Bang for buck/Fullsized:
T50RP - stock are boring. Modded are godly. Wearing mine at the moment and they keep me from buying a LCD-2
Value 9/10
Bang for buck/IEM:
Brainwavz M1/any Chinese IEM - Great sound while also being cheap
Value: 6/10
The main difference is that there is a larger market that can show more gems for the fullsized can market.
Now I've heard, I haven't tried the W4, but heard that they are bassy and have some fogged mids.
Compared to the 325i (which I think are some of the best headphones out) you get more bass with the W4 but loose everything a Grado is. To me, Grado's are the greatest sound quality you can buy.
but, it's not so much of SQ when dealing with the two, it's about comfort.
Any person will try between a IEM and FS, and will find the IEM to be more revealing, higher clarity and better SQ. But not many people can have sensitive ears that actually hear the difference between FS and IEM. To my ears which have led me everywhere in life, I've found nothing can beat a good old Fullsized.
Fullsized for me. The top cans I have for fullsized, are the T1's I'm borrowing and for IEM, I have the UE18 which I don't use unless it's for something really important
Capability:
A Open can will destroy a IEM because the IEM must replicate SQ and Soundstage, when a Open FS can use the natural air and openings to perform better. Price to price, the Fullsized win. Comfort to comfort, Fullsized.
I only keep my M1's on me when I'm out and about for a long time and might not take my Grado, or I use my UE18 for drumming on stage.
Other then that, 10 hours a day with fullsized on. No Exceptions