I can't compare Shure SE530 to any other top tier IEMs but I can say they seem like a great choice for your needs. Reasons: - very comfortable, first I didn't like the over-the-ear-no-memory-cord cable design but now I'm fine, - excellent isolation with medium black foamies (haven't tried...

Thanks everyone, I'm glad you all seem to like my mini review. Once I've played with my Shures and different sound settings and genres (rock, thrash, etc.) a bit more, I may deepen this review. I could post pics as well but I thought they wouldn't really be any "value added" since there are tons...

Quote: Originally Posted by mark2410 very nice write up there, id suggest that over time you gradually reduce the eq to flat. let your ears recover a bit from what they got used to with the cx300. Yeah, my current EQ looks like a very flat "V" but I already think I've exaggerated...

Disclaimer I'm a complete newb in the field of high-end IEMs, with zero experience but decent full-size cans (HD595, probably the best Sennheiser HDxxx model not requiring an amp and easily driven also by a simple sound card) and quite sharp hearing. I'm a lot into heavy stuff, I even used to...

I've just upgraded my iPod nano 2G 8GB + Sennheiser CX 300 to Cowon S9 32GB + Shure SE530 Cleaning up my music db now. After the weekend, I should be able to post a mini review. I'm also thinking of getting a Sansa Clip 8GB + Future Sonics Atrio M5 rig as "gym backup". A bit...

S(h)ure, I'll post a mini review once I've played with them a bit I've never really had any high-end IEMs or DAPs so I'm pretty excited.

OK guys, thanks for the help. I finally decided to pull the trigger on the SE530 @ AMP3, since the model without PTH (I don't need this bulky, awkward module anyway) still carries the old, good price tag. Considering the fact that both Westones and the Shures play in pretty much the same...

3mhil, what are you first impressions? I realize it won't be any definite evaluation since it would be premature. lisztian420, I'd love to be able to audition them all. If I could, I probably wouldn't even have posted this thread since despite all discussions and some reliable opinions...

Quote: Originally Posted by MacedonianHero The Shure SE530s have been plagued by chords that crack over time, while the W3s have been pretty resilient. Both companies however have top notch customer service. Hasn't the cable formula been changed recently in order to eliminate the...

Yep, I remember. I read a thread on UM3X on sgheadphones, and it looks like it's similar in terms of sound sig to the 530s but with more highs and lows. This slightly "mellow, laid back" sound may be good for my music, which is sharp, energetic and extreme by itself.

Big Kev, MacedonianHero, thanks for the opinions. I also listen to different kinds of metal, from Metallica to Morbid Angel, from Slayer to Emperor. Good to know that the W3s also work great with classics music_4321, kurosuto, thanks for the links. I'll check them all out. BTW, I think it's...

Quote: Originally Posted by music_4321 Not that I'll be thanked by Darius77 for clarifying this -- didn't even thank me for or knowledge previous 2 links I'd posted for cheap W3 & UM3X deals, so decided to delete that post -- but other head-fiers may not know about the extra year's...

Indeed, I already got a nice offer which is pretty tempting, although I'm always reluctant to buy used stuff, especially as personal as earphones. Anyone who has heard at least 2 of the earphones, please post your opinion, even if you haven't used them for extreme metal. Any contribution is...

Thanks, very useful info. I thought the W3s could be kind of a compromise between the clarity and high-end stage/separation and precision found on the 530s and the warm, "in-your-face" bassy directness of the M5s. Looks like sibilance / harsh treble is the only significant risk, otherwise it...

Nice. Aren't the highs too harsh or sibilant? Also, what about subpar recording quality (particularly some older and even new black metal releases are notoriously "garage" sounding) - don't the 3's torture your ears by revealing all recording flaws and "dirt"?

Quote: Originally Posted by mark2410 btw the w3 should be available for a lot less than that, saw it the other day for about £230 Where? Basically, I need a store which ships to Poland (this is where I live, prices in my previous post are in GBP simply because the Shures are...

Hello, I posted a question regarding both DAP and IEMs a while ago but now I'm back to the boards with a narrower choice, seeking your advice. In terms of DAPs, my short list includes Cowon S9 32GB, Sansa Clip 8GB and Sansa Fuze 8+16GB (not an easy choice). SQ is most important. Now, after...

I think it may make sense to add Phonak Audeo PFE to my list. The anythingbutipod reviewer praised them a lot for metal/rock. However, on another forum I read that they lacked punch in the bass department and medium frequency power to make guitars sound "meaty". Any metal listeners here who...

Quote: Originally Posted by Rip N' Burn How about the Denon AH-C751?? They will sound better after some burn in. They were on my list, and also the lower model, the 551 which is supposed to have more bass but less treble/a bit worse mids. However, here the deal breaker seems to...

Quote: Originally Posted by mp3 There are better alternatives though, and cheaper too. Such as?

Quote: Originally Posted by Rip N' Burn Is the Future Sonics Atrio M5 available where you live? It is also a good option. Nah, not really. Some people do have them, ebay/allegro is the source. In general, I've never seen brands like Head-Direct, Future Sonics, Etymotic...

Quote: Originally Posted by Rip N' Burn The Monster Turbines paired with Sony hybrid tips sound great with metal. I was listening to Mastodon's Crack The Syke and was really impressed. Unfortunately unavailable where I live

Thanks. Any other opinions? So far, no one has really brought me any closer to a decision Requirements are above - decent midrange/lower high-end IEMs with strong but not overwhelming bass, good separation and balance across all frequencies. Good isolation, no stupid modular cords with...

Thanks for your opinion. IE7 is one of the more expensive models, however. I'm not sure if my ears deserve it Any other, more affordable options for a metalhead?

Hi, I'm a passionate metal listener (mostly death/black, but also other genres) - maybe not a true audiophile but definitely quite sensitive and demanding in terms of sound quality. I want to upgrade my portable gear consisting of an iPod nano 2G and Sennheiser CX 300 IEMs. I need a small...