Dear David:   You answered my question clearly and accurately.  But I was less than clear with my question.  I was more interested in the qualitative differences between the various options.  Why would one be preferred over the other?  CIEMs strike me as usually being more expensive that...

I do not mean to hijack this thread, but I have a related question.   Is there a difference between "custom" IEMs and getting custom tips for universal IEMs?  Or getting universals re-shelled, for that matter?  And if so, what is the difference?   Thank you.   Nick

I guess I bit the bullet...   Just got back from the audiologist.  He took impressions that he will send out to have proper ear molds made.  Total cost was $150, and includes a good warranty.  They should be back in about 10 days.  Then it's back to have them fitted and adjusted, if...

  Amen.

I just checked their website, and their new price for re-molds is $150.  So quite a bit up from $90.  And on par with the Westone MU56.  I guess one pays a premium when you want to run with the big dogs. I am waiting for a call back with a price from my friendly neighborhood audiologist...

Thanks Kyle.  That sounds a lot more reasonable.

Hi David:   The other downside is the $160 price tag. Yikes!  I am hoping for something more reasonable by having ear molds done in my town.  I'll post my experience.  Thanks for responding.   Nick

Thanks Korki.  I am off to see my friendly neighborhood audiologist this morning.  There seems to be no real downside.   Nick

Gentlemen:   Your responses are why this forum is the gold standard.  The relentless pursuit of perfection and the love of technology is what we seem to have in common.  But I will leave well enough alone.  Thank you all very much for your time and opinions.   Nick

  HI 88:   I almost included in my response to Fonzie "and get ready for flack for riding with music," because such comments inevitably follow.  I cannot recall a single thread I have seen dealing with music while riding that did not have this issue raised.  Just yesterday, a forum member...

  Nothing?

Hi Fonzi:   I assume you are talking about riding a motorcycle and using IEMs with a helmet.  One thing that I have noticed is that lows take a beating.  It must be the wind noise, because when I'm stationary, the lows are fine.  Then they promptly disappear while moving at anything above...

Hello All:   I just got a pair of Westone pro 30s, and have been considering getting custom molds done.  There is friendly audiologist around the corner from where I work who has offered to make impressions for a very reasonable price.   Is there any conventional wisdom regarding doing...

I am sorry I disturbed you so deeply.  I have been riding with music for many years and find that I am still able to hear what I need to hear above the music.  Perhaps this is because I am cautious and do not crank it.  As you have no doubt experienced, wind noise is very loud without hearing...

Thank you, NA.   Would adding Rockbox (which I believe to be in this same price range) be advised for better sound quality?  Or is it likewise not much bang for the buck?   Nick

Hello All:   Thanks to the great information on this forum, I just acquired a pair of Weston pro 30 IEMs.  I am using them with my 5th gen iPod, and things sound very good.  But the more I poke around on our forums, the more I have begun to wonder about adding a portable DAC/amp to my...