[woltcher]

I'm new here, so I'd like to say hello to all of you, listeners!

I need your help - I'm in kind of a dead spot. I have an equal sum of 100$ to spend on IEMs - no more, no less. The most important thing about them is the detachable cable. I've found four models, quite recommended everywhere around - Mee Audio Pinnacle P2, FiiO FH1, iBasso IT01 and Shure SE215.

I mainly listen to classic heavy metal and a few other subgenres - basically the same thing. I'd like the mid frequencies to make male vocals a bit more powerful, low frequencies to not completely devour the listening experience (balanced bass sounds good to me, might be a tiny bit more) and highs to not trepanate my skull with cymbals (sibilance can be deadly). I'm on the rather bright side of the headphone sound, but I wouldn't mind trying something a little bit darker. So far I've used Mee Audio M6 Pro 1st Gen and enjoyed it, but I would like to try something new - so 2nd Gen is out of equation. The IEMs will be used for listening on my way to work and so on. I'm not really interesting in 'analytic' sound, just want em a bit colored.

If that would help, I'll post three tracks I usually test headphones with:
Crimson Glory - Lonely
Savage Grace - Fear My Way
Savatage - Hall of the Mountain King

Thanks in advance, have a nice day!

 

[MisterTwo]

I can only say about the Sure 215 that I think they sound brilliant, rather bassy but not too overwhelming, but NOT on the bright side at all. Found them unbearable uncomfortable though, so i had to return them. You have already tested this type of IEM‘s?

 

[woltcher]

I can only say about the Sure 215 that I think they sound brilliant, rather bassy but not too overwhelming, but NOT on the bright side at all. Found them unbearable uncomfortable though, so i had to return them. You have already tested this type of IEM‘s?

Unfortunately not. I'm quite new to those "big buck" IEMs some people would call ridiculous. Before M6 Pro (which was my first 50$ model) I've had a lot of IEMs ranging from 20 to 30. I'd treat these as my entry to the higher tiers really

I've never had problems with uncomfortable IEMs though, so it won't be a problem. Just not many shops around with the ones I've listed.

And about SE215, I've read that those can really make some songs sound muddy and that's my biggest concern about them.

 

[MisterTwo]

Cant say they sound muddy. I found them to be very detailed. Tested with the usual Jennifer Warnes, Steven Wilson, Gregory Porter, Valerie Joyce, pink Floyd, , The fit also was consistent: they only work with a good seal, but once the seal is managed they sound as they should. Effort of putting them deeper into the ear did not change the sound.

Anyway, why dont you just order them all and keep the best one? My experience with headphones and in-ear is that no one can tell you whats best for you but you.

 

[woltcher]

Cant say they sound muddy. I found them to be very detailed. Tested with the usual Jennifer Warnes, Steven Wilson, Gregory Porter, Valerie Joyce, pink Floyd, , The fit also was consistent: they only work with a good seal, but once the seal is managed they sound as they should. Effort of putting them deeper into the ear did not change the sound.

Anyway, why dont you just order them all and keep the best one? My experience with headphones and in-ear is that no one can tell you whats best for you but you.

I wish I could order them all in the first place

I'm quite limited to my budget, as I'm a student looking for a good sound. I'd like to try the warm sound of SE215, but I'm not sure how it'd go with overdriven guitars - those would need some bite at higher harmonics. I've read even more reviews since yesterday, to find out people really praising IT01's above Shure and P2. And I'm here, tipping between P2 due to their balanced sound (but sadly a bit recessed midrange) and IT01.

 

[PaganDL]

Hi Woltcher,

By the way, like your username, are you a Witcher fan, if you are, excellent...

Anyway, honestly, I have both the SE 215 & IT 01, the Shure was my daily driver before I upgraded to something else long before IT 01 came out.
Overdriven guitars are no problem for the SE 215, bite unfortunately is suggestive here as I don't know your tolerance for HF.
If you really need that bite, using your test tracks as a guide, definitely IT 01 is the better choice overall, budget & sound.
There is power in this IEM & is only surpassed by it's sibling IT 04.
If when you have the budget, I suggest cable rolling to tweak the sound further.
IT 01 is among my most used weekly driver.

Keep in mind this is my humble & subjective opinion, unfortunately no one can tell you what you will like except yourself.

Hope you have a great day !

 

[woltcher]

Hi Woltcher,

By the way, like your username, are you a Witcher fan, if you are, excellent...

Anyway, honestly, I have both the SE 215 & IT 01, the Shure was my daily driver before I upgraded to something else long before IT 01 came out.
Overdriven guitars are no problem for the SE 215, bite unfortunately is suggestive here as I don't know your tolerance for HF.
If you really need that bite, using your test tracks as a guide, definitely IT 01 is the better choice overall, budget & sound.
There is power in this IEM & is only surpassed by it's sibling IT 04.
If when you have the budget, I suggest cable rolling to tweak the sound further.
IT 01 is among my most used weekly driver.

Keep in mind this is my humble & subjective opinion, unfortunately no one can tell you what you will like except yourself.

Hope you have a great day !

Thanks for your answer!
Indeed, my nickname is just an odd connection of witcher and wolf (oh, so original) I've made up like 6 years ago

It seems the odds are against SE215 at this point, I'd take IT01 right away, but I'd just like to know more about P2. So if someone has them and happened to listen to heavy metal, I'd really appreciate their opinion. Think I would limit my choice to FH1, IT01 and P2, as I'm a bit uncertain with the dark type the Shures are.

Have a good one!

 

[serman005]

Of the three you list, I would definitely go with an IT01.

 

[woltcher]

Of the three you list, I would definitely go with an IT01.

Thanks Serman!

Can you tell why is that? And if that's possible, is there anything with detachable cables that would suit better in that price range?

 

[serman005]

I just really like the sound signature on the IT01. It is a very, very fun IEM. Bass is outstanding and the top end is terrific--not sibilant but extended. Mids are not really sacrificed IMO (a bit laid back) even though it is v-shaped. Detail and space are really good. Just a terrific IEM. Cannot think of anything else at the price that bests it. Just my opinions and YMMV, of course.

 

[woltcher]

I just really like the sound signature on the IT01. It is a very, very fun IEM. Bass is outstanding and the top end is terrific--not sibilant but extended. Mids are not really sacrificed IMO (a bit laid back) even though it is v-shaped. Detail and space are really good. Just a terrific IEM. Cannot think of anything else at the price that bests it. Just my opinions and YMMV, of course.

Thank you for the details! So far IT01 has the biggest support, but I'd like to know your thoughts on P2 and FH1 so I can give them a fair chance

Edit: Plus, if that helps - at home I always use AKG K240 and love their sound, only if the low-mids could be a bit boosted, albeit I use them to mix & master - so I'd like the IEMs with those mids dragged a bit forward. Unless I'm asking for the impossible, I'll understand.

 

[serman005]

The FH1 is more bass-centric, a bit too much for me, personally. It sort of steps on the mids a bit, IMO. Not ideal for me. The P2 I have not heard in too long to be able to say anything intelligent--sorry.

 

[woltcher]

@serman005

Thanks for your help! And it's alright. Maybe another owner of P2 could add anything here?

Cheers!