This thread is an incredible resource! Thank you for all the work you've put into it.
I was wondering what you think about IEMs for a user - like me - who primarily listens to classical music, but also wants an IEM that performs well in all genres? I listen primarily to classical, but also have a ton of jazz, rock, even heavy metal type music in my library. I used to have a set of Shure SE420s, but I had the unfortunate mishap of losing them on a plane ride back from a college school of music audition. But I'm sick of using cheap $20 replacements, and am willing to put down a good chunk of money for a listening experience that will last and serve my purposes both as a music student and as someone who just likes to listen to high quality sound.
In terms of my listening preferences...for classical music, obviously you need good bass. The Firebird Suite isn't the Firebird Suite without great timpani, tuba, and string bass sound. But I don't require the monster bass that you might find in, say, an R&B or heavy metal type genre. So for me good bass is important, but I don't need it to be overpowering - and in fact would prefer it not be. Midrange needs to be good, of course, and for me the treble is the most important. String/woodwind sound needs to come through crystal clear with no distortion.
I've never used a custom-fit IEM before, but I've thought about trying it. What is your opinion on the benefits of custom-fit versus universals? Obviously custom fits are going to (in most cases) give better sound, but is it worth the hassle? And I've never really used any sort of portable amp for my day-to-day listening, but I have looked into that, as well. Unfortunately, I have no idea where to start. Any advice you have in that department would be appreciated. The Shure SE420s worked great with just a normal Ipod, but I have a feeling higher end earphones - even the SE535's - would start to suffer from being driven by an unaided MP3 player.
My budget is fairly large, but not enormous. I'd prefer to stay under $1000 for the whole package - headphones, extra earbuds (if it's a universal), earbud fittings (if it's a custom), and accessories and what-not. Could you give me some advice for what would fit my needs?
Thanks.
Edit - The earphones I've heard the most about are the Ultimate Ear TripleFi 10 earphones, and the Shure SE535's. I see you have the SE535s on here, and your review seemed pleased, but not terribly impressed, by their performance. The UE earphones you list as being in the process of being reviewed. Those two are sort of my reference point - the ones I know the most about and have read the most about - but ANY suggestions are welcome.
Also, isolation is important for me, but not a deal-breaker. I often used my SE420s to listen to jazz tracks while I played along on drum set. Their isolation was really quite good, I thought, and allowed me to play drum set while still hearing the music in my ears and being able to follow along. I'd like to still be able to do that, but I would put sound quality over isolation any day.
