Universal IEM /g/uide

Universal IEM /g/uide - Version 0.98 (Mar 5th, 2014)


Some factors to consider when purchasing an IEM or asking for a recommendation on /g/:

	Price range
	Sound signature preference (neutral, bassy, etc)
	Do you need high isolation from your environment?
	Other features you may need (mic, detachable cable, etc)
	The source(s) you will be plugging it into (PMP, phone, etc)


List of recommended IEMs:

	Poorfag:

		$05 - Panasonic RP-HJE120 [Low Isolation] {Balanced}
		$10 - Monoprice 9927 [Low Isolation] {Neutral}
		$10 - Philips SHE3590 [Medium Isolation] {V-shaped}
		$15 - JVC HA-FX101 [Medium Isolation] {Bassy}
		$20 - MEElectronics M6 [Medium Isolation] {Bassy} (Recommended for active use)

	Great value for money:

		$25 - Sony XBA-1 [Medium Isolation] {Balanced}
		$35 - SoundMAGIC E10 [Medium Isolation] {V-shaped} (Highly recommended on /g/)
		$50 - Vsonic VSD1S [Medium Isolation] {Balanced}
		$60 - Etymotic Research MC5 [High Isolation] {Neutral}
		$80 - Apple In-Ear Headphones [Medium Isolation] {Balanced} (Fakes are common)

	Point of diminishing returns:

		$100 - Etymotic Research HF5 [High Isolation] {Neutral} (Highly recommended on /g/)
		$100 - HiFiMAN RE-400 [Medium Isolation] {Balanced}
		$100 - Philips Fidelio S2 [Low Isolation] {Balanced}
		$100 - Shure SE215 [High Isolation] {Bassy} (Highly recommended on /g/)
		$130 - Rock It Sounds R-50 [Medium Isolation] {Balanced}

	High-end:

		$150 - TDK BA200 [Medium Isolation] {Balanced}
		$150 - Yamaha EPH-100 [Medium Isolation] {Bassy}
		$180 - Vsonic GR07 MK2 [Medium Isolation] {Balanced}
		$230 - Sony MDR-7550 [Low Isolation] {Balanced}
		$250 - JVC HA-FX700 [Low Isolation] {V-shaped}

	Audiophile:

		$300 - Etymotic Research ER-4PT [High Isolation] {Neutral}
		$350 - STAX SR-003 MK2 [Low Isolation] {Neutral} (Requires a STAX amplifier)
		$400 - Logitech UE900 [Medium Isolation] {Dark}
		$400 - Westone 4R [Medium Isolation] {Dark}
		$500 - Shure SE535 [High Isolation] {Balanced}

	Kilobuck:

		$1000 - Sennheiser IE800 [Medium Isolation] {Bassy}
		$1000 - Shure SE846 [High Isolation] {Balanced}
		$1250 - Final Audio Design FI-BA-SS [Medium Isolation] {V-shaped}
		$1300 - AKG K3003 [Medium Isolation] {Balanced}
		$1350 - FitEar TO GO! 334 [High Isolation] {Balanced}


Sound signature descriptions:

	Balanced - A slight bass boost with fairly even midrange and treble
	Bassy - A strong bass response when compared to the midrange and treble
	Dark - Weaker treble when compared to the bass and midrange
	Neutral - A very even response of bass, midrange and treble
	V-shaped - Boosted bass and treble, the midrange is weaker in comparison


Other Information:

	Objective Measurements:

		http://en.goldenears.net/
		http://monoadc.blog64.fc2.com/blog-entry-3.html
		http://personalaudio.ru/raa/otchety/naushniki/
		http://rinchoi.blogspot.com/
		http://sonove.angry.jp/
		http://www.geocities.jp/ryumatsuba/review.html
		http://www.headphone.com/learning-center/build-a-graph.php
		http://www.innerfidelity.com/headphone-data-sheet-downloads

	Subjective Comparisons:

		http://theheadphonelist.com/
		http://www.head-fi.org/t/478568/
		http://www.head-fi.org/t/541204/
		http://www.inearmatters.net/

	Notes:

		This guide is a work in progress.
		Prices are in Clapistani dollars.