The In-Ear-Monitors (IEM) Thread

DeusExa
DeusExa Posts: 491
edited March 2011 in 2 Channel Audio
So any headphone enthusiasts here? I got into headphones initially, than speakers, than plunged back into headphones again...

I currently have Shure SE530s and Westone ES3X Customs. Hopefully getting JH13s and UE11Pros soon.
Post edited by DeusExa on
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited January 2010
    I've been really happy with my SE530. I'been headphoning for a couple years now but just recently grabbed an in-ear model.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • I-SIG
    I-SIG Posts: 2,243
    edited January 2010
    I've got the Klipsch Custom-2's. Love the sound but I haven't quite gotten them to be supper comfortable. I may need to try some squishy foam tips.

    Wes
    Link: http://polkarmy.com/forums

    Sony 75" Bravia 4K | Polk Audio SDA-SRS's (w/RDO's & Vampire Posts) + SVS PC+ 25-31 | AudioQuest Granite (mids) + BWA Silver (highs) | Cary Audio CAD-200 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Rotel Michi P5 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Cambridge Audio azur 840C--Wadia 170i + iPod jammed w/ lossless audio--Oppo 970 | Pure|AV PF31d
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  • Jetmaker737
    Jetmaker737 Posts: 1,047
    edited January 2010
    I have Shure SE310's which I love. Actually those very headphones were my first step into the audio hobby about 1.5 yrs ago... made me realize what I had been missing in quality audio. And now I'm screwed! :cool:
    SystemLuxman L-590AXII Integrated Amplifier|KEF Reference 1 Loudspeakers|PS Audio Directream Jr|Sansui TU-9900 Tuner|TEAC A-6100 RtR|Nakamichi RX-202 Cassette
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  • DeusExa
    DeusExa Posts: 491
    edited January 2010
    dorokusai wrote: »
    I've been really happy with my SE530. I'been headphoning for a couple years now but just recently grabbed an in-ear model.

    My SE530s were great before I got my Westone ES3X...now they've been demoted...=0

    The problem I was having with the SE530s was their rolled-off highs. The ES3X has significantly better highs, as well as bass, but the thing that surprised me was that the mids were even marginally better than that on the Shures, which is actually the Shure's strongest point. Getting a pair of custom JH Audio 13s soon. Very interested to see how they compare to the Westone (as the JH13s are acknowledged by many to be a top competitor for the best custom IEM spot).

    IMG_5574-2.jpg

    IMG_5564-2.jpg

    There are more pics in my sig of the custom-designed ES3X - feel free to check them out.
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  • dave shepard
    dave shepard Posts: 1,334
    edited January 2010
    Damn, almost everytime I seem to make a move or am thinking of one there is a thread started about it.

    I just bought the Sennheiser IE8's for my new I-Pod and was thinking of getting the UE-10's to compare. As soon as the IE8's arrive I will post my thoughts.

    I am also looking at getting the HD800's from Sennheiser, any thoughts on those?

    Dave
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  • mutelight
    mutelight Posts: 1,054
    edited January 2010
    I have the Ultimate Ears triple.fi 10 vi for my phone and have been very happy with them.
    // Panasonic AE8000 // Pioneer SC-57 // Polk Audio RTi A9 // Polk Audio CSiA6 //
    // Polk Audio FXi A6 // SVS PB12-NSD Subwoofer // Logitech Harmony Ultimate // Pro-Ject Debut III //
    // Oppo BDP-103 // Microsoft Xbox One Day One Edition // Sony Playstation 4 1TB SSHD // Nintendo Wii U //
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  • eeagle
    eeagle Posts: 226
    edited January 2010
    I find the Shure E500 (now 530 model) to be the best IEM's I own. They easily perform as well as my large OTE Sennheiser HD580's. I use them with the small "black olive" memory foam inserts and they block most external sound when properly seated....especially nice for air travel; you actually have to remove them, or turn on the mic if you have the "pth" (push to hear) variety, to speak with someone. The downside is they are likely not the safest to walk or bike ride with because the isolation works so well.

