[Devon8822]

Hey, I am looking for some flat EIMs for reference monitoring under $500, with good isolation. Recommendations appreciated! thanks

 

[soundstige]

For that price, you need to get a pair of customs.

 

[NA Blur]

I did a review you can read from the link below on the Sony MDR-EX600's that post some really nice graphs.  Tyll's charts can be found below as well.  Even though in my review I did not recommend them I based this off of not having comply tips with the included ear tips, the crack in the test set I had, and the $200 cost.  They sounded amazing and once I installed the Comply T-400 tips I really enjoyed them, but I question their long term durability.  Just be sure to check their warranty prior to making your purchase.  If I remember correctly it is 90 days.
 
Links:
Sony MDR-EX600 Review
http://www.head-fi.org/products/sony-mdr-ex600/reviews/5752
 
Tylls Graphs:
http://www.innerfidelity.com/images/SonyMDREX600.pdf

 

[MrNodi]

Etymotic ER-4 is surely the answer to your prayers?

 

[J0nny]

Quote:

Etymotic ER-4 is surely the answer to your prayers?

Plus 1 they are indeed beasts. I love mine to bits.

 

[mastershake2393]

No need to jump to customs right off the bat. 
 
The EX600's are a good start. They're the best price/performance ratio out of any IEM I have ever owned.
 
(Woo! Over 500 posts now ! )

 

[ZARIM]

RE-272, Westone 4, CK100, UM3x, SE535, EX1000 and E-Q7.

 

[qusp]

Quote:

RE-272, Westone 4, CK100, UM3x, SE535, EX1000 and E-Q7.

you do know what the terms flat and reference monitor mean right? i haven't heard the E-Q7 or re-272, but none of the others except perhaps um3x are what i would call flat. good iems? yes, flat? nope

 

[eke2k6]

These...The GR07 is the droid you are looking for 

 

[Pianist]

If great isolation (~30 db+) is a must for you, then ER4 P/S is what you are looking for. If average 20-25 db average isolation is OK for you, then RE0 or RE272 are even better for flat response than the ER4 IMO. RE272 is the flattest IEM I ever tried. RE0 is quite close. ER4 is a tad behind the two with an emphasis on upper mids and lower highs, a certain lack of depth and fullness in the sound and a tad too much dryness IMO.

 

[kostalex]

+1 to Pianist.

 

[alphaphoenix]

Quote:

you do know what the terms flat and reference monitor mean right? i haven't heard the E-Q7 or re-272, but none of the others except perhaps um3x are what i would call flat. good iems? yes, flat? nope

Well said.  You can take the E-Q7 off, far from it.  I've auditioned the RE272 and found it more suitable for non-stage monitoring purposes.  If you want on-stage monitoring, the UM3X is one of the top.  If you desire non-stage monitoring purpose, I would add the MTPC. 
 

 

[i2ehan]

Quote:

Hey, I am looking for some flat EIMs for reference monitoring under $500, with good isolation. Recommendations appreciated! thanks

I'm surprised there's even mention of vented in-ears such as the GR07/EX600, especially after the OP mentioned he's looking for good isolation, for which there are certainly better options than the two aforementioned. Of the ones I've owned, I'd personally recommend the W4, RE252 (discontinued, but there's always the for sale section), RE272, K2 SP, and ER4S. Of the aforementioned, the ER4S is about as flat a response as you can get, while the K2 SP is a very very close second. They're both on par with one another in terms of isolation. The W4 is infamous for it's nearly ruler flat sounding signature, and it's just as good an option as any. The RE252 is also an absolute favorite of mine, with a very natural, flat response. The RE272 has some sparkle to it, but it's also another great alternative. I'd still give it to either the ER4S/K2 SP as your absolute best options. All the best my friend.