It seems that in the last 10 years or so, Asian manufacturers have come to dominate the SB $100 IEM market. US/European manufacturers for the most part, have kept the $1000+ market. But how do they compare in the middle market - the $100 to $1000 space? For example, I was thinking about...

You might know, will there be a lightning cable audio line out with the 7?  The adapter they are selling doesn't seem like it can have much in the way of circuitry at that price so I was wondering if the audio out will run through the iPhone's built in DAC.

This might be too early to answer but is Apple changing the nature of the lightning port audio signal?  Right now it operating as a "line out" - an unamped (or possibly consistently amped) non-equalized signal. A signal that you could run into an external DAC to do all those functions. But in...

The Audiofly 180's look really intersting and my be exactly where I want to end up.  Any idea if they have a similar nozzle to  Westones?  I really like their Star tips.

I've had a faithful pair of UM3x' s I've used for the last 6 years.  They are finally starting to give out.  I have drifted away from the iem market and was wondering if there were comparable iems in in the $400-$500 range (maybe a bit more for something outstanding).  I wouldn't mind something...

That is so weird.  The files were all encoded through iTunes, so nothing fishy there.  The are at 320 kbps and I don't remember if they are done at a vbr or not, but I think they are not. The worst part is that I've gotten rid of most of my CD's over time, and just have the encoded files backed up. 

Grr.  Is anyone else having this problem with CanOpener?  Lots of my files are compressed aac files with an .m4a extension. CanOpener will not play these files, seeing them as video files ("Video Selected!  Unfortunately Can Opener can't play video content.)   My guess this is a peculiar bug...

A company called Good Hertz has just released an IOS app called CanOpener ( http://canopenerapp.com ) that adds crossfeed and equalization. It seems to have some real nice features,fully adjustable angle and percentage on crossfeed, a fairly deep equalization program and presets for both. Does...

Has anyone used both of these and can compare the sound quality?  I know this is a bit of an apples and oranges comparison, but they are both comfortably played without an amp and are (somewhat with the Grados) portable.  I've been thinking about the Grados but would appreciate the extra...

I have a pair of silicone UM56's coupled with my UM3X IEMs. I love them but they do not fit very tight. Sometimes the the tips stay in my ear when I pull the IEMs, which is no big deal because of the swizzle stick, but twice one has fallen off as I was putting them in. Luckily I found the...

Can anyone tell me which of the two (W3 or UM3x) is more of the sonic successor to the UM2? I have had and enjoyed the UM2's for many years and am looking to upgrade while keeping roughly the same sound signature. I know the UM3x have the same physical form factor, but, even with all the...

I just looked at the unpacking photos. Is there any sort of case?

I have, and still use, a five year old pair. I've beat them up and have had them recabled once (due to the "greening" they clear cables used to get), and they still sound fine. I can't help you on the price, though. I haven't been paying attention to the used market.

I ma sure this has been covered a number of times, but my google-fu is failing me. What are some of the best non-IEMS out there that do not require a separate amp? I have the Yuin G2A's and the Grado 60's, but there must be a wide range of other options. Money is no object -- well, let say under...

So the gr8's are now available. SoundEarphones.com Your Earphone & Headphone Source for Ultimate Ears, Shure, Sleek-Audio, Ultrasone, Sennheiser, PS Audio, Grado,V-Moda - Shop - Grado Gr In Ear Earphones. Anybody order them yet? My mistake, still pre-orders