soundstige said:

  I've given a lot of recommendations in the past but I feel really stuck in choosing something that's right for me. I'm looking for a neutral, analytical IEM with a lot of sound stage and, if it has to veer from being totally flat, a slight boost in the treble region. I'm looking to spend $200-300. I don't mind dynamic or BA drivers, but in the past I've found BAs the most enjoyable.
 
The two best IEMs I've listened to are the Etymotic ER4S and the Brainwavz B2, for reference. I'm trying to get a step up from them to go with my ODAC+O2 combo.
 
Thanks joker/everyone else!

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I still haven't found anything I enjoy more than the ER4S and a few of the better TWFKs in that price range for balanced-to-slightly bright sound. However, if you can get your hands on it, maybe try the Sony EX1000 - it provides a slightly different take on the balanced/bright signature with a wider/more out-of-the-head presentation. The EX600 is also an option and should be less expensive, but possibly harder to get your hands on.
 

bina said:

  I'm sad to see Noble 6 will not get full review. Can you at least tell us, if you think this 6 driver IEM is on same level as other 1K IEMs and estimated score for sound?
 
Thanks

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If you only consider universals it's not so bad but I thought the MH334 sounded better overall with a somewhat similar (but smoother) signature, and the less expensive StageDiver SD-3 was a close competitor as well. I would rank the 6 somewhere between those two, closer to the SD-3.
 

msd94 said:

  Hi all, would like recommendations. i have a budget of around $100 USD, but it can go a little higher if it's truly worth it.
 
i had the klipsch s4's for the past 3 years but recently lost them. while i was satisfied with them i realize there are better options.
 
the genres i listen to most would probably be rap and rock, such as flipsyde, brother ali, common market, adelitas way.. but also artists like stevie wonder, gnarls barkley, etc. so i would really like a good all-around IEM.
 
 
i'm looking for something comfortable (i listen up to 5 hours of music a day, usually half through my IEMS) with good sound isolation, preferably passive. obviously good sound quality is a must, as is durability, my s4's lasted 3 years and still aren't broken, just lost, i'm not sure how uncommon this is for higher quality IEMs but i would definitely want a pair to last at least a year if not more.
 

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RHA MA750s are nice and durable at around $110. They fit your requirements for sound and decent isolation but comfort will depend on your ears - for me they are fine but some have reported them to be too large. They are also worn cable-up.
 
JVC HA-FXT90 is slightly less expensive but sounds about as good. It's more lightweight than the MA750 but still has a large footprint in the ear compared to the S4 thanks to its dual drivers.
 
ATH-CKM500 has a shallower fit so you'll maybe give up a bit of isolation but it's quite comfortable and very inexpensive for the sound quality provided. 
 
Sony MH1C would be the least expensive set I'd recommend. It's probably the safest choice in terms of comfort/noise isolation balance, though the cable can be annoying, and sound every bit as good as the CKM500 overall. There's a Bluetooth wireless version of these as well - the SBH80.

msd94 said:

  Hi all, would like recommendations. i have a budget of around $100 USD, but it can go a little higher if it's truly worth it.
 
i had the klipsch s4's for the past 3 years but recently lost them. while i was satisfied with them i realize there are better options.
 
the genres i listen to most would probably be rap and rock, such as flipsyde, brother ali, common market, adelitas way.. but also artists like stevie wonder, gnarls barkley, etc. so i would really like a good all-around IEM.
 
 
i'm looking for something comfortable (i listen up to 5 hours of music a day, usually half through my IEMS) with good sound isolation, preferably passive. obviously good sound quality is a must, as is durability, my s4's lasted 3 years and still aren't broken, just lost, i'm not sure how uncommon this is for higher quality IEMs but i would definitely want a pair to last at least a year if not more.

