[bose301s]

So, I had a thread about looking for the best <=$150 IEMs, that wasn't all that productive but I kept researching and have made a list of IEMs that I think look good to me.
 
VSonic GR01 - Great reviews, BA design which I liked in my old PFEs, on the expensive side for me though.
VSonic GR07 MKII - Not sure this needs and explanation, overall very highly recommended and I have the GR99s that I like quite a bit.
VSonic VC1000 - Almost seems to be a cheaper version of the GR01 but with fewer accesroeis etc.
Etymotic HF5 - Ety is very respected, the ER4 seems to be a benchmark against which all are judged around here.
Etymotic ER-4P - again, what needs to be said, basically the benchmark.
Rock-IT Sounds R-50 - Great reviews and same driver as the VSonic GR01.
T-Peos H-100 - Interesting hybrid design that I have never heard before with good reviews.
HiFiMan RE-400 - Great reviews and a great price.
Fischer Audio DBA-02 mkII - Another great looking pair
Ultimate Ears 600 - Always have had good reviews.
Westone 3 - Found for $200 on Amazon, will probably be gone by the time I make a decision.
Westone W10 - Newest single armature from Westone.
Phonak Audeo PFE 111 - Had thr original PFE which then got eaten by my dog, these appear to be the direct replacement to those.
 
That is my list, any and all feedback would be good, I think based on current prices I am leaning towards the GR07 or VC1000 but really could go with any of them based on feedback.

 

[bose301s]

No one wants to help?

 

[zamorin]

I would still suggest the GR07. The DBA02 is old already. Many consider other IEMs in your list better than DBA02. The IEMs in your list have different sound signatures. What signature are you looking at?

 

[bose301s]

Well, for home systems I like Bowers & Wilkins speakers and how they are voiced. I guess balanced is what I am after, nothing standing out from top to bottom, just solid performance.

 

[lin0003]

You can add the Astrotec AX35 to that list. It sound amazing and it's only $80!! 

 

[zamorin]

From the list above, the Etymotic ER-4P is quite balanced, I still think you will not go wrong with the GR07s.
 
Have you tried these threads?:
 
 
http://www.inearmatters.net/2009/01/list_01.html

http://www.head-fi.org/t/478568/multi-iem-review-302-iems-compared-1964ears-v6-stage-added-11-12-13-p-806      

 

[bose301s]

Looking at my list and the reviews I have seen these have me the most interested based on price/performance:
 
VSonic GR07 based on the $130 price at lendmeurears
VSonic VC1000 because the reviews are awesome and the Knowles driver seems to be a board favorite and they are cheaper than the GR01 by quite an bit.
RockIT Sounds R50 because it uses the Knowles driver as well for less than the VC1000
HiFiMan RE-400 because of price.
 
I also am considering the Phonak but need to know if the 111 and 012 are the same except for the included filters and tips, if so I found the 012 for $80 and could get the filters and tips I want for less than the 111 price.

 

[lin0003]

I have heard the GR07 as well as the R50 and honestly, the astrotec beats both of them overall. You really should give them a shot. 

 

[bose301s]

Ok, I think I have narrowed it to the VSonic VC1000 or RockIT R-50 based on reviews and other feedback, what I want to know now is where to find them for the best price. I have found the VC1000 on ebay on bigbargainonline for $125 shipped and lendmeurears for $124.80 shipped from their US warehouse. Are these the best prices you'll find, I don't know what other places to look. So far teh best price for the RockIT $119 directly from them but again I don't know if I can find a better price.
 
Overall these 2 seem very similar, with the RockIT maybe being slightly more flat and analytical and the VSonic a bit warmer, does this sound like a fair assessment?

 

[rodweb]

Overall these 2 seem very similar, with the RockIT maybe being slightly more flat and analytical and the VSonic a bit warmer, does this sound like a fair assessment?

R-50 is brighter, more analytical and has wider soundstage. VC1000 is a bit more warmer, balanced and smooth on top end.

I personally like the VC1000 much more.

 

[fuzzyash]

tell us what you listen too- might narrow stuff down

 

[bose301s]

  tell us what you listen too- might narrow stuff down

Rock mostly, classic rock through current. Some favorite bands are Nine Inch Nails, Tool, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles and similar, for the most part not much outside of that.
 
I honestly think I am decided on the VC1000, just need to know who has the best price now, lol.

 

[bose301s]

I guess 1 last question, is the DUNU DN-1000 worth the extra $80 over the VC1000 or not a huge step up?

 

[ostewart]

My picks:
 
DBA-02 MKII or Final Audio Design Heaven II
 
RHA MA-750 are also great