    My first venture into IEM's was the Etymotic Research ER-6i that for me just never performed up to expectations, especially in the bass department. The Shure designs are just leaps ahead of the others IMHO and if one can afford the top end 530's they would be the way to go.

    If your looking for some less expensive IEM's Creative EP-630 Earphones perform nicely for well under $50.
    SDA SRS 1.2
    Adcom GFA-5802
    Adcom GFP-750
    Sony DVP-NS999ES
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  • DeusExa
    DeusExa Posts: 491
    edited January 2010
    dave shepard wrote: »
    I just bought the Sennheiser IE8's for my new I-Pod and was thinking of getting the UE-10's to compare. As soon as the IE8's arrive I will post my thoughts.

    I am also looking at getting the HD800's from Sennheiser, any thoughts on those?

    Dave

    IMO I'd look at the Westone ES3X or $800-1000 custom offerings from JH Audio. The UE10 has been known to be a clinical iem that isn't all worth it to non-musicians...

    If you get the HD800s, you'll need a good headphone amp, something that should equal the cost of the headphones. Source should be good too, as they're extremely transparent and resolving headphones.

    mutelight wrote: »
    I have the Ultimate Ears triple.fi 10 vi for my phone and have been very happy with them.

    There was a recent deal on the TF10s for $99...didn't manage to snag a pair (for a present, that is)
    eeagle wrote: »
    I find the Shure E500 (now 530 model) to be the best IEM's I own.

    If your looking for some less expensive IEM's Creative EP-630 Earphones perform nicely for well under $50.

    You mean they're the best iems that you own, not you "find them to be the best that you own"?

    The EP-630s are pretty much rebranded Sennheiser CX300s, and you can snag those for ~$20-25.
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  • DeusExa
    DeusExa Posts: 491
    edited January 2010
    Anyone own customs?
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  • jwhitakr
    jwhitakr Posts: 568
    edited January 2010
    I've tested a lot of IEMs, but the vast majority are the under $100 variety ... so I can't provide much input unless you are looking for a bargain. :-)

    The guys over at head-fi.org are crazy about IEMs ... have been reading quite a lot over there to get ideas of what to try out next.
    My HT
    HDTV: Panasonic PT-61LCX65 61" Rear Proj. LCD
    AVR: Harman Kardon AVR 235
    Video: 80GB PS3, Toshiba HD-XA1 HD DVD
    Fronts: Polk Audio RTi8
    Center: Polk Audio CSi3
    Amp: Emotiva LPA-1
    Surrounds: Polk Audio R150
    Sub: HSU STF-3

    The only true barrier to knowledge is the assumption that you already have it. - C.H. Dodd
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  • DeusExa
    DeusExa Posts: 491
    edited January 2010
    jwhitakr wrote: »
    I've tested a lot of IEMs, but the vast majority are the under $100 variety ... so I can't provide much input unless you are looking for a bargain. :-)

    The guys over at head-fi.org are crazy about IEMs ... have been reading quite a lot over there to get ideas of what to try out next.

    The thread was just to see how many Polkies were also knowledgeable about in-ear-monitors...I'm actually a head-fi member with a much higher post rate there than here =0...

    What do you want to try out next?
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  • DeusExa
    DeusExa Posts: 491
    edited January 2010
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/22410004@N04/sets/72157623140175875/

    my UEs.
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  • BeRad
    BeRad Posts: 736
    edited January 2010
    Thank you for starting this thread. I was just wondering what to use my amazon gift card on and headphones (although not iem's) are it! Time to research some sub $200 buds.
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  • DeusExa
    DeusExa Posts: 491
    edited January 2010
    BeRad wrote: »
    Thank you for starting this thread. I was just wondering what to use my amazon gift card on and headphones (although not iem's) are it! Time to research some sub $200 buds.

    What are your musical inclinations? Are you looking for earbuds, or headphones?
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  • jwhitakr
    jwhitakr Posts: 568
    edited January 2010
    DeusExa wrote: »
    The thread was just to see how many Polkies were also knowledgeable about in-ear-monitors...I'm actually a head-fi member with a much higher post rate there than here =0...

