[googan]

I'm in the market for some sub-$100 IEMs that have very good isolation, as I will be using them on the subway/train. Obviously, I also want them to sound good.

I've been looking at er6i (~$76 shipped), im716 ($90 shipped). Looking for opinions / other suggestions. RE-2s look amazing for $80, but I'm worried about their isolation.

I listen to mostly harder genres of rock, some other rock, some hip hop and acoustic/indie stuff.

As reference, I own Denon D1001 (recabled), Senn 555, Bose in ear triports. Recabled Denons sound almost just right as far as balance, but would like a tiny bit more in the mids, Senn 555 are lacking in the bass and treble departments, and the Bose IEs are a bit too bass muddy and lacking in treble.

Oh and these will be used unamped or with a Fiio for now.

 

[TacticalPenguin]

If you have a fiio, the bass issues with the er6i's and im716 are greatly reduced, but the RE2 greatly benefits from a fiio as well. If isolation is a high priority, get the er6i - I think only the very best seal with the high end shure's can match or beat its isolation. It also is really an IEM - IN EAR - not sticking into the ear but sitting outside the ear (the RE2)

I'm not sure how the im716 compares to the er6i but I have heard it is a significant upgrade - for only 15 bucks it should have the same isolation as the er6i or close to it, if the pod on it doesnt bother you then go for it.

 

[scytheavatar]

At the sub 100 price range you're out of luck if you are looking for a bassy IEM with good isolation. The IM716 will do a great job for the acoustic/indie stuff and most of the rock bands, but wouldn't be suitable for hip hop. The ER6i is out of question. I'll suggest that you up your budget and get a Superfi 5 EB instead. Otherwise, you could try getting a Superfi 3 and do the filter mod.

 

[googan]

About how bad are they in the bass department? I'm willing to sacrifice a bit on SQ/sound signature in favor of isolation, as currently my only portable solution is the Bose in-ears and I'm really starting to wonder if my ears are getting damaged using them on the subway. I have to use them at almost double the volume on the subway as I would normally listen at in order to hear the music clearly.

I may just save up for a higher class IEM, but you know how it is. I want something now

 

[googan]

so.. no other suggestions? Isolation and good sound too much to ask for $100?

 

[nickyboyo]

Keep your eyes open around some of the shop sites, newegg, amazon,ebay, etc. You should be able to pick up a set of the IM716's cheaper than $90. Do the depod mod and save yourself the hassle of using a Fiio. With the depoding done these little iems are very good, especially if you can pick them up for $50-60.

 

[googan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nickyboyo /img/forum/go_quote.gif Keep your eyes open around some of the shop sites, newegg, amazon,ebay, etc. You should be able to pick up a set of the IM716's cheaper than $90. Do the depod mod and save yourself the hassle of using a Fiio. With the depoding done these little iems are very good, especially if you can pick them up for $50-60.

Oh do they get that cheap? I guess I'll give it some time then. The depodding doesn't look too complicated at first glance.

I asked this in the "noisy factory iem" thread, but can anyone tell me how much difference using foamie tips make for an iem with mediocre isolation (using original tips)?