Hi all,
 
I'm choosing my first audiophile IEM soon! Actually, it is the second. My first was a set of Merlins but i had to sell them away to my cousin.Somehow, I found it to be overly bassy. The overall sound signature is nice and smooth and I liked it a lot. I have tried to EQ the signature to reduce the bass strength a little but I found that to be counter productive - getting a bassy CIEM only to EQ it away?
 
I've owned a GR02 and GR07 bass editions, Soundmagic E30, Sony MH1C and SE215. I like most of of them especially the bass impact that I felt and that kind of led me to think that I really like a bassy CIEM like merlins. On hindsight, it could be because I've only tried dynamic drivers thus far. I've read that most dynamic drivers have quite good and impactful bass response.Out of all the IEMs that I've owned, I find myself constantly rotating between the GR02 BE and GR07BE. For me, they seem to present the music in a musical and enjoyable manner that the rest just can't replicate. 
 
Now with my merlin gone, I'm craving for an audiophile IEM again. This time, I'm consulting you guys here about what to get next. The sound signature that I'm chasing after is as follows
1. Good, punchy low end
2. Clear, detailed mids
3. Crisp and detailed high end (This is a little problematic. I can't stand it if it is too sparkly)
4. Overall, "full" sounding (mid-bass hump?) and decent soundstage
5. A set that is musical in nature, as opposed to analytical
 
As of now my options for customs locally will be UM, Rooth, Lear, Noble and Heir. It can also be some good universals that you guys think will fit my taste. My source is now a Fiio X3 and E12. I have also narrowed down some of my options to the following, but you guys are welcome to recommend others too!
 
1. Heir 5.0
2. Westone 4r
3. Shure SE535
4. Westone UM3x
5. Heir 4. Ai
 
 
Thanks a lot guys! Hope to hear from you all soon!

Anyone?

What kind of music do you like and what is your budget?

I mainly listen to pop and classical pieces. Occasionally I'll listen to soft rock such as Eagles. Things that I don't listen to would definitely be EDM and metal. 
 
As for budget, perhaps below 500USD? I can go to a max of 600 since that's what i got from selling my Merlins.

If you can get them for the close out price of $299 the Westone 4r has to be the best price and performance available.

How does the 4r compare against the SE535? I can't help but notice that you have sold you 4r but kept the SE535, so I'm curious how these two stacks up.

I like both but it really depends on two factors. One, I feel the 4r is a balanced referenced sound while the 535 is more musical which is my taste. Two, the price differential $299 vs $499. Without price consideration, I would recommend the 535 limited edition with no reservations but is it worth $200 more well that is when it gets difficult.

Hmmm..but i just checked. It will cost me about 589usd to get the 4r and it is almost the same price for the SE535. I got no idea why is it so expensive..

A quick look on the sales/trade forum yielded this
1. SE535 red with stock cable
2. SE535LTD+Baldur mk2 Upgrade cable
3. Heir 5.0
4. Heir 3. Ai

Which will be a better deal?

I would have to know the prices before I could tell you.

1. SE535 red with stock cable --> 336USD
2. SE535LTD+Baldur mk2 Upgrade cable --> 450USD
3. Heir 5.0 --> 510USD
4. Heir 3. Ai --> 280USD

Any suggestions? Which will be a better deal?

I can only speak about the SE535 as I have never heard the Heir IEMs. Go with the stock SE535 as I know an aftermarket cable maker, Ted Allen at Headphone Lounge who can make you an excellent cable for less than $100 with OCC silver coated copper.

Oh..okay..

So a SE535 it will be..unless someone can chime in about the Heir IEM..