What is the best neutral / detailed / isolated IEM around 50$ ?

Off the top of my head, I think you are describing the Apple In-Ear Headphones... It has dual drivers, with one dedicated completely to reproducing high frequencies, while the other struggles to produce either mid or bass (mid wins all the time).

What I think may be of concern is that the fit is not something you can easily get. If you can get a good seal on them, I think the only sound from the outside you'll hear is a jet trying to take off right next to you. But if you don't get a good seal, treble will leak out and sound thin, while bass would be non-existent.

They also have very annoying distortion at high volume. I have gone through 3 pairs, with 1 fake one, and only the fake one didn't have distortion at high volume. But at low volume, they sound really good and balanced, with an acceptable amount of "thump". I wouldn't even consider the low end of those "bass" because there is very little (you can only feel it) to no vibration.

Soundstage is quite bad, too. It'll be an in-your-face musical experience with no coloration and a lot of details with the upper end.

Other than those, I haven't heard any other IEMs in the $50 range that isn't bass-focused in some way.

RE0's. You basically described their sonic characteristics. With the exception of soundstage, but good luck finding any real soundstage in IEM's in this price range. Isolation on them is fine, average isolation from an IEM.

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris92 

Hi guys !

I'm looking for a moment for the best IEM... but it is very difficult to find objective reviews to make a choice.

I actually own the nuforce ne-6, and i want to upgrade as i find it is not much detailed.

I've read hundred of reviews here, on head-fi, at inearsmatters, inears addictions a,d also french forums (as i'm french :) )

 

I'm listening mainly to acid-jazz, funk, and also house with live instruments (bah samba and so on)

 

My criterias are:

- Analytic (very detailed)

- Neutral (as much as possible, no basshead)

- wide soundstage

- Very good isolation

- price around 50$... even a little bit more

 

I was first tempted by the Brainwavz M4, but it seems it is not so much detailed and V signed.

I also found the sunrise xcape IE who look perfect, but i've heard bad things on the build quality, and also that it is less detailed than the M4

The the meelectronic CC51 look also good, but maybe not neutral.

The Head-Direct RE0 look also good, but isolation is not good.

Looking for the details, i then found the UE 600, but i've read that the sound is absolutely not neutral and quite bass oriented...

and there is also plenty of other trademarks....

 

So i'm desperate to find my perfect IEM !!! :))

I thing M4 would be ok for me, but maybe i'm wrong, or maybe there is a better IEM ?

 

 

That would be the Etymotics. 
 

Etymotic EtyKids, RE0 (if you can find them for 50), or something from the Etymotic HF-Series (if you can find them for 50).

Etymotic MC5

Soundmagic PL30, Soundmagic PL50. Two of the most inexpensive, albeit good analytical/neutral IEMs on the market. PL30 is extremely airy, whilst the PL50 is more wide. PL30 is extremely analytical, and very unforgiving of poor recordings, but the form factor makes a good seal difficult without angling the nozzle up and in, or buying double/triple flanged tips.

The $40 E30 is also better in every way.

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris92 

Hi,

i've checked MC5 technical data, and compared it to a very good IEM like shure se535 on the learning center of Headroom and it indeed lokks like very very good !

The only problem I can see is the form factor, i hope it will fit my ears !

Did you compare FR charts too?  Also, concerning fit, the first week with a pair of Etymotics (assuming you've never worn them before) can hurt like hell :p  No joke either.  However, after that first week, you'll be fine.  Remember to insert them as deeply as possible but also ensure you don't have any pain with them just in your ear (if you do, it means it's in too deep).