The comments here have been most thoughtful, so thanks! I ordered the Westone 4R's yesterday directly from Westone. They offered a 30 day warranty, less shipping. It really came down to the 4R's vs the SE535's. From the research I've done, the 535's probably had a warmer sound and better mids which is my preference. The negatives for me for the 535's were bad microphonics and a heavy cable. (My Grado 325's had a heavy cable and I hated it!) The Westone 4R's, while maybe not as mid-forward, are supposedly very detailed and balanced. I loved the detail of my Ety ER4P's, but found them too uncomfortable for marathon listening. In the end, I could have gone either way, but I guess the 30 day return right from Westone is what won the decision. If I am dissatisifed in any way, they're going back and I'll try again. I don't mind eating the cost of a knock around set of IEM's, but $500 is too much to spend and not be happy! They're going to arrive today - actually in about 35 minutes if the FedEx website is accurate. I'll reply back with some impressions. Thanks to all for the input!
b9.
im glad you like the 4r's. however i believe the westone 4 are warmer than the se535, the 535 mids are better. but the sound of the se535 isnt universal and the signature sounds more bright than warm. i think the 4r was a good decision.
