[Sephiroth619]

Hi guys,
 
I'm kind of new to the In Ear Monitors. I'm looking for a budget quality pair of earphones and I think I've narrowed it down to these two (Etymotic Research HF5 or Ultimate Ears Triple Fi 10). Was wondering which one I should get. I know the Ultimate Ears are a little more in cost but would it be worth the extra money?

 

[Spyro]

HF5 is very easy fitting and very neutral and accurate...lite bass.  TF10 is more difficult to fit but sound is WAAAY bigger and dynamic.  Much more colorful sounding while keeping a reasonable amount of accuracy.  I'd take TF10 in a heartbeat.  Best bang for buck universal IEM on the market right now IMHO.

 

[Sephiroth619]

For some reason, I see a lot of the Ultimate Ears Triple Fi 10 on craigslist in my area. I'm wondering if there are a lot of fakes out there.
 

 

[alv4426]

i don't think there are fakes yet, BUT they have had the TF10 on black friday sales for 2 years straight on Amazon. Some people bought bunches to sell for profit.

 

[Sephiroth619]

How much did they sell for during the Black Friday sale? I might just wait for the next Black Friday.
 

 

[Spyro]

I could be wrong but I don't think TF10 has been on black friday sale for 2-3 years.  But when they were they were $98.
 
With UE900 at $400 and TF10 at $168 on Amazon I think it's safe to say there will be no further sales or markdowns on TF10. That's the price.   It is already the best priced bang for buck IEM on the market and I don't think that is even debatable.

 

[Sephiroth619]

I'm actually now thinking about buying the Hifiman RE262.
 

 

[alv4426]

Whoops forgot to respond. They have had the sale at least 2 years in a row I got mine Black Friday 2010 and they had it in 2011 (I don't remember if it was black Friday or cyber Monday). The price was $94.99. Trust in Spyro he knows what hes talking about the TF10 is great and is still one of my favorite headphones not just IEMs.

 

[Spyro]

I have a feeling  UE may discontinue TF10.  At $168, scoop them up now rather than wait. for a cheaper deal.  When they came out at $399 they were benchmark SQ IEM's.  I remeber it well.  The choices were very slim.  If you wanted a high end triplei-driver IEM, you choices were SE530 or TF10.  That was it!!!   I may still pick up a pair just to have knowing they may become extinct over the next 6 months.

 

[Sephiroth619]

I did a search on yahoo and there actually was a Black Friday sale on the UET10 for mid $90 in 2011. So maybe there will be another. If so, for sure I'll pick up a pair. I may even buy the RE262 for comparison sake.