[mvalpreda]

I really want something with iPhone controls or something with a cable I can add iPhone controls to. I hate popping out an earbud to talk to someone. Rather just hit pause.

 

[Brooko]

@mvalpreda
 
Couple to consider would be the Fidue A83 - but it doesn't come with iphone controls - and the isolation whilst good, is not great like the Shures.  If you shop around you can pick up  a pair for around $280.  They do hit your targets on build, comfort, and more importantly balance with a bit more bass slam.  The iDevice controls can be fixed by adding any compatible cable with MMCX connectors. Check reviews - might be worth a look.
 
Another one is the Fidue A81.  It is more V shaped and warmer - but definitely plenty of bass, and ticks your other boxes re fit, comfort, detachable cable, and iDevcie control with mic.  Might not be balanced enough though. I love balance - but also appreciate these for what they are.
 
The best thing you could do though would be to ask Joker in his thread (http://www.head-fi.org/t/478568/multi-iem-review-324-iems-compared-brainwavz-r3-ver-2-added-10-18-14-p-988).  He does try and reply to everyone, and he can give you some specialised assistance.

 

[mvalpreda]

Thanks for the info on the A83s, those look interesting. I like those smaller brands, seem to be more focused on sound quality.
 
I did a quick search for "MMCX iPhone" on eBay and nothing came up. MMCX by itself yielded 2,000+ results. Is there another term I should look for? Is that the same connection that Shure, Westone, etc use? If so, I have the Shure iControl cable already.
 
Based on sound quality first, rich bass a close second, and price being way down the list....A83 or A81?

 

[mvalpreda]

All the sellers I see for the Fidue are in Asia. I'm fine with that as long as they are durable. Had a few bad experiences with sending equipment to Asia for repair.

 

[Dinerenblanc]

  Thanks for the info on the A83s, those look interesting. I like those smaller brands, seem to be more focused on sound quality.
 
I did a quick search for "MMCX iPhone" on eBay and nothing came up. MMCX by itself yielded 2,000+ results. Is there another term I should look for? Is that the same connection that Shure, Westone, etc use? If so, I have the Shure iControl cable already.
 
Based on sound quality first, rich bass a close second, and price being way down the list....A83 or A81?

Yes, the MMCX is the connection that both Westone and Shure uses.

 

[Dinerenblanc]

  All the sellers I see for the Fidue are in Asia. I'm fine with that as long as they are durable. Had a few bad experiences with sending equipment to Asia for repair.

Fidue is an Asian brand that Western dealers don't carry. If you're going to purchase them, I suggest you get them from Lend Me Ur ears. They have a shop on Amazon and their own store at http://www.lendmeurears.com/ They're known to provide good customer service for any malfunctions or other issues. I usually go to them for my Asian IEMs. Any issues you may have would have to be rectified through a ticketing system on their site, but that's the game you have to play with Asian IEMs.

 

[Brooko]

  Thanks for the info on the A83s, those look interesting. I like those smaller brands, seem to be more focused on sound quality.
 
I did a quick search for "MMCX iPhone" on eBay and nothing came up. MMCX by itself yielded 2,000+ results. Is there another term I should look for? Is that the same connection that Shure, Westone, etc use? If so, I have the Shure iControl cable already.
 
Based on sound quality first, rich bass a close second, and price being way down the list....A83 or A81?

 
The Shure iControl cable should fit the A83 (won't fit the A81 though as it's a 2 prong).
 
A83 has far more balance with enough bass to still be full bodied.
 
A81 is a lot thicker and warmer - more V shaped.
 
For your tastes (I'm an Indie fan too) I'd suggest the A83 as being the better bet.
 
I would still suggest asking Joker though - he has more experience than most of us on this site (with the number of IEMs he's reviewed). So you're likely to get a short list of viable IEMs to do further research on.
 
As far as flying goes - I had to take a short haul a month ago, and used the A83's.  There is still some background drone of the engines, just meant I had to turn the volume up a little more.  But it's worth noting.  My next major long-hauls aren't until June next year, so I won't get a chance to test properly until then.
 
Hope this helps.

 

[Brooko]

Here : Amazon link - http://www.amazon.com/A83-Triple-Driver-Balanced-Armature-Earphones/dp/B00LMSP4VY
 
$280
 
But again - Joker may have better options on other brands etc..
 
Oh and I've had nothing but great service from dealing with Fidue.

 

[mvalpreda]

Thanks for the input. I am willing to take a shot on the A83s. I listen to music a lot, but there are enough times I just watch a movie or something on the plane. Isolation is better than sound quality with movies on the iPad.
 
The more I am looking around, the SE215s I have are holding up well. Good bang for the buck in that price range.

 

[mvalpreda]

The UE900s look decent as well. Good sound rating at http://theheadphonelist.com/headphone-list/