Best IEMs for ~$50

[legolas52]

The only two IEMs I've used 
 
IEMs I currently own:

1. JVC Marshmallows: I like these, but there's not much clarity there. The bass isn't great either (which I'm OK with - I don't really like very bassy phone)
2. Koss Plugs: they seem to emphasize the lows to an insane degree (at least compared to my Marshmallows). Not a huge fan, but it's a bit more clear than my Marshmallows

 
95% of the time I use IEMs I use the Marshmallows because the foam and the earphones are so comfortable. They last me about 8 months or so at which point I just buy a new pair.

I'm looking to invest in a pair of more expensive phones (~$50, I could spend a tad more though). I'm currently looking at the Klipsch Image S4 which seems to get a nod from CNet and the Apple In-Ear Phones. I listen to alternative rock, rock, and sometimes hip-hop and dance music. My #1 consideration are (in order): #1 comfort (I haven't used non-foam IEMs before, but I'd like them to be at least as comfortable as my Marshmallows), #2 sound quality (balanced) and #3 durability (one of the ears goes out in my Marshmallows every 8 months)

 

[Xinn3r]

Quote:

I'm looking to invest in a pair of more expensive phones (~$50, I could spend a tad more though). I'm currently looking at the Klipsch Image S4 which seems to get a nod from CNet and the Apple In-Ear Phones. I listen to alternative rock, rock, and sometimes hip-hop and dance music. My #1 consideration are (in order): #1 comfort (I haven't used non-foam IEMs before, but I'd like them to be at least as comfortable as my Marshmallows), #2 sound quality (balanced) and #3 durability (one of the ears goes out in my Marshmallows every 8 months)

CNet isn't really the website-to-go for earphone reviews... I imagine Klipsch S4 got a great rating because it's sound signature is geared towards mainstream listeners.... 
 
Here, read Joker's Multi-IEM thread to get you started, it has everything you need, Comfort, Isolation, Sound Quality, Durability and Value ratings, really complete
 
Research what kind of music do you like and what sound signature will complement your music...
 
For $50, I'd recommend something like Brainwavz M2...
Apple In-Ear Phones are more analytical... but if that's what you like, go for it
 
 

 

[MiniWumbo]

Monster Turbines can be found occasionally for 50$ on MonsterCableOutlet, but they run out quickly.  They're also about $60 used on Amazon.
 
Other suggestions would be to look up "229 IEMS Reviewed" on google and you'll find a head-fi link with lots of IEMs in different price ranges being reviewed.
 

 

[Drakokirby]

I'd give the Meelectronics A151 a shot. I've been looking at those lately for IEMs to compare to my Monster Turbines and you can get them for 49.99 on Amazon new. Joker rates them to be comfortable, balanced, and quality build

 

[Xinn3r]

Quote:

I'd give the Meelectronics A151 a shot. I've been looking at those lately for IEMs to compare to my Monster Turbines and you can get them for 49.99 on Amazon new. Joker rates them to be comfortable, balanced, and quality build

Yes, the A151 is generally well recieved and well liked here... I'd say go for it, even though I never heard it personally, from what I read, it's balanced, being a single-BA setup

 

[legolas52]

@Drakokirby @Xinn3r the Meelectronics A151 looks like a good option for the price. Do you know what the bass would be like? I hate boomy, large bass, but I'd like atleast the amount of bass on my JVC Marshmallows. Also, what's "single-BA"? Thanks for the suggestions! I'll probably place an order tonight and I'll update with what I chose. 

 

[desirephone]

I would recommend the dual dynamic driver IEM - Brookstone clear dual driver.

 

[Xinn3r]

Quote:

@Drakokirby @Xinn3r the Meelectronics A151 looks like a good option for the price. Do you know what the bass would be like? I hate boomy, large bass, but I'd like atleast the amount of bass on my JVC Marshmallows. Also, what's "single-BA"? Thanks for the suggestions! I'll probably place an order tonight and I'll update with what I chose. 

