Headphones vs Iems

[gnr92]

I know this may not be the best fitting sub forum for this post but I have a pair of ath-pro700 cans I love them but I am willing to upgrade to better quality cans at a 200~350 price range I only listen to 70s-90s rock and metal, and I only listen to my cdp My preferences are: I like a firm and clear bass sound but I like more bass than usual rock listeners but the bass should not interrupt the mids and the highs. I want warm mids and highs that are crystal clear.

I wanted to buy Triple fi pro 10 iems because I need some portability but a lot of posts stated that iems are not as half as good as headphones. Its obvious that headphones has the better soundstage but do headphones exceed iems in every aspects? (at the same pricerange)

From reading the reviews I recognized that the Grado sr325 will also fit my tastes, so right now I am trying to decide between triple fi pro 10 and Grado sr325

I know grado cant be used out doors and needs an amp for good sound portability is a factor for me but sound quality is the bigger factor
what should I get?

 

[scytheavatar]

You are comparing apples with oranges. The headphone sound and the IEM sound is very different, both has its strengths and weaknesses. Many people do not like IEM for a variety of reasons, including the lack of soundstage, fitting problems, hygenic reasons, etc. But when it comes to portability you can't go wrong with IEMs and their ease of carry + isolation.

The triplefis are a good IEM, but they are ratter expensive. If you are new to IEMs you should start with something cheaper, like the Atrio M5, Superfi 5 or the SA6 (which sounds a lot like the ATHs).

 

[JonathanHF]

I had auditioned a lot of IEMs(UM1, E500, etc...) before, but never really got a chance to listen to real headphones.
After hearing my first crappy headphone it gave me the wow factor.
The presentation of soundstage is very different.
If portability and isolation aren't a issue I will go for full size can for sure.

 

[QQQ]

Headphones are better for serious listening.

 

[r@mside]

I much prefer the sound of my Denon C700 canal phones to my Senn HD595.

However, the Denon's get irritating to wear for long listening sessions, this is were the value of full size headphones lie for me.