Deadlovestory
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Nov 19, 2012
- Posts
- 326
- Likes
- 20
Hey there, I'm a newbie in head-fi (1st post/thread/activity here!), and I would like to receive some input regarding high-end universal IEM.
First of all, I'm not a hardcore audiophile, nor am I very knowledgeable about IEMs in general, I'm just a casual listener who wants to step up and buy a better IEM. I have been using Shure SE215 for a while now, and while I like its comfort, non-fatiguing sound signature and warm sound, it leaves me wanting more in terms of clarity and soundstage.
So yeah, basically I'd like to ask you guys what IEM should I get. These are the characteristics I look for in my next IEM :
- Decent amount of tight bass thuds. Not into basshead territory, maybe something that has less bass than SE215 but more than neutral. Also, I prefer sub-bass and I'd rather not have bass bleeds and mid-bass humps.
- Inoffensive treble; I prefer something that is non-fatiguing.
- Enveloping, wide 3D soundstage. Doesn't have to be massive, but I certainly want something that gives out-of-my-head feeling.
- Detailed instrument separation. I like listening to complex tracks; Jeff Beck Band - Scatterbrain comes to mind, and it sounds like a messy mush out of my SE215.
- Delicious, lush, sweet vocals, especially female vocals.
- No hissing sound/sibilance if possible.
- Easy-ish to drive.
- Budget up to 500US$
I could also save up for custom IEM, but I mostly listen to Apple lossless files from my iPhone 4S unamped (I also listen to AAC files here and there), so I think it would be overkill to get a custom IEM.
A friend of mine recommended Westone 4R based on my preferences above, but I figure I should ask around more and what better place to ask about IEMs than head-fi?
Oh, and I should mention that I live in Japan, so Audio-Technica or any other Japanese brand shouldn't be too pricey for me.
*Edit*
Forgot to mention my musical taste; I like either complex tracks (Could be rock, jazz, classical) or easy-listening (lounge, acoustic). I couldn't stand dubstep/electronic/hip-hop though @_@
Any recommendations/input will be appreciated, thanks!
First of all, I'm not a hardcore audiophile, nor am I very knowledgeable about IEMs in general, I'm just a casual listener who wants to step up and buy a better IEM. I have been using Shure SE215 for a while now, and while I like its comfort, non-fatiguing sound signature and warm sound, it leaves me wanting more in terms of clarity and soundstage.
So yeah, basically I'd like to ask you guys what IEM should I get. These are the characteristics I look for in my next IEM :
- Decent amount of tight bass thuds. Not into basshead territory, maybe something that has less bass than SE215 but more than neutral. Also, I prefer sub-bass and I'd rather not have bass bleeds and mid-bass humps.
- Inoffensive treble; I prefer something that is non-fatiguing.
- Enveloping, wide 3D soundstage. Doesn't have to be massive, but I certainly want something that gives out-of-my-head feeling.
- Detailed instrument separation. I like listening to complex tracks; Jeff Beck Band - Scatterbrain comes to mind, and it sounds like a messy mush out of my SE215.
- Delicious, lush, sweet vocals, especially female vocals.
- No hissing sound/sibilance if possible.
- Easy-ish to drive.
- Budget up to 500US$
I could also save up for custom IEM, but I mostly listen to Apple lossless files from my iPhone 4S unamped (I also listen to AAC files here and there), so I think it would be overkill to get a custom IEM.
A friend of mine recommended Westone 4R based on my preferences above, but I figure I should ask around more and what better place to ask about IEMs than head-fi?
Oh, and I should mention that I live in Japan, so Audio-Technica or any other Japanese brand shouldn't be too pricey for me.
*Edit*
Forgot to mention my musical taste; I like either complex tracks (Could be rock, jazz, classical) or easy-listening (lounge, acoustic). I couldn't stand dubstep/electronic/hip-hop though @_@
Any recommendations/input will be appreciated, thanks!