    What do you want to try out next?

    Whatever I can get my hands on. Audio-Technica has a number of new models, as does Sennheiser. Would love to try out some of those.

    What are you planning to try out for your next set?
    My HT
    HDTV: Panasonic PT-61LCX65 61" Rear Proj. LCD
    AVR: Harman Kardon AVR 235
    Video: 80GB PS3, Toshiba HD-XA1 HD DVD
    Fronts: Polk Audio RTi8
    Center: Polk Audio CSi3
    Amp: Emotiva LPA-1
    Surrounds: Polk Audio R150
    Sub: HSU STF-3

    The only true barrier to knowledge is the assumption that you already have it. - C.H. Dodd
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  • DeusExa
    DeusExa Posts: 491
    edited January 2010
    jwhitakr wrote: »
    Whatever I can get my hands on. Audio-Technica has a number of new models, as does Sennheiser. Would love to try out some of those.

    What are you planning to try out for your next set?

    What's your price range? That would be one of the main things that would narrow your decision down.

    I currently own custom Westone ES3X and Ultimate Ears UE11 (you can check them out in my sig), but am going to get a pair of JH13.
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  • DeusExa
    DeusExa Posts: 491
    edited January 2010
    My 11s are going back soon for a refit (the right side does not fit well).
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  • BeRad
    BeRad Posts: 736
    edited January 2010
    DeusExa wrote: »
    What are your musical inclinations? Are you looking for earbuds, or headphones?

    I was looking for buds, mostly for rock, classic rock and some hip hop. Already ordered the Klipsch S4i's after about 3 hours of research on a slow day at work! :)
    One holdup for me was that I needed to get from Amazon, and didn't really want to spend over 100 dollars. These things seem to get favorable reviews. Should be good enough for me and my lil ole' iPod.
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  • BeRad
    BeRad Posts: 736
    edited January 2010
    Just wanted to pipe back in on this. Absolutely LOVE my S4's so far (after only 5 minutes with them). The bass is slightly boomy, but not overpowering or distracting, and a very slight eq adjustment pretty much takes care of it for me. There seems to be (as far as I can tell) very good separation. I'm definitely noticing more and more slight nuances to some songs that I never heard before. These things are comfortable too. VERY much so! I can't wait to be sitting poolside in Vegas with these.

    My last earbuds were purchased in probably '95 or so, and cost me 45 bucks cdn plus tax at the Sony store. They are still going strong and I always thought they sounded good. How wrong I was.

    I am now officially a fan of earbuds (dare I say IEM? Can these be considered IEM?) and hope the upgrade bug doesn't bite for a long long time (very low cost - to - usage ratio!).
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  • DeusExa
    DeusExa Posts: 491
    edited January 2010
    BeRad wrote: »
    I am now officially a fan of earbuds (dare I say IEM? Can these be considered IEM?) and hope the upgrade bug doesn't bite for a long long time (very low cost - to - usage ratio!).

    Yes to IEM. Earbuds are the type that Apple bundles with every iPod, earpieces that don't form a seal like IEMs do, and don't go in as deep (instead, they "sit" in the ear).

    As to that last statement, don't go on Head-Fi and you'll be fine. Serious.
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  • TouchOfEvil
    TouchOfEvil Posts: 967
    edited March 2010
    Seems this thread may have died but i was searching around for some earbuds just tonight and found this thread.
    I need some good IEM's for the gym. This would be the only time i ever use them and it would be with my ipod nano.
    I want to keep it under 150$ max if possible.
    Any suggestions?
    Living Room Rig:D
    Rotel RSP-1069/Rotel RMB-1095/Rotel-1072/Polk lsI15's W/modded xoverW/DBsubs/Polk LsiC/lsI7's/Klipsch sub-12"the weak link"/DLP Mitsubishi 65"
    Xbox360/PS3/WII
    M.Br. setup:)
    Emotiva MMC-1/Rotel RMB-1075/Polk BlackStone TL350's/Velodyne SPL1000/Samsung 51" Plasma
    Computer Rig:
    Rotel RB1050/Tannoy DC4's/Klipsch RW-10d/ImodIpod/HK AVR230 for now....
    Headphones-Ultrasone-HFI780's w/LittleDot MK Vamp Portables Panasonic HJE-900's
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  • BeRad
    BeRad Posts: 736
    edited March 2010
    TouchOfEvil wrote: »
    Seems this thread may have died but i was searching around for some earbuds just tonight and found this thread.
    I need some good IEM's for the gym. This would be the only time i ever use them and it would be with my ipod nano.
    I want to keep it under 150$ max if possible.
    Any suggestions?

