OTOH stands for?

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On The Other Hand.

At least that's what I think it means.