Erm...did you try listening through different headphones? Might be a problem with your connector, but yeah, that is really really weird.

As far as I know, very few IEMs have a removable cord, especially those under $150, so if that's a big factor for you I'd go with the SA6. Otherwise, the Phonaks are a fine choice, but from what I've heard, you'd really be missing out by passing on the RE0s.