Hello all,
So I am currently considering buying a new pair of earbuds/IEMs and don't know what to get. There are numerous options out there and so many of them seem to just barely fit what I need while others not so much. I currently use a pair of RHA MA750s (no "i") with Comply foam Sport tips (the new ones) as my daily driver and absolutely love(d) them (past tense because the left audio channel crapped out on me after two years, I'm currently going through the RMA process for them, I'll probably sell the replacement pair without even opening the box). The bass is loud and punchy but not overbearing (though at the upper limit of what I like, bass-wise), the mids are clear and definitely there, if maybe a tiny bit recessed, and the highs are crisp and clean, though a bit sibilant at times (damn you, Hi-hats, I love you so much but you make my ears bleed sometimes). The RHA MA750s are definitely a 'fun' sounding pair of IEMs.
I am looking for a solid upgrade to the MA750s for ~$250 or less (maybe $275~$300 if I sell the replaced/repaired MA750s) and really can't decide on anything.
I personally know I want a pair that go over the ear like the MA750s do (I really hate microphonics and also find this to be much more comfortable due to how the weight is supported) and preferably doesn't have an in-line remote (I don't need one and it makes the weight balance between left and right just slightly off. Though it isn't necessary that it be absent).
I definitely like a crisp, warm sound with a bit of punch (MA750s in a nutshell). E.g. electronic music with brass instruments really exemplify these characteristics in headphones. Feel it Still by Portugal. The Man and I Need a Dollar by Aloe Blacc are good examples. Though the MA750s are probably at the upper limit of what I like in bass; any more would be excessive (sorry, T10s :/ ). I'm not really a basshead, but I do like my bass present and forward slightly more than natural (tried Etymotic hf3s for a week, I know someone who owns a pair and loves them, I personally couldn't stand them because they were just too boring. Clarity, precision, detail, and lifelike sound is nice, but damn is it boring.).
Isolation is also important; I prefer not being able to hear my surroundings too much when listening to them, though a little bit of awareness is nice (NYC, so awareness is also important, but I can always take one ear out for that).
Sorry If I sound a bit demanding, I always have had trouble formulation these kinds of posts.
Addition (edit): I am not looking for "value" IEMs (ie. ~$100 and below). While the MA750s certainly have great bang for the buck, they did cost a pretty penny (at the time) at $120 retail, which for a UIEM is basically the upper limit of anything that could be considered "value" with IEMs (at least in my book, story would be much different if we were talking cans though). I really would like an appreciable upgrade, not just a good value purchase to replace the MA750s; at that point I'd just buy another pair.
I mainly came here because I'm sure there are options I have missed that others in the audiophile community adore and would like to suggest. all opinions are welcomed!
Below is a list of IEMs I am currently considering (I will continue to update this as the thread progresses)
•Sennheiser IE80 (normally out of budget but prices decrease frequently)
•RHA T20
•Fender FXA5 Pro (at the very edge of my budget)
•Final Audio F4100
Help is very greatly appreciated, thanks!
So I am currently considering buying a new pair of earbuds/IEMs and don't know what to get. There are numerous options out there and so many of them seem to just barely fit what I need while others not so much. I currently use a pair of RHA MA750s (no "i") with Comply foam Sport tips (the new ones) as my daily driver and absolutely love(d) them (past tense because the left audio channel crapped out on me after two years, I'm currently going through the RMA process for them, I'll probably sell the replacement pair without even opening the box). The bass is loud and punchy but not overbearing (though at the upper limit of what I like, bass-wise), the mids are clear and definitely there, if maybe a tiny bit recessed, and the highs are crisp and clean, though a bit sibilant at times (damn you, Hi-hats, I love you so much but you make my ears bleed sometimes). The RHA MA750s are definitely a 'fun' sounding pair of IEMs.
I am looking for a solid upgrade to the MA750s for ~$250 or less (maybe $275~$300 if I sell the replaced/repaired MA750s) and really can't decide on anything.
I personally know I want a pair that go over the ear like the MA750s do (I really hate microphonics and also find this to be much more comfortable due to how the weight is supported) and preferably doesn't have an in-line remote (I don't need one and it makes the weight balance between left and right just slightly off. Though it isn't necessary that it be absent).
I definitely like a crisp, warm sound with a bit of punch (MA750s in a nutshell). E.g. electronic music with brass instruments really exemplify these characteristics in headphones. Feel it Still by Portugal. The Man and I Need a Dollar by Aloe Blacc are good examples. Though the MA750s are probably at the upper limit of what I like in bass; any more would be excessive (sorry, T10s :/ ). I'm not really a basshead, but I do like my bass present and forward slightly more than natural (tried Etymotic hf3s for a week, I know someone who owns a pair and loves them, I personally couldn't stand them because they were just too boring. Clarity, precision, detail, and lifelike sound is nice, but damn is it boring.).
Isolation is also important; I prefer not being able to hear my surroundings too much when listening to them, though a little bit of awareness is nice (NYC, so awareness is also important, but I can always take one ear out for that).
Sorry If I sound a bit demanding, I always have had trouble formulation these kinds of posts.
Addition (edit): I am not looking for "value" IEMs (ie. ~$100 and below). While the MA750s certainly have great bang for the buck, they did cost a pretty penny (at the time) at $120 retail, which for a UIEM is basically the upper limit of anything that could be considered "value" with IEMs (at least in my book, story would be much different if we were talking cans though). I really would like an appreciable upgrade, not just a good value purchase to replace the MA750s; at that point I'd just buy another pair.
I mainly came here because I'm sure there are options I have missed that others in the audiophile community adore and would like to suggest. all opinions are welcomed!
Below is a list of IEMs I am currently considering (I will continue to update this as the thread progresses)
•Sennheiser IE80 (normally out of budget but prices decrease frequently)
•RHA T20
•Fender FXA5 Pro (at the very edge of my budget)
•Final Audio F4100
Help is very greatly appreciated, thanks!
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