[flashce]

My A151s actually broke after 6 months, and I got replacements. Shortly after that, I lost the replacements. What's the next step up from the A151? I'm looking for IEMs with good isolation (I wear them during my commute), a relatively flat frequency response (I listen to a lot of types of music and I'd like to listen to them without EQ, etc.) and extremely reliable!

 

[ostewart]

Etymotic HF5? or Hisound Crystal.
Dunu I 3C-S is also good, and isolation should be fine for your needs.

 

[flashce]

Cool thanks. I should also clarify that I like to be analytical when it comes to music so having a lot of separation and a wide stereo range would be cool. 

 

[ostewart]

Etymotic is the most analytical you can get really

 

[violinvirtuoso]

What's your budget? As always, ljokerl's thread is something you probably want to check out:
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/478568/multi-iem-review-242-iems-compared-vsonic-gr99-gr02-bass-edition-added-06-11-12
 
Etymotic is definitely a good brand to consider. You may also want to check out the Head-Direct RE0 and Fischer Audio DBA-02. Both are relatively flat and excellent for their price.

 

[LizardKing1]

I was going to mention the Brainwavz B2 (same thing as the Fischer Audio DBA-02). I never tried them, but I have pretty much the same preferences as you, and after reading up and getting suggestions, hopefully I'll buy the B2. They're on sale for pre-order on MP4Nation at 109$. I don't think they're amazing isolators though, the Etys are better for that.

 

[flashce]

My budget is around AUD$150. I think I paid AUD$79 for my A151. I just want an upgrade from the A151. I have a pair of AKG K50 headphones that I wear at home and I like that a lot more than the A151 because of the clarity, just your info.

 

[flashce]

The Brainwavz B2 seems to be pretty good. However, it doesn't come with tips for high isolation, which is a concern for me. Is it recommended to swap the tips out for another?

 

[ostewart]

I think most use stock tips, if you need isolation Etymotic are the kings.

 

[flashce]

I guess it's down to the Brainwavs B2 and the Etymotics HF5 at the moment!
 
So the B2 has better separation and sound but the HF5 has better isolation?

 

[ostewart]

Etymotic also has great separation, although I have not heard B2.

 

[violinvirtuoso]

Though you still won't get the full Etymotic isolation, the Brainwavz with triple flanges or foam should still isolate reasonably well. 

 

[flashce]

I've decided on the Brainwavz B2. 
 
I don't believe I actually want as much isolation as I originally thought. I'd like to be able to hear a little bit of what's going on around me when listening to music at work.
 
LizardKing1, thanks for telling me about MP4Nation!

 

[AstroTurf]

Quote:

I've decided on the Brainwavz B2. 
 
I don't believe I actually want as much isolation as I originally thought. I'd like to be able to hear a little bit of what's going on around me when listening to music at work.
 
LizardKing1, thanks for telling me about MP4Nation!

Perhaps you should get some Apple Ear Buds...
 
You can hear your surroundings very well with them.
 
Jim