[Rookie Rooster]

Hi, I'm family new to the IEM world and I really want a fresh start, so I'm really careful on buying my first IEM... I may prefer BAs, since the dynamic drivers are always found in cheap earbuds, but I can accept any suggestions... my choice is the Sony XBA-3 or the XBA-30 and I have a budget around $300, which the XBA may exceed... anyone have any suggestions?

 

[Rookie Rooster]

Oh, yeah, by the way, about the BA thing... I really think I will need about 3 BA drivers at least, maybe,...

 

[lin0003]

A used Westone 4 maybe? 

 

[Rookie Rooster]

Well, sure, I can take that into consideration, but about how much do you think it'll cost? And how much will it last if it is used???

 

[lin0003]

Quote:

Well, sure, I can take that into consideration, but about how much do you think it'll cost? And how much will it last if it is used???

$300 maybe? I'm not sure. 

 

[RapidPulse]

Start here:  Multi-IEM Review - 288 IEMs compared (Ultimate Ears 600 / 600vi Added 07/05/13 p.725)
 
I recommend reading for a bit before posting.
I also wouldn't necessarily zero in on BAs only at this point.  There are PLENTY of great dynamics at all price ranges too.
 
Welcome to Head-Fi....sorry about your wallet.  

 

[Rookie Rooster]

I see... thanks you all,
As a matter of fact, I have read that 288 review thing... I searched the tier 2A and 1C... most of them with 3 BA drivers are over my budged and the ones for me are all 2 BA drivers, as far as I remember...

 

[RapidPulse]

Don't get too caught up in the number of drivers. More doesn't necessarily mean better.
Better to focus on the sound signature that you think you want.
 
For what it is worth, I got my XBA-3 for $135. And they have recently been much cheaper than that.

 

[Rookie Rooster]

Wait, RapidPulse, tell me one thing, the XBA is really that cheap??? I thought it's about $350 or a little lower, isn't it??? Yeah, I know more drivers doesnt mean great sound, but at least I want a tweeter and a woofer... thanks...

 

[RapidPulse]

Well....you may have missed the best opportunities when Best Buy had the XBA-3 for around $79 I think. Looks like they have cleared out all that stock.
 
The XBA-3ip (iPhone controls) can be had for under $150 on Amazon.  And XBA-3 can be had for $199 at bhphotovideo.com.
 
You probably can find some great deals in the For Sale forum of this site if you don't mind lightly used.  

 

[Rookie Rooster]

Well, yeah... thanks... hey, wait, how do I assure that the ones at amazon and online stores are real? I mean Beats by Dr Dre stated to avoid buying those discounted stuff... by the way, thanks...

 

[Rookie Rooster]

Look, I just want an opinion, which one is the best for neutral, balanced and sharp (which is why I want a tweeter too) sound quality??? I'm just looking for one, that suits my preference...