Quote: Definitely enough for me, but I am more of an analytical listener than a basshead.  That said, I do occasionally hit the boost switch.  But again, the airplane environment is a factor as well.

They're OK with the Ipod.  I fly a lot, and for me, the amp is a necessity, mainly because I like it pretty loud.  They work without the amp, but borderline in my opinion.  If your environment is quiet, or you don't like loud, you'd be ok, but it was always my intention to amplify, so I had that...

I faced that exact same choice last year and chose the Shures, then added a JDS C421.  Very happy with the combo.

I couldn't find one, so I'll start it.  I just opened them up today.  Plugged them in to the backup Ipod, unamped, and all I can say is amazing.  Good bass (but I'm not a basshead), and good level even without the XM4.  Not sure if it's enough for flying, or if I will want the extra push the amp...

Well, I decided finally on the Etys and they arrived yesterday.  They will be presented next weekend.  I would have bought them from Headroom but the ship time was too long, so I got them from Amazon.  I'll have his impressions, and mine if I can, as soon as I can get some time on them.  He'll...

  Quote: Thanks, I had no idea what a can of worms I was opening.   

Quote: He's not really much of a bass-head.  I'll ask if you are only to get a frame of reference, because earlier posters seemed to think the MC5 is slightly less analytical than the HJE900.  Could be a good compromise.  Also, if I can influence him a little, I would push him in the...

  Quote: No problem.  If it were me I would go analytical, since I am already deeply into the Phonak sound.  For him, I am leaning towards the Etys for a little more fun.  I have a week to figure this out before I have to order them.  And yes, I've done plenty of reading, but the...

  Quote: None taken, this will be his 20th, which I didn't mention before.  The fact that he's enjoying the 580s, even unamped, tells me he likes something better.  He had Philips iems in that price range, and I think he's ready to go upscale a bit.  

Quote: Are they OK driven by an Ipod?  I use an amp, but he wouldn't.

This is a tricky one, because I'm not buying for myself, but a present for my son.  He formerly used some lower-level Philips IEMs (9350 maybe?  not sure), but they broke.  I discovered that he has been using my Sennheiser 580s with his Ipod, so I am buying him some IEMs for a replacement and to...

  Quote: I have, and have further impressions.  In my original PFE setup, I was using the grey filters and listening straight out of the Ipod at home, and using my XM4 on planes for extra oomph.  I prefer a flatter, transparent type of sound.  To get the EQ I wanted, I ran the Ipod in...

Quote: I bought mine on the Audeo website, although they told me that supplies were limited.

Quote:   it's acoustic/mechanical loading, too, since obviously the filter does not change electrical characteristics.  I wonder if this would have any negative long-term effects on the drivers themselves.  I am definitely one of those listeners who don't heed the warning labels.

Quote: I admit I never tried the blacks, but I am much happier with the greens than the greys.  Remember, though, that these are 112s, not 012s.