Widest Soundstage below $150 - Page 2

Isn't recommending a product for which you are an authorized distributor also against the rules? Seems like it would be a conflict of interest, at least without a visible disclaimer.

JVC FX500, ATH_CKS70, Q-Jays, image X5, EX500 and IE7

I find Q-Jays here for $150 and JVC FX500 has really wide soundstage with great details in mids n highs for under $150 (from syoshop.com) or look into yuin earbuds if isolation is not very important.

I thought it was well enough known, anyone who would have read up on the Eterna would likely have read that I am a distributor. If not, my apologies. I do try to keep my reviews a honest as possible. I admire(d) how HeadRoom has/had their reviews, honest and clear. I'm not afraid to say how the RE0 is better in sheer sound quality than the Eterna, but the Eterna does have advantages itself. Heck, I bought an RE0 and loved it, though I sold it to fund a W2. I would much like to remain a normal head-fier and still run my business, though it's not entirely possible if my product is only known in Head-Fi as of now.
If anyone has a problem with it, let me know, if not, I'll keep trying my best to remain as unbiased as possible.
I don't recommend my products unless the person themself has stated interest before, and in that case it is mainly for clarification as a person who has said IEM and has compared to the RE0. Right now promoting the Eterna would do me no good anyways since I'm out of stock.
In short, I would like to keep business separate from my personal activities outside of providing support and answering questions.

Regarding everyone knowing you are a distributor, that's not necessarily true. Usually those who start recommendation threads are actually the least informed in the community. The chances of them stumbling on the Fischer thread by accident and reading it all the way through are pretty slim prior to your recommendation unless they've really done their research. I haven't actually kept up with that thread personally but I remember that the first few pages were written long before you started your business.

But that wasn't my point. I was not commenting on your appraisal of the Fischer IEMs in general. ClieOS and many others share your sentiments and I have no issue there. Instead, I was curious where you draw the line since you said a head-fi promotion would be against the rules. But going by the rules you clearly belong in the MOT category, with all of consequences and repercussions, which I shall not quote.

Not an attack by any means, just a bit of curiosity that's been lingering for a while. And this thread probably wasn't the best way to approach it so sorry about that.

The Custom 3 is a great option. Although they are now discontuned and have a terrible cord, they fit just under the $150 mark, are incredibly well balanced and extended in frequency response. The sound stage is well sized and linear in sense. It portrays good size to recordings.

The RE252 is another good choice, although, I'm not sure how easy it can be had for under $150. It's $199 new, but a used product might be found for within the $150 limit. I would consider its size to be similar to the custom, perhaps less linear, slightly less forward. It's more transparent, cleaner and more spaced in presence, and has more impact in note.

One versus the other, they're comparable products but geared for different tastes. The RE252 has a better cord and overall build quality. The "gummy bear" type casing is flexible but fit will vary from person to person.

If we're talking $200 retail and used, we also have more options in what to buy. One I would happily suggest is Etymotic's ER4, the S or P depending on amping, even the B if you want stronger highs. The main gripe is the bass frequency response does roll off a little early. Midbass and high bass is very good, but the deep notes just aren't there. The balance and sound stage is awesome though, very linear, well sized. These have been reference products for the last 15 years for a reason. Used, you can find them within your price range, and as long as you don't need deep bass, they're an excellent fit.

I haven't personally used a whole lot more in the affordable price range that gives a big, spacious sound. I think the only other thing I've used was the V-moda Vibe, but that has horrible locational cues, left, right, and that's about it. Even center isn't great, but damn if they're not fun to listen to.

I would kind of toss in the Denon C751 as an option. They aren't super spacious though in stage size, however their locational cues are excellent. They have great transparency and articulation of note. The sound is natural and very life like. To me, they are sort of a poor man's IE8, kind of a similar sense but a little less refined in response. The sound stage simply isn't big. It's more intimate, but separation and spacing is excellent. Still for the $105 they sell for, they have outstanding sound quality. Tip choice plays a roll in how they sound too. The stock mini single flange tip it comes with stock isn't quite right for it. For example, there's particular midbass and treble peaks that just go away if you switch to a bi-flange tip. Sensitivity is excellent and they have little need for amping. It's an earphone that certainly doesn't get enough praise or mention around here. Would I try and shoot for something better? Eh, that's debatable. It always comes down to the sound characteristics you're shooting for. It should at least be on the list though.

I dunno why no one has any love for the head-direct RE1.

Of course it needs an amp to really shine. However any bright sounding amp will work fine with the RE1. The FiiO E1 makes a decent combination with the RE1. Its soundstage is really amazing. In fact ClieOS gave it a 5 star rating for soundstage.

I can vouch for the Hippo VB's having a huge soundstage, the music very often seem to come from outside the IEM's themselves. For 80$ these are a complete steal.

What do you all think of the Phonak PFE for OP? I know they've had some quality control issues in the past, but I remember the soundstage being quite good, right? They're awesome w/ classical. I've seen them in the forums for under a 100 nib.

Soundstage on the PFEs is average at best, at least compared to things like the RE252 and PR1 Pro.

It's been over a year since I heard them, so I couldn't remember for sure. Thanks!