[Dongle]

By ATH-M50, I mean the best price/performance entry-level IEM that will really get you hooked. Let's ignore discussion of how the ATH-M50 might be overhyped and other cans have replaced it. (I just bought my first M50 after owned 8 other headphones and I pretty much agree with the hype). 

One difference: Because there so much more engineering and materials that go into a headphone, it stands to reason that IEMs should be cheaper. So where the ATH-M50 is $100 on a good day, let's shoot for the equivalent in the IEM world as $50-75. 

 

 

[torturechambers]

I hear a lot of good things about the Shure SE215s these days, but I haven't heard a pair to comment

 

[thesuperguy]

Actually from what I've seen, headphones actually tend to surpass IEMs in cost effectiveness. Just because something is bigger doesn't mean it takes more effort to make. A lot of planning needs to go into creating an IEM because of the space constraints, and generally you will be better off with headphones at the same price ranges.
 
For 50-75, you may be disappointed.

 

[FrequencyBlue]

And I thought this is about IEMs that have similar sound signature to M50.

 

[Gozzer]

From what I have the xba-3 sound the closest.    If  the CKM500 had more clarity they would be close.
The FXT90 are not too far off.

 

[Dongle]

Quote:

Actually from what I've seen, headphones actually tend to surpass IEMs in cost effectiveness. Just because something is bigger doesn't mean it takes more effort to make. A lot of planning needs to go into creating an IEM because of the space constraints, and generally you will be better off with headphones at the same price ranges.
 
For 50-75, you may be disappointed.

You sure about that? This supposedly sounds great and is $8

 

[reddragon]

Quote:

You sure about that? This supposedly sounds great and is $8

 
 
 
um... maybe sounds great for the price but not at the 50-75 bucks price range?