[PTom]

Could someone give me a list of the best sub $500/£350 universal fit IEMs with good isolation and comfort. Something that is good for listening for extended periods of time i.e. not harsh, sibilant or with wild treble spikes. A balanced neutral sound signature would be ideal but a slightly warm signature would be ok. I'll be driving them with the O2/ODAC combo.

 

[IaHawkeye]

For universal in your budget range, I would get the Shure SE535, without a doubt the best universal in that price range....

For customs, you could get like a pair of JH 10's? I've never heard them but I hear good things reading about JErry Harvey's lower end models

 

[IaHawkeye]

The 535's are pretty balanced and I think pretty neutral sounding, but the mids tend to be the focal point

 

[PTom]

Thanks for the reply! I've read a lot of comments comparing it with the Westone 4R which is at a similar price point and most seem to prefer the Westone?

 

[Gasdoc]

You can't go wrong with either. Might I also add the Earsonic SM3. I've had a number of customs and high end phones and I still can't find anything terrible about the sound coming from these.

 

[PTom]

There are just so many IEMs to choose from! I went through the following well known review thread: 
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/478568/multi-iem-review-312-iems-compared-fidue-a63-added-03-18-14-p-885
 
I noticed that the reviewer actually rates the SQ and isolation of the Etymotic ER4S higher than the Shure SE535 even though it is close to half the price. Also the Etymotic HF5 which is significantly cheaper than the ER4S is mentioned to be very close to the ER4S in terms of SQ. The implication being that there are experienced audiophiles who see the $150 HF5 holding its own against the $400+ SE535??

 

[PTom]

Any more suggestions?