Best IEM's for trance- sub $50

[Syrn]

Hey Head-Fiers,
 
I'm looking to purchase my first set of IEM's. I mostly listen to trance music, although I also enjoy progressive rock, classic rock and progressive metal. My budget is $50 although I can stretch to $60 if it the difference in quality is really justified.
 
I've been reading up on reviews and these were amongst the better praised I had seen, but I had my worries with each of them: 

1. MEElectronics M6- supposedly good for electronic music? (according to Joker's review)- but not the best sound quality compared to the R02 and M1 (6.5 vs 7.5 seems significant)
2. Visang R02- was worried about the lack of treble especially with the breakdowns in trance songs being so dependent on highs
3. Brainwavz M1- These are supposed to be more balanced but they may not have that kicking bass and sparkly treble that I am looking for in trance

 
Which IEM do you think I should choose? It doesnt have to be from this list, I am open to any suggestions.

 

[bluezor]

http://mp4nation.net/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=62_51&products_id=390
How about the Brainwavz M2? Seems like it has more bass than the M1 and the pre-sale price is still on for a few more days maybe so it's below $50.

 

[BRCMRGN]

I really like the M6 for trance. That's partly because I can fall asleep to trance and M6 is comfortable for sleeping.

 

[Surreal.]

Quote:

I really like the M6 for trance. That's partly because I can fall asleep to trance and M6 is comfortable for sleeping.

Agreed.
 
M6's are not only good sounding they are extremely comfortable. I put them in and don't notice them at all. I listen to a lot of electronica and these fit the bill nicely.
 
The MEElec R1's are another good option. They have good bass quality and quantity. 
 

 

[ljokerl]

Quote:

I've been reading up on reviews and these were amongst the better praised I had seen, but I had my worries with each of them: 

1. MEElectronics M6- supposedly good for electronic music? (according to Joker's review)- but not the best sound quality compared to the R02 and M1 (6.5 vs 7.5 seems significant)
2. Visang R02- was worried about the lack of treble especially with the breakdowns in trance songs being so dependent on highs
3. Brainwavz M1- These are supposed to be more balanced but they may not have that kicking bass and sparkly treble that I am looking for in trance

 
Which IEM do you think I should choose? It doesnt have to be from this list, I am open to any suggestions.

Well, those are the three I'd recommend as well. Between them it comes down to personal preference as the flaws of the M6 which give it a lower score in my book aren't very apparent with trance tracks. I wouldn't worry about the R02 having enough treble - it stays very strong up to around 12.5 or 13k, which should be enough. The M1 doesn't quite have the bass depth of the R02 or the power of the M6 but it sounds cleaner and tighter than both. Treble sparkle is excellent - better than R02 and at least as good as the M6 but without the mild harshness (which again is not much of an issue for trance IMO).

 

[Syrn]

Thanks for all the feedback. Since I don't only listen to trance I think the lack of mids on the M6 might be a problem for my classic rock collection. I don't mind paying $10 extra with the preorder to upgrade from the R02 to the R03/M2. So its between the M1 and the M2. I'm unsure which will be better for my uses, with the M1 being more balanced and clean and the M2 boasting bigger bass.
 
Anyone have any opinions which one would be better?
 
*Edit: Been thinking about it more and I can't say I can rule out the M6. If anything its more between the M6 and M2 because I feel like I might enjoy their more aggressive/fun sounds. I realized though they all are lacking in one dept. put crudely: M6 lacks mid, while M2 lacks highs and M1 lacks lows. If the M6's would drop in price again I would def snag them.
 
The question then becomes which can do a better job at playing both trance and prog rock and classic rock, the M2 or the M6?

 

[ljokerl]

Quote:

 
The question then becomes which can do a better job at playing both trance and prog rock and classic rock, the M2 or the M6?

Well, in this case it seems more like a question of which is the better all-rounder and I think that would be the M2 by a slight margin. As for going for the M2/R03 over the R02, it's up to you. The R03/M2 looks a bit better but the R02 is easier to wear cord-up and there haven't been any build issues reported whatsoever whereas a few people have had the strain reliefs on the M2 come loose.

 

[Syrn]

Thanks for that info. I would think the R02 would be a good choice for me as an all rounder now that you mentioned the build issues and the fact that it is marginally different in terms of sound quality to the R03. If those M6's ever drop to $20~ again I'll def be picking up a pair for working out.
 
