Recommend me some entry level IEMs. (Shure SE215 maybe?)
Nov 10, 2016 at 8:15 AM Thread Starter Post #1 of 9

Lynchie

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Hey guys, I'm fairly new to the concept of 'premium' IEMs. 
 
I currently own a pair of Sennheiser CX 300-II which I purchased before I had any knowledge of the audio world. But I've lost the silicone tips whilst commuting. 
I was looking at getting replacements but they're going to set me back around 40 dollarydoos.
So now I'm leaning towards just buying some brand new shiny IEMs that are fit better to my listening choices.
 
Seeing as these are the only IEMs I have used besides the type that come "free" with portable devices I don't have much to compare to.
But based on my budget ~~$100 AUD and looking through buying guides and reviews I'm considering the Shure SE215.
 
Hard to generalise the genre of music I listen to but I'd say its like electronica, hip-hop, trip-hop to IDM, downtempo and ambient stuff.
Artists like Tycho, ShlohmoBonobo, and Lorn
 
If I were to guess, this would mean I want an IEM with decent bass (and sub-bass), but also one that keeps a lot of the detail so I don't miss out on all the intricacies of the ambient stuff. 
 
Do you think the Se215 would be a good fit for this? or have any more appropriate recommendations?
Appreciate the help head-fiers!
 
Nov 10, 2016 at 8:54 AM Post #2 of 9
In the $0-100 price bracket, I would just go for the higher-end stuff from KZ (Knowledge Zenith).
Their most expensive IEMs will set you back an eye-watering $15, but will beat 95% of IEMs up to $100 with EASE.
 
I've got the KZ ATE, but the long nozzle fit and over-ear cable isn't for everyone.
 
Nov 11, 2016 at 6:48 PM Post #3 of 9
I was gonna recommend you the Sony XB90EX which you can get for less than 100$ but in Australia i just don't know :x
 
Anyway if you like your CX 300-II, the XB90s are also bassy but have more sub bass. They're not muddy, the bass doesn't intrude into the mids and they have clarity enough so you can hear the other frequencies clearly. Also the bass is really clean, i love them.
 
If you can have them in your country within your budget, take a look at them 
smily_headphones1.gif
 
 
Nov 11, 2016 at 9:48 PM Post #4 of 9
Hi, I second the KZ if you're on a budget.
 
The ATR and ZS3 are good starting points, see my review of the ZS3 which is basically good except finding a fit is tricky and you need to buy them with the upgraded cables. Detailed sound with a bass boost.
 
If you prefer branded stuff just note that value for money is definitely not a strong point. I would strongly discourage getting the Shure SE215 as they are outdated. Found them horribly muddy to just get a bit more bass out of the drivers. If you really like that kind of signature the MEE M6 Pro is cheaper, possibly tougher and you can use the savings on some Comply tips.
 
In the $100 range my pick is the Audio Technica ATH-40. Fit is not the most ergonomic but the sound blows SE215 and and the ATH-IM70 out of the water. It is a pretty balanced and detailed sound that is almost as analytical as my balanced armatures in the Creative Aurvana, which is amazing since you get the best of both worlds - good bass presence yet with clear details.
 
If you want to wait the ATH-LS70 that succeeds and hopefully fixes the IM70 will be out in a few months, it has already launched in Japan.
 
Nov 15, 2016 at 3:54 AM Post #5 of 9
anything that can be worn straight down that fits the OP's needs? In a similar situation budget/sound-wise though not keen on over-ear fitment. klipsch X series and sony XBA-H1 are at the top of my list
 
also looking to buy online from a reputable store with easy returns if unwanted, have noticed many brands/models are somewhat hard to obtain. warranty also comes to mind.
 
Nov 15, 2016 at 7:11 PM Post #6 of 9
  anything that can be worn straight down that fits the OP's needs? In a similar situation budget/sound-wise though not keen on over-ear fitment. klipsch X series and sony XBA-H1 are at the top of my list
 
also looking to buy online from a reputable store with easy returns if unwanted, have noticed many brands/models are somewhat hard to obtain. warranty also comes to mind.

 
Hi, maybe I've misread your post... but are you asking for recommendations?
 
Nov 15, 2016 at 7:28 PM Post #7 of 9
  Hey guys, I'm fairly new to the concept of 'premium' IEMs. 
 
I currently own a pair of Sennheiser CX 300-II which I purchased before I had any knowledge of the audio world. But I've lost the silicone tips whilst commuting. 
I was looking at getting replacements but they're going to set me back around 40 dollarydoos.
So now I'm leaning towards just buying some brand new shiny IEMs that are fit better to my listening choices.
 
Seeing as these are the only IEMs I have used besides the type that come "free" with portable devices I don't have much to compare to.
But based on my budget ~~$100 AUD and looking through buying guides and reviews I'm considering the Shure SE215.
 
Hard to generalise the genre of music I listen to but I'd say its like electronica, hip-hop, trip-hop to IDM, downtempo and ambient stuff.
Artists like Tycho, ShlohmoBonobo, and Lorn
 
If I were to guess, this would mean I want an IEM with decent bass (and sub-bass), but also one that keeps a lot of the detail so I don't miss out on all the intricacies of the ambient stuff. 
 
Do you think the Se215 would be a good fit for this? or have any more appropriate recommendations?
Appreciate the help head-fiers!

like the others mentioned, you don't have to spend big to get great sound.
 
hey there, the KZ sets mentioned are great budget sets that offer great value for money. Both are better than the more expensive Senn CX 300iis which are a horrible over priced set with muddy dominating bass. the KZ ATE is a lot of fun to listen to. Big bass, decently controlled. Huge soundstage so sound is pretty 3D like. Forward vocals, decent detail... more than the Senns you had. For your music they're perfect.
 
The KZ ATR is more balanced, great bass but not as big as the ATE. Great all rounder for many genres. the ZS3 is good sound but it's a horrible build.
 
hiSoundAudio Flamenco - Greta amount of detail, punchy deep bass. Smooth sound which is never fatiguing.
 
VJJB K4S - Another excellent budget set that provides great sound at a low price. Very detailed, great sub warm deep bass. great for many genres especially your tastes.
 
Xiamoi Hybrids - Wonderful all round sound. Does everything well, bass is big when needs to be. Lots of detail and nice smooth sound. Still has plenty details up top without ever sounding tiresome.
 
If getting budget sets are difficult or you're preferring a more known brand.
 
Yamaha EPH-100 - Great all rounder, very well controlled bass, goes deep and performs great, never dominates but it's solid. Plenty detail, crisp highs, big soundstage.
Fiio EX 1 - well liked on head-fi. Huge soundstage. Great detail. A lot of fun. Bass isn't super low but it's well controlled.
 
I'd still go for a budget set. that way if you disliked them you're not out of pocket
 

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