Hey everyone at Head-Fi. I've been browsing a lot around here recently.
Anyway, with a broken old 30gb Zune and broken cheaper Koss IEMs (Which were pretty decent for the price!), it's time for an upgrade.
I've decided on the Cowon S9 as far as the MP3 player goes - I've heard lots of things about the sound quality of that player from these forums.
However, when it comes to picking out a set of IEMs, I am extremely confused. At around $80, the RE0 seemed like a great choice in the price, but now I read more threads and see varying opinions. I also hear about a lack of bass? I'm not sure how much bass I need but it'd be nice to have it around.
And about price range - I'm not even sure. $80 for the RE0's seemed nice .. but if I could pick up something killer and way better for a bit over $100, I could do that too.
With Christmas soon approaching, it's time for me to make a decision! As far as much goes, I like to listen to metal and rock music with singing vocals (i.e. Mars Volta, Coheed and Cambria, Protest the Hero). I like to be able to hear the details too. If it helps at all, I've become very accustomed to listening to music on Logitech X-540 speakers, with the bass turned up a little. I think I would like a bit more clarity at louder volumes than these speakers may provide ...
If anyone can give me suggestions - whether its stay with the RE0, or another IEM, I'd greatly appreciate it.

edit: I'd also not rather pay extra and carry around a mini headphone amp. A pair of headphones that would sound good without one would be nice.

The only alternative that springs to mind is the Hippo Variable Bass, since as their title suggests they have bass. I would still go with the RE0s myself though ... they're tried and trusted. Is a FiiO E5 really that much of an inconvenience?

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I haven't actually held in E5 in my hands before. I'd like the S9 and E5 to fit comfortably in my pocket if possible.
The RE0 does seem like a real winner - but I've heard a couple other alternatives - SoundMagic PL50, and this one I forget the name of but ljokerl or whatever his name was frequently suggested it in lieu of the RE0.
RE0 isn't going to be one of those products to ship from somewhere like Hong Kong is it? Where is Head Direct located?

RE0 or S4 are proven winners at that range, getting most attention in this forum.

Head-direct has local office in NY, but it seems like recent RE0s are being shipped from somewhere in China (I could be wrong).

Try Hippo VB only if you really want a woofer-in-your-head. It was too much for me...

Head-Direct is in China, I believe, but shipping is $10 worldwide. The SoundMAGIC PL-50s don't come anywhere close the the RE0s. An E5 is approximately the same size as the previous generation iPod shuffle, the clip-on one. Sightly larger.





The other IEMs you're thinking of may be the Cyclone PR1 Pros? I think they give the RE0s a run for their money at ~$50 but don't surpass them totally.

Thanks for the help guys.
So it seems like its versus the RE0's and the S4's...
So is the E5 definitely worth the extra ~$25 then? I'm considering it now.

I would suggest that you get the RE0s first, then see if they satisfy you. If you still crave more bass, try out the E5.