[theriel]

Hello,
Most of discussion on this forum concerns IEMs without a microphone. Having used Etymotic Research HF3 (effectively HF5 with microphone), i have been wondering - what are the alternatives, at similar price range?

So far I have only managed to find B&O H3. All the usual recommendations (Shure SE215, RE0, Brainwavz R1, GR06) do not have a microphone.

What else is out there, worthy recommendation?

 

[TimeSchock]

If you get an IEM with detachable cable you can just buy an aftermarket cable with mic.

 

[artpiggo]

UE900

 

[theriel]

@Timeshock - This is a good idea, but there aren't really that many IEMs with detachable cable at HF3 price ($120), or even sub-$200... with the notable exception of Shure SE215.

@artpiggo - UE900 are available in the UK only at $400 (sic)...

 

[ClieOS]

FiiO F9 Pro and NuForce EDC3 - both are well under 200, has removable cable and actually include both normal as well as mic cable.

 

[TimeSchock]

There have been quite a lot of additions to the IEM market with detachable cables in the budget sector. To name some: iBasso IT01, Brainwavz B200 / B400, MEE Audio Pinnacle P1 / P2 / PX. If you want to go even cheaper you can look at the KZ lineup or head over to the china IEM thread.

 

[theriel]

Unless I am mistaken, all the options mentioned, unlike Etymotics HF3, have over-the-ear cabling... ? I guess that's what you have to get if you want a detachable cable at this price range...

So, really, not many options with already built-in microphone, apart from HF3, B&O H3, and the previously mentioned overpriced UE900?

 

[TimeSchock]

The MEEs can be worn both ways.

 

[theriel]

OK, so... regarding noise-cancelling IEMs with microphone, without the over-the-ear design, we only have the choice of HF5 and MEE (which ends up costing even more than HF5 once you add the extra cable) ?

That seems crazy.

Oh well, I guess I might as well get used to the over-the-ear cabling...

 

[TimeSchock]

Did you actually do some research yourself? All of the MEE Audio Pinnacles come with a mic cable. Then you have the popular 1MORE Triple Driver which has no replacable cable but comes with a mic and down the ear style. Just look around this forum a bit and you will find plenty.
If you widen your search to chi-fi you get a lot more options aswell.

 

[theriel]

@TImeshock - I never post on any forum without having done any research myself. But I must admit that there have been few topics dedicated specifically to IEMs with microphone.

The reason why i have been asking (and hoping to get more responses from other people) is because I consider paying over $200 for Etys HF3 a huge stretch, especially given that they are not durable at all (I need something which will withstand London underground, gym, jogging and trekking - not listening in a studio). I appreciate your suggestions and I have been reading a lot about MEE P1 and FiiO F9 Pro, currently leaning towards the MEEs (as there seem to have been quite a few negative comments about the overly-high treble in Fiio). I am still not convinced about the price/value ratio (I used to pay $110 for Etys HF3, so paying $190 for MEEs which are considered to be same-class, is a bit frustrating - I guess viva Brexit...), but I take some comfort in the fact that they should last much longer (as I can always buy a new cable at a fraction of the price).

Thank you also for suggesting the chi-fi. I will read more about them.