The best all-around IEM with microphone (Android and iOS)

[mzaki]

Hey all,
 
Seeking a recommendation. Here's a bit about me.
 
My experience has been the following:
- ATH-M50 closed-back
- HiFiMan RE0 IEM
- Bose QC25 (bought exclusively for travel, flying)
 
In general: I do most of my listening at home on speakers (B&W CM series). I use the ATH-M50 at home when I need to be quiet, RE0 on the road, and QC25 for travel, like I mentioned above.
 
I listen to all varieties of music. I value clarity and detail, and really don't care much at all about bass. Of the headphones I mentioned above, the sound of the RE0 has been the most enjoyable to me.
 
As for what I'm looking for: more or less a replacement for my RE0. But here's the catch, it has to have a mic. I'd like to have a single workhorse, walkaround pair of IEMs that I can also use to make/receive phone calls. I alternate between Android and iOS devices. Have not and will not be using an amp. Comfort and microphonics are also important, almost as much as sound.

As for budget, my priority is finding what I want. And to that end, for a very high quality pair that truly delivers everything I want/need, I'd be willing to spend up to, say, $500. Spending less that that, obviously, would be preferred.
 
Look forward to seeing what you guys recommend. Thanks in advance.

 

[PinkyPowers]

ATH-IM03
FIDUE A83
Earsonics SM64

And spend the rest on a custom cable with in-line mic.

OR....
Klipsch X12i, which has a remote/mic already.

If you want to save ALOT of money, get the X11i, which should be the same as the X12, with mild variations. The X12 has a round cable, though, which should cut down on the horrid microphonics the X7, X10, X11 all suffered from.

Your best bet is the X12i. The design is even smaller and more comfortable than the X7i, which is the most fantastically comfortable IEM I've ever owned. And still own, for that reason.

 

[mzaki]

ATH-IM03
FIDUE A83
Earsonics SM64

And spend the rest on a custom cable with in-line mic.

OR....
Klipsch X12i, which has a remote/mic already.

If you want to save ALOT of money, get the X11i, which should be the same as the X12, with mild variations. The X12 has a round cable, though, which should cut down on the horrid microphonics the X7, X10, X11 all suffered from.

Your best bet is the X12i. The design is even smaller and more comfortable than the X7i, which is the most fantastically comfortable IEM I've ever owned. And still own, for that reason.

I really appreciate your input. I will have a look into everything you mentioned.

 

[sledgeharvy]

As sound is VERY subjective, it is difficult to recommend a specific set without sounding like a "Fan Boy" lol..
But I personally usually lean towards the RHA's, Sony's, and Dunu lines.
Honestly, the RHA-T20i is a phenomenal set of IEMs. The Sony XBA-A2 is another set that works very well with the Apple products due to the relatively low impedance and low rated input requirements. That goes for both of the aforementioned IEMs.
However, there are a lot of viable options on Amazon if yo do a search.. I spend hours on that site lol.. Mouth watering over all the choices available.. I have also purchased a few "Used-Like New" sets. So far (knock on wood) I haven't received a bad set. So I usually recommend it to people who want to save some money.

 

[mzaki]

As sound is VERY subjective, it is difficult to recommend a specific set without sounding like a "Fan Boy" lol..
But I personally usually lean towards the RHA's, Sony's, and Dunu lines.
Honestly, the RHA-T20i is a phenomenal set of IEMs. The Sony XBA-A2 is another set that works very well with the Apple products due to the relatively low impedance and low rated input requirements. That goes for both of the aforementioned IEMs.
However, there are a lot of viable options on Amazon if yo do a search.. I spend hours on that site lol.. Mouth watering over all the choices available.. I have also purchased a few "Used-Like New" sets. So far (knock on wood) I haven't received a bad set. So I usually recommend it to people who want to save some money.

Hey. Appreciate the input. I will check out the RHA and Sony sets that you recommended.
 
The number of choices is actually overwhelming, which is why I decided to ask for some guidance here. Appreciate everyone's help.
 
At the moment, I think I'm leaning towards the Klipsch x12i for its smaller, lightweight footprint. Comfort is very important to me. Though I do have to say, I am very intrigued by the Earsonics SM64 and the RHA-T20i. Could someone point me in the direction of a high quality replacement cable with microphone and controls that could be used with either of these pairs?
 
Thanks again fellas.

 

[PinkyPowers]

Contact Ted at headphonelounge.com

See if he can build one with mic and remote.

 

[sledgeharvy]

Hey. Appreciate the input. I will check out the RHA and Sony sets that you recommended.

The number of choices is actually overwhelming, which is why I decided to ask for some guidance here. Appreciate everyone's help.

At the moment, I think I'm leaning towards the Klipsch x12i for its smaller, lightweight footprint. Comfort is very important to me. Though I do have to say, I am very intrigued by the Earsonics SM64 and the RHA-T20i. Could someone point me in the direction of a high quality replacement cable with microphone and controls that could be used with either of these pairs?

Thanks again fellas.

The RHA T20i already has a microphone and controls on it, however, it is not removable. Although, it does a a very generous 3 year warranty. Plus, in general can be found locally at an Apple Store. They have a very lenient warranty policy as well. Finally wanted to state, the T20i's have a VERY small profile design. I could wear them all day with no issues.. I currently wear the RHA T10i's as my daily drivers with no issues. Hope this helps..
As I stated in the past.. One can not make positive statements about a specific product without sounding like a "Fan Boy", or on their payroll.. Lol..