iPod 7th gen>>>FiiO L3>>>de-badged Corda XXS>>>HifiMAN RE262

Quote: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sony-MDR-EX600-Studio-Quality-Earbud-DJ-Headphones-2011-/220803187933?pt=DJ_Gear_Lighting&hash=item3368e544dd   Sorry, it's $40 more, not $30.

A perfect example of why you shouldn't drink the Head-Fi Kool-Aid.   You can get a great sounding phone in the $100-$200 range and for someone to recommend you to forego everything else and get a $1,500 custom is ridiculous.

  Quote: If the wire around the ear is a must, I would look into the Sony MDR-EX600. It's about $30 more than the SE215 and has a little bit different sound signature but IMO it is a far better sounding phone than the Shure. 

What about the JVC FXT90?   It can be worn cable down, doesn't need to be amped, has very good build quality and it sounds fantastic.

Have you looked into the SE215? If you enjoyed Shure's house sound that might be a good place to start.   Quote:  

My recommendation would be to go to the $100-$150 section of ljokerl's massive IEM review thread and start thinning the herd. Try to narrow it down to three or so choices and then ask for more in-depth thoughts on the ones you are interested in.

You might have better luck posting this in the correct forum. 

Go with the FiiO, I have the L3 and its served me well. Inexpensive, has held up to some light abuse and if it breaks, buy another one for 8 bucks instead of putting a gun to your head over a broken $100 LOD.   As far as the amp goes, my suggestion would be to save up for something in the...

I currently own the RE262s. They are an amazing phone and have something truly special about them.   However, they are heavily colored and given your preferences I'm not sure it would be what you're looking for.   If you're willing to stretch, the RE252 would be a good choice.    ...

I would agree with your choices of the RE0 and the HF5. The HF5 puts out more detail, and sounds better as a whole IMO but i think the RE0 has the better lows. So between those two it depends on where you're more willing to make the sacrifice.    Also, I'm not a fan of accurate sound...

If you have an amp; RE262's, no question.   If you don't; Either the Vsonic GR07 or the JVC FXT90. I find the JVC's to be bit more fun to listen to, but if you listen to a lot of fast rock the GR07's may keep up the pace better.   As far as Etys go, I'm not a big fan of analytical sound...

Quote: What's more important to you, soundstage or neutrality?

  Quote: In that price range I would say your best options would be the Corda XXS/Headsix, IBasso D2+ Boa or a used RSA Tomahawk.   What IEM(s) do you plan on using it with?  

Quote:   What's your definition of affordable?