[Winton]

Hi I am new to the forum, I have read many valuable reviews and comments so far, but more I read more I'm confused.
 
I was planning to get Shure SE215, but then decided looking for something else. I don't want boomy bass sounds, I enjoy listening classical and ballads. I don't listen hip-hop or bassy musics at all, so I believe Shure SE215 wouldn't be a good fit for me. My budget is upto $150. I am not an expert so I don't know what might be better options that offers more clarity than SE215? I prefer to stay within the major audio brands since this would be my first IEM.

 

[TwinQY]

First off - http://www.head-fi.org/t/596233/buying-portable-or-in-ear-headphones-seeking-guidance-dont-start-a-new-thread-ask-for-advice-here
http://www.head-fi.org/t/478568/multi-iem-review-278-iems-compared-astrotec-am-800-dx-60-added-03-31-13-p-659
 
The SE215s do have a bit of bloom but whether it would be excessive or not would depend on your reference point. That being said  if I'm go and take the stereotype of what classic listeners would usually imply, I would guess that you might want to look at some other options. But of course that leads to something else entirely - we're still not sure of how you would like your genres to be presented. Stating sound preference (mids, treble, staging, other characteristics and qualities) - would be immensely helpful for narrowing something down. Not to mention anything in terms of preference for comfort, isolation, build, etc. 
 
As simply stating not boomy bass and clear is difficult to go by - something more specific is always appreciated.
 
Also brand bias will eventually lead you nowhere. Other popular brands offer just as much service and quality (at times even more so) than the big wigs. That is partly the reason why they would be popular in the first place. Allowing access to a plethora of options means that biases will need to be let go at the very least.

 

[Winton]

thnks for the comment. I really like to hear details. I'd prefer better high's than low's. For example sound of violin should be more clear. Also balance is important. Isolation was another reason I was gonna go with Shure 215, however it's not a must for me. 

 

[TwinQY]

Quote:

thnks for the comment. I really like to hear details. I'd prefer better high's than low's. For example sound of violin should be more clear. Also balance is important. Isolation was another reason I was gonna go with Shure 215, however it's not a must for me. 

Well, FYI the Shures are audibly bass-emphasized and treble rolls off rather significantly. And rather than clarity lushness of note is what they're aiming for and do very well. Something with nice treble and balance, with good detailing and isolation - would look at the UE700, R-50 (if you don't mind a stiffer cable), or the RE-400s (rather smooth but immense natural clarity).

 

[Jerrey S]

And also the ER4P/PT/S series. Great for classical music.

 

[nickmakp]

Might want to look into HF5, Re0, and RE400.

 

[lin0003]

Quote:

And also the ER4P/PT/S series. Great for classical music.

I think that's out of his budget. I would recommend getting a bit more and going for the Fischer DBA 02 MK2 or going for the Rockit Sounds R50. They are both quite a bit superior to the SE215. 

 

[papijoe08]

RE400 $99 of goodness

 

[Ivabign]

Vsonic VC02 and a FIIO E11 - that would be nice... Very clear - amazing, punchy bass.

 

[Jerrey S]

Quote:

I think that's out of his budget. I would recommend getting a bit more and going for the Fischer DBA 02 MK2 or going for the Rockit Sounds R50. They are both quite a bit superior to the SE215. 

I admit that er4 series is beyond $150 budget. Sometimes it is possible if he doesn't mind a used pair. 
I got both my two ER4S on ebay, one for $185 and another for $100 (yes I was lucky).

 

[Ivabign]

Another idea would be the Earsonics SM1 (available on Amazon for a limited time for $99) These have been described as an extremely clear and accurate IEM - they started off at over $250 when first introduced. I have a pair on the way.

 

[SNOOP_DOGG]

The Etymotic HF5 are very crisp clear sounding IEMs and ER4P|S are even better but they has some bright cold soundquality. The RE272 are amazing for the price and match well for these genres music with fairly wide soundstage, crisp, clear balanced sounding.

 

[Berkovajazz]

SE315. Same soundsignature, clearer, lot of details.