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Maybe Vsonic GR07 Classic? Ok isolation, great comfort for most. Good sound quality. I just don't know how they stack up to the newer ones. I've been out of the game for a while, haven't bought any new iems for a while. But just looking at construction I still find that GR07 were among the most comfortable iems I've tried. Great warm-ish sound with good slightly-above-neutral bass with good organic drum sounds. Just a tendency to sound sibilant but usually not a problem. Kind of thinking about buying a new pair later just because the GR07 really changed my way of listening to music. 

msd94 said:

  Hi all, would like recommendations. i have a budget of around $100 USD, but it can go a little higher if it's truly worth it.
 
i had the klipsch s4's for the past 3 years but recently lost them. while i was satisfied with them i realize there are better options.
 
the genres i listen to most would probably be rap and rock, such as flipsyde, brother ali, common market, adelitas way.. but also artists like stevie wonder, gnarls barkley, etc. so i would really like a good all-around IEM.
 
 
i'm looking for something comfortable (i listen up to 5 hours of music a day, usually half through my IEMS) with good sound isolation, preferably passive. obviously good sound quality is a must, as is durability, my s4's lasted 3 years and still aren't broken, just lost, i'm not sure how uncommon this is for higher quality IEMs but i would definitely want a pair to last at least a year if not more.

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ljokerl said:

   
 
RHA MA750s are nice and durable at around $110. They fit your requirements for sound and decent isolation but comfort will depend on your ears - for me they are fine but some have reported them to be too large. They are also worn cable-up.
 
JVC HA-FXT90 is slightly less expensive but sounds about as good. It's more lightweight than the MA750 but still has a large footprint in the ear compared to the S4 thanks to its dual drivers.
 
ATH-CKM500 has a shallower fit so you'll maybe give up a bit of isolation but it's quite comfortable and very inexpensive for the sound quality provided. 
 
Sony MH1C would be the least expensive set I'd recommend. It's probably the safest choice in terms of comfort/noise isolation balance, though the cable can be annoying, and sound every bit as good as the CKM500 overall. There's a Bluetooth wireless version of these as well - the SBH80.

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How about the Yamaha EPH-100? strong bass, small form factor, good build quality. No mic/controls. $110 on Amazon.

rochrx7 said:

which iem you talkin bout willis

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None in specific, but with me it's the UE600

ljokerl said:

Yes, the Reference is probably not the best option due to being more revealing of sibilance than the HF5, and the V3 is much, much bassier than the HF5. The Custom One is a "safer" choice in terms of sound signature but it doesn't have a whole lot more bass than the Etys so it might not be a drastic enough upgrade for you in that area. Obviously it does fix the other issues you have - comfort, cable noise, etc. 
 

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Once again, Mr. Joker's review lines up with mine, and joker's got to be the most honest and trustable reviewer on headfi.  You have to tread headfi carefully because you will run into lots of hype and possibly scammers posting that get's paid for only writing positive things.  Joker has much experience, low-fi to hi.
 
Joker, I've noticed that NT-6 is sensitive to source.  NT-6 can be extremely clear and detail, or sound like any other iem depending on the source.  Have you tried several sources?  I found that if you match it with the right source, it would push out some unbelievable sound, dynamic imaging is ridiculous.  My top three sources are DX100, ODAC/O2 combo, and Fiio X5.  Maybe your ranking would go up even more if you try it with the right source?

esteebin said:

How about the Yamaha EPH-100? strong bass, small form factor, good build quality. No mic/controls. $110 on Amazon.

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I think that is the best suggestion yet. The Yamaha's appear to be a clear favorite in this price range. Check out the EPH-100 thread.....it made me but a pair. Just deal with Amazon and not eBay on these; a lot of known fakes floating around on eBay.

Hello
Joker,
 
What's the best IEM I can purchase without going for broke?
 
1. I'm looking for tight and noticeable deep sub-bass (not necessarily a bass-head type)
 
2. Clear and liquid-like sounding mids'
 
3. Finally, clear and analytical treble (not dry)
 
-A mild V shape is the idealistic sound I had in mind
 
.....I thought about the Dunu DN-1000 (triple driver hybrid), if paying in the $200 dollar range.
 
But, I'm trying to shoot under $50 dollars (or only above $50 if any BA's are worth getting that could provide all of the above).
 
