Prospecting Audiophile

I've always been the guy who listened to a lot of music, but it never occurred to me to buy high quality equipment to do it.

That is until last week when I decided to buy some headphones to insulate me from the noise of my university.

I have to thank the forum because it prevented me from doing the foolish thing of buying active noise cancelling headphones.

And after reading more I decided that what I wanted are universal fit IEMs that can be used well without an amp so low impedence and high sensitivity if i'm not mistaken. I'm looking for something that makes me want to play my library all over again. I'm also looking for something that has good insulating (I can buy foam tips separately) and sturdy build quality as I'm not the most careful of dudes.

I listen to lots of rock (not metal) and classical music but also some dubstep and electro.

My source is a galaxy s with vodoo sound.

My budget is around 500$ - 400€ tops. I'd like to spend less and I don't want overpriced stuff.

Thanks a lot! And congratz on this awesome community. My wallet will probably hate you by the time I'm done here.

Yeah I know, but most request threads look for slightly different things, and appreciation threads are only very informative about one pair of iems.

I read

http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/478568/multi-iem-review-150-iems-compared-jvc-ha-fx700-fad-fi-ba-ss-1964-t-added-02-27

and

http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/541204/concise-multi-iem-comparison-klipsch-s4-added-1st-march-2011

But many of the "most suggested" (and more recent) IEMs are missing, I've also read all the guides linked in the first post of those threads.

Many here say that before buying expensive IEMs one must do a lot of research, so this is me doing my research. :) (or rather asking for help with my research)

Quote:

Originally Posted by imackler 

Westone 4 are a fantastic pair of earphones (which i just happen to be selling...so take with a grain of salt). If you're willing to spend that kind of money, I would really consider them a top option. They do all genres well, have a remarkable soundstage and no noticeable bias in frequency. Bass, mids and treble are well-controlled, present and extended. They are also the most comfortable earphone I've used (having an identical body to the W3). They are well built, though replaceable cables would be nice, and are easy to drive. The only real criticism (which really isn't a criticism) I have with them is how balanced they are; sometimes I want the lush mids of the SE535 or the analytical quality of the ER4P, so it can be nice to have multiple earphones. But short of getting multiple earphones, if you only have just one pair, my recommendation would be the W4. Yeah, its a huge price commitment, but I really have a hard time imagining anyone being disappointed with this as your first major iem purchase! If you haven't spent hours listening and comparing other iems, you will be blown away and be forever grateful to me :)

 

PS. if it helps, I've owned Sennheiser IE7, IE8, Westone 2, Westone 3, Westone 4, UM3X, Shure SE535, Etymotic er6i, HF5, and ER4P

The Westone 4 had caught my attention, but the price tag frankly makes me nervous.

I mean my ears are totally ignorant, they were brought up with cheap 10€ earphones.

Wouldn't it be wiser for a first timer like me to try something like the CK10?

I read they can be used well without amp (that confuses me, they have higher impedence than the CK100 and the CK100 seem to need an amp to work properly, what am I missing?) and they are cheaper.

According to the big and totally kick ass "multi IEM review" thread the CK10 are better than the westone 3 as far as sound quality goes, but i know that's just his opinion.

But, I mean, I'd really like to try the best and if you think the Westone 4 are an improvement I will consider them.
And they are indeed different as the CK10 are dual drivers and the Westone 4 are quads.

Quote:

Originally Posted by average_joe 

Thanks for the clarification.  I think if you ask several specific questions and let us know what qualities are most important to you, such as good soundstage, plenty of bass, analytical sound, etc. that will help.

 

A few thought of mine...

 

- If you are looking to make one purchase and only one purchase, skip universals and go for customs.  In my experience and from everyone I know with ears I trust, they are regarded as better.  There are plenty of options in your price range.  I know, you bolded universal fit IEMs.

 

- Go through the process of elimination: monster IEMs need amps IMO to perform their best; FX700 isn't all that isolating, etc.

 

- Maybe buy 2 lower cost IEMs such as the Radius DDM and DBA-02 and see what you like/dislike and then take the next step.  You may be able to pick one/both up used.

The problem with customs is that prices go up significantly and it seems that most of them are made in america, making it more troublesome to get them in europe.

I don't need them to be too neutral but balanced, not too tiring to listen to, usable at quiet volumes.

I guess that would be the safer option, get some great IEMs now and then a custom mold/sleeve later when i have the money.

But going back to the topic, any more suggestions?

Should I get the CK10?

They have high impedence so I'm not sure how easy to drive they are unamped. But the build quality, insulation and sound quality reviews make me very interested.

edit: also, what do they lose by having only 2 drivers?

Knowing myself i know that if i start sampling IEMs I will end up with an ample collection and debts.

To sum up: I'm looking for a IEM that works well unamped and is suited for rock.

I'd like to be balanced but not necessarily too neutral, with a good soundstage and not too thin on bass.

Could the Earsonics' SM3 fit the bill?

Those things sure seem uncomfortable though.