[50mm]

Can someone advise which would be a better IEM, considering both are priced around the $400 price bracket ? (The Westone 4 is about fifty bucks more, but that's OK).
 
I am buying it as a present, for an audio nut, who loves listening to his 'full-range' (single driver) speakers, driven with very nice tube amps, running off Linn Sondek LP player...........so you can imagine the kind of sound signature he is used to........and needs a good IEM for travels.
 
He has tried several IEMs, like Sennheiser, TEAC, Jays, but have not gone down the Westone or Grado path yet.
 
Thanks for your help.

 

[tomscy2000]

The W4 is overall a much better option. It's more comfortable, provides a better sense of ambiance, and comes with a much better set of accessories. The one area where it will lose out to the GR10 is in clarity, but I think the W4 may still be better suited for your friend's tastes. There are a few members with lengthy ownership experiences with both IEMs, however, and you may want to wait for their input.

 

[Spyro]

I owned both and preferred GR10 due to exceptional clarity and musicality.  I found W4 somewhat dark and veiled sounding but many others swear by them. 
 
Sorry I ever sold my GR10's and they are too expensive to re-buy.

 

[rawrster]

I don't think either is a bad choice. I had the GR10 on loan for 3-4 weeks while I owned the W4 and both are very good imo. I found the W4 to be fairly balanced with a bit of warmth and the GR10 has amazing clarity and transparency.
 
However for a gift the GR10 may be the better choice if your friend is not used to wearing earphones over the ear since that is the only option with them. I don't think you can go wrong with either however.