[Abhishek]

Been using the EP-630s over the past year or so, but I feel it's time for an upgrade. Looking for IEMs under 100$. I listen mostly to rock - Tool, Porcupine Tree, RHCP, Opeth, QOTSA and the like. I'm fairly new to the world of audiophilia, so don't really know which IEM's suit me around this range. I'm looking for something fun, and warm. Not too bright, and not too boomy either, and a balanced sound.

Some of the IEM's I've heard about are

Etymotic Research ER6i
Head Direct RE2
Ultimate Ears Super.Fi 3

What do you guys suggest? Which IEM would suit my needs.

 

[babya]

Head Direct RE2
Sennheiser CX300
Denon AH-351/551.

 

[4saken]

If you want balanced go with the Etymotic. Some Audio-Technica models have a balanced sound too (e.g. CK7).

I would not call the Sennheiser CX300 balanced, but it's low budget and decent for the price.

 

[babya]

Audio Technica's got good sound, I have the older CK6's and is nicely balanced for my tastes.

 

[Abhishek]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4saken /img/forum/go_quote.gif If you want balanced go with the Etymotic. Some Audio-Technica models have a balanced sound too (e.g. CK7). I would not call the Sennheiser CX300 balanced, but it's low budget and decent for the price.

I've heard the the ER6i arn't that great for rock music as they have weak bass, and are too detailed.

 

[4saken]

They're what you would call balanced (I believe this means no exaggeration/emphasis on a particular frequency of sound). You should try the head-direct RE2, if it is anything like the HD RE1 I've tried, it should fit your bill fine =)

 

[chinesekiwi]

The re2's have little bass compared to the RE1's. The RE1's have significantly more bass than the RE2's.

For balenced and a more 'EP630' sound, I'd go the Denon c551's. The c551's have far better bass than the EP630's while having decent highs. However out of your bands, I think you'd like the RE2's more.
They are an entirely different sound to the EP630 (better).

I just hope you have high quality audio files to give those bands justice!

 

[jonathanjong]

Not the Etys if it's rock/metal you're listening to. The 551s do metal well. Better than they do classical anyway. Funnily enough, I really enjoy jazz vocals through my 551s. I just discovered that this morning.

 

[voicemaster]

Denon C551 will suit your need the best imo. Not boomy bass, not tiring treble, good for all type of music.

 

[Abhishek]

The Denon maybe a bit above my budget. What about the Super Fi 3 for rock music?

 

[jonathanjong]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Abhishek /img/forum/go_quote.gif The Denon maybe a bit above my budget. What about the Super Fi 3 for rock music?

That's odd. Aren't they still $73 on Amazon? Or am I thinking of something else?

 

[Abhishek]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonathanjong /img/forum/go_quote.gif That's odd. Aren't they still $73 on Amazon? Or am I thinking of something else?

Oops, you're right, they're bloody cheap!

Amazon.com: Denon AH-C551K In-Ear Headphone: Electronics

So, are these the best within their price range for (70-80$) for rock music?

 

[chinesekiwi]

The Head-Direct RE2's are $79 atm!! (including worldwide ship!) The cheapest they've ever been! However, RE2's does shine in the treble but does lack bass. So your choice.

 

[jonathanjong]

chinesekiwi has tried them both...so, what do you say dude? Denon or Head-Direct for rock?

 

[Abhishek]

Any more help?