jesh462
Head-Fier
- Joined
- Feb 25, 2012
- Posts
- 54
- Likes
- 20
As the title says, I need some IEMs. At home I have a lovely pair of Fischer Audio FA-011s that I have no intentions of replacing within the next 6 years.
For everywhere else besides at my desk, I have nothing.
The FA-011s have terrible build quality and I have already damaged them once while traveling, even within the nice case it comes with. That, combined with their fairly high price tag, makes me unwilling to carry them about.
I need something incredibly comfortable. I like to use IEMs while laying down. This includes on the side of my head. I want to be able to lay like that without discomfort. I realize this limits me on sound quality, as many high SQ IEMs use large drivers or dual armatures or whatnot, and that takes up ear real estate.
Second to comfort is sound quality and build quality. I like all of my purchases to last. At the same time, I do appreciate good sound quality. I realize that a large sound stage is difficult to produce with IEMs. I will not be too harsh in that department. However, I would like treble that is never sibilant except during burn in. I would like a non-fatiguing sound signature. I am OK with a balanced/flat/neutral sound signature as long as it is still somewhat fun and involving.
I listen to just about every music genre with both male and female singers, including classical, melodic dubstep, death metal, alternative and even some bluegrass and rap. It would irritate me if the bass response was too slow for double bass drums or if the coloration of vocals was unnatural. I do like a little bit more bass than a true flat response curve, but like I said, I am open to suggestions.
Also as this will be an IEM for on the go, it will always be used unamped through a portable source - In other words, I cannot deal with an IEM that has huge amounts of resistance. This also means that I will sometimes be listening to poor source material, AKA youtube etc. I need something that is not so analytical that will ruin my enjoyment of the music. Too analytical is a deal breaker.
I have done some research and have singled out the Zero Audio ZH-DX200-CT 'carbo tenore' as a likely option. My small concern here is that it may be "too" laid back and not get me involved enough in the music. I also wonder if I can get more sound quality with my budget. I did read a quick review on the RHA MA 750 and it seemed like a good option for everything except comfort- I would like personal experience about comfort while lying down.
As another example, I have ruled out the AT CKM500 due to sticking out of the ear too much for my use. I am sure it sounds lovely, though. I am a big fan of AT's smooth mids.
Any input I would hugely appreciate. Thanks guys!
For everywhere else besides at my desk, I have nothing.
The FA-011s have terrible build quality and I have already damaged them once while traveling, even within the nice case it comes with. That, combined with their fairly high price tag, makes me unwilling to carry them about.
I need something incredibly comfortable. I like to use IEMs while laying down. This includes on the side of my head. I want to be able to lay like that without discomfort. I realize this limits me on sound quality, as many high SQ IEMs use large drivers or dual armatures or whatnot, and that takes up ear real estate.
Second to comfort is sound quality and build quality. I like all of my purchases to last. At the same time, I do appreciate good sound quality. I realize that a large sound stage is difficult to produce with IEMs. I will not be too harsh in that department. However, I would like treble that is never sibilant except during burn in. I would like a non-fatiguing sound signature. I am OK with a balanced/flat/neutral sound signature as long as it is still somewhat fun and involving.
I listen to just about every music genre with both male and female singers, including classical, melodic dubstep, death metal, alternative and even some bluegrass and rap. It would irritate me if the bass response was too slow for double bass drums or if the coloration of vocals was unnatural. I do like a little bit more bass than a true flat response curve, but like I said, I am open to suggestions.
Also as this will be an IEM for on the go, it will always be used unamped through a portable source - In other words, I cannot deal with an IEM that has huge amounts of resistance. This also means that I will sometimes be listening to poor source material, AKA youtube etc. I need something that is not so analytical that will ruin my enjoyment of the music. Too analytical is a deal breaker.
I have done some research and have singled out the Zero Audio ZH-DX200-CT 'carbo tenore' as a likely option. My small concern here is that it may be "too" laid back and not get me involved enough in the music. I also wonder if I can get more sound quality with my budget. I did read a quick review on the RHA MA 750 and it seemed like a good option for everything except comfort- I would like personal experience about comfort while lying down.
As another example, I have ruled out the AT CKM500 due to sticking out of the ear too much for my use. I am sure it sounds lovely, though. I am a big fan of AT's smooth mids.
Any input I would hugely appreciate. Thanks guys!
