[ack-fin]

I'm helping a friend that's a drummer and back up singer pick out a pair of IEMs so he can hear himself better to know if he's on key.  I believe his budget if going to be less than $400 as he'll also be getting a portable amp in the same price range if not a bit more.  Any input with your experiences will be very appreciated.

 

[RealSlimSeto]

Shure, Westone and Earsonics IEMs should stay in pretty well.

 

[Kanashimu]

What about customs? They should fit the bill perfectly. There are only a few choices around that range; you might need to cut a bit out of your amp budget.

 

[ack-fin]

Great idea.  I was under the impression that all customs were cost prohibitive for him.  I'll do some more checking.
 
Thanks for pointing out the obvious that had escaped me.

 

[KimChee]

JH5

 

[tinyman392]

Some low end customs will do the job.  If your friend doesn't want customs, he can try any of the following (which fit in perfectly into my tiny ears):

1. ACS T15 Universals
2. Apple Dual Driver IEMs
3. Phonak PFE (any model)
4. MEE A151
5. Brainwavz B2
6. ThinkSound TS02
7. UE 500vis
8. List goes on (I think I have one of each type of signature in here )

 

[ZARIM]

The W4R, SM3 V2, Shure SE535, CK100, UM3x, RE272, HF5 and GR07.

 

[bmeat]

void

 

[fallingreason]

I had the best fit with the Westone 2 and 3, and Senn IE7

 

[onefatsurfer]

My ue700s with sony tips practically suck my eardrums out when I remove them. Definitely try the sony tips with whichever iems you decide on

 

[goodvibes]

Foam tips with a good insertion will hold lots of things in pretty well but for me. Tear drop shaped (tapered cap) IEMs like M1s and Grados work the best. They get held in by the tragus without pushing on it. Best comfort with secure fit in my case. For you, I'd just get some JH5s and call it a day. He may be able to hear himself without having to go deaf in the process.

 

[Austin Morrow]

IMO, depends on the tips, at least 80% for me.

 

[ack-fin]

I'll get back to you in the UEs.  I may buy them for him as a gift as he's always been a good friend.  i can't do it until the 3rd though.

 

[Austin Morrow]

I also found that the Grado GR10 and the Ortofon e-Q5 fit superbly for small to medium sized ears.