Need an iem recommendation

Discussion in 'Advice Threads' started by Ardacer, Nov 19, 2018.

  1. Ardacer

    Ardacer Friend

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    Know next to nothing about iems, truth be told.

    I'd need a reasonably cheap, robust, with detachable cable and small profile earplugs iem. Plenty of these online, but I'd ofc. like something that doesn't sound like shit. Would buy one for myself and one for gf. We've been using waterline re400, those things sound amazing, but are really poorly built. I don't know what she does to them, eat them I guess (she even managed to kill rha-ma750, and that's made of steel and thick rubber), but even my broke after some time, and I do take care of them.

    Thanks.
     
  2. drgumbybrain

    drgumbybrain Science Nut

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    Price?
     
  3. julian67

    julian67 Facebook Friend

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    When you get bored of stuff that breaks then maybe it's time to forget all the flavour of the month and shiny shiny stuff and try Shure. The only way I've found to break them is by repeatedly stepping on them (I'm heavy and shortsighted so unfortunately am not kidding). They tend to last indefinitely or until you do something nothing is designed to survive. I had a pair of SE215s that survived immersion in sea water a few years into their life. Later some bastard stole them but I expect they still work. You get replaceable cables (MMCX), very snug fit (no issues wearing under helmet or while sleeping) and a range of IEMs from the "budget" SE215 ($100 US) up to stuff that is priced to make you break into a sweat. None sound bad. The SE215s are quite bass oriented with a good midrange and rolled off highs (not high end but also not boomy or muddy). The really good stuff starts with the SE425s.
     
  4. Poleepkwa

    Poleepkwa Friend

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    I agree. The SE215 I have had for years. Everything is replaceable, even the earpieces. Good fit and isolation. Sound is not as bad as many claim. Something similar I have just bought is the Pinnacle P1/X. Might be more durable as they are metal, but I have had them too short a time to say for sure. Soundwise an upgrade over the SE215.
     
  5. allegro

    allegro Friend

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    If you really get in to IEMs sooner or later you will probably move up to a custom fit IEM, where an audiologist takes an impression of your ear canals (about $50), you send it to the company and they make the IEM custom fit for your ears. You get maximum comfort and seal against outside noise.

    I have a pair of Ultimate Ears UE-10 Pros that are 13 years old and still going strong. Paid $999 at the time. Out of curiosity I checked the company website and they are selling custom fits for as low as $499 now (the UE 5 Pro.) Ultimate Ears has been around for a long time and they make a quality product.

    Do my thirteen year old IEMs sound as good as my HD800S? No but comparing apples and oranges here. They sound very good and when the neighbours have a party and I need to block out all outside noise they sure are nice to have around. I certainly can enjoy them for critical listening.
     
    Last edited: Nov 19, 2018
  6. E_Schaaf

    E_Schaaf MOT: E.T.A Headphones

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    IE80 if you can handle warm and bassy, Periodic Be (I enjoyed this one stock even though mod guides exist here) for a kind of V response with some extra sparkle, modded FD01 for balance. Haven't spent enough time with the MD IEM releases to comment but have heard mostly good things about those as well.

    Symbios are usually my fav tips for comfort, ease of cleaning, and sound. I don't think you could go wrong with any of those options.
     
  7. msommers

    msommers High on Epipens

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    Campfire Audio Orions have been awesome for me as a daily. I can't comment on long term reliability but given the metal housing, you'd have to really beat the shit out of it for it to break. Paint chipping seems to be common throughout the line though.
     
  8. FallingObjects

    FallingObjects Pay It Forward

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    Can also vouch for the Orions. For just sound signature preference alone, given the choice between keeping my Elears (which cost more than 3X as much at the time I got them) or my Orions, I'd pick the Orions.

    Also yeah, the paint chips unfortunately easily, but the one time I had to send my Orions in for fixing the folks at Campfire were probably the best customer service experience I've had from a manufacturer. Ever.
     
  9. Ardacer

    Ardacer Friend

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    I have my ciems, but man do I have a problem with those. They get itchy too much too soon.
    Thanks for the info guys. ie80 and ca are too expensive for this endeavor.
    Shure it will be, most likely, then. I was thinking about perhaps something in the 50-60$ range, but I can go to 90, no big deal. It's just that, I kinda know she's gonna destroy/lose them sooner or later, so was hoping for a chi-fi or such that doesn't sound like ass. For myself, I might actually get orions.
     
  10. Overkill Red

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    Well since you're looking at Chi-Fi, I've been buying KZ ZS3s as gifts and it's always turned out fine. They're built surprisingly well, and at the price might as well get a few.. I use a pair in the gym myself.
     
  11. YMO

    YMO Chief Fun Officer

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    Since you are trying to stay budget, the Fiio F9s aren't half-bad for the price (if you don't mind a brighter sound).
     

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