And if you are capable of modding + EQing properly, the HE400 reaches ridiculous levels of performance esp for the cost. It is kind of a shame the HE400 is forgotten now.

The reason to this overall observation in general IMO is because the first gens of the previous reference cans were made for true audiophile audience - on the other hand, the more recent TOTL cans are made with mainstream audience's sound signature preference in mind. I prefer technical prowess...

EQ/mod that Z5, it becomes extremely fun and technically impressive iEM. Shame mine one of my pair is dead.

I will look forward to your impressions/reviews! That said, from lurking around and having tested a few relatively recent headphones myself, most of the recent headphones seem to be minor upgrades/subjective preferences. When or if it is truly an upgrade, it tends to cost a small fortune -...

Hey, just wanted to pop in and say thanks for all the contributions you've made to this community. I too have gone through similar conclusions as you have over the years and it is nice to see others focusing on enjoying life too.

Dude, from the list of IEMs you possess, it seems we have similar tastes since I also have the Z5 and JVC woodies. How does the planar IEM compare to the Z5s and the FX1100?

If you EQ/mod/change cable on FX850, there is no real upgrade worth the dollars. Does anyone has spare mesh filters for these IEMs? One side of my pairs, the filter has fallen out and I may have binned the filters by accident...

Modded HE400 is better IMO.

I think it is blatantly obvious HD800 is techincally superior especially with mods/EQ.

Andros are great. To me when I used to audition loads of CIEMs, as previously mentioned they really are easy to set as the reference/benchmark. Likeable sound even as BAs from my memory. As for dynamic sounds, I really love my FX850 modded/EQed and for me easily better than Xelentos but each to...

Which side is the one that is functioning perfectly? I may be interested in purchasing it!

The Z5s balanced/EQed are some of the best sounding IEMs to me. In fact, they are probably my favourite pair of IEMs without price considered.

This was very easy for me. Pretty much try them all out and decide. More expensive did not necessarily mean better sound to me.

Nice to see one of the OGs in this thread :) And yeah, that's it isn't it - I completely agree with the not quite HE6 bit but the HE400 gets really close and for the price, it is a silly bargain which most average Joe would opt for. I'm going to have to try the Pioneers again since you mention...

Quick shout out to anyone considering the HE400i's in the second hand market: the HE400 with silver cables are way better in pretty much every way. Soundstage, bass, mid range, treble extension, dadida.