[onthefence]

The only high-end IEM I've owned are the Monster Coppers, which I feel pretty underwhelmed with since I was expecting a much bigger Wow-factor after reading all the hype about high-end IEMs. I want my music to wow me and I want my favorite songs to sound as if I've never truly heard them before.

What I'm looking for most, in order of preference:

Isolation (I will be listening to them in a Casino poker room)
Soundstage (I want it very 3-d & large, but HATE for my sounds to seem distant)
Clarity (Not muffled, distant, or hollow junk)
Under $400ish

The SM3's reviews seemed to point at them being perfect for the sound I was looking for, but I decided that I don't want an Over-the-ear IEM for convenience purposes since I would be taking them in/out frequently.

What are your Straight-down worn recommendations for me?

 

[AstroTurf]

Etymotic ER-4s

 

[RASeymour]

The Ety 4s have a lot of microphonic noise worn straight down (and that is about the only way they can be worn).  Try the HiFiMan RE262.  Great straight down and microphonics are minimal.  Isolation is OK with double flange tips and can be improved with Comply's (although it seems to deaden the sound somewhat).

 

[Swimsonny]

The red giant AO3 can be worn cable down and fit all your needs!

 

[AstroTurf]

Quote:

The Ety 4s have a lot of microphonic noise worn straight down (and that is about the only way they can be worn).

 
Although this may have been true with the first couple generations of ER-4 cords...
 
It is most certainly not true of the current gen ER-4.
 
The cable is ultra flexible and can be worn over or straight down. (think a piece of yarn flexible)
 
Jim

 

[applehead]

Just a few more suggestions since I've been trying to find the same thing:
JVC FXT90, The Sony XBA series, ATH-CKM500 (current FOTM?)
 
I believe the RE262 and the Etys which have already been suggested would be technically superior though.

 

[seekadds]

Quote:

The only high-end IEM I've owned are the Monster Coppers, which I feel pretty underwhelmed with since I was expecting a much bigger Wow-factor after reading all the hype about high-end IEMs.
 

 
Yikes, if MTPC didn't impress you, you might be hard-pressed to find what you're looking for, since i consider them one of the best dynamic-driver universals. Let me recommend:
 
-Radius DDM2: They fail your isolation criteria, but meet all the rest. I am a moderate basshead, and these are still my favorite IEM to date (though I have not tried customs). Personally, these are my go-to "Wow me" IEM's.
 
-ATH-CK10: This is a blind recommendation. I've never tried them, but reviews state that they fit your criteria. 
 
-Ortofon eq-5/7: I sold these because the mids were too prominent over the bass for my taste. Excellent IEM's though. 

 

[onthefence]

I'm still having trouble finding something... Any other advice?
 

 

[H20Fidelity]

Have a look at Yamaha EPH-100. They have 'slightly' forward mids, 3D like soundstage. Clarity / fluid like vocals / isolation is their best friend.

They would look mighty fine worn in a Casino too!

http://www.head-fi.org/t/577712/yamaha-eph-100

 

 

[RASeymour]

Quote:

 
Although this may have been true with the first couple generations of ER-4 cords...
 
It is most certainly not true of the current gen ER-4.
 
The cable is ultra flexible and can be worn over or straight down. (think a piece of yarn flexible)
 
Jim

Mine are a few years old, so you're right, I don't know about the current cords.  Although, it does seem to still an observation in other comments about the Ety4's.

 

[AstroTurf]

Mine are a few years old, so you're right, I don't know about the current cords.  Although, it does seem to still an observation in other comments about the Ety4's.

I have seen those complaints too.

I think it has to do with the plugs angle.

I insert them in the cord down fashion, then route them over the top of my ears. It may not look quite as fashionable as some other designed for over the ear wear. But, I am not very fashionable myself. LOLz

Jim

 

[insertnameHERE]

I asked the same question...and people recommended me the super fi5 eb or pro, the head direct re262,audiofly af78, shure se420and wait for the new tdks and gr08.

 

[tinyman392]

Quote:

I asked the same question...and people recommended me the super fi5 eb or pro, the head direct re262,audiofly af78, shure se420and wait for the new tdks and gr08.

 
My AF78 were microphonic, maybe even moreso than the HiFiMan RE0 (thick current-gen cable).
 
 
 

I have seen those complaints too.
I think it has to do with the plugs angle.
I insert them in the cord down fashion, then route them over the top of my ears. It may not look quite as fashionable as some other designed for over the ear wear. But, I am not very fashionable myself. LOLz
Jim

 

 
I think you just described how to wear them over the ear  This is why you don't find them microphonics by the way.  You're still technically wearing them over the ear.  

 

[Techno Kid]

2 of the best that I've heard are the Ortofon e-Q5 (my favorite IEM at the moment) and Final Audio Heaven IV, both are worn down, have large spacious 3-D soundstages, great clarity and good isolation.  The Yamaha EPH-100 would also be a good choice and if you want a more mid-centric sound the HiFiMan RE262 as well.

 

[7nationarmy]

Best? Probably the FI-BA-SS but I do not like FAD signature in general. My fav cable down IEM is ER4s.