I would just like to say that this purchase was life-changing.
I now have new found respect for IEMs all thanks to the PBEs. The sound is unbelievably fantastic. I kind of want to try other high end IEMs to see what else is out there, after all, these IEMs were a measly 99 bucks (chump change in the audiophile world).
[size=small]IMO, you'd be hard pressed to find a better IEM in the price category. This of course is my opinion and I do not claim to have the prerequisite that Mr. Joker does. [/size]
I don't know where to start, the bass, the highs, the mids, all present and wonderful. The bass is actually perfect. Not too much, not too little. In fact, I'd rename these to the Perfect "Amount of" Bass Earphones. The sound is the closest I can get to my Sennheiser HD-25s, they're not better, but they compliment each other nicely. The highs are really smooth, giving it a nice refined sound. I wouldn't say these headphones are dark, but there seems to be more emphasis on the mids and bass over the treble, on the other hand, the trade off is that it makes the vocals clear and never piercing.
I hooked them up to my LDI+ and they sounded even better. I was kind of surprised the difference a full size amp made. My Nuforce Icon mobile only gave it a small boost. I was thinking of buying a better portable amp for work (ibasso maybe?) so I can enjoy these to their best potential. But even out of my iPhone or iPods, it still sounds great.
If anyone is on the fence about what to buy in the sub 100 range, I'd go with these hands down. I should also note that the weight and fit make them one of the most comfortable IEMs I've ever worn (disclaimer: I've never owned customs). The deeper than usual insertion might take some getting used to, but like I said before, it's more than the average IEM, but nothing like Etys and such.
I'm not even sure I'll open the S4is I ordered the other day. I love them so much that I cannot fathom another set of IEMs taking time away from them.
