A while ago our reviewers got together and listened extensively to several of the most popular IEMs on the market. Due to the quantity of the IEMs involved and for the sake of readibility, I won’t go in-depth about their packaging, cables and accessories, their synergy with certain portable amplifiers, etc. Rather, I’ll write general guidelines about their sound that should be useful for people wanting to purchase one of these IEMs.
The equipments used are:
Source: Ipod Touch 2nd Gen, Sansa Clip+, Amp3 Pro, Sony NWZ-A818
Amplifier: HeadAmp Pico, Corda3Move, Ray Samuels SR71a
Playing numerous music files of all genres, both 320kbps MP3s and Lossless files.
WESTONE UM3X
The Westone UM3X may have been designed for professional musicians, and yet it is winning everyone’s heart with its flat sound signature. For the majority of music listeners, some equalization can be the difference between boring to musical bliss. Though you may not actively use equalization on your DAP, most IEMs are designed and tuned by the manufacturers with some EQ curve in mind, primarily to boost its musicality or fun factor. The UM3X is different. It was built for professional musicians, and it has a flat sound without a frequency bump anywhere. How does a flat IEM like the UM3X manage to be so popular among music listeners? If I were to guess, perhaps the trend was started by hardcore reviewers with discerning ears, who set out to find the most neutral IEM there is, then it gets passed on to other people looking for recommendations.
Westone never marketed the UM3X for personal listening, and I agree to why they do this. To some people, the word neutral, may give a certain Hi-Fi appeal. But unless you have heard the UM3X sound personally, you will be surprised to find that the sound is, quite uninvolving, to put it politely. To most people, flat means a lack of soul, and this is why I wouldn’t recommend the UM3X to the general listener looking for an IEM. Even to the crowd who have bought the UM3X, I find that a lot of them try to make up for the flatness by adding a portable amplifier that has some color and some musicality to it.
The sound tends to be on the warm side, though not warm as in mellow. The UM3X has enough of everything, from bass, midrange to treble, and they are all presented fairly equally. The soundstage is nothing to boast about, but it’s also not claustrophobic. Being flat also doesn’t mean it’s an analytical IEM, or a dry sounding one. In fact, everything flows quite smoothly together, and the recording is presented as is. The UM3X somehow managed to be the quite a sibilance proof IEM. No matter what bad recording we play, the UM3X plays it free of any sibilance. Is that a case of un-accurate treble? Not really, as the treble is great and extends quite nicely. I would explain it better if I could, but for now I’ll just say that the UM3X is a sibilance-free IEM.
The UM3X is a great IEM, and though it’s the one I personally use, it wouldn’t be my first recommendation. If you are really really into a flat sound, then the UM3X is for you. Otherwise, look elsewhere.
WESTONE 3
The Westone 3 comes from the same people who created the UM3X, but it was clearly tuned for the personal listening crowd. As a result, the Westone 3 is much more musical than the UM3X and would be easier to appreciate by the majority of music listeners.
In contrast to the UM3X, the Westone 3 has a more exciting sound signature. The treble is much more alive, and it also has a nice upper bass bump that can be a lot of fun to listen to. However, with some music like Classical, the upper bass bump may sound unnatural, as it comes out like a small hump in the lower frequency range.
The W3 has a bigger soundstage than the UM3X, and all these goodness combined makes a recipe that works well with the majority of mainstream music. If you’re looking for something that’s easy to appreciate and enjoy, I would recommend the Westone 3.
blu3s
which one had best best build quality in cable? i’ve some problem with my shure’s cable lately, the cable’s feel really stiff compared to other earphone, and that’s make my cable broken :(. oh btw i’m using se210.
which one would you choose over that 3 best all rounder IEMs? Shure, UE, or westone?
theo
the triple fi 10 has replaceable cable, note the triple fi Vi (in line mic version) chord is very noisy compared to regular triple fi chord,, good news is these chords are interchangeable, i was able to swap cables with one of my older ultimate ears.
i would say the westone 3 while having a much more quiet chord, seems very delicate and i often worry about it braking,, it seems fragile.
