[nobb]

Hey guys,

Im looking for a set of IEMs to use at home, since Im using my UE Super.Fi5EB in the office. Would prefer to keep this under $250 canadian. About my tastes:

I like the mid and high end of the UE5EB, and although there is much praise for the bass coming from these, I am hoping to get something that can extend a bit lower and sound more natural/smooth. I guess the type of bass I like is like the type from my JL 12W6V2 car subwoofer in a sealed box. Yes, this is a car sub, but the bass is among the smoothest Ive ever heard. From some reading, it seems that the Atrio M8 is a good candidate for this, but the comments that their mids and highs sound dark and laid back is a bit of a turn off.

The kind of mids/highs I am aiming for is the more "direct", or "in your face" kind. What I mean by this is that I like the kind of detail that you can hear at the local THX certified movie theatre, where every single nuance seems to be oviously present and not laid back. I think I enjoy something fun sounding, rather than analytical and flat, so I guess that eliminates Etymotic from the picture.

Ive also had the Shure E2C, and the sound was very smooth, but it felt kind of boring. I would prefer to stick with IEMs for portability, but if there is a particular headphone you guys think would be suited for me, feel free to recommend that as well.

So yea, recommendations will be awesome. I've done alot of reading on this topic, but was hoping maybe someone can start throwing some model numbers and experiences at me so that I can start reading up some more.

Thanks guys.

 

[ThePandemonium]

Take a look at the Klipsch X10. They don't have as much bass as those other two, but they are much smoother.

 

[nobb]

Thanks for the quick reply...the X10s seem a bit expensive though, but it will be something to consider.

Do you mean as much bass as the Super.fi5EB and the Atrio M8, or did you mean the Shure E2C as well? I actually think the amount of bass put out by the Super.Fi5EB is perfect....if only it was smoother and hit lower.

The bass from the Shure E2C I would describe as too thin and weak, I dont think I would like anything with bass worse than the E2C.

 

[ThePandemonium]

I've never heard the the SF5EB before but from what I heard from other people is that the X10's bass is comparible in quanity but the X10 is much tighter and more accurate. I can tell you that the bass is soooo much better than the E2C, the E2C could not even dream on having that much bass. And from what I heard the X10 does not have that funky sounding mid range and highs that I heard about, but again I did not hear the SF5EB's. All in all you will not be disapointed in the bass that the X10 can put out.

Also take a look at the Monster Turbines, everyone seems to love these nowadays. They seem to fit the sound that you want.

 

[Sixteh]

Look at the UM2's. They have a really full-bodied sound and fairly powerful bass.

 

[Dobber65]

Try the Turbines. Deep deep bass with great mids and treble. Low price too in case you don't like them. If you want to go the other way and you enjoy the SF5EBs, then a used Triple.fi or SE530 may work also. Just replace the tips and they are like new.

 

[nobb]

I should have known you guys would recommend stuff outside my budget. I am content with my SF5EB, but wouldn't mind trying something different.

After some more reading, I am thinking about getting some Klipsch Custom 3 (for $200CDN), unless someone has any objections. They seem to be well known for their deep, full range, and detailed forward sound. Exactly what I am looking for perhaps?

 

[mark2410]

going to suggest the C751 as a n option but nothing wrong with the custom 3

 

[Sixteh]

You can grab the Custom 3's for ~$125USD off Amazon.com...not too sure exactly how that translates to CDN but it should be less.

I've heard of microphonics/cable issues with the custom 3's though, so ymmv.

 

[koven]

NE-7m.

 

[3X0]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sixteh /img/forum/go_quote.gif not too sure exactly how that translates to CDN but it should be less.

CAD is stronger than USD now? News to me..

 

[Sixteh]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3X0 /img/forum/go_quote.gif CAD is stronger than USD now? News to me..

Well...
- Wolfram|Alpha
200CAD->180ish USD

If CAD was stronger you'd know right away that the $125 is a better deal. But it isn't...which is why, because I didn't recall the exchange rate off the top of my head (but knew CAD was weaker) I was unsure which was better.

 

[3X0]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sixteh /img/forum/go_quote.gif Well... - Wolfram|Alpha 200CAD->180ish USD If CAD was stronger you'd know right away that the $125 is a better deal. But it isn't...which is why, because I didn't recall the exchange rate off the top of my head (but knew CAD was weaker) I was unsure which was better.

Oh whoops! My bad, I thought you meant Amazon-to-Amazon prices..


I wonder what ever happened to Custom-3 reviews, thoughts, impressions, whatnot..

 

[nobb]

Aw crap, I should have searched on Amazon sooner. It would have been $170USD shipped. I ended up buying them for $200USD shipped on eBay. Oh well...hopefully Ill enjoy the Custom 3s.

 

[Kobra]

Try the NuForce NE-7M ($49 USD). Decent price but a really good sound. Great bass and a good headstage, they sound way better than what their price tag might indicate... The bass is really good as long as you get a proper seal in your ear canal. To me, it's easier to get the tight seal with my NE-7M than with other IEM's (more expensive) I've used in the past. I wasn't really prepared for the detail that the NE-7M produces, there's very little that I miss. I'm listening to a pair right now connected to a NuForce Mobile Icon amp/dac ($99 USD) and my MacBook Pro as I type - a great combination that wont brake your bank account

It's bigger brother the NE-8 adds a little more detail in the highs.

Here's a good review of the NE-7M and here's a Head-Fi forum thread.