[Hemn]

need a neutral iem around 120$

 

[mark2410]

RE-0

 

[kmhaynes]

RE0. (echo around here)

 

[Hemn]

are there no other iem?

 

[pi3guy]

phonak audeo pfes are another great choice, although I haven't heard the re0. Make sure you get the v1 revised model; supposedly they have improved cable quality. maybe you can chat with dfkt. He is from Vienna I think and has heard both.

dfkt's reviews are on anythingbutipod under headphone reviews. On this forum, joker has a extensive mini-review compilation of iems from 20-200 usd. it is usually on the first or second page.
edit here it is
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/m...3-19-a-478568/

 

[Pianist]

Both RE0 and PFE are quite neutral in response, but the RE0 is a much more natural and detailed IEM IMO. It is more subtle and delicate and has a more realistic timbre. PFE simplifies atmosphere in music by comparison - it misses a lot of micro-detail and only leaves the basics/the barebones so to speak of the music. RE0 sounds a lot more sophisticated by comparison and allows you to hear much deeper into the recording. It leaves all the emotions intact, even though it lacks a bit of depth to the sound and sounds slightly compressed. Depth and overall soundstage of the RE0, as well as bass quality improve a lot with better sources/amps. PFE also improves with better amplification, but it can never matches the RE0 IMO.

 

[Alec E]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pianist /img/forum/go_quote.gif PFE simplifies atmosphere in music by comparison - it misses a lot of micro-detail and only leaves the basics/the barebones so to speak of the music.

Very true.

With a simple, precise recording, it's terrific. With a chaotic recording, it doesn't even seem to try.

The PFE has sometimes reminded me of the best FM radio signal you've never heard, as if compression were a major determining factor for the sound.

But--I like it.

 

[ZARIM]

HF5, Image X5, HJE900, RE0, UE SF5Pro, E4c and PK1....

 

[Pianist]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZARIM /img/forum/go_quote.gif HF5, Image X5, HJE900, RE0, UE SF5Pro, E4c and PK1....

Those two are definitely not neutral. They have their own distinct characters. Both have a V-shaped frequency response curve, especially the Super.fi 5 Pro, which is very far from neutral actually - it's got a phat, somewhat overpowering bass and a pretty big spike around 7-8 kHz. PK1 is a bit more neutral and doesn't have any offensive peaks like Super.fi 5 Pro does, but it is still a bit colored in the bass and treble.

 

[goodvibes]

Sorry but I had to ask. RE0 vs HF5 from somebody that actually knows both?

I once owned the UE 5 pro, for about a day.

I actually preferred the UE 3 I had previous. Wouldn't recommend either in that esteemed company.

 

[robjrock]

Forget the SF3s, there are too many better options out there now.
RE0 and PFEs are good choices.

 

[elchaka]

how about westone 1 / UM1?

 

[Pianist]

Quote:

Originally Posted by elchaka /img/forum/go_quote.gif how about westone 1 / UM1?

Pretty mediocre sound if you ask me. The bass is pretty weak, the mids are good, but the treble is virtually non-existent.

 

[Marcus_C]

The hf5 are very good but I wouldn't call them neutral, as for the sf3 studio, they are too old a design to be as good as others in the price range now. Maybe wait for the ety mc5's if you don't like the re0's or phonak??

 

[mythless]

ETY are known to be quite neutral, even the old IM716/616 (if you can still find them are very good) but for your price range the RE0 are great, as well the phonaks. Can't go wrong with either one