 
-Some ideas would be great! Thanks in advance!

ljoker , can you please put a suggestion , either here or on this thread
http://www.head-fi.org/t/722687/iem-choice-upgrade
on what I should upgrade my ie8 and ck100 into ? I am using the x5 as a source

Well.. My ue600's.. Yea they broke. This has literally happened with the past 5 or 6 headphones I have purchased. It's a cable issue, like I twist and turn it and sound sometimes comes out, but the sound only cuts out on the right side, not the left. The only headphones I have still have working are my Monoprice 9927's (black version of the 8320) which have been throught the washer, dryer, dog bites, and literally drenched/submerged in coke for a few hours. Anybody know what can be the cause of the sound cutting out? I have been "babying" the ue600's as well so idk :/

Hi Joker. I had read your thread since 2011 and has managed to make fabulous purchases such as the MD Tributes then the Ortofon e-Q7 and finally the FX700.

I am just curious if you have heard the current FX850s and your comments & impressions of them. Thanks in advance. Cheers!

sebsg said:

Well.. My ue600's.. Yea they broke. This has literally happened with the past 5 or 6 headphones I have purchased. It's a cable issue, like I twist and turn it and sound sometimes comes out, but the sound only cuts out on the right side, not the left. The only headphones I have still have working are my Monoprice 9927's (black version of the 8320) which have been throught the washer, dryer, dog bites, and literally drenched/submerged in coke for a few hours. Anybody know what can be the cause of the sound cutting out? I have been "babying" the ue600's as well so idk :/

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have you tried wiping the headphone plugs and use cotton swab to clean inside the headphone jack? There maybe oil or residue that is preventing a good contact.

Hi Joker
 
I'm curious more than anything.  What would you think would be a good upgrade to the old westone 3?  I've heard westone 2 (great apart from a lack of bass)klipsch x10, tf10.  Was just looking for something a little more off the beaten path.
 
Listen to Rock, metal and audiobooks.  The only thing is they must be excellent isolators as I use these at work (either out of a ipod classic or a sansa clip plus) to keep my self some what sane.
 
No real budget but lower the better.
 
I've gone through (in my head,no purchases) everything from the likes of the earsonics se6 universal, 1964 ears v6 universals (taxes put me off here) stagedivers 2 and 3 (afraid off too much bass in 3 and too little in 2), then I go nuts and start thinking about the unique melody mentor and roxanne (mentor unlikely and the roxanne just looks too big for my ears!).
 
Thanks

1clearhead said:

  Hello
Joker,
 
What's the best IEM I can purchase without going for broke?
 
1. I'm looking for tight and noticeable deep sub-bass (not necessarily a bass-head type)
 
2. Clear and liquid-like sounding mids'
 
3. Finally, clear and analytical treble (not dry)
 
-A mild V shape is the idealistic sound I had in mind
 
.....I thought about the Dunu DN-1000 (triple driver hybrid), if paying in the $200 dollar range.
 
But, I'm trying to shoot under $50 dollars (or only above $50 if any BA's are worth getting that could provide all of the above).
 
 
-Some ideas would be great! Thanks in advance!

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(*Thank you for replying through a different thread....)
 
Wow! Great to hear your helpful and supportive comments!
 
It's ironic that out of the Vsonic that I carry the VSD1S is not in my collection.
 
Now, I will make it my mission to add these to my collection.
 
Many thanks! This will do! 

esteebin said:

have you tried wiping the headphone plugs and use cotton swab to clean inside the headphone jack? There maybe oil or residue that is preventing a good contact.

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Nope, and I already tried on multiple sources: phone, computer, etc
Edit: at the L-shaped plug, where the cable itself comes out, it seems a bit stretched/bent as if it was pulled out and then put back

Hi ljokerl,
Thanks for all your advice!!
 
I've been going through quite a few pages but I can't find anything that answer my issue: I quite enjoy the Momentum on ear and would like to find something similar in iems.....any suggestion (possibly at half the price of the MOE).
I have and enjoy the Sony MH1c. Unfortunately they keep slipping off my ears which makes it a bit tricky to listen to....
 
Thanks again for your suggestions!