@ljokerl

Have you tested the Audio Technica ATH-CKM90?
 
 
 

or we could all just agree the mc5 are about as fun or enjoyable as a bowl of your favourite ice cream, thats at room temperature
 
 
its all there but you just dont want it anymore

 
Quote:

xtremetechuk said:

 
@ljokerl

 Have you tested the Audio Technica ATH-CKM90?

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No; my experience with Audio-Technica in-ears stops with the multi-BA models.


Quote:

mark2410 said:

or we could all just agree the mc5 are about as fun or enjoyable as a bowl of your favourite ice cream, thats at room temperature
 
 
its all there but you just dont want it anymore

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I think that's fair though I'm sure some don't mind their icecream lukewarm.

ljokerl said:

 
I think that's fair though I'm sure some don't mind their icecream lukewarm.

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I like my ice cream deep fried.. that makes me an Eterna fan, no?  Lol.

fried ice cream sounds good right about now
 
Although the MC5 was one of the more disappointing earphones I've heard in a while. I was expecting more from Etymotic

I've been listening to my VSonic GR07s lately and while I think the balance is perfect, it has a very "dynamic" character in its presentation. Compared with my Phonaks I find that the VSonics are slightly slow and aren't particularly "snappy", which is a quality I really like in most BAs. What are some other $100-250 (used) balanced armatures that are nicely balanced? I thought the PFE122s with grey filters had great bass (coming from RE-0s, Xcapes, and CK10s - about even with the CK10s), until I tried the GR07s, which are relatively slightly bass heavy. I like the amount of sparkle the GR07s have, but detail in the mids and treble isn't quite up to the level I'd really like. I've been trying to find a pair of used Klipsch Custom 3s or A-T CK90Pros but both are quite rare on the used market. The Ortofon e-Q5s have also popped up on my radar but I'm afraid they'll be too dark and forgiving/smooth in the treble, nor do they look very ergonomic. I haven't identified anything else that might hit my targets (great detail all around, relatively neutral, not bass-light, treble-heavy nor recessed in mids, comfortable, low microphonics, and easily over-ear wearable - in that general order). I haven't really looked at the popular Shure or Westone offerings since they all seem to be moderately mid-oriented and I'm not sure if I'd like that or not.

I actually think the EQ5s fit your bill. They have more clarity than the GR07s and the bass is in between the Phonaks/GR07. They are also very ergonomic, easily one of the best cables I've used and the isolation is pretty outstanding. The fit is a tad fatiguing though considering these love a deep insertion. It sounds weird, but actually sticking AAA batteries in your ears is a good test in terms of insertion (they're obviously not going to be that heavy though). If you're really worried about fit though, I'll suggest the FAD A1s or GR10s. 

^ GR10 is out of his price range, but I agree the e-Q5 would fit. However I'd recommend the FAD A1s (aka FI-BA-A1 or heaven a), even though their cable isn't as nice as the e-Q5's. But they are easier to fit and hit all your targets (great detail all around, relatively neutral, not bass-light, treble-heavy nor recessed in mids, comfortable, low microphonics, and easily over-ear wearable). Plus they're pretty snappy and even more so when amped. Isolation is slightly lower than with the e-Q5 though, if that's of concern.

Nice to hear that the isolation is only slightly worse. That housing looks to be about the same size to the EQ5s based on pictures though. 
 
Nevertheless, those A1s sound very interesting to me nowadays.....

^ Max diameter is about the same, but they're more rounded and taper towards the nozzle. My fit with the e-Q5 can be borderline uncomfortable at times, but never with the A1s. They're actually much easier for me to get a deeper fit with, which also improves isolation. Of course no two ears are the same and YMMV.

@ljokerl

Thanks for your time,

I'm about to order from accessory jack, I'm choosing between the ATH-CK10, Westone 2 or Ortofon e-Q5. Which would be best suited for trance and metal? I have read your descriptions, however still can't come to a conclusion. I loved my RE0, however they distorted at high volumes which ruined the experience.
 

Kind of saw this kind of respond coming, thanks a lot for the confirmation. I can definitely see how a flusher/deeper seal can be possible with the A1s, it looks more natural to insert that way with the FADs due to their overall shape. Thanks once again. 

Interesting - I've never really read anything about the Final Audio IEMs. They look interesting in that they share a lot of characteristics with the Ortofons, but they DO sound like they'd be a good match... problem is, they're quite expensive, and no one sells them in the FS forums. Oh well... maybe sometime down the road.
 
But it does sound like a moving armature is what I want, in that it combines the texturing and bass/warmth of a dynamic with the speed and detail of a balanced armature. Anyone know if MA technology is catching on? So far I only know of three manufacturers - Ortofon, Grado (probably OEMed by one of the same companies, I imagine), and Final Audio. Anything on the horizon?

I believe you can get the FAD A1s from MA for about 250$. Email dimitri for a precise quote, he gives discounts to headfiers at times. I think goodvibes will easily forward you his email. 

Can anyone help me choose between the ATH-CK10 and Ortofon e-Q5? I'm dying to order the ATH-CK10, but want to be 100% sure especially considering the cost.
 
EDIT -
Nevermind, I have ordered the ATH-CK10, Hope I made the right choice.