Earbud/ in ear monitor recommendation

[swbsam]

What's the new champ of budget (let's say sub-$100) in ear monitors?

I don't like shrill highs and really like warm headphones (deep but not over powering bass). My favorite current cans are Grados.

I currently use JVC marshmallows but am looking for an upgrade.

 

[Schadenfroh]

Checkout the Sennheiser CX x00 line.

 

[swbsam]

Originally posted by: Schadenfroh
Checkout the Sennheiser CX x00 line.

Actually owned a pair of those. I really did like them but I found the sound a little muddy. I think the bass was over emphasized and the highs muffled.

Not that I like overly crips highs - etynomics gave me a headache.

 

[JDub02]

JVC air cushions. i had the marshmallows and the air cushions give you as good, if not better, of a sound and they're more comfortable. they come with 4 different ear tips. 2 sizes of foam like the marshmallows and 2 soft rubber tips. i really like the rubber tips. they don't seal as well as the foam, so the bass isn't quite as strong, but there's no pressure on your ear canal.

also, the cord is different. it's less "sticky", so you don't get as much noise from the cable rubbing against stuff.

i got mine for less than $20 on amazon.

 

[swbsam]

Originally posted by: JDub02
JVC air cushions. i had the marshmallows and the air cushions give you as good, if not better, of a sound and they're more comfortable. they come with 4 different ear tips. 2 sizes of foam like the marshmallows and 2 soft rubber tips. i really like the rubber tips. they don't seal as well as the foam, so the bass isn't quite as strong, but there's no pressure on your ear canal.

also, the cord is different. it's less "sticky", so you don't get as much noise from the cable rubbing against stuff.

i got mine for less than $20 on amazon.

Awesome - how are the highs and mids? Mids in particular - seems like most buds I've listened to completely crush the mids

 

[JDub02]

if you like the marshmallows, these will sound about the same. the biggest difference is in the isolation. the rubber doesn't seal as well as the foam, so the bass isn't quite as strong. but they do come with foam tips if you like those.

i mainly use them on my PSP and ipod shuffle, so it's hard to say what's the source and what's the buds when it comes to EQ, but i have used them a few times to mix the music at my church and they sound pretty good there.

i also like the bud design over the marshmallows. with the marshmallows, R & L are interchangeable. with the air cushions, the bud sweeps back as it comes out of the canal and it's kind of rubbery where it sits behind the flap of ear above your ear lobe. makes for a more secure fit without having to jam it way into your ear canal. best pair of $19 headphones i've ever had.

 

[Toonces]

Klipsch Image S4
Best all-around IEM under $100
The highs aren't too high, the lows aren't too boomy/muddled, the mids are incredibly smooth and the soundstage is phenomenal for the price.

Head-fi Review
Amazon

 

[xchangx]

I have a pair of Shure E3's with a custom mold from Sansaphonics:

http://www.sensaphonics.com/prod_shure_sleeve.html

Absolutely perfect fit and comfortable.

 

[GTaudiophile]

http://www.headfi.org

I currently have the Phonak Audeo PFE. They are the "kings" of the $150 segment. I am also a big fan of Audio-Technica products.

 

[kalrith]

Originally posted by: xchangx
I have a pair of Shure E3's with a custom mold from Sansaphonics:

http://www.sensaphonics.com/prod_shure_sleeve.html

Absolutely perfect fit and comfortable.

How much did that wind up costing you? I love my Shure E4c, but the sleeves leave much to be desired.

 

[xchangx]

I have a friend that's an audiologist and he did the impression for me for free.

The mold from sensaphonics cost me ~$100 worth every penny.

 

[Crono]

Any sub $100 Shure you can get.

 

[swbsam]

awesome - thanks guys. anyone have nuforces? These look outstanding based on head-fi reviews:
http://www.amazon.com/NuForce-...&qid=1254325363&sr=8-1

 

[gorcorps]

Originally posted by: Crono
Any sub $100 Shure you can get.

Meh, depends on what you're looking for. Cheaper Shures have pretty poor bass response which is a little disappointing for bass heads like myself. I have Shure SCL4s right now (retails for $250-300) and it's still lacking some in bass. I had E2Cs a while back and didn't like the fit very much either.

OP check out these forums: http://www.anythingbutipod.com.../forumdisplay.php?f=22
That's where I get all my reviews and stuff from. There's info on damn near everything in there. And if you can't find it, then if you ask somebody is bound to know.

 

[Gibson486]

http://www.amazon.com/Altec-La...hone/dp/B000Q7IA5E>