Hey how's it going guys! I'm new to the forums although I've been drawing information from this site for a couple of months now! It's a great community you guys got going here, it's great to see everyone sharing opinions and helping each other. I want to get a nice set of IEMs with my xmas money and I want you guys to help me make the right decision. I've never had any premium IEMs although I a pair of Sennheiser HD228 that I've really been enjoying ever since I moded them and I listen to them every day
I need you guys to help me pick my new IEMs

Here's what I'm looking for:

I mostly listen to 90s Hip-Hop/Rap, a lot of Alternative Rock bands (The Killers, Radiohead, Franz Ferdinand, Muse, Artic Monkeys...), a lot of dance and electronic music too and Reggae.

I probably consider myself a basshead and I enjoy what could be considered a warm sound sig. I'm always tunning my EQ settings so that the bass can be more prominent.

I will use these IEMs with my Sansa Clip and my Cowon D2+. I would prefer some IEMs that sound great out of the box since the only amp I own is a FiiO E3 and I don't think the sound quality on it is too great but I might consider getting a better portable amp if it's worth it.

I'm looking for great durability, I tend to break every stock headphone I get with any MP3 player.

Finally, I'd love to say that budget isn't a problem but you all know that that's a lie. I'd like to get something in the 100$ range althought I might be able to shell out a little more if the upgrade is worth it.

From my research I've come down to 2 IEMs:

Head Direct RE0: although I don't know if these would go great with my taste of music and without amp.

Sennheiser IE7: these are a littler bit out of my budget but they seem to be perfectly suited for my needs. The IE8 are ofcourse even better but way out of my budget.

That's what I came up with. Please leave your suggestion guys! Thanks in advance!

brunorod, I will tell you this - with my experience with the RE0's, they are unbelievably clear, detailed, and have an amazing sound stage. I am not a "basshead" per se, but I do like my bass. And the RE0's have enough to make me happy. The bass is quite present, but not over powering. If you do want more bass, an E5 would probably do what you would need it to do to get the bass you want.

One of my posts from another thread:
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If you want pics or anymore input, just toss me a PM.

Thanks for your suggestion Durden! It seems that the RE0 are the best bang for the buck you can get in the sub 100$ category. I think these and the addition of a FiiO E5 + bass boost and my Clip would make a nice portable rig. I'm still open to anything though, I want to gather as much info as possible before I make my decision.

How do the RE0 pair up in terms of durability? I've heard that the IE7 cable is great in that aspect. I'm still doubting if the jump to the IE7s is worth it or not, it'd be nice if someone who has heard both could share his thoughts.

Thanks for the help!

Hey Brunorod...what kind of opening line is that... OK...so you are new. Great...Yipee.

This Head-Fi community is a close knit group...one of which you will have to be accepted. Maybe a fully detailed IEM review will gain you acceptance.

That is great you are new... OK...so what can you offer our group????

Here's my choice:

Klipsch S4



I've heard the Head Direct RE0 and my gripe is that the bass could be "thin" on this IEM.

i've seen people complain about RE0 but the Klipsch S4 is liked by everyone who tries it.

also klipsch has apparently been in this business for 80 years. if you consider company experience to be important.

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What the heck kind of welcome is that? I seriously hope to not see a post like this again.

@op, welcome.

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*cough* I mean, really?

I bugged these forums with several posts into my journey of entry level- IEMS, and I'm sure they got tired of my posts-- but everybody stayed nice, friendly, and helpful


@OP-- good luck with your search

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what?? seriously? now how does this help the OP

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people have complained about both. i believe that people have complained about the RE0 more because it is not a popular sound signature and do not have enough bass compared to what some people are used to. check the S4 thread and there are people who don't like it.

anyway..welcome to headfi and since no one has mentioned it sorry about your wallet

I haven't heard the IE7 so I'll only comment on the RE0. They are a great value esp at $79+shipping..however they may a bit of a shock depending on the type of earphones and sound you are looking for. They do not have a very popular sound signature since they are fairly neutral.

I do not know what type of earphones you had in the past but you did mention you are a basshead. Is what you want the type of sound where the bass is booming in your head when you have music on? If that is so, you may want to look elsewhere cuz that is what these are not. The RE0 does need an amp to perform its best but it isnt needed to sound good. I have the D2+ and it sound great without an amp but even better with one but thats beyond what the E3 does.

Lastly, in terms of durability..the wire does seem thin but I don't have the fear that they will break or anything like that. If anything does happen they have a one year replacement warranty and have a presence here at head-fi so thats not an issue for me.

Having not tried the IE7s, I'd send you to the RE0. At it's current price point it's about the best you can get, and I can tell you they're amazing. If you want bass that vibrates and bounces and punches you in the face (and let's be honest, everybody likes that now and again ) then maybe the Klipsch S4 is a better fit. In terms of clarity though the RE0 is king until you pay significantly more money.

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What? Don't listen to this guy. If you have an interest in headphones, you are accepted here!

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how very warm and friendly!!!

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hmm ive seen people complain about the S4, ive got complaints about the S4 myself in that its really too thick, heavy and bassy. its not terrible but make no mistake it offers a very bass heavy sound. the IE7 is a very clear step above it as is the RE-0. of course the RE-0 will be too bass light for some.

i would agree with comments made above about the RE0 being considered bass light by some. i have owned them before and really enjoyed the sound but did find the bass to be a bit thin to me. i moved onto the westone 1's (not the UM1) and found the bass on these to be perfect for my tastes - which are similar to what you listed minus the electronica and reggae. in terms of build quality/durability, i found the re0 to feel a bit cheap and the plug to be a bit fragile. the westones on the other hand have a great cable - with absolutely no microphonics - and a pretty sturdy right angle plug.

i just bought the ie7 and they shuold be coming in tomorrow. i would be glad to leave you my thoughts on them compared to the re0 if you still haven't made up your mind. but in terms of best bang for your buck for an all around portable earphone, i think you would be hard pressed to find one better than the re0's. but then again, i haven't listened to too many iems/earphones as others here on this forum.

good luck on your search

Scratch the RE0s, wrong for you. I would go with Atrios.

Check out the Cyclone PR1 Pro review. They seem to compete with RE0s but have a bit more bass. Whether or not their laid-back presentation is suitable for your vocal-based music taste is something you'll have to consider.