upgrading IEM newb

[Alekz05]

I just recently stumbled onto this site, and have gathered a lot of info on IEMs. I'm looking for a new pair now, my first were the Shure SE110 and I really loved them. I'm no audiophile, but I can tell the difference between stock headphones from apple and the SE110. I was looking into the SE210 but its seems people here really aren't liking them much. The reason I like the Shures is their build quality and sound, my SE110s have taking a beating and have not stop working (I wouldn't like to baby sit them). So I've found a pair of SE210 for 100.00 on Amazon and think it might be a nice step up, can anyone tell me if this upgrade is worth it. At the moment I just want to explore a little bit hear the difference and maybe one day splurge on higher end models (expensive). I've also been looking at the Ety's Hf5s but I fear they might break. The cables seem very thin. Any comments and help will be very much apreciated.

 

[DTKZ]

It might help if you mentioned what your preferred sound signature is, what genres you listen to and which part of the world you're located in.

 

[Alekz05]

I listen to a wide range of music Rock, Ska, Salsa, Hip-hop, Jazz. I live in San Jose California USA. I'm not quite sure what sound signature but I really enjoy my SE110.

 

[Zalithian]

I think you may like the SE110 because you haven't used much outside of it, but that's just a guess. I had the SE210's, and while I liked them when I had them it was mainly due to me not having tried anything better. I thought they sounded very one dimensional (all mids) and lacked proper balance or representation of the other frequencies.

I even preferred my $50 NE-7M's to my SE210's. I haven't heard the HF5's, but based on some people saying they're close to the ER4P I would be willing to bet they're much better SQ wise than the 210's. Can't speak on the cable, but it seems some people preferred it to the ER4P cable. Hopefully some HF5 owners can comment.

With those genres, I would guess something known more for bass would be better though. I'd take a look at the PFE's, Monster Turbines, maybe Futuresonics Atrio or something else.

You might want to hold off on the PFE's until they implement their new materials though as there are some problems with cracks and cables right now. I haven't had problems with mine (aside from a stiff cable) but a lot of people have.

 

[vapman]

I have had HF5's for about 4 or 5 months now. Never heard the SE's or NE-7M's, but I wouldn't hesitate to reccomend them to anyone. I listen to all sorts of genres (most frequently noise/experimental, punk, black metal, IDM, and electro) and I love my HF5's a lot. The cables are thin but quite tough. That being said, I take lots of care of my phones and never tug on the cable, but they have been pulled and dropped and generally abused. I love mine. If they broke, I'd buy another pair right away.

SE110's seem to have heavier bass and less high-end. The HF5's are not renowned for their booming bass, but I like it a lot. I enjoy heavy bass but you get used to Etymotic bass which is very tight and clear. The high-end is probably better than anything else in the price range. Etymotics are very fast, tight, clear headphones, designed for flat response.

Monster Turbines also seem to be getting popular, but it might just be a temporary craze, who knows. There's my two cents, hope it helps.

 

[koven]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alekz05 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I listen to a wide range of music Rock, Ska, Salsa, Hip-hop, Jazz. I live in San Jose California USA. I'm not quite sure what sound signature but I really enjoy my SE110.

hey i'm from san jose too

dont buy shure's, anything below the se530 is a waste of money!


i suggest you try the ne-7m for $55, you might be very satisfied and doing your wallet a favor at the same time

 

[Alekz05]

Thanks for all the info. I'm making my decision on Monday leaning on to the NE 7m