Best IEM in the $300-$400 range

Good budget! Id get either the W4r's or the SE535's. Ive got the SE535's with a DHC Symbiote Black Cryo's cable, and id never sell them. If the "R" version of the W4's were out i may of chosen them, but the SE535's are fun and exciting and is why i chose them.

If you like the sound of 315, you better go for 535

how about considering custom made iem?

I'd recommend Westone 4s. I own it, and the 535s sound a bit muffled, compared to the W4. But do be prepared to be disappointed if you do get the W4s. There's no "wow" factor, unlike the 535 with its strong mids, but after a while, you'll start to love it and you'll find other IEMs to be lacking, simply because the W4 bring out everything so well.

You can also try the UM3X for a more exciting sound.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pyxis 

I'd recommend Westone 4s. I own it, and the 535s sound a bit muffled, compared to the W4. But do be prepared to be disappointed if you do get the W4s. There's no "wow" factor, unlike the 535 with its strong mids, but after a while, you'll start to love it and you'll find other IEMs to be lacking, simply because the W4 bring out everything so well.

You can also try the UM3X for a more exciting sound.

I actually did not find the UM3X to have an exciting sound at all. It was dull and not all that engaging, but has the sound of a monitor and a top tier nonetheless. For the "wow factor", the W3 is the only one in Westone's line that has it. 

in that price sony ex 1000 or sm3 v2 if you want isolation. never heard w4. I have also um3x and shure 535 and this headphones sound quite better, the um3x are in the middle and sounds great but the 535 are not in my opinion in the same league the drums lacks impact, a lot. and they aren't as detailed as sm3 or ex1000, the soundstage is not as big and they aren't also as clear. sm3 v2 sounds great, great fit,super isolation and detachable cables and they are fun to listen!

the ex1000 sound better than any of them but don't isolate too much.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kckc 

I actually did not find the UM3X to have an exciting sound at all. It was dull and not all that engaging, but has the sound of a monitor and a top tier nonetheless. For the "wow factor", the W3 is the only one in Westone's line that has it. 

 

I tried it 2 days ago, and it definitely sounded more exciting than the W4s, haha!  The bass was a bit too punchy and less controlled than the W4s though.

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by kckc 

I actually did not find the UM3X to have an exciting sound at all. It was dull and not all that engaging, but has the sound of a monitor and a top tier nonetheless. For the "wow factor", the W3 is the only one in Westone's line that has it. 

 

I have to disagree, purchased one recently during the black Friday sale, I was a bit dissapointed, I have to use the Ety triflange to get the best seal (and the best sound) but can't wear it for too long, I am considering in getting it reshelled by 1964