i havent been hanging around here as much lately, but i have to say, i remember when you first joined head-fi joker, since it was around the same time i did

head-fi is lucky to have you here, you're a true asset to the community

I'm curious to see if you have any plans to review the newest and third generation of the Head-Direct RE0's?
It should be a fairly different review as far as accessories, microphonics and build quality goes from what I've read.

The RE0 has already been reviewed though. The only difference in accessories in the box that it comes with, the plug is a right angle and there is no extension cord in the newest version. Sonically it shouldn't be any difference between the versions.

@koven: I definitely agree. When I first joined and definitely true today there is just way too information about so many earphones especially since the under $100 market pretty much exploded in the last year or so. There was also the multiple iem threads by ClieoS but this one is updated more often so the more the better It's nice to see someone be able to use this as a guide although joker's wallet probably doesn't agree too much. It was so much simpler when under $100 was like an ER6i or something like that.

Joker- I was wondering if you ever go back and take into account changes/improvements if the IEM's when it comes to your chart? For instance, I know the Phonaks not long ago started sending out their IEM with an improved cable which around the ears, I seem to recall reading, used to be prone to cracking over time due to sweat build-up. I have heard of similar things to other IEM's as well and was just curious.

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Never. I think that with (very) few exceptions the importance of amps is overrated when it comes to IEMs, especially on the low end of things. I would rather dedicate my time to this thread and the portable review than trying to A:B a bunch of amps that most people don't need anyway. This is based solely on my experience with the dozen or so portable amps that i've owned so take it as you will.

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Thanks, I appreciate that. Also, now you're making me feel self-conscious about my join date

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I try to mention the changes that I'm aware of when new versions are released but then I'm faced with a dilemma - do I evaluate the current version which I don't own or do I leave the (outdated) review in place? I have little interest in picking up the same earphone several times due to non-sq-related changes (although I have owned multiples of several of them like the Meelec range).

The RE0 accessories didn't change except for the extension. If you want to know what I think about the new cable, the RE252 uses the same cord. I definitely don't think it's free of microphonics and it seems a bit wimpy on the $200 RE252 but I'd have no issues with it on the $80 RE0. The L-plug is a welcome change.

I think I mentioned the PFE cable update in the review. I also intend to mention that the PL30 is now in an L-plug. Forgot to do that when they first got updated .

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Agreed, but there are already exceptions, at least from the custom-molded IEM realm:
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Hmm at first I was like just add the new changes but then I realized that would completely change the review. I see your problem. Perhaps you could compromise and add, for example, "The newest version has ... and would get x/x" or something to that effect?
It's tough eh? :/
Also have you considered adding a "Value" column into the table? If it's meant to be a quick reference point why not include it?
Yet again I'll finish with saying fantastic topic. Truly.

EDIT: Just noticed the picture of the Soundmagic Pl-50 is missing?

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The value rating is the most subjective of the bunch. I've considered including it but really it's way too depedent on other factors. My biggest fear is that people will make decisions purely off the table, which is definitely not the intended purpose. I've already seen it reposted out of context outside of head-fi.

As for the PL50 picture, imageshack hosting is spotty. Sometimes hosted files will just drop out at random times. Reloading the page in a few minutes usually brings them back.

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for an arbitrary value you can just compare their rank to price. But some things are more important than others for different people.

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As far as referencing the rank to price I already do this, and I'm sure others do to.
I also realize people value different things, everyone varies. This is exactly why I think Joker should add the value column to the table. Some people prioritize value, why not let them easily reference it?
I also respect Jokers thought that people will only reference the graph. I personally use the graph to keep track of new entries and how they compare to existing reviews. If anything grabs my attention I take it further and read the review, then continue to search Head-fi and the web for more information if I think necessary. Surely other people are doing this to?

While I'm here I'm wondering if you have considered reviewing any of the "Hippo" range that seems to be so popular over at ABI?
~

there was some kind of value attached to it earlier but it was removed since it was based on his preferences which are different than other peoples.

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The problem is exactly as rawrster said - value is by far the most subjective of these categories. The value column used to be included, as well as another column that applied a mathematical formula to the average and price to calculate a value. I took them both out. In the old thread there was also someone who requested that I maintain a ranking of IEMs according to my own preferences (quite different from any of the rankings in the table, to be honest). There used to be one in my sig. Either way, I think even that would be better than a value category since it is much more clearly subjective.

And reading up further on anything that strikes your eye is the ideal behavior. Unfortunately I have my doubts about its prevalence among those who are not head-fi veterans.

As for the Hippos, I have one of them but i've no clue when it will be added. It's at least a dozen IEMs away.

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Oh wow I didn't realize you had a back-log of IEM's to review.
Maybe you could add a list of up-coming IEM's to be reviewed to the thread somewhere? I'd certainly appreciate knowing what you have coming up, no matter how long it may take to get here.

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I think that can be done. I'll add an approximate list to the thread with the next update. For now I'll post it here, in order of certainty:

Finished pending editing:
Jays J-Jays
Audio-Technica ATH-CK6
Sennheiser CX300
Sennheiser CX250
Grado iGi**

In progress:
Audio-Technica ATH-CK100
Audio-Technica ATH-CK90Pro

Planned:
Yuin OK1
Klipsch Custom 3
Radiopaq Classical
Rockford/Fosgate Punch Plugs
Klipsch X1/S2
FutureSonics Atrio M8
Hippo Shrooms
ViSang R02

**Indefinitely delayed

Brilliant oeuvre you got going here Joker - just wanted to add my eighteen thumbs up to you and the stunning effort you've put and are putting in. When they're handing out the medals, you'll need a wheelbarrow.

For what it's worth, your review set me off on the research trail that led me to purchasing the CK10s this week, and for that I will be eternally grateful. ******** incredible little things, and then some.

Cheers. I owe you a pint.