Seeking advice on IEM upgrade.

[ethanlives]

Hey.

I am looking to upgrade my portable rig and would very much appreciate any advice you could lend to me (many advance thanks). Currently I have a Toshiba Gigabeat S60 with a set of Shure E2c earphones that I have been using since mid 2004 (I think there was a transition in the manufacturing of the E2c sometime between then and now that resulted in a weaker E2c...?) and I have been somewhat pleased. I am looking to upgrade both the player and the IEMs and SQ is an important consideration. I will be listening to high quality mp3s, and am thinking of maybe looking to purchase one of the newer Kenwood HDD players (HD60GD9EC perhaps, depending on the pending reviews and if I can even get my hands on one). The IEM will be unamped. I love bass but definitely do not want to be sold short in the mids and highs especially. I listen to a variety of music (all types of electronic, classical, jazz, hip hop, shoegaze, etc.) and therefore need a versatile IEM. (At home I listen with 2005 DT 770s out of a newer Total BitHead and am very happy with the sound.) I'd like to spend less than $300. If you've made it this far, thank you for sticking with me. I hope I wasn't too specific and long winded.

 

[ethanlives]

bump

 

[SactoMan101]

If you're talking US$300 limit, there are a good number of choices. Here are my suggestions:

Shure SE420
Ultimate Ears super.fi 5
Westone UM2
Futuresonics Atrio M5
Denon AH-C700

 

[PeterDLai]

You could also probably find a pair of Shure E500PTH for less than that sometimes, either on eBay or if a retailer is discounting them.

 

[jinx20001]

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeterDLai /img/forum/go_quote.gif You could also probably find a pair of Shure E500PTH for less than that sometimes, either on eBay or if a retailer is discounting them.

x2 on that, but beware if you like a flatter sound and a bit less bass response you may be more satisfied with the se420, but again you can get the top of the line for that money with a good look

 

[ethanlives]

Awesome, thank you. I think I'll be getting a pair of the Atrio M5s. I hear the E500 are so sensitive that they pick up a lot of hiss, is this true?

 

[tskiller]

If you are willing to hunt around, you should actually be able to find a e500PTH or a se530 for around 300 or less. I paid 325 for my se530 last week which isnt too much more, but i know i've seen the e500 (pretty much identical IEM) go for 260-280.
I have not experienced hiss problems coming from a zen vision: m with them, but maybe someone with better ears could comment. I've had a headcold the past week and a half and its really screwing with my hearing right now.