I've never owned a pair of decent headphones so Im looking to make my first purchase and Ive definitley decided on IEM's. Before doing some research on these forums I didn't know the first thing about IEM's, what to look for, etc. After researching I've narrowed down my search but the list is still pretty big. There seems to be a bunch of highly recommended sets all with different benefits but Im not sure which would be best for me specifically.
This is what Im mainly looking for...
1. Between $100-$200. I can spend a little more if its really worth the extra bit.
2. Majority of the music I listen to is Radiohead. I know my decision will come down to what type of music Im using the IEM's for, so any Radiohead fans will have an idea of what aspects are important..(think In Rainbows). When it comes to soundstage, bright sound, emphasized bass, treble etc., I'm not really sure what Id be looking for given this type of music which is why I need the opinions of experts.
* other artists I frequently listen to are the Chili Peppers, Floyd, a little bit of everything really.
3. My main concern is that I run quite a bit, so I need a pair of IEM's with good build quality and low microphonics. If all of my options are not smart to use for running, then I would buy a cheap second (sports) pair of headphones...but I'd really prefer not to do this.
4. Prefer to wear straight down
Having good isolation and accessories is nice, but isnt my primary concern. And they will be worn for a couple hours at a time so comfort is decently important.
So anyways, this is what my list looks like so far...
Klipsch Image X10
- I've seen these recommended several times and have read really good reviews about them, but I personally dont like the look of them (although I know the look will not be my deciding factor)
JVC FXT90
- On a thread where someone asked for the best IEM's between $100-$150, these were alongside the X10's.
UE TFi10
- This is probably the most recommended set of IEM's from what I've seen.
VSonic GR07 and HiFiman RE 262/272
- From the reviews I've read these seem to be pretty good all around IEM's with great value for the price. The 272's are a little bit out of my price range, but if I decided to go for either the 262 or 272, would it be worth dishing out the extra cash?
Shure SE 215, 315, 425
- Again I've read that these are pretty good all around performers and I have a feeling theyre close to what Im looking for. I also read somewhere that theyre similar to Bose, in that Im paying for the name and for the same amount of money I can get better value...but Im not sure if thats true. I havent seen as much talk of the 315, so Im curious if its worth the extra money. And likewise the 425's are out of my price range but if its really worth spending the money on I would consider it.
Monster Cable Turbine Pro Copper
- This is on my list just because of the sale thats going on where they're $100. I've read mixed reviews overall, but I assume thats when they are being compared to other IEM's with a similar price range. So compared to the other, cheaper IEM's Im considering, how do they perform?
All these seem to be highly recommended and very liked by the people here, and the differentiation comes from the differences in bass, soundstage etc. (but Im not sure what Id be wanting emphasized). A simplified question would be 'Which of these headphones make In Rainbows sound the best' lol. So considering the music I listen to, and that I use them a lot at the gym, which do you guys think would be best for me?
Thanks in advance.
Edited by arpeggi91 - 12/27/11 at 3:09pm
