IEM Collecting: What Characteristics Do You Look for in an IEM to Add It to Your Collection?

YES

is my short answer to the following:
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassInMyFace 

 

 

Do you only purchase IEMs with your preferred sound signature of choice (warm, cold, neutral, v-shaped, etc.)? 

Do you only purchase IEMs with various sound signatures to have a variety in your collection?

Do you only purchase certain IEMs for specific genres?

Do you only purchase dynamic driver or armature driver IEMs?

Do you only purchase "flavors of the month" or those that are highly recommended by reviewers (such as ljokerl)?

Do you only purchase IEMs that are discounted on a deal?

 

 

 

Do you only purchase IEMs with your preferred sound signature of choice (warm, cold, neutral, v-shaped, etc.)?

I generally try to find the most neutral IEM, but with that neutrality comes slight slants. I'm a detail, clarity, and 'airiness' person, so I have minimum requirements for those categories. Everything else is variable and I can find a warm-sounding, v-shaped, or bassy IEM pleasant if it meets minimum requirements for my specific criteria, e.g. FX700, SE535LTD-J.

Do you only purchase IEMs with various sound signatures to have a variety in your collection?

Sort of. Like I mentioned above, all of my IEMs should be fairly neutral to analytical but will have warm or mid-focused slants, along with different soundstage presentation, although they won't stray too far from the middle.

Do you only purchase certain IEMs for specific genres?

No. Genre is never a consideration. To me, sound is sound. Being someone who strives for neutrality, I don't look for colorations that may 'enhance' the experience of a certain genre. I guess that the analyst in me.

Do you only purchase dynamic driver or armature driver IEMs?

No, but I do purchase specific IEMs based on implementation. I try to keep an obliquely mounted dynamic driver IEM in my collection at all times because they can usually accommodate larger-sized drivers (11-16mm) and avoid dynamic drivers that directly face the nozzle, as I don't find them comfortable and usually have annoying driver flex when putting them in. I'm also in the hunt for an open/semi-open IEM, for those times that I don't want good isolation.

Do you only purchase "flavors of the month" or those that are highly recommended by reviewers (such as ljokerl)?

Well, "flavors of the month" and recommended IEMs are usually (but not always) good choices. I never buy an IEM only based off of reviews and opinions by users on HeadFi. I always get a listen to them beforehand, except when it's not possible, then I trust the ears of only certain reviewers that I can identify with (i.e. |joker| and ClieOS, not surprisingly ). Those purchases should be few and far in between.

Do you only purchase IEMs that are discounted on a deal?

No, but I do try to find IEMs that provide very good value for money. If an IEM is on sale, then great.

What other qualities do you look for in an IEM to add to your collection?

Looks do matter, don't let people who proudly display their 'ugly' amps around make you think otherwise. They're just into a certain 'geeky' aesthetic, which I don't mind, either. However, I do like the minimalistic look, and find products like Ortofons quite pleasing to the eye (just not to the fit of the ear). By that, I also look for IEMs that have a relatively low profile in the ear. Something like the ER4P is a no no, as well as the EX600/1000, as they stick really far out the ear. However, I'm willing to give the EX1000 a pass.

Do you only purchase IEMs with your preferred sound signature of choice (warm, cold, neutral, v-shaped, etc.)? 

-No I prefer to have each of my IEMs to be unique in their signatures.

Do you only purchase IEMs with various sound signatures to have a variety in your collection?

-Yes

Do you only purchase certain IEMs for specific genres?

-No

Do you only purchase dynamic driver or armature driver IEMs?

-No

Do you only purchase "flavors of the month" or those that are highly recommended by reviewers (such as ljokerl)?

-Sometimes if they are what I'm looking for. But I will never base my decision on <5 opinions at least

Do you only purchase IEMs that are discounted on a deal?

-Unless I really want it, yes

What other qualities do you look for in an IEM to add to your collection?

-Ergonomics, and its own..x factor. e.g. The reason I don't like the MTPC that I have right now is that..the signature tries to please everyone while not excelling in anything.

Do you only purchase IEMs with your preferred sound signature of choice (warm, cold, neutral, v-shaped, etc.)?

No.

Do you only purchase IEMs with various sound signatures to have a variety in your collection?

Somewhat. I do like variety but I don't purposely buy IEM to have different sound signature.

Do you only purchase certain IEMs for specific genres?

No.

Do you only purchase dynamic driver or armature driver IEMs?

No.

Do you only purchase "flavors of the month" or those that are highly recommended by reviewers (such as ljokerl)?