    What generation nano do you have?

    If you have a fourth or fifth gen then I'd recommend the Klipsch s4i's. I have been absolutely LOVING mine ever since I got them. They are VERY comfortable and sound great for the price. The reason the version of nano matters, is the s4i's have inline ipod control that works with the 4'th and 5'th gens which would be handy while at the gym. I did a lot of reading before I bought mine and let other reviews steer my decision in the klipsch direction. I am very glad I listened.
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  • TouchOfEvil
    TouchOfEvil Posts: 967
    edited March 2010
    BeRad wrote: »
    What generation nano do you have?

    If you have a fourth or fifth gen then I'd recommend the Klipsch s4i's. I have been absolutely LOVING mine ever since I got them. They are VERY comfortable and sound great for the price. The reason the version of nano matters, is the s4i's have inline ipod control that works with the 4'th and 5'th gens which would be handy while at the gym. I did a lot of reading before I bought mine and let other reviews steer my decision in the klipsch direction. I am very glad I listened.

    How do i know what generation i have? I got it over a year ago for sure as a Christmas present and never used it.
    The packaging says 2008 on it if that helps.
    Living Room Rig:D
    Rotel RSP-1069/Rotel RMB-1095/Rotel-1072/Polk lsI15's W/modded xoverW/DBsubs/Polk LsiC/lsI7's/Klipsch sub-12"the weak link"/DLP Mitsubishi 65"
    Xbox360/PS3/WII
    M.Br. setup:)
    Emotiva MMC-1/Rotel RMB-1075/Polk BlackStone TL350's/Velodyne SPL1000/Samsung 51" Plasma
    Computer Rig:
    Rotel RB1050/Tannoy DC4's/Klipsch RW-10d/ImodIpod/HK AVR230 for now....
    Headphones-Ultrasone-HFI780's w/LittleDot MK Vamp Portables Panasonic HJE-900's
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  • BeRad
    BeRad Posts: 736
    edited March 2010
    TouchOfEvil wrote: »
    How do i know what generation i have? I got it over a year ago for sure as a Christmas present and never used it.
    The packaging says 2008 on it if that helps.

    If it looks like this it is a 4'th or 5'th gen.

    If it isn't then the ipod control won't work and you might as well get the S4's which are 20 dollars cheaper.
    2009918152140.iPod_nano_5thGen-blue.jpg
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  • TouchOfEvil
    TouchOfEvil Posts: 967
    edited March 2010
    Ok, mine looks like the picture you posted only the color is silver.
    Living Room Rig:D
    Rotel RSP-1069/Rotel RMB-1095/Rotel-1072/Polk lsI15's W/modded xoverW/DBsubs/Polk LsiC/lsI7's/Klipsch sub-12"the weak link"/DLP Mitsubishi 65"
    Xbox360/PS3/WII
    M.Br. setup:)
    Emotiva MMC-1/Rotel RMB-1075/Polk BlackStone TL350's/Velodyne SPL1000/Samsung 51" Plasma
    Computer Rig:
    Rotel RB1050/Tannoy DC4's/Klipsch RW-10d/ImodIpod/HK AVR230 for now....
    Headphones-Ultrasone-HFI780's w/LittleDot MK Vamp Portables Panasonic HJE-900's
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  • jwhitakr
    jwhitakr Posts: 568
    edited March 2010
    Meelec M6's are my favorites for the gym. I've gone through at least half a dozen sets of IEMs and the M6's come out as the winners. Less than $50 to boot.
    My HT
    HDTV: Panasonic PT-61LCX65 61" Rear Proj. LCD
    AVR: Harman Kardon AVR 235
    Video: 80GB PS3, Toshiba HD-XA1 HD DVD
    Fronts: Polk Audio RTi8
    Center: Polk Audio CSi3
    Amp: Emotiva LPA-1
    Surrounds: Polk Audio R150
    Sub: HSU STF-3

