[2ugly4girls]

well some reviews are good, sorry.
but i want the best way to test out multiple IEMs without buying them or buying + returning with no hassles
buying and returning them in amazon with my 4 thousand dollar credit line seems scary.
im basically boned if amazon decides not to take some of them back, but they do accept refunds most of the time.
 
so what are clever ways to test out IEMs?

 

[bhima]

Depends on where you live. I know in Asia, they do auditioning frequently, but I live in California and I haven't the faintest idea where to audition an IEM let alone an IEM I'd actually care to own. If you live on the East Coast, you might be able to check with J&R or B&H.

 

[2ugly4girls]

i live in cali too. Los Angeles
the only ones you can test out frequently at stores are over the head earphones.
any IEM has to be purchased(subject to restocking fees at some places)

 

[mark2410]

youd be much better off editing the title asking where near LA can i demo stuff.

 

[djvkool]

The best thing to do would be to organise a meet between head-fiers near your area, I doubt very much that you can try in shops because of the hygienic reason

 

[Techno Kid]

Its nice to see someone that really appreciates the time and effort people put into making a good review.

 

[Peculier]

The title was rather strongly worded, but I'm sure it's understandable considering some people may not have the capabilites to buy IEMs blindly.

I'll actually be in Anaheim for the next few days... But I highly doubt there are any stores like Jaben which let you try IEMs.

 

[suburbanite]

i liked the thread title
its hard not to agree w the impatience of the poster
buying and returning stuff gets really old, definitely time consuming and can be expensive
short of auditioning earphones, the best way to mitigate costs is to buy used

 

[Spyro]

Quote:

well some reviews are good, sorry.
but i want the best way to test out multiple IEMs without buying them or buying + returning with no hassles
buying and returning them in amazon with my 4 thousand dollar credit line seems scary.
im basically boned if amazon decides not to take some of them back, but they do accept refunds most of the time.
 
so what are clever ways to test out IEMs?

Nowhere.  This hobby is NOT for cheap asses!
 
Stick with Best Buy and Target.

 

[Codefox]

How has no one recommended an airport? That's a great place to demo earphones.

 

[RIQUE]

Quote:

Nowhere.  This hobby is NOT for cheap asses!
 
Stick with Best Buy and Target.

I have to agree with Spyro Gyro, if you want qualtiy IEM you gotta buy them. I would feel kinda of grossed out if I had to go to a store and
try on an IEM demo that a zillion folks have tried out before me. I think this site is great at providing potential users good reviews as a reference for potential buyers. I do wish I could get several IEM for testing and then keeping only what I want but its not fair for vendors and IEM are a bit on the personal side of things worn. So read the f....g reviews make an educated selection and dish some cash.

 

[lin0003]

Trying out IEMs are really unsanitary. You could just go to local audio store to demo them if your heart's set on it. 

 

[Spyro]

Quote:

Trying out IEMs are really unsanitary. You could just go to local audio store to demo them if your heart's set on it. 

No you can't.  That's his whole point.  At least you can't here in the USA

 

[kimvictor]

Quote:

No you can't.  That's his whole point.  At least you can't here in the USA

I know a store in boston area that you can do that.

 

[Codefox]

I was serious about airports.  Many of the shops are behind security so its not always easy to get to them but if you're in a large city with a decent sized airport you can go in an demo plenty of nice earphones.  Most will have Shure, Klipsch, Monster, Etymotic, and Westone as a few I can remember off hand from what I usually see.  They will demo everything in the store.  Its perfectly sanitary as they give you fresh tips.