Multi-IEM Review - 352 IEMs compared (Pump Audio Earphones added 04/03/16 p. 1106)
Jan 7, 2017 at 12:06 AM Post #16,831 of 16,931
@loomisjohnson thanks for your help but those Klipsch X5 IEM's just aren't for me. I gave them a fair chance for a second day at work, with a pair of large Spin Fit tips. Surprisingly these did increase the treble clarity and dynamics somewhat, but I still found these so muddy / boomy / non-detailed that I couldn't even stand to listen for longer than 45 minutes, even in a noisy factory setting. I'm certain I had a snug fit, but sometimes the sound was so lackluster that I couldn't even understand vocals from those.
 
OTOH I still have my RHA S500, which are less than 1/3rd the price with clarity, dynamics and overall resolution enormously better, not to mention greatly superior build / cable quality. I may recommend you to try those instead. I was looking elsewhere in hopes that I could get something with better isolation since all the bass was being drowned out by the background noise (even with large Comply foam tips), so on 2nd thought I wouldn't mind a recommendation for a long narrow shaped earphone - or universal fit - that is somewhat bass heavy yet detailed / clear and well isolating...
 
Jan 7, 2017 at 1:35 PM Post #16,833 of 16,931
what would you guys say is the most I have to spend to get something with volume control + a mic? I look at the piston 3 but its gone everywhere


Probably 10-15usd? If you don't need isolation, VE Monk+ w/ 3 button mic is $10

Some of the rec's from Joker's guide have 1-buttons at least: http://theheadphonelist.com/earphone-buyers-guide/
I've never used these but lots of budget options here some probably have mics : https://audiobudget.com/leaderboard.php
 
Jan 16, 2017 at 9:15 AM Post #16,835 of 16,931
What are some IEMs under $100 that have a great and easy fit, with a balanced, natural sound sig?
 
I have the KC06 right now, and while I'm perfectly happy with it's sound, the right piece keeps falling out of my ear due to a bad fit.
 
Jan 18, 2017 at 9:04 AM Post #16,836 of 16,931
Jan 27, 2017 at 10:58 PM Post #16,837 of 16,931
  What are some IEMs under $100 that have a great and easy fit, with a balanced, natural sound sig?
 
I have the KC06 right now, and while I'm perfectly happy with it's sound, the right piece keeps falling out of my ear due to a bad fit.

VSonic GR07
 
Make sure you get the 2016 version.
 
Feb 9, 2017 at 6:06 PM Post #16,838 of 16,931
I'm looking for a sub $500 IEM.  I will be using these unamped out of my Pixel as well as out of my MacBook Air.
Musical tastes include acoustic, pop, rap, r&b.
I have a pair of DT770 80ohm and while I like the sound signature, I wish they had a little more thump on the bottom end.
 
Recently bought a pair of Shure SE535LTD-J since Shure 's IEMs fit comfortably.  LOVE the sparkly mids, but they are a little light on the low end.
Are there other options I should be considering before keeping these? 
 
Mar 2, 2017 at 6:19 PM Post #16,840 of 16,931
What are the best IEMs in term of value.

 
Ooooo....that's a loaded question, haha. 
popcorn.gif

 
Mar 2, 2017 at 6:27 PM Post #16,841 of 16,931
I'm looking for a sub $500 IEM.  I will be using these unamped out of my Pixel as well as out of my MacBook Air.
Musical tastes include acoustic, pop, rap, r&b.
I have a pair of DT770 80ohm and while I like the sound signature, I wish they had a little more thump on the bottom end.

Recently bought a pair of Shure SE535LTD-J since Shure 's IEMs fit comfortably.  LOVE the sparkly mids, but they are a little light on the low end.
Are there other options I should be considering before keeping these? 


I have had (and still do) good luck with both the FLC8S and the Vibro Labs Aria. The FLC8S are significantly under $500, and a refurbished Aria can be had for less, too. New they are $499.

The FLC8S filter system is quite good, and I enjoy a filter system with good bass. The Aria is a fuller sound with good tight bass, which MIGHT not reach as far down by which I like more.

And these opinions can be taken with a grain....I like both quite a bit, savor good bass, and an excellent sound signature; while not having an overwhelming treble.

Hope this helps.
 
Mar 2, 2017 at 7:32 PM Post #16,843 of 16,931
  I'm looking for a sub $500 IEM.  I will be using these unamped out of my Pixel as well as out of my MacBook Air.
Musical tastes include acoustic, pop, rap, r&b.
 

 
+1 for FLC8S, I've had one and adored the comfort, sound and configurability. Some niggles might be, easy to lose tuning parts, and niche potantially hard to find replacement cables.
 
Other mid-fi darlings at the moment include iBasso IT03 and the LZA4, but I haven't heard either.
 
Mar 3, 2017 at 2:42 AM Post #16,844 of 16,931
Considering spending about £150 hard limit on earphones to replace my third dead pair of B2's.

With Comply's and minor EQ'ing taming the highs and sibilance of the B2's on my Fiio X1, they were a great pair of earphones matched with my most played genres (rock/metal/pop/not bass heavy electronic/violin-heavy pieces).

My RE-400's and RE-00's don't really cut it, even though they are both competent and enjoyable in their own right.

The immediate standouts are older models like the TripleFi 10 and the Dunu DN-1000 which come in around £130 but I've intentionally stayed away from here to avoid being tempted into "better than the B2" bug so I'm lacking in 'modern' IEM knowledge.

As most of my IEM's end up failing at the cable end so the famous TF10 does sound alluring and I think that I've biased myself towards them for that reason.

I'd also consider getting my B2's cable repaired or replaced but don't know of any UK business that would have the experience to do this kind of thing... Plus it sounds quite expensive too.
 
Mar 3, 2017 at 3:05 AM Post #16,845 of 16,931
Considering spending about £150 hard limit on earphones to replace my third dead pair of B2's.

With Comply's and minor EQ'ing taming the highs and sibilance of the B2's on my Fiio X1, they were a great pair of earphones matched with my most played genres (rock/metal/pop/not bass heavy electronic/violin-heavy pieces).

My RE-400's and RE-00's don't really cut it, even though they are both competent and enjoyable in their own right.

The immediate standouts are older models like the TripleFi 10 and the Dunu DN-1000 which come in around £130 but I've intentionally stayed away from here to avoid being tempted into "better than the B2" bug so I'm lacking in 'modern' IEM knowledge.

As most of my IEM's end up failing at the cable end so the famous TF10 does sound alluring and I think that I've biased myself towards them for that reason.

I'd also consider getting my B2's cable repaired or replaced but don't know of any UK business that would have the experience to do this kind of thing... Plus it sounds quite expensive too.


I'd say qJays (similar design to B2 but with excellent build quality and modular cable) but with the pound being down maybe not an option at the moment. Audio Technica IM02 are great if you don't mind big shells (I did).

Seems like there are tons of options in this price range these days though... actually Brainwavz just started making BA iems again- I guess the B200 would be the B2 successor but thye also have the B100 and B150 http://www.head-fi.org/t/831015/brainwavz-b200-dual-armature-iem
 

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