[cujobob]

So I've been reading up on this forum for a week and I'm having trouble deciding on what to purchase.

I recently purchased a used RSA Predator portable dac/amp and would like a good pair of IEMs or possibly stylish headphones for portable use.

I generally like a neutral, detailed presentation with good dynamics, not a colored speaker/headphone. I currently have M-Audio Q40s and Grado SR60s for home use (though bought on recommendation alone), as well as a wonderful home theater which is quite amazing. Previously owned a pair of Etymotic ER4Ps which were somewhat good, but the cord caught on everything and it was difficult to maintain a proper in-ear fit for very long, so bass suffered often. Point being, I know good sound, though I've not achieved it yet with a headphone/IEM.

Generally, I buy things based on highest value. There's a certain level in high-end audio where you pay a huge increase in price for a very slight increase in performance. Where does that lay with regards to what I'm looking for?

Some high-value options appear to be the Klipsch S4, RE0 from head-direct for the lower-tier IEMs...are there any other giant-killer IEMs to be aware of? Have considered JHaudio JH5 and that's about as much as I'd want to spend ($450 with custom fitting)...used is fine with me.

I'd appreciate any suggestions.

 

[Chris_Himself]

UE Triples are about as close as you can get to their custom phones.

UE Triple.Fi 10

I just bought some SF 5 pro headphones that MSRP for 250 for like 130 on ebay too...

 

[ZARIM]

To me FX500 and Klipsch Custom 3 can compete very highend IEMs.

 

[crapback]

With a $80 rebate the triple.fi 10 is $250 at amazon. Amazon.com: Ultimate Ears TripleFi 10 Pro Noise Isolating Earphones: Electronics

 

[Q-Tip-81]

I know this may be beating a dead horse, but aside from the Klipsch S4's......at a CHEAP price, the Nuforce ne-6's can be had for $40.

They're not 'giant killers,' but they do perform extremely well for their price level. There are multiple reviews around head-fi for the ne-7's (ne-6 w/ mic). You're probably willing to spend hundreds more than this, but they're good to just throw in your pocket or bag and haul them around without worrying about damaging them.

 

[cujobob]

Is the UE 10's cord as bad as one of Amazon's user review says? The price seems good for those...I got a pair of RE0s coming...seem like a great buy at the current price. Still might pick up another and give my gf the RE0.

Anyone know of a lower priced offering that betters the JH5? (subjective, obviously)

 

[ChroniCali]

Quote:

Originally Posted by crapback /img/forum/go_quote.gif With a $80 rebate the triple.fi 10 is $250 at amazon. Amazon.com: Ultimate Ears TripleFi 10 Pro Noise Isolating Earphones: Electronics

That's actually not a bad deal at all.