[leonrox]

Hi. This is my first post on this forum.
 
I am looking for a new iem or portable headphone for daily commute and listening in the library. I listen to a wide genre of music: top 100, vocal, blues, jazz, classical, rap you name it.
 
Currently, I have a pair of Hifiman Re262. They are very musical: sufficient bass, thick midrange and sweet tremble. I plug it into my Iphone 5. They are a bit power hungry even if I add a Fiio e6. Also, I have notice the cable buzz has become more of a problem recently.
 
Therefore, I am looking for an upgrade. To give you some perspective of what I like and dislike:
 
1. Sennheiser Momentum: Have one right now but thinking about returning it. Great for club and pop. Kind of weak in vocal and makes     my hair funny.
 
2. AKG Q701: Great soundstage and detail but returned it because it was cold and a bit thin. Also very uncomfortable
 
3. Westone 4: My friend has one. Everything was okay but did not grow on me
 
4. AKG K550: Does everything good but nothing special
 
 
I think my ideal phone is a pair of iems: warm, slightly colored, versatile and excels in vocals.
 
Please recommend some iems. My budget is $500. Don't mind buying 2nd hand
 
 
Thanks
Leon

 

[tinyman392]

Maybe one of the new(er) HiFiMan models?  The RE-600 is supposed to have a very similar signature to the RE262...  It's a warm, sweet sound with subdued, yet detailed and smooth treble.  Another thing might be a UE 900, although it may have some build issues.  It has a very similar sound signature to the RE-600, but trades bass thickness for a little more treble quantity.  The last suggestion is a little cheaper, the ACS T15.  It's got a little more treble than the RE-600, the midrange is slightly less sweet and the bass a little thicker (same quantity though). 
 
I made an assumption that you're looking for IEMs, if you are not, let me know XD I will say that the K545 is supposed to be like the K550 with a bit more bass thickness and presence.