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Need IEM recommendation (between $100-$200 preferably)

Mar 31, 2017 at 4:17 PM Thread Starter Post #1 of 20
Honkymagoo21

Honkymagoo21

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Hi guys, first post here. I'm looking for a new IEM in the sub $200 range to use for work. I listen to mostly metal (black, death, prog, gothic) but I dabble in pretty much every genre. I own Sennheiser HD555's and ATH-50x's that I use at home, but I need in-ears to be more discreet for work (I got in trouble with an executive for wearing my cans lol). I love how my AT's sound, and the Senn's were my daily use headphones for like 6-7 years before I got the 50x's (a few months ago).

 

Anyway, I picked up a pair of Audio Technica CKS55 in-ear to use at work... and I'm not happy with them. EQ’ing them has helped (a bit) but the sound overall just seems muddy no matter how much I tinker.

 

I've been doing research for the past few days trying to figure out what to get to replace these and I've narrowed down to 4 options (though I'm completely open to other suggestions):

 

1) V-MODA Zn ($177)

 

2) Echobox Finder x1 ($149)

 

3) RHA T10 ($189)

 

4) or the T20 ($240, slightly above my price range but I'd be willing to shell out a little extra cash if the jump is worth it)

 

For the record: I'm playing straight from my Pixel XL audio jack. Not using any amps or anything currently. I've always been a fan of good quality sound but I guess I'm still working my way into the audiophile world.

 

I'm not a bass-head, though I do find my HD555's lacked bass. The ATH-50x's punch nicely for me overall. If there are any questions that would help point me in the right direction please ask.

 

Thanks in advance!

 
Apr 1, 2017 at 5:55 PM Post #3 of 20
Do you need a mic? Detachable cable? I use my earphones at work for conference calls as well this way no one can give me crap lol
What type of sound signature do you like. Do you prefer balanced and neutral or colored and V shaped where the bass and treble are boosted?
 
 
KEF m200 when they go on sale - great solid bass and awesome overall sound
UE 900s - https://www.eglobalcentral.com/logitech-ultimate-ears-ue900s-headphone.html 
 
UE 900s at that price is a no brainer. Despite some cable issues that some people had with them, including myself. 
 
 
Mee Pinnacle P1 - at $150 is a great value. Great company with great customer service. 
https://www.amazon.com/MEE-audio-Audiophile-Headphones-Detachable/dp/B01A60I4P6 
 
Apr 1, 2017 at 6:26 PM Post #4 of 20
I don't need a mic but I wouldn't complain if it had one for the double use, I guess. Detachable cable would be nice but not entirely necessary as long as the stock cable is good.

In terms of sound... I'm not entirely sure. Like I said: I like the sound of my ATH-50x's. Since they're monitors I assume they're fairly neutral, right? I don't like my CKS55's because of how muddy they sound. The bass overpowers and bleeds into everything else from what I can tell.

How do the Pinnacles stack against the Finder X1 since they're at the same price point?
 
Apr 1, 2017 at 7:00 PM Post #5 of 20
Sorry, l don't have any experience with the Finder X1. 
 
Pinnacle P1 is fairly neutral and clear. I believe your ATH-50x has more bass and low end presence. If you tend to keep your earphones l would go with something that has a solid warranty should you need it. 
 
Apr 1, 2017 at 7:33 PM Post #6 of 20
The Finder X1 is good. But if you can afford the T20, then I would definitely do that. Excellent sound quality. 3-year warranty. Built well. Solid. Lastly, I wonder if you might also consider an SE215--it could also possibly work for you.
 
Apr 1, 2017 at 7:38 PM Post #7 of 20
tommy c said:
Sorry, l don't have any experience with the Finder X1. 

Pinnacle P1 is fairly neutral and clear. I believe your ATH-50x has more bass and low end presence. If you tend to keep your earphones l would go with something that has a solid warranty should you need it. 
Click to expand...


So what I'm reading about the mh-50x is that they're a little bassy for monitors but not overly so. Some are saying they're neutral and slightly warm or fun... Some saying u shape. Honestly I'm new to a lot of this so I don't know what's true here lol.
 
Apr 1, 2017 at 7:45 PM Post #8 of 20
serman005 said:
The Finder X1 is good. But if you can afford the T20, then I would definitely do that. Excellent sound quality. 3-year warranty. Built well. Solid. Lastly, I wonder if you might also consider an SE215--it could also possibly work for you.
Click to expand...

 


I can afford the T20's but I'm trying to be responsible with my money and add to my savings. T20's are on the list if they're truly worth the price jump from the others then I could justify it.
 
Apr 1, 2017 at 8:14 PM Post #9 of 20
honkymagoo21 said:
 
serman005 said:
  The Finder X1 is good. But if you can afford the T20, then I would definitely do that. Excellent sound quality. 3-year warranty. Built well. Solid. Lastly, I wonder if you might also consider an SE215--it could also possibly work for you.
Click to expand...

 


I can afford the T20's but I'm trying to be responsible with my money and add to my savings. T20's are on the list if they're truly worth the price jump from the others then I could justify it.
Click to expand...

Decisions, decisions...   ---)
 
Apr 2, 2017 at 10:06 AM Post #13 of 20
I completely forgot to mention... I have small ears. I'm a little worried looking at some of these models because they seem like they're large. The CKS55 fits perfectly but I've had issues with other random in ear models.
 
Apr 2, 2017 at 4:15 PM Post #14 of 20
Been thinking about this non-stop for 2 days and I went ahead and just ordered the MEE P1 bundled with a fiio a3. Thanks for the input and recommendations, guys. I'll probably report back with how I feel after I get them (wish me luck).
 
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