I'm still weighing a couple of options due to my preference of the 45 degree plug for my future Clip+. I might pick up one of those refurbished IE6's if they go back down to 55 shipped, or maybe even the Etymotic MC5 deal for 55 since I live in NYC. I'm very strict with myself when I set a budget. Any input on IE6s vs the Etys assuming i could get them both at $55? (one note: the only one actually at $55 now is the Ety the IE6 is at $61 so I'd have to wait and hope it drops)

 

[ljokerl]

 
Quote:

I'm still weighing a couple of options due to my preference of the 45 degree plug for my future Clip+. I might pick up one of those refurbished IE6's if they go back down to 55 shipped, or maybe even the Etymotic MC5 deal for 55 since I live in NYC. I'm very strict with myself when I set a budget. Any input on IE6s vs the Etys assuming i could get them both at $55? (one note: the only one actually at $55 now is the Ety the IE6 is at $61 so I'd have to wait and hope it drops)

I've never heard the IE6 but I own the IE7 and have spent plenty of time with the IE8 and would be inclined to say that the IE6 is likely to be the better choice for trance (over the MC5). Of course the MC5 will totally slaughter the Sennheisers in isolation if the IE7/8 are any indication...

 

[Syrn]

I decided to go ahead and get the MC5s. I haven't opened them yet because I was contemplating selling them to get the RE0s or maybe the IE6's. Now I'm leaning more towards keeping them because of the build quality, 2 year warranty and some people even claiming they have better sound than the RE0s.
 
However, I am quite worried about the sibilance and sizzling sound described in this review http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/511542/my-first-review-etymotic-mc3-going-in-deep-56k-warning especially since trance is my main genre. So I'm kinda on the fence as to what to do. Any input is greatly appreciated. MC5, RE0, IE6, R02, M6? Maybe even the Panasonic HJE900? (that would be pushing the budget though)
 
Edit: I got a chance to try the MC5's and found their sound signature too harsh/sizzling to my ears, so I'm gonna rule that one out. Is it possible that this is just because they have not been burned in? The highs were really too powerful for me, could they really change that drastically to give them a much smoother sound?

 

[yearsofwisdom]

Syrn, same position as you. cept i listen to mainly classical and rock with some hip hop and a little trance/electronic/other on the side. Which to get? durabillity is an issue for me and basically that kills the RE0 for me. Its basically MC5, HJE900 or the IE6.

 

[person135]

don't want to start a new thread, so i'm reviving this one.
 
I'm like Syrn, looking for a good IEM for trance mainly, although I do listen to rock music and other mainstream music at times. I'm considering the M6 so far, since I want something in the $20-$30 range, but I want to make sure I'm getting the best IEMS for my budget range.
 
I'm also upgrading from stock apple earbuds bought back in late 2010 with my ipod, if this gives any clue on what IEMs I should select.

 

[Cielbleufr]

Dunu Trident.

I'm listening to a lot of electonic finest music,
and some oldies (funk, Prince, MJ).

Try the DUNU Trident, really surprising for this price ...

Gregory FR

 

[dziendobry]

M6 are a good choice in your price range, some folks have fit issues which can be quickly fixed by using sony hybrid tips.  PL30 is another great budget choice, as well as JVC ha-fxc51, ha-fxc67, and meelec M16.
 
Cheers,
 
dziendobry
 
Quote:

don't want to start a new thread, so i'm reviving this one.
 
I'm like Syrn, looking for a good IEM for trance mainly, although I do listen to rock music and other mainstream music at times. I'm considering the M6 so far, since I want something in the $20-$30 range, but I want to make sure I'm getting the best IEMS for my budget range.
 
I'm also upgrading from stock apple earbuds bought back in late 2010 with my ipod, if this gives any clue on what IEMs I should select.

 

 

[navmau]

Quote:

Dunu Trident.

I'm listening to a lot of electonic finest music,
and some oldies (funk, Prince, MJ).

Try the DUNU Trident, really surprising for this price ...

Gregory FR

The new DUNU range is pretty good actually. I would also recommend the Trident for trance, rock etc. Good quality and quantity of bass and mids and highs are presented nicely, without being harsh.
 
I will post my reviews of DUNU in the next coming weeks.