[boost3d]

Ive had my MEE M9 for close to 2 years now and it finally died on me. The left side died (a small portion of the plastic covering the wire got mysteriously cut), no clue how that could happen. Anyway instead of getting another MEE M9, I figure why not upgrade to something of a higher quality sound wise.
 
What Im looking for?
In-Ear headphones
Something under $35 (with either a deal or full price)
For trance and reggae (I listen to everything but thats mainly what I listen to)
Something with solid build quality as I will be using it in the gym
Will be used with smartphone and computer
 
Currently looking at Brainwavz Beta but hear they are not of the best build quality (?).
 
Any help is appreciated ASAP, looking to purchase something today.

 

[boost3d]

Bump.
 
 
I also see that the DUNU Trident are just under $35.

 

[Jyoof]

[size=10pt]There are a few threads on budget iems in this forum for the last week...have you browse through them?[/size]
 
[size=10.0pt]http://www.head-fi.org/t/594218/budget-iem[/size]
[size=10.0pt]http://www.head-fi.org/t/594747/budget-iems[/size]
[size=10.0pt]http://www.head-fi.org/t/594616/looking-for-some-new-cheap-iems#post_8125177[/size]
 
[size=10pt]If you want to use for gym and a better sound quality than M9, I would suggest Soundmagic E30 (worn over the ear style)...balanced and neutral sound, nice soundstage and very comfy. It may have lower isolation though. I think they are available at mp4nation for US$39, amazon for US$36 or focal price for about US$34. They are great for its price.[/size] If you want more bass, then look at Soundmagic E10.
 
[size=10pt]If you are in Europe / UK, I have seen people recommending Radiopaq Jazz for [/size]£10 @ amazon.co.uk
 
[size=10.0pt]http://www.head-fi.org/t/593553/radiopaq-iems-are-dirt-cheap-amazon-uk[/size]
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Radiopaq-Custom-Tuned-Jazz-Earphones/dp/B0022NHHZY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1328713541&sr=8-1

 

[hipster2010]

Check out this thread on the ATH CKM50, currently $35.54 on Amazon
http://www.head-fi.org/t/592457/the-ath-ckm50-the-ckm-family-impressions/15
 
A few days ago the Brainwavz M4 were $28.50 on Amazon through MP4Nation so you just missed that deal. Mine just came in so I'm about to try them 

 

[boost3d]

Jyoof, I actually did check out those threads, wanted to see if anything fit my requirements better. Ill check out the E30 but I dont really need over the ear, Im fine with hanging down as long as they stay in my ears.
 
 
hipster2010, ATH CKM50 seems good but the cord length issue would be a huge issue for me. And yes Im angry I missed the M4 deal, I was going through the deal thread and saw that. I would have probably got those.

 

[dziendobry]

Dunu Trident will not disappoint in any regards, build quality is excellent, accessories are great and the sound is very well balanced with bass when called upon.

 

[boost3d]

The Trident are at the top of the list right now.
 
 
What about the new NuForce Ne-600X? How does it compare to the Brainwavz Beta and Dunu Trident?

 

[phantompersona]

how bout the m9's brother the m6. its a relatively minor upgrade but the m6 improves upon everything on the m9. also i suggest lookig at the m21

 

[boost3d]

Quote:

how bout the m9's brother the m6. its a relatively minor upgrade but the m6 improves upon everything on the m9. also i suggest looking at the m21

 
I'm looking for more of an upgrade than the m6 to be honest; something more substantial.

Just took a look at the m21, according to ljokerl thread the Beta and Trident are a bit better than the m21 in the price range.
 
 

 

[tripletec]

The A-Jays One (or even the A-Jays Two if you can find a deal) might be worth checking out. I think they're around $40 but I like the quality for the price they've gotten decent reviews so far.

 

[boost3d]

Thanks will look into both.

 

[Assimilator702]

Quote:

Check out this thread on the ATH CKM50, currently $35.54 on Amazon
http://www.head-fi.org/t/592457/the-ath-ckm50-the-ckm-family-impressions/15
 
A few days ago the Brainwavz M4 were $28.50 on Amazon through MP4Nation so you just missed that deal. Mine just came in so I'm about to try them 

 
I can vouch for these.....AWESOME iem.....check my avatar for how much I love these iem's.
 
I've had mine for 1 week now and they're absolutely my favorite iem and I like them better than some of my full size cans for certain music.
 
You'll be blown away going from the M9 to the CKM50.
 
The M9 is barely listenable to me on Rock, Metal and Jazz or anything with vocals....I have to EQ the crap out of them to reduce the upper mid to lower treble peak plus the midbass boost that makes everything fatiguing to listen to....the CKM50 suffers from none of these problems.
 
Everything sounds natural and detailed on the CKM50 with plenty of bottom end for genres likes EDM and Dubstep while they're detailed and airy enough for delicate classical/chamber music....and have plenty of meat to them for Metal and Jazz/Fusion.
 
Even if I'm too late and you've already bought something else deffinately grab a pair of CKM50.....I'm grabbing 2 more pairs before they're all gone.
 
For the $35 they're selling for right now it's a no-brainer....and if they cost $80 I'd still be in love with them.
 
 

 

[Assimilator702]

Quote:

Jyoof, I actually did check out those threads, wanted to see if anything fit my requirements better. Ill check out the E30 but I dont really need over the ear, Im fine with hanging down as long as they stay in my ears.
 
 
hipster2010, ATH CKM50 seems good but the cord length issue would be a huge issue for me. And yes Im angry I missed the M4 deal, I was going through the deal thread and saw that. I would have probably got those.

While the cord is an issue they sound so good....I can overlook it.
 
If you can wear your MP3 player on your arm or up high anywhere above your belt the cord length is perfect.....and I'm sure the Japanese engineers had this in mind when designing it.
 
I only wear the CKM50 at my desk so it's not an issue.
 
I'm willing to try any iem mentioned in this thread since I'm always looking for an impressive iem for a good deal...... but I doubt any of them can even  touch the Audio Technica CKM50....they're like an ART series monitor shrunk down..

 

[Ivabign]

I just think it is amazing that a $14 pair of IEM's lasted for a full 2 years - Did you use them every day? (M9 - and I do have a couple pair - bought for my son because he is tough on them) I love my IE8's and TF10's - but there is something about an all metal body...

 

[Dacrazydude]

I think you're misunderstanding the cord issue on the CKM50s. It comes with a cord extension. Without the cord extension, it barely touches my belt clip. With the cord extension it can reach my toes and more.