[SyCo87]

Sure, see this post: http://www.head-fi.org/t/478568/multi-iem-review-294-iems-compared-signature-acoustics-elements-c-12-added-08-22-13-p-753/11340#post_9752749
 and the ones below it. 

Thanks, I'll take some time to think. The Quadbeats have me yearning for soundstage now.

 

[ljokerl]

Quote:

Hi Joker,
the Ex1000 has the best Soundstage of all Univerals I've heard. 
How do the JH13 or Hidition compare with the Ex1000's Soundstage? Are they as spacious?

 
No, I don't think so. The NT6 is close but still not as out-of-the-head as the IE8 or EX1000. I feel like that sensation is something only a vented dynamic driver can provide. The EX1000 doesn't sound very 3-dimensional compared to these customs, though. It just has good width whereas the JH13 and NT6 are more well-rounded when it comes to depth and imaging.
 
Quote:

What is your personal favorite IEM for around 100-150 pounds?

 
If I had to choose just one for my preferred sound, it would be either the HiFiMan RE-400 or the Etymotic Research HF5

 

[Fimbulvetr]

Quote:

Hi Joker,
the Ex1000 has the best Soundstage of all Univerals I've heard. 
How do the JH13 or Hidition compare with the Ex1000's Soundstage? Are they as spacious?

I'm actually very curious about this too. I quite like the EX1000's soundstage and how natural it sounds. Would you have any recommendations for an upgrade?

I prefer a slightly V shaped signature with slightly warm, punchy bass (bass quantity between EX1000 and TF10), slightly forward upper mids and sparkly highs (didn't find W4 sparkly enough, EX1000 was quite nice). Thought the Alclair Reference looked like a great fit from your review. 

Thanks again for such a detailed and comprehensive thread! I've found it extremely useful in looking up IEMs for myself and friends!

 

[Inks]

Quote:

From the people who took 3 years and 3 months to get the GR07 out and didn't seem to finish the tuning till another year and a half with the MKII. They release a VSD1 and then a month later a limited edition of a low model like that. Why, cause they didn't finish tuning it! Annnnnd there will be another VSD1 re-tuned again early next year.
 
They should talk about tuning. They can't seem to finish tuning one before they put it out. Why buy a VSD7 when it comes out? They won't have finished tuning it yet, lol. Wait a couple months for the Limited or Flagship, or Silver, or MKII, or whatever version comes next.
 
The CEO should pipe down. At least Aurisonics, Dunu, Astrotec, TPEOS got their flagship products out there for better or for worse. Where is your flagship

?

GR07 when it came out was a finished product and a successful one, getting praise throughout. The MKII is just a tweak from the previous, it doesn't mean the previous one wasn't finished, there is always room for improvement...I don't like the CEO's offensive comments, but Hifiman is probably the only other Chinese manufacturer that competes in fidelity. You mean hybrid? Well, I bet it's going to be better than those of the mentioned manufacturers based on credentials, but of course nothing is concrete.

 

[JohannLiebert]

No, I don't think so. The NT6 is close but still not as out-of-the-head as the IE8 or EX1000. I feel like that sensation is something only a vented dynamic driver can provide. The EX1000 doesn't sound very 3-dimensional compared to these customs, though. It just has good width whereas the JH13 and NT6 are more well-rounded when it comes to depth and imaging.

 
I listened to the UERM Demo today. I found it equally good as the EX1000 in Soundstage. cue: out of head
With way better resolution, isolation and no sharp treble spike. the definite upgrade. Oh boy, I am so excited again. 

 

[stimer]

Quote:

GR07 when it came out was a finished product and a successful one, getting praise throughout. The MKII is just a tweak from the previous, it doesn't mean the previous one wasn't finished, there is always room for improvement...I don't like the CEO's offensive comments, but Hifiman is probably the only other Chinese manufacturer that competes in fidelity. You mean hybrid? Well, I bet it's going to be better than those of the mentioned manufacturers based on credentials, but of course nothing is concrete.

Vsonic using the simulator Torso Simulator (HATS) and real audio measurement company was able to achieve a clear and soft sound. I think they have a great future.

 

[ljokerl]

Quote:

I'm actually very curious about this too. I quite like the EX1000's soundstage and how natural it sounds. Would you have any recommendations for an upgrade?

