So I decided to get a new pair of IEMs, first one in a LONG while. I doubt anyone here remembers who I am, but I used to write reviews (though on a different blog/forum). These intrigued me with not only the portable planar magnetic headphones (Oppo did this years back, the PM-3 still remain some of my favorite headphones), but the IEM portion (currently the only one to do so to my knowledge). That said, the only IEMs I have within its price range are the UE900, Westone W4, Heir Audio A4, and HiFiMan RE600. This is probably a step above each and every one of them. My goto IEMs when I want something of quality right now are my HiFiMan RE1000 which retail for 700 (plus ear impressions). Also have owned many IEMs known for having not-the-best build quality (HiFiMan RE600 *cough* *cough* and HiFiMan RE400). Though besides the balanced to unbalanced adapter going out on me, both are running strong, even years later!
OK, I picked up the iSine 10 from my local Apple Store, also auditioned them as well (though I couldn't get that great of impression there due to noise). I was able to get good detailing and the bass wasn't lost in the crowd; I wasn't expecting any isolation whatsoever, so that was expected. I decided to take the plunge. Got home and tried them out. The more linear sound signature really sold me (reminded me of the Etymotic HF2/3/5 with better bass extension and control along with details), but even when comparing against the likes of my RE1000, offered bass that was on par in terms of detailing, texture, speed and depth (though I'd also argue that the 1000's have a larger body to them). The RE1000 isn't known for it's sterile detailing, rather it's known for it's lush smooth signature so the midrange on the iSine really blew it away with it's strong detailing and energy (something I prefer over smoothness). Though there is something edgy about the treble on the iSine. It's not bad, but it does have a bit of a hard edge on it but is otherwise detailed with quite a bit of splash. I'd argue that this is not only one of the best IEMs I've tried, but one of the best headphones in general (I personally say it rivals the PM-3).
My day was going well, I got the headphones at 3:30PM, got home at 4, listened to them for an hour. Went out, came home and gave them a listen for another hour. Did some chores around the house and by then it was 10 PM. I plugged in the Cipher cable and had no sound coming out of the left side. Turns out my drivers are OK, the standard audio cable works, but the Cipher cable's left side is shot. I want to assume I received a lemon, but this has left me with a sour taste in my mouth; the cable didn't even last 6 hours after first use...
EDIT: I will add on to the iOS 11 bugginess. I do see some bugginess in the Audeze app, though a restart or two of the app (not the phone) tends to fix it. Updating the firmware took 3-5 tries as well. It'd periodically get stuck while updating and I'd have to restart the process. Realistically, these are minor things for me; there is a way to get it to work (eventually) and I don't see Audeze as a software company, it's more of a hardware company.