[alexpea]

I've always been a headphone-enthusiast. Never really tried a decent IEM. Though my enthusiasm for HPs encourage me to continue the quest for the perfect HP for me, I am willing to try out a quality pair of IEMs first.

In matter of HPs, I've been through DT880, A900, Proline750, AD2000, SR60, K81. IEMs are total strangers to me. I guess it's just the fear living in me still from listening to stock ipod and mobile IEMs...

I've gotten the impression that Yuin PK-2 is a really good pair of IEMs for starters. But I want more than just "a decent pair". I want to know, once and for all, whether or not IEMs are something for me. Advice me with the absolutely BEST pair you can think of at the price from 0 to 400 US Dollars.

Preferences:
- Good amount of bass. Loved the ATH-AD2000's !!!
- In-your-face sound. Don't like a wide and reverby soundstage.
- Crystal clear highs. Not too loud and sharp, like the DT 880. And not as metallic as the Proline 750.
- Comfort is important for me, especially with IEM's, I guess.


And BTW - is it common to use IEMs for home listening instead of HPs? And do they benefit from DACs and AMPs in the same matter that HPs does? Or is the power needed to drive them far less, so that those units aren't as important?

 

[Rednamalas1]

I can't recommend a product that I've never had (yet), but Look into Livewires or FreQs custom IEMs - both are fantastic according to impressions.

btw: I just got my AD2000s - jaw-dropping

 

[alexpea]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rednamalas1 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I can't recommend a product that I've never had (yet), but Look into Livewires or FreQs custom IEMs - both are fantastic according to impressions. btw: I just got my AD2000s - jaw-dropping

Hmm.. Livewires seems so extreme to me. I don't want to go through custom fitting, I think. All I want is a pair of quality canalphones!! Yuin PK-2 is an earbud, and I don't think earbuds are satisfying to my needs.

 

[natural_nut]

I can't recommend them enough.
The Denon AH-C700s

 

[Cartmaizm]

Are the Shure SE310's any good?

 

[tstarn06]

Check out the Sleek SA6 thread. I love them, and so do many others who have had more expensive IEMs. Just a suggestion. Their modular design bodes well for future upgrades, too, without buying new phones. And they are comfy with the right tips (though their stock flanges are very comfy too).

 

[basman]

Really satisfied for my Triplefi, now I'm done with my portable rig.

 

[killkli]

From your description, I'd recommand a pair of LiveWires.
With a good custom fit, you won't even feel the phone inside your ear, and the sound quality should be very satisfying.
I owned Triple fi., Super 5 pro, UM2, and ER4p.
Compared to them, LiveWires performs great.

 

[alexpea]

So, now I have three recommended IEMs:

Denon AH-C700
Livewires
Sleek SA6

Livewires are (I think) out of the question. The process seems too delicate, and it probably is aimed for US residents. Or am I wrong? Is it a quick thing to get hold of them?

 

[dr dougie]

I'm happy with my Klipsch Images. They're small and comfortable with the Klipsch oval gel tips and put the armature closer to your eardrum than other IEMs, supposedly rendering more accurate sound. It mostly seems to work.

Soundstage is very immediate and right in your head. Detail is incredible. Vocals are breathy and transparent. Bass is perfect - I can't imagine an IEM having better bass.

The treble has taken awhile. I believe the problem has mostly been making sure the seal is very good. I don't know if burn-in is an issue or not but I am pleased with the sound now that I make sure to fiddle with the seal. At the very high end cymbals do not sparkle if that's something you like but they sound accurate to me.

Something that continues to amaze me with the Images is how good rock guitars are with them. If you've ever heard something like Breaking Benjamin's PRS guitar + very clean Randall amps live you know the power chords should sound like a bunch of angry hornets swarming around in your head, not distant and compressed. The Images really capture this well.

I have not compared them to SA6, the Denons or Livewires and not tried them amped and would like to hear opinions on any of these! They are far better than any of the sub-$200 IEM's I have compared them to including the Atrios.

 

[EyeAmEye]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tstarn06 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Check out the Sleek SA6 thread. I love them, and so do many others who have had more expensive IEMs. Just a suggestion. Their modular design bodes well for future upgrades, too, without buying new phones. And they are comfy with the right tips (though their stock flanges are very comfy too).

What he said.

SA6 with any number of configurations and/or tips should suit your needs. Very small, comfortable and performance that is well above it's pricepoint in the IEM market.

 

[Kosmic]

Quote:

Originally Posted by alexpea /img/forum/go_quote.gif So, now I have three recommended IEMs: Denon AH-C700 Livewires Sleek SA6 Livewires are (I think) out of the question. The process seems too delicate, and it probably is aimed for US residents. Or am I wrong? Is it a quick thing to get hold of them?

The process is really simple, and takes 10 minutes once you find an audiologist to do your impressions. Check out the thread at the bottom of my signature.

They can make your custom Livewires in about 3 weeks. I live in the UK, so Norway is no problem.

 

[TSi]

If you dont want customs, just go SE530s or TFP10s

 

[NeObliviscaris]

Look at the Ultimate Ear Triple Fi 10

 

[humpTdumpT]

Also I don't know if you noticed but 6th ave has a 30% off shure sale. I paid about $245 for se420's.