Hi, I'm looking for something new under $100. I have the V-MODA Vibes right now, and I don't like them. The treble isn't clear and the bass is muddy. The Vibes also offer no outside sound reduction.
I want something with strong but clear bass, and clearer highs than the Vibes. I listen to a lot of alternative metal/nu metal (at high volumes, but that's because the Vibes don't reduce outside sound), so something that works for this music would be cool.

I like what I've read about the Denon AH-C452K and C551K headphones. What's the difference between them?
Do you think the C452Ks or the C551Ks are good for what I listen to? And do they offer some sound reduction? Thanks for any help.

Nate

Does anyone know how good the Denons are?

well no but if it was my money, id go with the denons, the 551 and 351 got good write ups all over so i dont see why the 452 should be radically different. however for us$100 thats nearing c751 teritory

NE-7M may work well for you. It's a cleaner, more articulate sound then the Vibe but still full bodied and warm sounding. They isolate better then the Vibe. They're also insanely easy to power, very high sensitivie, and they'll get quite loud without breaking up, the benefit of efficiently using power.

The lower treble is accentuated, so you'll get better high frequency detail then the Vibe. They still roll off up top like the Vibe though, so they're not sparkly or ultra crisp sounding. If you're looking for a full bodied sound, they're a good pick. If you're looking for high detail, clarity, and a more analytical presentation, then they aren't really capable.

I'm curious if something like the Etymotic ER6i or similar may work too, especially if you're looking for a lot of isolation and high detail. Street price is within your budget. They heavily isolate and are geared for mp3 players. I haven't personally listened to a set, but there are plenty of reviews around.

The Altec Lansing IM716 is a similar option and a very well regarded IEM option. It has a bass mode that apparently keeps it from being overly bass light and gives it some warmth, again a IEM I haven't listened to. The sound is supposed to be similar to the ER6i but with a little more bass. There's also a resistor mod that can be done to change the sound (people like it better) and improve mp3 player use (better sensitivity). The IM716 is also quite cheap at Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, Digital Cameras and more!

I've used the higher level Denon C700, but haven't used their mid level product. If the design is similar, expect relatively low max output (like half of most other IEMs) before they run out of excursion and distort in bass frequencies, and expect pretty low isolation, worse then the Vibe. The Denon products seem geared for quiet, critical listening rather then on the go jammin'.

I'm kind of a big fan of the Vibe cause I do enjoy that warm, velvety sound, but I agree top end is mild because of the roll off around 10kHz and it is a sloppy sound. Amping does clean up the bass though, but it's not a world of difference. For someone who wants precise articulation of note, the Vibe simply doesn't cut it.

It just seems you are at the point where you really do want something more analytical. If you don't need heavy bass, the Etymotic and Altec Lansing options may be a good fit. They'll give you the precision and detail and upper end response lacking from the Vibe. The only common complaint is bass but the ER6i and IM716 have their bass accentuated.

Hmm...I looked at everything you suggested, and I like the looks of the NE-7M (by the way, what's the difference between these and the NE-8M?). I don't think the iM716 or the ER6i have enough bass for what I want, and anyway I listened to my friend's Shure E2C headphones, and I didn't like the overall sound of them. They were much clearer than my Vibes, but they were boring to listen to...and the bass was lacking. I think I prefer that warmer sound you're talking about mvw2. I just want a little more clarity and isolation (I'm using an mp3 player here, so no amps). If, compared to the Vibes, the NE-7M has clearer treble and bass, offers more isolation, and has a good amount of bass, then I'll probably get them. The fact that they can get loud without distorting is good too but hopefully I won't have to turn the volume so high with more isolation.

Okay, I just have one more question. How does the bass with the NE-7M compare to the Vibes? I know it's cleaner but how strong is it?

Does anyone know how the bass in the NE-7M compares to the Vibes? Is it a lot less?

I just read that the 7Ms sometimes have problems with Creative devices because of the different type of jack. I have a Creative Zen...does anyone know if I could be affected by this?

I don't believe the 7M's work properly with the Zen due to the jack being different (mic)

UE 5pro or klipsch custom 3 are good for rock music

Great...i was going to get them...i guess i'll keep looking.

And coolbilly, the 2 IEMs you suggested are too expensive...I'm in college. Can't spend too much.