This is by far my favorite thread. I've spent days reading and enjoying everyone's deep knowledge and have learnt a lot about IEMs (didn't know much before; probably not much yet). Yet, I confess I remain confused: I'm planning on investing in a good pair of IEMs, but when looking at what to buy it looks like technological changes are going faster than I can assimilate (apparently much faster than for full-size headphones). Then, be confronted with whether to buy an older TOTL IEM in the second-hand market or a new, more recently released but lower-tier IEM.
By reading this thread, I've learnt the obvious, i.e. that before buying I should first test the IEMs by myself (not always easy though) and that my personal preferences are not comparable to anyone else's, including profesional or amateur reviewers.
However, please let me put forward a straight question with four options: (1) new Thieaudio Monarch MK3 (USD 999); (2) second-hand Empire Ears Odin (USD 3,600); (ii) second-hand Aroma Jewell (USD 4,100); and (iv) second-hand Traillli (USD 5,000). If you had the money (I'm not saying I have it), where would you put it?
Thank you very much in advance for your advice (even if your reply obviously comes with IMO, YMMV, etc.)!!!