do you prefer new or used IEMs

I bought most of my universal iems used, as I got more iem for my money.When you get a $400 pair for $250, warranty is a bit easier to give up.

I prefer new.  I really take care of my stuff and I know many people do not....like wrapping the IEM's around the player and stuffing it in a pocket.

I pay more but it giuves me piece of mind.

Really depends on price, reputation of durability, availability of warranty services, whether or not cable is replaceable, etc. 

I have absolutely no problem buying factory refurbished from reputable brands. 

While I buy new from time to time, I have no problem buying used if the price savings are significant and the condition is mint.  Like Spyro, I am very careful with my things and like my gear to be well taken care of.  It happens pretty often that a Head-Fi'r can save $100-$200 for a pair of expensive IEMs in mint condition.  The way I see it, that's a good chunk of change that I'm happy to keep in my bank account.

Just to give my 2 cents: pass on the W1.  I had them a while back and thought they sounded hollow and boring.  I found my self EQing them for every type of listening except listening to the news.  Even after tweaking the sound, they never sounded right.  I thought that the W3 were leaps and bounds better in all aspects--especially for electronic music. 

Maybe try a pair of Klipsch s4.  They are slightly less money than the W1, if I remember correctly, and sound more alive.  Other options to think about: Shure SE215 or the UE Triple Fi (I think you can find them for around $125 at times).

Quote:

Originally Posted by vinnievidi 

Just to give my 2 cents: pass on the W1.  I had them a while back and thought they sounded hollow and boring.  I found my self EQing them for every type of listening except listening to the news.  Even after tweaking the sound, they never sounded right.  I thought that the W3 were leaps and bounds better in all aspects--especially for electronic music. 

 

Maybe try a pair of Klipsch s4.  They are slightly less money than the W1, if I remember correctly, and sound more alive.  Other options to think about: Shure SE215 or the UE Triple Fi (I think you can find them for around $125 at times).

 

 

My upgrade path was the 3 you mentioned. S4 to SE215 to TF10. Cant say I like the S4, very over rated by certain sites online. The SE215 was better, but in the end the TF10 the best of the 3 hands down for me. The warranty thing has its good and bads also. I couldnt return my 215's, to Guitar Center, Frys site doesnt say anything about not taking them back if used. MY TF10's broke swapping the cable and Logitech would of warrantied them, does no good if they dont have them in stock.

Quote:

Originally Posted by brenttw 

Is there enough bass present compared to the hf3?  I really love the highs on my hf3 for the music i listen to, but willing to sacrifice a little bit of this for more bass emphasis.

 

Another concern of the TF10 is that it seems kind of long and would stick too far out of my ears and not sit quite as well as smaller buds.  My main use of these headphones will be multi-purposeful, at home, the office, and traveling on the bus so good isolation is a priority for me.

 

About the second part of your post, I had the tf10 for a while, but I've sold it - it is large, when I used to wear it, I couldn't move around much or do anything, else I'd lose the seal (I did try all the tips, including foam - foam provided best fit, but the size + pressure was a little bit uncomfortable). I'd say just be aware of your own taste in sound too, a lot of people have bought tf10 because of the amazon black friday deal, and there are a lot floating around...so there are more people raving about it, but it doesn't mean it's the best thing around, depending on your taste. I did not enjoy the tf10 much at all when I had it because of the mid, I almost always went for my se425 instead. Hope you find something you enjoy, :).

Quote:

Originally Posted by brenttw 

Is there enough bass present compared to the hf3?  I really love the highs on my hf3 for the music i listen to, but willing to sacrifice a little bit of this for more bass emphasis.

 

Another concern of the TF10 is that it seems kind of long and would stick too far out of my ears and not sit quite as well as smaller buds.  My main use of these headphones will be multi-purposeful, at home, the office, and traveling on the bus so good isolation is a priority for me.

 

I have never used the HF3, so I cannot give an answer. I feel the bass on the TF10 is terrific, as for sticking out, well they sure are not the best looking when being worn. I have said that before, and people said its a matter of taste. I dont sit there looking in the mirror so its a moot point. All I care about is comfort and sound, I am more than pleased with both. I have tried using all the tips that fit, the medium silicone were my choice till I took the Comply 500 that come with them and trimmed them down to the inner core. Now I use those and am 100% satisfied with my current setup.
 

Think about small carrots sticking out of the ears.  I usually buy used, there are some great deals out there to be had.

Here is another idea. Buy a set of TF10's, get them reshelled to customs, you might end up being close to the same price ( or maybe even less ) and having customs.