Somewhat. I do pay attention to most of the FOTM but ultimately my budget dictates what I can afford, and generally I'll go for the "more is better" path , i.e. I'll tend to get three cheaper, lesser sounding IEM instead of getting one better sounding IEM with equal price.

Do you only purchase IEMs that are discounted on a deal?

No, but it helps.

What other qualities do you look for in an IEM to add to your collection?

...everything and nothing, I guess.

Well, I will also answer your "example" questions

Do you only purchase IEMs with your preferred sound signature of choice (warm, cold, neutral, v-shaped, etc.)?

I used to, but after too much of a similar sound signature, I have been much more willing to try other sound signatures.

Do you only purchase IEMs with various sound signatures to have a variety in your collection?

No. 

Do you only purchase certain IEMs for specific genres?

Kind of. I mean, I only listen to so many genres so I'd like my IEMs to be suitable.

Do you only purchase dynamic driver or armature driver IEMs?

I have a preference, but that doesn't stop me from only buying one over the other.

Do you only purchase "flavors of the month" or those that are highly recommended by reviewers (such as ljokerl) 

Sometimes, but I definitely pay attention to them and will give them a try if there are enough good reviews out there and they seem to have good value. 

Do you only purchase IEMs that are discounted on a deal?

No. It tempts me more when they are discounted, but it still depends on if I'm interested in the IEM itself.

What other qualities do you look for in an IEM to add to your collection?

Ultimate, I look for value and something that WOWs me for it's price.

When buying an IEM, I look for something that can handle all the genres I listen to. The only variation would be the application, or where I can use the iem. My go-to iem is the GR07, but I have two others that I use. I use the Tt Isurus for skype, rosetta stone, as well as the occasional music session. I use the monoprice 8320 for sports, especially basketball, since it's such a cheapie and sounds considerably better than my former basketbuds (), the ibuds.

Mind you, the GR07s are quite different from your FX700 though. The FX700 is ultimately a superior IEM in terms of technicals and has a more 'fun' presentation, but the GR07 is flat and relatively neutral, and comes close to the technical throne of dynamics (held by the FX700 and EX1000).
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassInMyFace 

I'm going to have to pick up these GR07s sooner or later due to everyone praising them...

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassInMyFace 

Thank you for the insight.  I was planning on making the EX1000 my next set of dynamic driver IEMs.

 

Are there any other universal dynamic driver IEMs in your opinion than can compete with the FX700 and EX1000, or are they in a league of their own?

Strictly speaking in technical terms? Not that I've heard. Where preferences are concerned, however, there are a ton of options. Performance wise, the FX700 and EX1000 really do stand out from among the dynamic crowd, especially the latter. The RE272 comes to mind, however, as far as technical proficiency is concerned.

P.S. to answer the original question at hand:

Do you only purchase IEMs with your preferred sound signature of choice (warm, cold, neutral, v-shaped, etc.)? 

• Yes and no. I personally look for something that's relatively close to neutral, but I've never let that limit my curiosity. Depending on the mood, I don't mind a bit of warmth/cold, so long as it's not on the extreme end of either one (i.e. dark/excessively bright). 

Do you only purchase IEMs with various sound signatures to have a variety in your collection?

• Absolutely not. I'd much rather have one or two that handle all types of music well.   

Do you only purchase certain IEMs for specific genres?

• Quite the opposite, since I tend to listen to a bit of everything. 

Do you only purchase dynamic driver or armature driver IEMs?

• Nope. There are pros and cons to either one. Where preferences are concerned, I can easily think of nearly as many BA's, as I can dynamics. 

Do you only purchase "flavors of the month" or those that are highly recommended by reviewers (such as ljokerl)?

• Generally speaking, yes. But only in the event that I've learned to trust the reviewer's ears, which is of course relative to how close the reviewers description matches the sound that my own ears perceive. Regardless, I do respectfully value every reviewer/member's opinion, and there certainly is strength in numbers. For instance, if even 7 out of 10 form a favorable consensus, I'll most probably add the in-ear to my wish list. 

Do you only purchase IEMs that are discounted on a deal?

• For the most part, yes. It's hard not to, once you've heard what a few mid-tiers such as the EX600/GR07/FXT90 (among others) are capable of. Else, the thought of diminishing returns becomes more and more dominant, especially considering the unreasonably high mark up on a few top tiers. 

What other qualities do you look for in an IEM to add to your collection?

• Apart from SQ, comfort (first and foremost), ease of use (wearing/removing, ability to be easily driven), and warranty coverage are of utmost importance. Looks matter not, since I'm not out to impress anyone, nor do I care if others pass judgement on me for wearing an ugly set of in-ears. Ugly or not, if they sound good, and meet the aforementioned criteria, stare all you want.