@johnsoft349: to answer your question, I'd like to request the following from you my friend: send me the names of a few tracks or even youtube links to specific tracks fit to your taste where I can listen for the lows/bass response. I'll do my best to describe what I hear, both with and without comparison to the rest, for your wallets convenience.
@uruha: the W3 is no stranger to the top tiers, and while the mids aren't nearly as striking as say the SM3's, I hope that all readers bare in mind that much of my impressions are in direct comparison between all the current IEM's I've heard. In other words, if one is "lacking" even the slightest bit anywhere in the spectrum, it's only lacking to my ears since they've heard something better fit for my taste (YMMV), eg. IE8's captivating sub-bass which others simply can't match (though some may come close, especially via the Headstage's high bass boost setting), or the UM3X's soundstage which surround you more than any of the other contenders, etc. Similarly, the TF10 also deserves it's mention here as a top tier, and until your ears have heard something you find more "enjoyable", you'll find almost any one of these top tiers satisfying; I say almost because they all do have a very unique sound signature in their own right, with only subtle similarities across the spectrum. It all boils down to preference!
@Shaverz: It'd be misleading for myself, or anyone else who hasn't thoroughly listened to both amps, to tell you which is "better". There's just too many personal factors one must take into consideration. I'd say start with the cheaper of the two, and work your way up. If you buy the E11, and aren't content with what you hear, sell it back and go for the Headstage. For me personally, I find myself slowly but surely pulling away from the Headstage day by day. Don't get me wrong, it does EXACTLY what it's meant to, and does it well! From the bass boost to the impedence, the differences can easily be appreciated. But is it $300 worth? In this case, I see the glass as half empty, while others see it as half full ;the glass being my wallet of course!
I'm still quite torn between the SM3 and W4; many tracks just come to life with the SM3's mid presence and bass punch, while the W4 also brings many tracks to life and is MUCH more tolerable at higher volumes, keeping everything crisp and clear; with the added bonus of comfort, which I'm sure you've heard me mention countless times here. There are times when it fits in snug during the first couple minutes, and I've also begin wearing them with the earpeice out, since the comply's are large enough to provide a tight seal either way (as
Warlax mentioned with his double flanges).
Oh, and in other news... the DBA-02 has officially entered the ring!
Soon to arrive hopefully by early next week. Stay tuned my friends!