[Exige27]

Hey guys, I'm new to the forums and needed some help finding the difference between two Sony IEM's.

The IEM's are:
Sony MDR-XB41ex ($55 on amazon)
Sony MDR-XB60ex ($35 on amazon)

I'm wondering which IEM has better mids, highs, and tighter, punchier bass.
Also, please suggest any earphones with good bass and value for the price. I know these two IEM's don't have it, but I do prefer IEM's with an apple certified in-line remote.(Max. $80)
I listen to mostly rap, rock, and alternative.
And if anybody knows why the XB41ex are more expensive on amazon than the XB60ex, please do explain. Thanks in advance.

 

[warrenpchi]

Hi Exige27, welcome to Head-Fi. 

  Sorry about your wallet. 

 
Well, first of all, it's not that the XB41EX is more expensive.  The XB60EX would typically cost more.  However, it just happens to be at a terrific sale price right now... has been for over a month now I believe.
 
Secondly, I'm not sure about the XB41EX as I have not heard it... but I have the XB60EX and it is surprisingly good for a basshead IEM.  In general, Sonys tend to become more balanced as you move up the ladder within any given product line.  So going by that, I would assume that the XB60EX is going to have better mids and highs.  I'm not absolutely sure though, so don't quote me on that.
 
And finally, as far as finding a bassy IEM with iDevice controls and decent mids/highs for under $70... what you're looking for is the RHA MA450i.  Here's a review on it from my buddy a_recording:
 

 
Hope that helps! 

 

[Exige27]

Thanks, and one more question. How do the XB60ex compare to the Klipsch image S4i?

 

[warrenpchi]

Quote:

Thanks, and one more question. How do the XB60ex compare to the Klipsch image S4i?

 
Hmm, that I wouldn't know as I've never heard the Image S4 (or any Klipsch's now that I think about it...).  Sorry 

 

[Exige27]

Alright then, have you listened to the Soundmagic E10's or the Shure SE215's? If so, how do they compare to the mdr-xb60ex?

 

[warrenpchi]

Unfortunately no, I haven't tried any Soundmagic or Shure IEMs yet.  Sorry. 

 

[Exige27]

Unfortunately no, I haven't tried any Soundmagic or Shure IEMs yet.  Sorry. 

Ah darn, but thanks for the information, I appreciate it.

 

[warrenpchi]

Sure, no problem! 

  Always glad to be of no help whatsoever!