A Small Comparison: HF3 vs RE0:
Treble:
HF3 - Beautiful treble that is just a little too forward in my opinion. The HF3 sound amazing with percussive sounding acoustic instruments - acoustic guitar and especially piano.
RE0 - Nice treble that you don't even notice after a while - extremely balanced with the rest of the sound.
Winner: HF3
Mids:
HF3 - I'm listening to Janis Joplin's Pearl, and the organ, guitar and piano have such a great, full attack on the louder parts - extremely crisp and fast.
RE0 - Great mids that don't offer anything that stands out to me especially. The present everything in a balanced manner.
Winner: HF3
Bass:
HF3 - The bass really is too low in the mix. I expect I'll get used to it from what I've read, but, even coming from the RE0, not exactly bass monsters, there isn't isn't much bass. (yes, I have a good fit)
RE0 - I'll say it again: balanced. Don't expect to be blown away by the depth or quality of the bass, but it's there, and there is enough of it.
Winner: RE0
Soundstage:
Both the HF3 and the RE0 manage to separate instruments nicely, but the RE0 simply has more separation. This makes for a more analytical sound. The HF3 is a little more punchy, but there is less width to the soundstage.
Winner: Tie
Fit/other:
HF3 - Good fit, although the only tip that works for me is the large triple flange. The packaging is nice, with a carrying case, instructions on how to get a good fit, and 3 pairs of extra tips. The play pause button is very useful - if anyone is wondering whether to go for the HF5 or HF3, and owns an iPod, I would heartily recommend the HF3. Oh, and the isolation is amazing, but you already knew that. I can play my iPod classic at 1/4 volume while on the highway (not driving) and hear every detail. (with the Red Sox game blasting on the radio)
RE0 - The fit is great with all the tips for me, but sound quality varies greatly with all of them. I was able to get the best isolation with the comply foam tips (not included). The tips included do seem like they were simply what was lying around the factory; there's no sense of them being tailored to the earphone like the HF3. Packaging is okay, but there is no case included
Winner: Tie
Important: The RE0 is not a good earphone to be rough with, as it is not very durable! Do not use it as a main earphone if you want to sleep with them on, carry them around in your pocket, etc. The HF3's durability remains to be seen, but Etymotic has a 2 year warranty, as opposed to Head Direct's 1 year.
Overall Winner: so far I like the the HF3 better, but your mileage my vary; thee are both really nice IEM. If you like a more balanced sound, go with the RE0. If you like slightly more attack, and don't care about slightly less bass, HF3/5 all the way. If you plan to use these on public transportation/an airplane, get the HF3, if only because the isolation is just so good.
right now listening with my j3 and the MAESTRO preset...I am in heaven !! i don't know if i am the first one that say this,but the HF5 are bass monsters. it is super deep and punchy and strong. the highs are wonderfull also,crisp and beautifully extended without being harsh or sibilant at all. not even a hint for sibilance or something even close to this.
