Returning after 10 years! Which budget IEM's to buy in 2021?

[Danny23]

As the title suggests, I used to post here, had a bunch of headphones, earphones mics. Sold them all when I switched countries and never really got back into audio in a huge way. Been using Sony 1000XM3 for travelling, some cheap Mpow wireless bluetooth buds for work/walks/gym, other than that I mainly listen through speakers at home.

I wanna stop using the mpow as they give me a headache, and I want a wired option to go back to good sound quality and not having to bother with charging. I've done a little research and im looking at the following, looking to see what you guys recommend.

I mainly listen to electronic & hip hop, with some pop, rock, rnb (www.last.fm/user/danny23) - I like bass, my favourite sound signature out of any headphones I've owned were the Audio Technica M50's. I'll be listening mainly with iPhone, sometimes MacBook.

(added Beats Flex as a wildcard, don't know too much about them, I know they are not wired, but the wireless chip seems a breeze between iPhone/Mac)

Thanks for any insights!

 

[robertjwarren]

My beats flex are fine for me for Teams meetings but serious listening i still use my EarSonics ES3 s

 

[Tiax]

Honestly, i think your list is a little outdated, and you can do better with even less than some of these cost.
Here are some ideas for good budget iems:
Sony MH755
Blon BL03
Final E500 / E1000 / E2000
Moondrop Starfield

 

[Danny23]

Cool, ill check these out - im definitely out of the loop! I should of mentioned as well im in the UK if this affects the availability on any of these

 

[H T T]

I am a big fan of the Starfield for its overall tuning, timbre, and mids. That said, your most listened two genres are EDM and Hip Hop. I think the Blon 03, the FiiO FD1, and the Final E2000 or E3000 might be a bit more suited to those genres having more apparent bass dynamics. The Starfield’s bass is good but it does not have the bass texture that some other similar-priced IEMs have. Now if you want layering, soundstage, vocal and mid-range timbre...well then the Starfield says, “hi”! The ibasso IT00 is another highly respected IEM in that general price range that you might want also to consider.

 

[earmonger]

Definitely add the ISN D02 to your possibilities, around $80 from AliExpress. BIG but not bloated bass, clarity up above. I just sold my pair--pending--because I have some higher-end IEMs, but IMHO they are totally the ones to beat under $100.

Ibasso IT00 was a fail for me--it has a sharp seam along the lower edge that just hurt my ears, there was driver flex with any tips that got a good seal (crunchy noise on insertion, took a little while to un-flex) and I could not get a fit that didn't wriggle free for extended listening. ISN D02 solved all of that, comfortable and good-sounding. My FS photos are still up in that forum if you want to take a look.

Note that most Sony MH755 are fake, counterfeit, phony, BS. It will be difficult to find real ones. I have tried a few formerly reputable sellers recommended here. Spassear on Ebay sent fakes. Kanoya on Ebay took my money months ago but they have not arrived. Anything on AliExpress is probably counterfeit.

Edit: B&O H3 are also uncomfortable. I don't know why manufacturers are not aware that ears are curved.

 

[sebek]

Etymotic ER2XR !

 

[HerrXRDS]

Blon 03 is better than everything in your list. FH3 if you want one step up.