Ive been in the same boat as you, have a dead pair of E500s and a dying pair of SE530... After everything I've tried, I'm learning that I just really like the sound of the SE530 more  than its competitors. 

CX300's, the real ones, of course.  When you exercise its nice to have strong bass to keep you motivated.

I think the hiss has more to do with the ep-630 individually, i second the nuforce recommendation but they are also on the clear, detailed side as opposed to the fun, lively side. I would also recommend the beyer dtx50. They can be found for around $50 and have great bass and a very warm...

I agree with the last poster. But it is true that your ears will adjust to a sound signature. Once they do, its hard to leave. For example, it took me a long time before i could appreciate the ER6i, but after I got used to them, only a triple driver IEM made me not miss their clarity and detail.

I have the ultimate ears super fi 5 pro and the shure se530PTH... haven't heard the Phonaks. I know money is tight but I've owned several IEMs and none sound better to me than the Shure. For me, their best asset is that they sound great on low quality recordings and make them sound as good as...

agreed, but thats because the cheapest dual driver MSRP out there is the $179 Q Jays prior to theses $79 offering if I'm not mistaken.

it will hopefully be worth the wait

my first good headphones were the big heavy Koss ones that sounded pretty darn good.

I thought my E500's were the best in the REAL world, until the cable cracked in 4 or 5 places on each left and right side.

for accuracy, the ER6i or the ER4P is your best bet. If you prefer something warmer, look at the UE SUPER FI 5 Pro, or the Q Jays.

Jelle, I didn't think much about the economies of scale that Apple would have when bargaining for the cost of their drivers, but that makes sense. I just hope they don't sound as lifeless as 1 particular dual driver IEM cough custom-3 cough

I have both. I found that there is less Microphonics in the Super fi 5 probably due to the cable material. I also find their cable doesnt tangle as much. I have to admit, like another user in this post, I found the custom 3's to be relatively lifeless and uninspired sounding. I find for my ears...

a dual driver IEM for $79? Something must not be kosher. That, or the usual suspects will have to lower their prices! Ha!

AKG K81Dj would be a solid choice for under $100, as would the Grado SR60 if you prefer an open design

The black foams are more comfortable, but I still can't get the right sound out of these that I feel others are getting. Very strange, given I have had no fit problems with any other IEM