[ncvlen]

My beloved ~18 month-old Westone UM1s are dying, suffering from the cut-outs and static of cable damage (it seems to be a problem right at the points where the cable connects to the earpiece), and I'm thinking about perhaps going a step-up when I replace them.

I don't have the biggest budget in the world, but I was eyeing the UM2 or the Super.fi 5 Pro. The UM2 is attractive because I love the Westone sound and form factor. The Super.fi 5 is tempting because of the replaceable cables (given my current problems) and the cable mod seems to suffice for making it nearly as low-profile and sleek as the Westones. And the reputation of the Super.fi 5 is good enough that I don't worry about the change in sound.

Of course, there's always the option of getting another set of UM1s, or even the Super.fi 3s, to keep costs down (I'll soon be in the middle of a cross-country move + grad school, so funds are an issue, when I let myself get sidetracked by them.

)

Anyone mind giving any advice?

EDIT: Knew I forgot something. I listen to mostly Indie, Rock, Pop, and some Folk and Jazz. I listen to anything if it's good, though, so I like having a pretty versatile sound from my 'phones.


Thanks