[TTN2810]

Hey all, I'm looking to replace my Klipsch Image S4's. I read all the reviews at the time glorifying them so I bought them. Since then though the sound I want to hear has matured a little bit. My limit price wise now is $120. I listen to a lot of metal, and post hardcore, but I also listen to some country and pop/punk. With that said, I do want strong bass, but I don't want it to be muddy and over powering like the S4's. I want earbuds that don't have the bass bleeding in to the mids. However, high's aren't at the top of my list. I don't want bad highs, but as long as they aren't sharp and sibilant I'll be fine. This is most important for me. That's one thing I do not like about the S4's, they are very sharp and sibilant. The last thing I would like, though at this price range I probably won't be able to get, is a nice airy sound with good instrument separation and good soundstage. I know I probably won't be able to find a pair that suits all my needs, but can you guys give me some suggestions that fit my description for the most part? 
 
Thanks, TTN2810.

 

[NA Blur]

I think the Brainwavz M2 with Comply T-400 foam tips works well for what you want.  All of the things you want I think they have.  I own a pair and listen to them all of the time at work and bring them on plane trips.  They have good bass, but not so much so that it drowns out everything else.  They have great mids making them ideal for rock and metal.  The highs are nicely rolled off so your ears will not go home in pain.
 
The Comply T-400 foam tips were necessary for me because the drivers on the M2 are a tad bulky and the plastic dug into my ear.  With the foam tips the pain completely went away and I can wear them for hours.
 
I actually think the M2 has good sense of space.  Part of this has to do with the size of the driver and resonator and not completely rolling off the highs.  You need some of the treble for spacial cues which the M2 has.
 
Here are the charts for both the S4 and M2.
 
M2:
http://www.innerfidelity.com/images/BrainwavzM2.pdf
 
S4:
http://graphs.headphone.com/graphCompare.php?graphType=0&graphID[]=1953
http://graphs.headphone.com/graphCompare.php?graphType=4&graphID[]=1953
http://graphs.headphone.com/graphCompare.php?graphType=3&graphID[]=1953
 
The total cost to you would be $70 for the Brainwavz M2, $15 for 3-pairs of Comply T-400 foam tips ( I use mediums ) and whatever shipping you may end up using.  For under $100 you are going to be amazed.

 

[TTN2810]

Thanks for the in depth reply! I actually was specifically looking at the M2's, along with the Shure se215's, but I figured you guys would be able to help me out more than I could myself, and your post has me leaning heavily towards the M2's now. 
 
Does anyone else have some input?

 

[delusionist]

Thanks for the in depth reply! I actually was specifically looking at the M2's, along with the Shure se215's, but I figured you guys would be able to help me out more than I could myself, and your post has me leaning heavily towards the M2's now. 

Does anyone else have some input?

I have never heard the M2's but I own a pair of the SE215. Though I don't like them, I think they are perfect for you.

The build quality is amazing, it is worn around the ear, and it looks cool (I like transparent stuff).

Ok onto the SQ... it is bassy but not like the Klipsch (many of my friends own these, so I know what they sound like) and it's not as bright as the Klipsch. It's rather warm sounding and non-fatiguing and this is the reason I don't like them (I prefer brighter phones).

I also listen to metal (various subgenres) and I think the SE215 can work well with some poorly recorded albums.

 

[dziendobry]

I would second the SE215 as a great IEM for your needs, I am going to pick up a pair for my wife very soon as well.  They do most things very well, are comfortable and the cable is like a tank,

 

[TTN2810]

Thanks for the replies everyone. You reinforced what I was thinking, now I just need to decide what I want to do.