Help with choice: RE-Zero or HF5 or ???

Hi, I have been lurking for several years here and have learned a lot. Thanks to everyone sharing as much as they can!! I am an audiophile, for maybe 30 years, used to be a musician. I still have a few records I cut way back that I use as reference sometimes.

Anyway, I am looking to replace my Klipsch S4s with something better. I am tired of the sound style. I do like them, it's just I listen a lot using my Sennheiser HD 580s and I want something closer to that in an IEM. I do like "analytical" sound, when it is balanced and neutral. I have been looking at the RE-Zero, and I see amazon has the HF5 for $95. Which do you think is better for my taste? I listen to everything from 70s rock, Crosy-Stills-Nash-Young, Gordon Lightfoot, Jeff Beck, Joe Satriani, Foo Fighters, Van Halen, REM, U2, Indigo Girls, LOTS of classical, Glenn Gould, etc. I would like osmething theat performs much better with live acoustic/classical than the S4s. Anything else under $200 that is better than the two I mentioned? I have searched long and hard but have not found info on the forums. Thanks for any help and advice you can give!!

Gozzer,

Thanks for the info. I also like the reviews on the 262, they are very tempting for the price. I have looked at the DBA-02, but I want manufacturer support and I don't feel good about that for the GR07. The DBA-02 would be my first choice perhaps, but again Fischer has too many problems with customer service and supply for me. I know the Etys have great quality and customer service. Soon I will be able to get any high end set I want to try, but for now I am a bit more conservative with $$. I was just reading a DD vs BA thread and I really don't know yet if I might like DD or BA sound. There are qualities I like about both. I am hoping to get some input from someone with exprience with these IEMs and the HD 580 that I use as a reference.

Zarim,

Thanks, that helps. I do like really good imaging and if the low end is that good they can be EQ'd if I want more or less. I am sensitive to highs, mostly because of digitial recording, and I know they both will reveal that, so I am prepared to EQ that also if need be.

kmhaynes,

Thank you. That is very helpful. I had not really though of going for used ER-4P. I will look into that. I do like neutrality, accuracy, and balance, that is one reason I am looking at the Ety line. I was listening to Glenn Gould last night playing Bach on lone piano with my HD 580 and got really intersted in something other than my S4, which I cannot listen to on these albums.  I see you have owned the HF5 and the RE0. If the RE0 does not respond well to EQ, then that pushes me a bit toward the Etys. How does the HF5 sound with live, unamplified acoustic, like guitar or piano? Thank you! I appreciate your time in helping me.

Inks,

Thanks for the suggestion. I will check into the PFE 122s. I have been reading the HF5 appreciation thread and I think I may pull the trigger on a set rom Amazon at $95. Seems like a great deal. There are issues with fit and sealing, but I am used to that so I hope I can easily find the sweeet spot!

Can anyone tell me if the PFE 112 sold now on Amazon for $147 is the same as the PFE 122?

Thank you! I will check it out. I did notice that they have had build quality problems. Has there been enough time to see that the newer version has fixed that? I still may go with the HF5, as the 122 is a little out of my price range, and after May I will be able to get anything I want, meaning I will be able to start trying out some of the top-end models to hear what I like (FAD? Westone 4? ATH-CK10?).

Well, I pulled the trigger on the HF5 from amazon. I should have it next week. Very excited to have an improvement over the S4! I will let you know what I think.