I prefer a slightly V shaped signature with slightly warm, punchy bass (bass quantity between EX1000 and TF10), slightly forward upper mids and sparkly highs (didn't find W4 sparkly enough, EX1000 was quite nice). Thought the Alclair Reference looked like a great fit from your review. 

Thanks again for such a detailed and comprehensive thread! I've found it extremely useful in looking up IEMs for myself and friends!

 
The Reference should be good. It's not as bright overall as the EX1000 but it does have pretty good bass quantity and doesn't have the more intimate presentation of a lot of other monitors. 

 

[Fimbulvetr]

Quote:

 
The Reference should be good. It's not as bright overall as the EX1000 but it does have pretty good bass quantity and doesn't have the more intimate presentation of a lot of other monitors. 

Oh okay, thanks for the help!

 

[Grayson73]

I've been on a quest to find the best IEMs around $50 and the Zero Audio Carbo Basso and Carbo Tenore are better than the Audio Technica ATH-CKN70, MEElectronics A161P, NuForce NE-700X (new and improved version).  If you're looking for IEMs around $50, I highly recommend them.  Both sound amazing, especially when slightly EQ'd to your taste.
 
If anyone has any other recommendations at this price point, let me know.  Otherwise, I think I'm finished with my quest.
 
Next quest, to find the best around $75-$100

 

[waynes world]

+1. I agree about the Bassos (haven't tried the Tenores). I would also add the Vsonic VSD1's to that list.

 

[jekostas]

Quote:

I've been on a quest to find the best IEMs around $50 and the Zero Audio Carbo Basso and Carbo Tenore are better than the Audio Technica ATH-CKN70, MEElectronics A161P, NuForce NE-700X (new and improved version).  If you're looking for IEMs around $50, I highly recommend them.  Both sound amazing, especially when slightly EQ'd to your taste.
 
If anyone has any other recommendations at this price point, let me know.  Otherwise, I think I'm finished with my quest.
 
Next quest, to find the best around $75-$100

 
Monster Gratitude.

 

[MoonYeol]

Monster Gratitude.

$75-$100 is a tough bracket...

 

[nehcrow]

Quote:

 
Monster Gratitude.

RE-400?

 

[ljokerl]

VSonic VC1000 review below
 
 
 
 
(2B23) VSonic VC1000
 

Added Sep 2013

 
Details: VSonic’s second, more reasonably-priced dual BA earphone
Current Price: $137 from lendmeurears.com (MSRP: est. $159)
Specs: Driver: Dual BA | Imp: 50Ω | Sens: 105 dB (@500 Hz) | Freq: 20-20k Hz | Cable: 4.3' L-plug
Nozzle Size: 4mm | Preferred tips: MEElec M6 Bi-flange tips
Wear Style: Straight down or over-the-ear
 
Accessories (3.5/5) - Single-flange (10 pairs), foam-stuffed (3 pairs), and bi-flange silicone tips, shirt clip, and soft drawstring carrying pouch 
Build Quality (4/5) – The VC1000 utilizes a slim, straight-barrel form factor similar to the dynamic-driver VSonic VC02 and the pricier GR01. It lacks the detachable cables of the VC02 and removable filters of the GR01, but both of those features were poorly implemented so their exclusion is no big loss. The cable is smooth but on the thin side and lacks a sliding cinch. A bump on the inside of the right strain relief differentiates the left and right earpieces
Isolation (4/5) – Similar to that of the GR01 - good, but not at the level of an Etymotic monitor
Microphonics (4/5) - Cable noise is bothersome when worn cable-down but becomes low with over-the-ear wear
Comfort (4.5/5) - The housings are very slim and the variety of included eartips should allow the fit to work for anyone. The cable exits at an angle so those with smaller ears may have trouble wearing the VC1000 cable-up. The inclusion of a cable cinch would have helped in this regard
 
Sound (9.2/10) – The VC1000, like VSonic’s pricier GR01 model, is based on the popular TWFK dual balanced armature transducer from Knowles, and offers a balanced sound signature and overall performance on-par with the GR01. Its bass is tight and level, about even in quantity with the Fischer Audio DBA-02 mkII. Both depth and punch are good for a balanced-sounding BA-based earphone. 
 
