Looking for great IEM under $100

I recently picked up some S4's and post 50hrs burn in, there sadly is distinctive lack on snap on snares. Splashes and crashes too fall short, and are more like a sort of fizz. Guitars also aren't replicated well and lack definition. Hopefully someone else will be able to report on the MC5's. Hope this is of some help

For instrumentals and highs, Etymotics are excellent.  However, I find them lacking in the bass region for the genres you've listed.  Although still not quite the best at bass, I believe the Etymotic EtyKids would be a better fit for your genres if you want to go that route.

 

I know this is a small stretch, but try something like the PFE 0xx with black filters (you will have to purchase these filters separately) which comes out to be around 120 bucks.  Another idea would be something like the Brainwavz M3. 

RE-0 or Etymotic HF5 or one of the Brainwavzs. However, bass of HF5 might not be satisfying in quantity if you prefer quantity over quality.

 

Or better if you can get a good deal on VSonic GR07 in Sales Thread from a reputed member (look for the trader ratings).

 

Read joker's review and have a look at ClieOS reviews/list.

http://www.inearmatters.net/2009/01/list_01.html

 

Here is one for you. If you are willing to save $90 and try a cheapo that might surprise you. Try out a Mp 8320. $7.11.Rock n Metal music on these 14.2mm Dynamic iems are astounding. I know this sounds like a joke but. I am not joking. You can get one from monoprice.com. Try one out. The only bad part about them is you have to have medium to big ears for these to fit right.

 

Get one these guys are suggesting and get a MP8320. There is a good chance you might like these Mp8320s better.

I suspect you'd probably find the Etymotics (HF3 + MC5) lacking for your type of music.  You generally don't want analytical, clean, neutral, etc for what you listen to - which is what the Etys are known for (I'm actually a huge fan of theirs).   

 

Now if you said Jazz or Acoustic or Classical - then go for the Etys.  

 

I actually don't think the S4s are bad headphones - some people have an issue with the odd shape of the tips, but I didn't have that problem when I had them.

 

I thought they were pretty good for the price range...  

 

Have you thought about Grados SR60i or SR80i?  

IMHO Etymotic is the best choice for rock, there's plenty of bass in rock recordings, listening through bass-boosted IEMs swamps the pop in the snares and guitar deusloki is after, not to mention vocals.

Edited by markanini - 1/26/12 at 11:00pm

Can't do better than the HF5 for around $100.

The Etymotic HF5 will match better for these genres music and it has enough bass with good isolation and guitars sound crisp and clear on these. Yamaha EPH100 are also better sounding IEMs and guitars sound amazing on these.