Well those two choices are pretty much what I'm looking at in the high end (SM3s or UM3Xs); however a lot of people have been recommending to start out with lower range IEMs to adjust my ears to the quality of sound (in the $200 range), and get custom tips and shop around until I find a brand I...

I took the Ultimate Ear UE4 and JH5 but decided (as you said) with impressions and everything that they would just be way over-budget.   When you say, the Etymotics are lacking bass, is that in electronic music, or like drum intensive music (say prog rock/metal, gospel, etc.)?   As far...

I've been doing a lot of research of the past couple of weeks on in-ear monitors, and I am looking to make an investment; I have never had IEMs before. My current use is primarily for listening to music, but will be using them to record within the next couple of months. The conclusion of my...