I have been listening to the ZN's for a few days now and it most definitely doesn't compare with the dunu dn2kj or akg k3003i. I suspect the claim that the ZN can compete with top tier iems is nothing more than a marketing gimmick. The ZN lacks the detail, clarity, instrument separation, and...

For a while I managed to successfully avoid buying iems by staying clear of head-fi, but I was unable to resist the urge to read up on some threads and I stumbled upon this one. I was skeptical until I started to read about how they were in the same league as the K3003's by members whose...

^ One of the creepiest laughs I've ever heard

Indeed. Its reputation was tarnished with the large mid-bass hump, recessed mids, and sibilance. In fact, I purchased them shortly after they were released, so I personally know all about the negative aspects. I even recall a large number of them popping up in the for sale forums during the...

I have them and it was a waste of money for me. Didn't help with the sound at all. I tried them with a few iems and I liked the sound from the foam and silicon tips better. Did you ever try ortofon silcon tips?

No direct side by side comparisons so far. Differences are based on memory. If they were so concerned about the stigma of the W3, why isn't their PR machine working in overdrive? It's as if they think the W30 will just sell itself. Did they outsource or shut down their marketing department?  ...

Interesting. Did you do a side by side comparison with the W3 and W30? Is there any information from Westone that the W30 is tuned differently and/or is utilizing different drivers?

I would suggest the W40 since you have already tried the W3 and were disappointed.

From what I have read, there is not much difference between the latest models to the previous versions. That being said, if you are looking for a more v shaped sound, go for the W30. If you really liked the W4, I would say go for the W40 as there is a possibility you might be disappointed with...

I have the W4R and once had the W3. The W3 signature (relative to the W4) has much more midbass, recessed mids, and sharper highs which some people find sibilant (I never had that issue). The W4R is more balanced and the W3 is more V shaped.

Ortofon tips and the Vsonic hybrid tips.

  I have both and think the H3 is better but how the midrange is presented with the H1 is making me hold on to them. I also use ortofon tips on both and those tips make the H1 and H3 sound more open to my ears. More of a difference with the H1 than the H3 compared to the hybrid tips.

The seller is RHA who makes them so it is legit. From what I have read there is no sound difference between the i and regular version.

Since you're in Canada and want to buy new, the Sony store has the Sony XBA-H1 for $180 or order the Vsonic GR07's from headphonebar (Canadian store). Those would be my 2 recommendations.   edit:I just checked the headphonebar website and they don't carry the GR07's anymore.   edit#2: Go...

Concerning the bass on the H3, it definitely is tuned for more sub-bass rather than mid-bass. I was comparing the H3 to the ASG-2 and the latter had far more abundant mid-bass albeit with less low end extension but more impact. I would describe the bass of the H3 to have more of a 'liquid'...