Is there anyone who has tried the Monoprice 8320 iems, that can recommend a good upgrade with a similar sound signature? I have tried quite a bit of budget phones (including some circumaural headphones as well as a variety of earbuds) but find I like in ear monitors because they block outside noise, aren't bulky, and with the right fit can be very comfortable, especially when wearing glasses. I am satisfied with the 8320's and think they are well balanced and rather detailed; and I like the amount of soundstage.
The biggest con is that these are not very comfortable (the 14.2mm driver's plastic enclosure is way too big and fits too tightly in my ear). I've even tried sanding them down around the rough edges as some other people have done, but to no avail after everything I've tried they still kill my ears comfort-wise after 30 min. or more of listening. I am usually sitting still at the computer when I listen, but would still like something durable that's not going to short out on me and is possibly more refined than the 8320's in comfort and sound quality, and preferably not exceeding $100.
I'm no expert in describing sound, but I will try in that I like clarity and detail, good separation of instruments, and I like vocals/instruments to sound the way they should in person. I listen to many genres of music, so the iem's need to be good with almost everything. I also like balanced, tight and accurate bass (not boomy and bleeding into midrange) that can extend nice and low without straining and give a solid foundation to the music. I've considered shure se-215 (but hear they break easily), or klipsch s4's (which some say are better than the 8320's) so I'm open for suggestions...
Thanks!
