[stewgriff]

Well, I've got $200 to spend on this addiction. Looking between a decent IEM or a source upgrade. Anyway, here are my options:

IEMs (will be used w/o an amp):
Shure SE210- $150 (haven't kept on IEM news for a long time, but I'd assume this is a modified E3C?)
UE Super.fi 5 Pro- $200
UE Super.fi 3 Pro- $80 (if this is very close to the 5 pro, I'd be glad to save some money)

Or I can get an Emu 0404 USB for $200. I already have a decent source (Silverstone EB01), but I keep hearing rave reviews about the 0404. Also have JVC Marshmallows right now and have had Shure E2C in the past, both decent but nothing special. Wondering which would give me more bang for the buck.

 

[jdimitri]

There's another option.. get something like a mylarone x3 or one of the jays and save up the $150 to get a better source

PS. or super fi 5 pro for $150: http://cgi.ebay.com/Ultimate-Ears-Su...QQcmdZViewItem

 

[stewgriff]

Nobody? I'm pretty much on the side of an IEM now. I'd like to add that comfort is a little bit of an issue; I didn't mind the Shures, but it'd be great if the IEMs I got now were more comfortable. I'd also like to know which gives the most isolation.

 

[pez]

go to www.amazon.com, you can buy the Super.fi 5's for $156, they're gonna be my next IEM's, so I have my eye on them

.

 

[stewgriff]

How do the wires on the UEs hold up? One of my biggest problems with the Shures was that the sturdy but stiff wires would crack up in winter, and I'd have to send them in for a replacement. The UEs have removable wires, so I assume that I can just order replacements from UE if I see signs of breakage. Also, how's the isolation and comfort on the super.fi 3? It should be very similar to that of the super.fi 5, from what I understand.

 

[saboteur1]

Go for SF5P's. SE210's comfort is good, but the cord is heavy, and the insulation rips. TONS of treble roll off as well.

 

[pez]

I find the SF3's to have a good fit, I can even shape them around my ears so that they won't rub against my glasses. The cord is very sturdy, and even if it does decide to fail, call UE customer support and they'll send you a new one via your two year warranty. I think I will forever finding myself recommending the Super.fi 3 Studios, they're great IMO, but other might not like them.

 

[Chrispy]

I'd improve source. Or buy more music

 

[stewgriff]

Pulling this thread from the grave, but I've decided to keep $100 for saving for later. I'm also going to send out my long-defunct Shure E2C (wire on one driver cracked and wore completely) out on replacement, but since it's been Kramer modded, I always thought I wouldn't get one back.

So, this puts my choices at a UE super.fi 3, an Altec im716, or just keeping the money. I know the im716 would be objectively better in SQ, but does it have the fun factor? How's the durability and customer service on the 716? Are either of them worth the money over the Shures, if I happen to get a replacement?

 

[Wid]

With a price like this I would pick the im716 any day. I have owned both and the SF 3s were given to my sister once I heard the im716. The SF 3 were easier to drive but that was about the only advantage, if it even is, that the 3s had over the 716s.

 

[Aevum]

just remember that theres no offical filters anymore for the 716´s, but rumor says that ER-8 BT filters work,

 

[musblue4]

to me the UE comfort is the big issue. The sound is great though.... with the shures you don't have that problem and the sound is still good.

 

[Wid]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aevum /img/forum/go_quote.gif just remember that theres no offical filters anymore for the 716´s, but rumor says that ER-8 BT filters work,

It's no rumor it is a fact the ER-8 filter is the same as the im716 filter.

 

[stewgriff]

I'm getting more sold on the Altecs...I've read that they're very power-hungry. Anyone know how they'll perform out of a 5G iPod?