I've had UE 600vi (idk what the vi means) for 3 years now but the cable is breaking after the (supposed) strain reliefs at the headphone. Also the cable has become stiff and unflexible at the 15cm from the headphone. I read this is because of poor cable material choice that deteriorates with natural skin grease. I've been using them around ear and the cable in that part can't be straightened anymore (or it would break).
But I'm considering buying another pair because they are just so good. It's just a shame that the build quality isn't that good. And they are very expensive to buy in europe (high shipping and/or import costs) because almost no place sells them anymore. It would be around 90-100€ in total for me. That's why I'd like to ask other UE 600 owners if there are any similar earbuds?
In my exprerience in other headphones things sound more distant, they have some sounds override others and so you aren't able to hear single instruments as well. But with UE 600 at the same time everything is very crisp, accurate and uncluttered while being warm, smooth and laid back which allows higher volume without any part being harsh or giving fatigue. Those things would seem to contradict each other but not in these. I'm afraid no other reasonably priced earbuds have this kind of sound.
I read about dynamic vs armature drivers, so seems like armature fits my taste better. Even though these headphones don't have very deep bass it doesn't bother me that much. Most headphones are too V shaped with recessed mids, boomy bass and aggressive highs. Also, the nozzle should be as long as possible because my other ear canal is weird so that the silicon tip should go quite deep to get seal. Which is another good thing about the UE 600.
Based on other reviews, you probably can't get as clear sound in this price range (around 100€) which is why I'm most likely getting another pair of these. But IF you have come across something similar or better, let me know.