First of all, it seems like you have already made up your mind. If you really want someone to help you with your purchase, be open-minded. Don't assume this and that.
Superficially there are a lot of "cooler" phones out there, this is definitely not the place for that. Though you will get comments similar to such like "Oh, these phones sound great, and they look great too". Note that the appearance of IEMs is mostly not considered an issue here (key word sturdy). If a pair of phones sounds fantastic but they look generic, given that other important factors are also considered, they'll buy them.
On the issue of Chinese products, I and many of the Head-fiers will testify that they are of excellent value and quality and can compete with any other major brands, not to mention great customer service. Specialised Chinese goods are very competitive, unlike their generic counterparts sold mainly in discount storesoverseas. Don't forget the field of technology and innovation is rapidly emerging in China, where many of the techno, R & D conferences or shows are held there. China, in many respects, is catching up with Japan and America at an unimaginable rate, next thing you know may be China has already gone beyond the developed world, who knows? Many people speculated that 10 years ago, it will happen in the following 20-50 years. So, now it's only other 10-40 years away until China becomes the second super-power after America. Then in a few more years, India will be the next up.
Let me this old newbie tell you how this forum works.
Step 1: state your tastes and preferences along with a budget
Step 2: people here respond with several viable options
Step 3: you could choose the best out of those or supplement/restrict your requirements until the choice is narrowed down.
But always be open to suggestions.
Fischer Audio is Russian made, but so what? If it's good, it's good.
Before I go, (sorry for rattling on and on) “too cheap” on its own is not a reason to not buy something. If you are here on this forum long enough, you will find pricier doesn't make it better. You can have phones that can cost a fair bit but not as good as the much cheaper ones, Monster Beats comes to mind anyone?
Please don't take this the wrong way, just my 2 cents.
Edited by kingpage - 6/2/10 at 5:53am