[NHMN]

Looking to buy some in ear type of headphones. I listen to a wide range of music from classical to modern electronica. Will be using for personal listening so isolation is a plus. Looking for smooth treble and detailed mids and lows. I dislike strident highs. Had a pair of older Shure's but the sound grated on me. Budget is around $500. What would you recommend? Thanks.

 

[ostewart]

I think Shure SE535 is smooth and would be good. Or if you want to go custom either Alclair reference monitors or cosmic ears

 

[ZARIM]

The RE272 are very smooth and detailed sounding IEMs without bright extended highs. Other IEMs like Sony XBA4, UM3x, Westone 4, SM3 and GR01 pretty good sounding for the price with smooth presentation.

 

[NHMN]

Thanks for the suggestions so far. Any others? I'm thinking about potentially finding something that I can get custom molds for. Maybe spend some more too.

 

[vocalist]

+1 Westone 4. If you didn't like Shure than I would try something else. I only tried the 425 but hated it. I've also read good things about the SM3 v2 and have thought about trying them but haven't had a chance.

I had a like/hate relationship with the UM3x and ultimately decided it wasn't for me. I don't like it or recommend it for classical though I know a lot of people do.

 

[xaddictionx]

+1 for westone 4 too! Definitely a class of its own. Very smooth and balanced sound. Wide soundstage and good instrument separation. If you're looking for balanced sound you should give westone 4 a try. Mids are lush and very good clarity as well.

 

[Techno Kid]

You know me the SM3 V2 is the best under $500 IEM I've heard, to me it sounds a little better than both the SE535 and W4 though both are still really good IEM's.  The SM3 is really good with electronic music as well as all other styles I've listened to like rock/alternative, pop and classical.

 

[Gasdoc]

SM3 my favorite as well.  The westone 4 is also excellent.
 

 

[faithguy19]

+1 Westone 4
 

 

[mugen3]

The Sony XBA-30 will suit you perfectly. Super smooth mids and treble with powerful controlled bass. Great all-rounders.