    The only true barrier to knowledge is the assumption that you already have it. - C.H. Dodd
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  • skrol
    skrol Posts: 3,378
    edited March 2010
    I-SIG wrote: »
    I've got the Klipsch Custom-2's. Love the sound but I haven't quite gotten them to be supper comfortable. I may need to try some squishy foam tips.

    Wes

    I have some Denon AH-C751's that I really like the sound. But they seem a bit much to drive with a sound card or mp3 player. I also have trouble getting them to seal well in one ear. Anyone know a good source for the squishy foam tips?
    Stan

    Main 2ch:
    Polk LSi15 (DB840 upgrade), Parasound: P/LD-1100, HCA-1000A; Denon: DVD-2910, DRM-800A; Benchmark DAC1, Monster HTS3600-MKII, Grado SR-225i; Technics SL-J2, Parasound PPH-100.

    HT:
    Marantz SR7010, Polk: RTA11TL (RDO198-1, XO and Damping Upgrades), S4, CS250, PSW110 , Marantz UD5005, Pioneer PL-530, Panasonic TC-P42S60

    Other stuff:
    Denon: DRA-835R, AVR-888, DCD-660, DRM-700A, DRR-780; Polk: S8, Monitor 5A, 5B, TSi100, RM7, PSW10 (DXi104 upgrade); Pioneer: CT-6R; Onkyo CP-1046F; Ortofon OM5E, Marantz: PM5004, CD5004, CDR-615; Parasound C/PT-600, HCA-800ii, Sony CDP-650ESD, Technics SA 5070, B&W DM601
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  • zingo
    zingo Posts: 11,258
    edited February 2011
    I'm going to dig up this tread as I just ordered a pair of Klipsch X10i. They are supposed to be very comfy with great sound; plus the addition of the iPhone controls and mic add usability. I decided to make the purchase after my last business trip when I was stuck using the stock ear buds because circumaural cans don't travel or pack well. The $350 MSRP is pricey for a pair of single driver ear-phones that weigh 10.5g, but the reviews I've read say they are very comfortable and sound great. I'm excited to burn them in and give them a listen, and to have a great sounding pair of headphones to listen to wherever I am.

    Klipsch_X10i.jpg
    Jake
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  • zingo
    zingo Posts: 11,258
    edited February 2011
    skrol wrote: »
    I also have trouble getting them to seal well in one ear. Anyone know a good source for the squishy foam tips?

    Headphone.com sells the Comply T-100 Foam Tips. They are supposed to be great for any IEM, and cost $15 for a 3 pair pack.

    9990730100_5932.jpg
    Jake
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  • 98Badger
    98Badger Posts: 317
    edited February 2011
    zingo wrote: »
    I'm going to dig up this tread as I just ordered a pair of Klipsch X10i. They are supposed to be very comfy with great sound; plus the addition of the iPhone controls and mic add usability. I decided to make the purchase after my last business trip when I was stuck using the stock ear buds because circumaural cans don't travel or pack well. The $350 MSRP is pricey for a pair of single driver ear-phones that weigh 10.5g, but the reviews I've read say they are very comfortable and sound great. I'm excited to burn them in and give them a listen, and to have a great sounding pair of headphones to listen to wherever I am.

    I have a pair of the X10's (not the i version) and I find them very comfortable. I think you'll be reasonably happy with them. You really need to make sure to get a good seal when you use them to get the best sound, but it's not too difficult. I use them quite a bit at work and for biking and they've held up very well. Hope you have good luck with them.
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