Hi, and thanks for the neat contest.  Happy Holidays to all at Head-Fi.org!

That's a terrific deal!  I paid about $50 for mine there earlier this year (had to fly out a couple days later for an important trip).   FYI folks, the PortaPro in the picture is that of the anniversary edition.  The one BestBuy has in stock is likely the current all black version with thin...

^+1   The great thing about the hybrids, at least in my experience, is that the colored core of each one if very, very resilient.  I've gotten them to stretch over M6 posts as well as larger ones like the M9 just fine.   I also agree with people's comments that the M6's sound is good...

Thanks, eurcariote :)   I was the OP of the topic and now that I own a Sony NWZS545, I feel I can provide some basic, though audio newbie, comments. :)  Keep in mind that I consider myself an amateur at describing sound, though I like to think that I can pick out sound details at an average...

I may just give my Fuze and Clips to some family members and pick up a clip+ at some point anyway.  I love the form factor, and I too have heard similar things about the EQ on them.   Now, back to my PortaPros and 545... ;)

Just wanted to follow-up with everyone and mention how much I'm enjoying the NWZS545 so far.  Overall the sound quality is superb, and it's now my go-to player!   Lovin': The UI is pretty simple and clean, and I like having the extra Option button to quickly tweak the EQ and settings...

I'm having problems keeping the foam tips staying in place on the posts of the PL-30's.  Am I just putting them on wrong?  They seem too loose and squishy.

Ah, gotcha, joker.  Yeah, it seems like even the cabling for this series varies.  Seems like a terrible oversight on SkullCandy's part; I hate putting IEMs in the wrong ears! :)

I own a pair of these and I'm certain they do have L and R markings.  I'll check when I get home, but for now look at where the cable goes into the IEM, just above the flex grooves.  They are mega-tiny, but they should be there.   I agreed with your assessment of them, and even if I didn't...

Thanks rasmushorn!  I guess I'll start with their customer service first - maybe it's just me and my ears since I've had a cold the last week or so.  My ears are off-and-on clear or slightly dulled these days.   Update: I was able to get an immediate response from Koss' online customer...

I like the sound signature of my MEElectronic's M6 IEMs.  I like the texture of the bass and low end and the overall balance lows, mids and highs.  With that in mind, would the bass level of the Rains be for me, or would you folks recommend that I take a look at the Thinksound Thunders?

I love these cans!  In fact, the best testament to their quality is how perfect they are when playing the DJ Max games on my PSP-3000.  I got a warmer, punchier sound, and more importantly I got wonderful sound separation; that is a BIG deal for me with that game series since some note patterns...

I truly, truly love these cans!  I love the sound signature, the separation and yes, the LOOKS!  I have the nearly all-black Best Buy version, too.  I just wish I could find the ones with the blue drivers - those are heavenly-looking to me :)

Thanks for the impressions!  The original Air Cushions were a great bargain (I got mine for under $20 new earlier this year), and now the FX-67 seem like an even better bargain.   I use my MEElectronics M6 and Soundmagic PL-30 IEMs almost exclusively now, but I still keep my FX-66's on hand...

I second that MEElectronics M9 suggestion.  Great set of IEM's for the price.  I used to own 630's and I think the M9's are a great (and less expensive) step up based on your needs.