As jnorris points out, nothing wrong with the gear just the store selling them. Jump all over those babies. I bought a pair from London Drugs who was clearing them out for the same price and likely the same reason and I am VERY HAPPY with the result. I actually grilled them on their return policy because I was convinced I would not like the ETY sound. BOY WAS I WRONG!! But I do have to say if your wanting BASS! then these are not the right IEM, or if you have issues buying aftermarket tips (Shure Olives pretty sweet) and are extremely averse to tri-flange tips or the foams they include you might want to look elsewhere. I was pretty sure I would be able to use the tri-flanges but was surpised when they worked out (a bit uncomfortable but amazing sound, and I did start to get used to them). I have gone with Shure tips though as they are faster to insert and irritate me a bit less even though they remove a bit of the treble.
I took the money I saved and have ended up ordering the custom tips with their coupon from ACS. Yes it's expensive but I think the added isolation and comfort of the ACS tips coupled with the unbelievable sound of the HF series is worth the bucks. Anyway enough rambling, good look and happy listening to anyone willing to take a chance on these while you can get a good price.