[insomniac]

So I'm looking into IEMs and the options these days are quite frankly overwhelming...
 
If I were to prioritize a large and expansive soundstage at the top of my sound wish list, which IEMs would people recommend? Let's say $1,500 and under. Although I'm willing to exceed that if there is an option that far surpasses the others in this category. I do realize soundstage constraints are an inherent limitation of IEMs but trying to learn if there are any options that get me pretty close to full size headphones. Suggestions?
 
Oh and I'd prefer to avoid tweaking with electronics to expand the soundstage that way.

 

[noneedlessnoise]

Anything with ADEL makes a huge difference. I have 64 Audio U8 ADEL and the soundstage with the MAM inserted is close to what some open back headphones sound like to me.

 

[insomniac]

Thanks. But it seems like 64 Audio has abandoned ADEL technology in their current models. Is APEX basically the same thing?

 

[noneedlessnoise]

APEX is not the same thing, but I hear it does work well for what it is. I have tinnitus and very fatigue sensitive ears so the health benefits of ADEL have been really great for me personally, but I also really enjoy the soundstage. I bought a pair used from the marketplace here, they pop up every once in a while. There are also other brands that have started selling ADEL equipped headphones like Empire Ears. 

 

[beowulf]

So what are the current leads in this category, considering especially the lower cost IEMs?

 

[ubs28]

CA Andromeda is quite impressive. But I have not heard all IEM options so I am not really an expert on this subject.

 

[fastwrx25]

Out of all the IEMs I have heard, in that price range. Andromeda

 

[Oscar-HiFi]

Lower priced I can't think of any

Higher priced, Dita Dream and Hifiman RE2000 are class leaders in soundstage

 

[mixedsg]

Save your money and get ex-1000s. They're sublime.

 

[faithguy19]

Audeze iSine series

 

[JayKay47]

Sony EX1000's have a much wider soundstage than the Andromeda's, albeit shallower...

I own both

 

[chillaxing]

I have the U8, isine10, ex1000 and tried the Vegas. If you want true airyness and stage, you'll going to need to go with a open back like the isine or ex. Both needs eq for me to really enjoy. U8 are great but not a stage monster, they do depth better. I dont get all the hype surrounding Campfire stuff.

 

[JayKay47]

I dont get all the hype surrounding Campfire stuff.

Probably because people like their sound.

 

[ubs28]

Probably because people like their sound.

And because the CA Andromeda can effortlessly beat some IEM's costing double or even triple it's own price. (there will be some $2000+ IEM's that I didn't hear yet that are probably better ofcourse)

 

[seamon]

Currently 64 Audio is selling U12 ADEL as B stock. You can look there if you are interested.