I never owned it, so you should check out Joker's multi-IEM thread for them... the bass should be just fine, it definitely won't be boomy, but I can't compare it to the JVC's because I don't own both...
 
Single Balance Armature.... 
 
There are two types of drivers, Dynamic and BA.... 
 
http://www.head-fi.org/a/basic-guide-to-in-ear-canalphones
 
This will help you more....
 

 

[5370H55V]

I owned the a151's before I sold them to a friend. Bass is quite subdued, you only hear it when the song calls for it and never overshadows the other frequencies. Some folks actually think its bass is insufficient, but in any case it won't be loud and boomy.
Another choice would be the audio technica ckm33's.

 

[Viperkun]

I've been listening to the ViSang R02's (Brainwavz ProAlpha) for a few weeks now and they are quite nice for mids and highs for there price point.  The bass is light for my tastes but it i doesn't get muddy at the low end at all.  I like these for trance/electronic/house and some rock/alt rock.  They are well priced under $40 on amazon.  Here is a link to Jokers review on them.  The only complaint I have on them is the bass which I wish was a little more of but otherwise these are quite comfortable and the small stock tips work well for me.
 
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/478568/multi-iem-review/0#post_6492048  Search for (3A20) 
 
I used the Image S4's for over a year before the left driver quit on me.  They didn't really impressed me much out of the box and I switched to Shure yellow foamies for tips cause I really couldn't get a good seal with the included tips but I have small ear holes so YMMV on that.  They got a little better after about 40-50 hours of burn-in and the foamies helped with isolation giving me a bit more bang which helped. They held tough through many workout sessions including hours of cardio although the strain reliefs cracked pretty quickly.
 
You also might want to consider the Vsonic GR-06's which Mark gives a very good review on below.  I have not heard these personally but they might be worth looking into for what you are looking from an IEM at your budget.  They come with tons of tips as well so a good comfortable fit should be easy.  Lend Me UR ears has them for $55.78 shipped, link below.
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/590454/vsonic-gr06-review  Mark's review
 
http://lendmeurears.com/product_info.php?currency=USD&cPath=13&products_id=140  Lend Me UR Earz link
 

 

[legolas52]

@Viperkun The ViSang looks really great actually as a phone and for the wallet. Do you know how it compares to the a151's with respect to the bass?

 

[ostewart]

ii find the A151 too dark and bassy for my tastes actually, i have to boost the treble otherwise it just sounds wrong, the bass is really strong for a BA IEM. It is far from balanced.

The best i have found has been SoundMagic E30 very balanced, airy presentation. Very comfy and small.

Kind regardas

reviews in my sig

 

[Azathoth]

The VSONIC GR06 is my choice for this price range but you'll have to stretch it a bit as it's $60-ish I think. Another cheaper option yet still great value for the money is the Soundmagic E10, $35.

 

[Viperkun]

I havn't listened to the A151's so I can not make a direct comparison for you but from what I have heard of the A151's the R02's are lighter on the bass and not as dark.  The R02's also have light impact with no bass hump but it is a quick driver for sure.

 
Quote:

@Viperkun The ViSang looks really great actually as a phone and for the wallet. Do you know how it compares to the a151's with respect to the bass?

 

 

[5370H55V]

Quote:

ii find the A151 too dark and bassy for my tastes actually, i have to boost the treble otherwise it just sounds wrong, the bass is really strong for a BA IEM. It is far from balanced.
The best i have found has been SoundMagic E30 very balanced, airy presentation. Very comfy and small.
Kind regardas
reviews in my sig

It sounds like your problem is due to a lack of treble rather than an abundance of bass. The A151's do lack some extension in both ends since its single BA; it could be that the treble was rolled off more than the bass in your case.
 
And the E30 sounds interesting, I might need to pick up a pair when I have the money.