[schneller]

Now taking candidates for "Best $200 IEM".

What are you candidates?

To add some details...
Offer enough isolation to drown out most ambient noises, including subway train noises (think urban commute).
Offer solid sound: natural with strong mids and both good highs and lows (bass heads need not apply).
Able to perform without an amp.

I am looking to upgrade from the ATH-CK7. I suppose my leading candidates are the UE Super.fi 5 Pros but I wonder if it has enough bass. I also fear the "EB" version to have too much bass.

 

[antonyfirst]

Look at these two:
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f4/sup...eaking-298627/
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f4/hea...review-323465/

 

[robojack]

Futuresonic Atrio M5. Why? Just look for the LONG thread in this section of the forums.

 

[schneller]

I guess the Shure E4C would be in there too?

 

[Joshatdot]

Quote:

Originally Posted by robojack /img/forum/go_quote.gif Futuresonic Atrio M5. Why? Just look for the LONG thread in this section of the forums.

+1


Quote:

Originally Posted by schneller /img/forum/go_quote.gif I guess the Shure E4C would be in there too?

To me all the Shure's were way too flat & analytical...or even hollow sounding (no bass at all)

 

[schneller]

Quote:

Originally Posted by robojack /img/forum/go_quote.gif Futuresonic Atrio M5. Why? Just look for the LONG thread in this section of the forums.

What if you're not a bass head?

 

[robojack]

Don't really need to be one. Low bass tone is different from the bloated mid-bass you find in most cheap IEMs. It's about quality, not the quantity.

It also depends on what source you'll be pairing it up with. Some DAPs are cold and analytical, and a dark and warm sounding IEM will balance it out (and vice versa).

 

[Failed Engineer]

SA6

Soundearphones with coupon code SA6 are running 199 shipped right now.

 

[LeeMark]

Etys ER4s can be found for <$200.

 

[Elluzion]

I can speak for the Futuresonic Atrio m5/m8 and say that they are amazinggg headphones for the price..

 

[tstarn06]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Failed Engineer /img/forum/go_quote.gif SA6 Soundearphones with coupon code SA6 are running 199 shipped right now.

X2 in a landslide, in my opinion. The SA6 price drop makes them the best under $200, easily. I've owned both the ER4P/S and the Atrio, and the Sleeks are more balanced, better peforming and more flexible (with the VQ system) from a SQ angle. Also, while it will add cost, the SA6s are going to offer a wireless option in the near future. I've heard on the grapevine the sound is fantastic, and I for one would love to dump the cable.

 

[fredman22]

Quote:

Originally Posted by schneller /img/forum/go_quote.gif Now taking candidates for "Best $200 IEM". What are you candidates? To add some details... Offer enough isolation to drown out most ambient noises, including subway train noises (think urban commute). Offer solid sound: natural with strong mids and both good highs and lows (bass heads need not apply). Able to perform without an amp. I am looking to upgrade from the ATH-CK7. I suppose my leading candidates are the UE Super.fi 5 Pros but I wonder if it has enough bass. I also fear the "EB" version to have too much bass.

Ety ER-4Ps are probably the best IEM up to $200. Their bass is clear and proportional, but it's not visceral, so don't expect a disco or anything and the sound of these will impress you. They do everything on your list and more. Good luck.

 

[moonboy403]

There's isn't really a BEST under $200 price range. After all, a lot of these iems have different flavors. Some might like one, and others might like another.

 

[schneller]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elluzion /img/forum/go_quote.gif I can speak for the Futuresonic Atrio m5/m8 and say that they are amazinggg headphones for the price..

Everyone talks about their bass. What about mids? Highs?

 

[schneller]

So, in terms of isolation, robustness, quality, and ability to reproduce a wide range of sound (with an emphasis on female vocal trance perhaps), which would you pick?

Future Sonics m5/m8 for $179.00
UE Super.Fi 5 Pros for $190.00
Klipsch Custom-2 for $200.00
SleekAudio SA6 for $200 (reduced)
Jays Q-Jays for $219.00