[archercat]

Hey all, I have searched all over for about 2 weeks on this site and others... Without being able to literally try out most of these IEM's I have somewhat of a subjective question for anyone who is willing to help.

I have had my E2c's for about 3 years or so, and I'm fairly happy with them... I use a gen 1 Nano and a Sandisk Clip both unamped. My music is mostly 256kbps AAC or MP3 and I listen to Rock, Trance, Folk, some Classical and Hip/hop.

I am looking to upgrade and could spend upwards of 150ish... But that's my main question, if I can only spend about 150 would it even be that much of an upgrade to justify the new ones. I'm not unhappy with the E2c's, but I wouldn't mind a little more bass and better overall sound...

I was thinking I really like Shure, thick cables, over ear design, great customer service, and the SE310's come to mind, also the Superfi 5 v2 or even the Pro, however the Pro looks huge and I have small ass Asian ear holes. Both of these I think I can get for about 150-175 from online etc... But I can't try them. Also the Monster Beats Tour whould be in that price range.

I guess I am comparing it to something like, "I already have an used Jetta 1.8T with 120K that gets me from point A to B, is it really worth spending any money to upgrade to another used Audi A4 1.8T with 85K?" Or should I just wait until I can get an Audi A6 Quattro or S4....

Thanks for any help! (And for putting up with my long ramble...)

 

[oarnura]

I'd highly recommend the Phonak PFE. They are $139, free shipping and 14 day trial period. They have been reviewed better than the IEMs on your short list. Phonak is an highly regarded hearing aid company from Switzerland.

 

[archercat]

Thanks. Would I loose any bass quantity with the PFE's? I know the quality will be better...

Also the PFE's over the Super fi 5 pros?

 

[oarnura]

There is a 103 page (as of last counting) thread about them in the very first page.

I like them over my SCL4(e4c). As for bass quantity over the e2c, I can't answer that because I have never heard those.

The Phonak are considered pretty close in performance to IEMs costing $300-$400.

I would suggest you read that long thread titled Phonak Audeo.

 

[archercat]

Thanks, I am reading through that as well...

 

[Dobber65]

Definitely look at the Phonaks, but I am also enjoying the Monster Turbines. Similar price, possibly similar sound signature from what I have read. Either should be a big upgrade over the E2s.

 

[oarnura]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dobber65 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Definitely look at the Phonaks, but I am also enjoying the Monster Turbines. Similar price, possibly similar sound signature from what I have read. Either should be a big upgrade over the E2s.

The Turbines don't have the same sound signature as the PFE. The turbines have a lot more mid bass and are not as clear in the mids and highs as the PFE.

That said the Turbines are pretty good too.