I like rich sound. What IEM should I buy?

[newguy1]

Hello everybody, first post.
 
I've been into audio for a while now, but only at home with speakers where I'm running with an NAD amp and Energy Ref 22's, and also enjoy my PSB's, Mission's, as well as my older amp's like my Sansui 8080db, Marantz 2252b and Yamaha A760.
 
I've been reading this site through for a few days, and thought it is about time to post my question.
 
I have the privilege of living about two miles from work.  I have decided to start walking to work this spring, music always makes a walk better!
 
I have an iRiver T10 as a source, and I am looking to get a pair of IEM's (I think).
 
I enjoy smoothness over detail in the mid-range, with an accurate but laid-back treble.  I like the bass tight and fast.  And I HATE sibilance.
 
I've got a budget of +/- $150:  What should I buy?  
 
 
 
 
PS>  I also am willing to look into DIY headphone amps as well.....but that topic can wait, but thought it would be good to mention with regards to what pair of IEM's to buy.

 

[dfrost]

I've been loving Fischer DBA-02's for over 8 months. Hard to get but worth the waiting for the next shipment. There's a mammoth review thread for them going, but you can save many hours by just reading Pianist's comments today (Post #3692 on page 247!).
 
The treble is not "laid-back" but it seems to be extremely accurate and effortless, mids are both smooth and detailed, bass is exactly as you prefer and well-extended with excellent texture and balance to the rest of the spectrum (NOT typical).

 

[yello131]

Radius DDM  is an option, Sound wise is best what I have had so far with Dynamic drivers  in the 200 USD price range.
DBA-02 can be sibilant...]
 
 
 

 

[ahmadmfz]

I'd vote for the DBA's too, for your budget. However do get an amp if you feel that the bass needs more punch. A cmoy bass amp would be a good diy amp!
 
If your budget can stretch, get a used pair of SM3s. They would fit into your criteria PERFECTLY.

 

[a_recording]

I have a set of Mission floor standers, and I know what you mean about smooth heh
 
I hate sibilance myself, and I generally find myself liking 'darker' headphones.
 
If I had to recommend from what I have heard, the Earsonics SM3's match your description exactly. Stepping down to about $200, the Audio Technica CK90 Pro's would also be a great match - they are actually similar in many ways to the SM3, just without as good decay times on the bass, and not quite as breathtaking detail and spacing in the treble. However, the mids are smooth, full and magical. As the DBA-02s are generally described as similar to the CK10's, and the CK90Pros are generally regarded as smoother and less aggressive than the CK10's, they would be my recommendation. If that is again too much, the newly released CK70 Pros should sound similar, though there have no initial reviews so far.
 
I don't know if the DDM's would be a great choice; they are excellent in terms of smoothness and authority for male vocals, but can be slightly grainy as far as female vocals go. At 150 though they are a terrifically emotional and great bang for buck sound.
 
Try joker's thread for some more ideas  http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/478568/multi-iem-review-140-iems-compared-meelectronics-cc51-sp51-added-02-03

 

[kostalex]

Sleek Audio SA6, Westone UM2 and any Shures. With SA6 you can fine tune it.
 
FWIR, I doubt DBA-02 meets your criteria.
 
Quote:

I enjoy smoothness over detail in the mid-range, with an accurate but laid-back treble.  I like the bass tight and fast.  And I HATE sibilance.
 
I've got a budget of +/- $150:  What should I buy?  

 

[newguy1]

Thanks for all the advise.
 
Quote:

I'd vote for the DBA's too, for your budget. However do get an amp if you feel that the bass needs more punch. A cmoy bass amp would be a good diy amp!
 
If your budget can stretch, get a used pair of SM3s. They would fit into your criteria PERFECTLY.

 
How does the used market work for IEM's?  

 

[7swell]

I have not heard it but the re262 would be a good choice.

 

[albau]

I had Westone 2 and it meets your criteria very well - laid back, smooth, detailed and non offending.

 

[ZARIM]

Turbine Gold, IE7(highely recommended) and Image X10.

 

[kostalex]

RE262 meets required signature perfectly, but I doubt he can find it for $150. If I were you (though I already am in terms of the required signature), I would go straight to RE262 with no doubts. Even if had to stretch the budget to $250.

 

[kostalex]

Cables are the weakest link. 
 
Quote:

Thanks for all the advise.How does the used market work for IEM's?  

 

[newguy1]

That's what I was thinking.......if a cord does become intermittent, can they be fixed?

 

[Redmetal1897]

You basically just described the RE262, I have used the DBA-02 and the RE262 pretty much suits what you need to a T. You might however need an amp as they are quite demanding powerwise. My J3 runs them fine voluemwise, but it drains the battery fast 

 

[dfrost]

Quote:

That's what I was thinking.......if a cord does become intermittent, can they be fixed?

The connector is the part that fails/goes intermittent for me. I've been able to repair several IEMs and another device by soldering a new and much stronger connector to the cable end. Not trivial, but not too difficult.
 
If you're looking for a replacement connector, search for TRS (3-part) or TRRS (4-part, i.e., typically used on IEMs with mic/remote) connector.