The midrange is likewise level and not clouded or veiled by the bass in any way. The VC1000 sounds a little warmer and fuller than the similarly-priced Rock-It Sounds R-50 and is again more akin to the Fischer Audio DBA-02 mkII and the VSonic GR01. Next to the R-50 its mids are thicker and more filled-in. It is still less warm and thinner-sounding than the dynamic-driver VSonic GR07, however, presenting its midrange in a decidedly BA-like fashion.
 
The top end of the VC1000 is a bit more forgiving compared to the DBA-02 and Rock-It R-50, again reminding me of the GR01. The R-50 especially sounds brighter and harsher in comparison unless modified with aftermarket eartips and an inline impedance adapter. The treble of the VC1000 is also a bit smoother and less sibilant than that of my first-generation GR07, and more refined and extended than that of the single-armature MEElec A161P. 
 
The VC1000 also sounds airier than the more intimate A161P. In general, its presentation is similar to other TWFK-based sets. It lacks a bit of soundstage width next to the Rock-It Sounds R-50 but sounds plenty spacious and well-rounded overall.
 
Select Comparisons
 
HiFiMan RE-400 ($99)
 
The RE-400 is a dynamic-driver monitor with a neutral-to-warm sound signature. Compared to the VC1000, its sound is warmer and fuller and its balance is more mid-centric. The VC1000 carries very similar overall bass punch but sounds a bit thinner in the midrange. It is also brighter, with significantly more treble energy than the RE-400. The HiFiMan set is smoother, but also a bit dull-sounding in comparison. In a way, the VC1000 sounds more balanced and complete due to the added treble intensity, but is also less forgiving and on some tracks less natural overall. The presentations of the two earphones are equally capable, with the VC1000 having a very slightly wider soundstage. The optimal choice between the more forgiving and mid-focused RE-400 and the brighter, more crisp-sounding VC1000 will definitely depend on the listener.
 
Philips Fidelio S1 ($99) 
 
Another balanced-sounding dynamic-driver earphone, the S1 reminds me in many ways of VSonic’s pricier dynamic-driver sets. Compared to the VC1000, it boasts more bass, especially deep bass, and has a warmer overall tone. While less powerful, the low end of the VC1000 is tighter and a bit clearer and its midrange is more prominent in comparison. As the HiFiMan RE-400 sounds more mid-centric compared to the VC1000, so the VC1000 sounds more mid-centric next to the Fidelio S1. Interestingly, while the VC1000 boasts similar, or even slightly greater, treble energy, it actually does a better job of keeping its treble smooth. The Fidelio S1 appears a little harsher and more peaky in comparison and tends to be even less forgiving than the VC1000, which itself is not exactly smoothed-over. 
 
Etymotic Research ER4S ($299)
 
Long-renowned for its accuracy, the ER4S remains the fidelity standard for many listeners. The performance of the more reasonably-priced VC1000 falls in the same ballpark, offering up a slightly less neutral – but still well-balanced – sound. The VC1000 has fuller bass, boasting a bit more impact, while the ER4S sounds thinner. The Etys have more forward upper mids and as a result appear to be a little clearer. The upper and midrange and treble sound a little more accurate and refined with the Etys, while the VC1000 is a bit more splashy and sibilance-prone. Overall, the two earphones really aren’t very far apart - those concerned with bass will be happier with the VC1000 but otherwise it’ll come down to preference – and budget. 
 
Value (9.5/10) – Yet another competitive monitor from VSonic, the VC1000 uses the familiar TWFK formula, taking advantage of the drivers’ small size and capacity for accurate sound. Unlike the similarly-priced Rock-It Sounds R-50, which required some minor modification, I was impressed with the sound of the VC1000 right out of the box. It has more going for it than just the sound, too – the slim form factor is very comfortable and the construction is good as well. The earphones utilize a simplified design that gets away from some of the quirks of VSonic’s GR01 and VC02 models. All in all, the VC1000 is a lower-priced – but not less capable – alternative to the GR01 and a very solid earphone for those who tend to prefer a flatter sound signature.
 
Pros: Small, lightweight, and comfortable; balanced and articulate sound
Cons: Lacks cable cinch; subpar carrying pouch

 

[jekostas]

The suggestion was for the $50 bracket (they're ~$53 on Amazon right now) but yes, I think they could compete against the RE-400.  Try reading the write-up in the Summer Buying Guide.