Grado-like IEMs?

[ucrags84]

This might be an odd question, but I do like Grado's emphasis on the midrange. But I have some issues that force me to consider an in-ear monitor. It does NOT have to be Grado's IEM brand, I'm looking for other brands if possible too.

1) I need some noise isolation, and can't leak as much noise as the SR-60 would because I take the train everyday and spend a lot of time doing research with coworkers.

2) Style is not as important as size, so full size cans or big earpad cans with a long cable is hard for me to manage as a walk around the city. That's why I'm posting here for IEM's, still I don't want huge Shure's sticking out of my ears.

3) I won't be abusing these earphone, but the housing, connectors and cables should not be fragile as to end up breaking within a few months from regular use.

4) Lastly, the impedance cannot be too high. I need to be able to drive it easily out of a portable unampped.


So, I'm looking for that Grado like sound, and I know there are people here who know much more than me about IEMs. Unfortunately, I can't afford the new Grado in ears. My budget is $100 retail.

I own a pair of Denon C551Ks, but the highs are way too shrill for me even on my lossless files. Feels like there's a rolloff, perhaps I damaged these things when I dropped it a while ago?

At any rate, please give me your suggestions on IEMs with these parameters in mind.

Thank you!

 

[ClieOS]

The GR8 may be out of your lead, but the iGi isn't. I am not too fond of its generic look, but perhaps you won't mind.

 

[fzman]

I haven't heard the iGi yet, but the GR8 is a phenomenal iem. my gigabeat drives it no problem. Not sure why people judge these things by their "look" - the proof is in the pudding.

so, after pudding them in your ears, they either sound like you want them to or they don't .

sorry, couldn't resist the pun!

 

[ClieOS]

While this is still a community that judges a headphone by its sound, I'll also like to think that there is some kind of minimum standard on build quality. The same price of iGi (around $80 IIRC) can get you a rather good looking, well built (and most of the time, good sounding) IEM from other well known manufacturers that don't use generic $5 headphone design. I fail to understand why Grado will not spend just a little more to get a custom housing. I am not saying it has to be blinky, but it certainly doesn't have to look cheap either - That's my personal opinion.

 

[Quaddy]

i have seen people referece d-JAYS IEM to be like grado sr60 sr80

also etymotic ER4P although subjectively thats down to how you think those sound!

 

[ZARIM]

Klipsch Custom 3 and Image X10 has same soundsignature(live, warm and detailed) as Grado headphones and midrange on C3 is very detailed.

 

[Scott549]

Let me add the Klipsch X5 to that list.

I will be interested to hear more about the Grado iGi. Could be an interesting battle with the Klipsch S4.

 

[TwoTrack]

I like Grado full size cans and I like my iMetal 590s for an accurate, clear midrange and even balance. Terrific value at $60.

 

[Wiggy Fuzz]

in a very similar boat myself. will use my grados outdoors, though, and hopefully similar sounding IEM's at home. i grow tired of getting ear ache whenever i fall asleep with them sitting on my head.

but i would like the same sound, and (asking too much now) the same soundstage, too. budget £150. sorry for the hijack.

 

[ucrags84]

Hmm, I'm hearing good stuff about the im-590's, how are the iGi's?

 

[Bilavideo]

I liked my lowly Marshmallows ($20) once I EQ'd them to boost the treble, balancing out what was otherwise a very muddy presentation. The result is not on par with a pair of Grados, but it's a far cry better than what I started with.

 

[ka-boom]

I swear to god, the search button must be hidden to everyone but me. lol

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/g...needed-416281/

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/w...-sound-413166/

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/m...h-iems-405458/

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/s...-200-a-383739/

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/g...-200-a-380847/

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/i...-100-a-365839/

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/g...ud-iem-313633/

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/e...phones-349767/

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/i...ighlight=grado

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/b...lovers-339839/

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/g...stions-290897/

 

[jjinh]

grado gr8?

 

[ucrags84]

ka-boom, I know how to use the search button. I needed to throw in my little bit about the C551ks for example in the post to give some more context. If the title has been used before, fine. The post has my specific needs, thanks for the links.

Please don't get yourself all worked up about a search button

 

[abellaw]

I am interested to hear what people think of the igi...i haven't seen any reviews for it