Hi,
 
I'd like to upgrade from my Klipsch Image s4 to something with over-the-ear design (so they don't pull out of my ears every five seconds like these do), with a remote/mic, significantly clearer/better sound, and much less background/static noise (it's pretty terrible with the s4's). I'm not experienced enough to say what my preferred sound signature is, but I like the idea of balanced since it's more accurate (mild v-shape sounds okay too, just nothing too extreme I guess?). I'll leave the price point vague as I'm willing to pay more (more than my ideal price; obviously I'm going to spend much more than the $50 or so the Klipsch cost me regardless) if it means a much better product, but I can't go too high. I've heavily considered the Rock-it R50M (which the company says is getting a refresh but it's had a production delay for months and my Klipsch are actually broken) and the Phonak Audeo Perfect Fit 122. But I'd like to hear suggestions.
 
Thanks!
 
P.S. I wanted to ask Joker on The Headphone List website but I couldn't figure out how to log in or post without replying to someone so if someone can explain that, that would be awesome.

Background/static noise? Does this happen when you move the cable? Is it microphonics of the cable moving or is it an electrical sound?

It's constant background noise that the speakers/drivers are making. It is not microphonics. Joker even says in his review: "On a final note, I had a small issue with the relatively low impedance and high sensitivity of these – they have a tendency to hiss slightly even with normally dead-silent Sansa Fuze, and the hiss with other devices can be borderline unbearable." So it's typical of the s4's I guess.
 
Also, I'm now looking at the ATH-IM02 as well since you can get an after-market cable for that with mic/remote.

Ahh, OK. What are you connecting these IEMs to? If you are already reading ljokerl's thread, then you have already found the best info on IEMs!

I'm connecting them mostly to a Moto X right now and future Android devices. I also sometimes connect them to my iPad, laptop, cheap Logitech speakers plugged into my desktop computer, and M-Audio AV-40 speakers hooked up to my game systems and desktop computer.

You might want to check out the Etymotic hf3. I think you would be amazed at the clarity compared to the Klipsch. I had the Klipsch S2 and I thought they were very dark and muddy. I know the S4 is better than the S2, but I think the Etymotic take you up a significant amount in clarity & detail. When you first hear them you will probably think they are very bass light, I soon learned to appreciate the tighter and better sounding bass the good BA drivers provide rather than the somewhat bloated & sloppy bass the typical low-cost dynamic IEMs provide. Actually, my preferred IEM is probably a dual-BA driver, like the Westone W2. Then again, that's probably because I've never owned any IEMs with more than 2 drivers...

You might want to try wrap-over-the-ear IEMs to see if they will stay inserted better for you.

billybob_jcv said:

You might want to check out the Etymotic hf3.

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You might want to try wrap-over-the-ear IEMs to see if they will stay inserted better for you.

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I'm confused. I said I wanted wrap-over-the-ear IEMs, and now you're suggesting that. But you suggested the Etymotic, which are the opposite of that. Also, I tried a triple-flange one time and it felt horrible, though I guess you can use other tips on the Etymotic.

The ME Electronics M6 Pro might be something to check out. I don't actually own it(I own the predecessor, the Sport-Fi M6), but I think they're slightly U-shaped in sound signature with enhanced(possibly harsh with some music?) treble. But for what they cost, they offer quite the value imo. Detachable cables (one with a mic, tho I am unsure if it is android compatible), decent selection of tips (one of them being comply foam tips), a case, 1/4th inch adapter.. All for about 50 bucks.

Sorry - you did say over-ear - I saw "significantly clearer/better sound" and jumped to Etymotic straight away without thinking...

Etymotic, Shure & Westone (and some others) can all use the same tips. So, you can put Shure black foam on the Westone & Etymotic, and you can put the Westone Tru-Fit tips on the Shure and Etymotic.

I'm afraid I don't know much about the newer breed of over-ear IEMs, like the Dunu I3-CS, Fidue A71, Ostry KC06, TTPOD T2, etc. I would like to try them, but I'm a bit afraid they will be too bassy or V-shaped like so many of the low-cost headphones are today.

pfe 022 can be had new for $40, get some black and grey filters and you can change the tuning of the IEM to your liking.  They are also fairly inefficient so you'll probably not get any hiss.

za warudo said:

pfe 022 can be had new for $40, get some black and grey filters and you can change the tuning of the IEM to your liking.  They are also fairly inefficient so you'll probably not get any hiss.

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Someone said the pfe 122 are hard to drive. I just ordered ATH-IM02 and IM70. They'll be here in two days and I'll see if I like either.