Finding my perfect IEM

[MjWoNeR]

Some may remember the previous thread about affordable IEM with good bass. The end result of the thread was the s-Jays, good bass, good sound, very affordable at $65. But they do not feel perfect, and I wouldn't mind paying double the price for something more perfect.

Untill now the s-Jays seem the best bet but some more opinions could never hurt since there might be IEM I havent looked at.

Defining my perfect:

1. Good bass (Doesn't have to be too much, just good bass in the UM1 AND SE210 category)
2. Good sound (comparable in the UM1 and SE210 category again)
3. Asymmetric cable
4. Straight plug (Non L shaped)
5. Cable that does not tangle
6. No phone headsets

Feel free to throw your two cents in

 

[koven]

seems like the PFE's would be perfect for you.. they cost about double too

 

[dunnowho]

ya, pfes with black filters will probably have enough bass.

 

[average_joe]

Is this a setup (for all the PFE supporters, including myself)? The PFEs are a great choice, and the Turbines might work also from what I have read. I did have the PFEs and they have a great balance with the black filters.

The PFEs can be used with 2 different filters, black and grey. Black give a perfect balance IMO, but sacrifices upper mid/treble detail. The grey filters reveal excellent detail and present a wider soundstage, but at the sacrifice of bass that is balanced with the rest of the spectrum (bright). Hence people recommend an amp such as the E5 and T4 with bass boost when using the grey filters.

My biggest knock I have against the PFE is the lower sensitivity that had me increase the volume compared to my other IEMs thus lowering the batter life of my player. I am sensitive to battery life as I can not replace the battery on my player and want the fewest charge-drain cycles possible to prolong life. For example if I listened at 40% volume with my NE-7, I had to put it at 60% for an equivalent loudness. Not that the PFE needs an amp, but an E5 or T4 would solve that issue (and improve the sound).

Here is a thread that compare the 2: Phonak PFE vs. Monster Turbines (and my search showed there are literally just shy of 50 PFE threads! Wow, a lot of reading.)

From what I have read the Turbines are more bass oriented, don't sound as natural and are less resolving than the PFEs. Their sound sig is going to be different.

Personally, I love my IE8s and wouldn't change a thing about them, but they are about $100 more than the PFEs and have an L-plug. I did a comparison of the IE8 and PFE, but returned the PFE after the IE8 burned in, but I did really like the PFE. Hope this helps some!

 

[mark2410]

well knowing your in sweden it might be abit hard to get the pfe's at their us prices. since as before you were quite focused on the bass i say stop thinking about the 210' they have good quality bass but not very much of it. if you can get at us prices the denon C751 could be worth looking at. IE6 maybe?

 

[MjWoNeR]

I will check out the PFE and IE6(PFE are more expensive since I have to import them). As for the C751 the lowest price is at $220 so I'll just shut up and pass on those. lol

Thanks everyone for taking your time to drop a suggestion since I had no idea about the PFE and IE6 up until now.

 

[mark2410]

sennheisers id think should be not hard to find, either buying in sweden or ordering from somewhere else in the eu

 

[gjg]

I'll second the PFE's with the Black filters. You'll still never find your "Perfect" IEM's, but you'll always have a selection for every music type or mood...

 

[Young Spade]

I would have to recommend the PFE 112s like a lot of the posters here.
IF you want bass, use the black filters (just lowers the highs a tad)
If you want clarity, use the gray filters. I use the gray and use the bass boost on my amp (T4) when I need the extra umph.