Which custom IEMs are best for me?

[Rednamalas1]

I'm still new-ish to this custom IEM thing.
I have heard great things about Livewires, Ultimate ears, FreQ...Are there any others?

How are they different in terms of sound signitures?
I listen to almost everything, except for hip hop.
My listening genre is mostly classical and rock.

I'm seriousely thinking about getting a pair if they don;t cost a ton. (so UE 10 pro and 11 pro are out)
I heard fantastic things about livewires (250$ seems reasonable) but how do they match with classical and rock music?

Any input is helpful, and thanks in advance!

 

[chef8489]

OK well is 250 your max budget? If that is so they Livewires and Freqs are pretty much your only option. I have heard neither of these so I can not comment on thier sound. But some other customs are Ultimate Ears Ue-5c(550.00), Westone ES1(375.00), Westone ES2(650.00) Sensaphonics 2x-s (750.00)

 

[filipelli]

The livewires go great with rock I know that for sure, because of the accuracy and clarity that they provide, as well as great bass response. They are certainly a "fun" phone. Depending on your source, the livewires can really make your music shine.

I don't think anyone who has pair of livewires has a pair of freqs, so there isn't any direct comparison yet. For the most part, both parties are happy with their purchases, but me being a rock person who loves the grado sound, the livewires offer a similar sound signature that makes them my go to portable IEM. For rock, I would pick up the livewires over the se530, and westone um1. I haven't heard any others in the same price range, so I cannot comment.

 

[Rednamalas1]

Thank you ! I'll go see an audiologiest around my area to see how much impression would cost, then I guess I'll go for livewires as I like their detachable cable better.
I guess I have to give up on classics on custom IEMs for now, oh well I have my K701 for that anyways