i would go triple fi if you like good highs and punch,, or i would go westone 3 if you like a full rich sound,, they are two different signatures.
i hear the se530 have rich mids but lack bass,,, but i too am very curious how they sound,, some seem to love and some seem to hate.
you can get triples on ebay for super cheap
good luck
Mike
The Westone 3 cable does seem a little more delicate, but at the same time we found it to be more flexible than the TF10's. The SE530 is also super nice, and again, different sound signature than the W3 and the TF10. Actually, all three IEMs are very musical IEMs, it's just a matter of preferences to choose one that fits your liking. 🙂
Enoch
although the w3 cable seem delicate, i bet my bottom dollar that it is the most durable. this is because it has the most flexible cable thus it will not break unless you cut in. i even tried bending it to the point it makes a perfect 'U'. all conventional rubber cable cant do this.
while other earphones may have detachable cables, they have inferior cables that will break while westone and earsonic wont. okay, i may be over hyping it, maybe it's right to say it can last atleast 5years of heavy use.
on a last note, it has ZERO microphonics.
Brian
Best cable for me is a tie between the CK100 and UM3X/W3.
Best all-rounder would be either the TF10Pro or SE530. The former has a brasher sound and the latter has a more relaxing one.
gonzalo
wich portable amp will you recommend for the UM3X?, thanks gon
Mike
Following my personal preference, I'd go for the ALO Rx to add some more sparkle at the top and enlarge the soundstage of the UM3X.
theo
does that mean that the um3x lack sparkle in their highs?
Mike
Yes, sometimes they do seem to lack sparkle in the highs.
theo
i personally prefer the triple fi and also like the westone 3, note: every time i compare the triple to w3, triple make the w3 highs sound a bit recessed, also makes the w3 long for more punch,,, in addition the highs on the triple fi are so delightful and sparkle with fast rock and pop without sibilance or hurting your ears, the triple does need more thickness if that means anything, but it is more defined and exciting, and come on, its no that bad a fit as long as you use the bi flange tips, but i would agree not as comfortable, in fact even thou i think they are better for monitoring tv, news, talk, etc. i find myself using the w3 because they are more comfortable. but the sheer addictive precision and sparkle and definition of the triple fi makes me pic it over the westone 3.. now having said all of this, i am getting some um3x:)
note: the triple fi responds remarkable well to eq and will surprise you how much bass you can add to it. fyi
thanks
i am curious how the se530 compared to triple and westone?
Mike
Hi Theo,
I think I agree with what you said about the TF10, but I wouldn't say that the TF10 is absolutely better than the W3, since I can see how people with different preferences may like the W3 better.
We did compare the SE530 to the TF10 and the Westone. I think you can find a section on the SE530 on this article.
Sean
The bass on the IE8 is by NO MEANS heavy, it has a lot of mid-bass and that's what you are hearing. I have read a few reviews on here and I know that it is all about personal opinion but what I have read is wrong IMO. The IE8 bass is only good when EQed A LOT!!!! The Hippo VB, Monster Turbine Pro Gold/MD's KILL this IEM when it comes to the bass category. I do not know how old this thread is but I have found the MTP MD's to be the best/tightest/layered bass out of any universal-fit IEM. The IE8 can not even compare, if you like mid-bass go for it, but if you want sub-bass (like a subwoofer) choose a more viable option. I also read a review on headfonia comparing "top-tier" PMPs/DACs and in it they claimed the S:Flo2 has weak bass….this is completely wrong, and many testimonials on head-fi can affirm this claim. The Westone 3 is a great IEM but somewhat fatigueing, I find that all of the MTP's to be my favorite. The SE530 only has good mids with little to no bass, the upcoming SE535 is worth waiting for if this is your thing since it will have a replacable cable option. I did not like the TF10, just wasn't my cup of tea. I sold both my Westone 3 & UM3X after I got my Monster Turbine Pro Golds/Coppers/MD's (yes I bought them all lol). I would do more research than just relying on this site because the two reviews I have read provided incorrect information IMO. I am not trying to hate on this site because I think a lot of its reviews are spot on, but to say the IE8 is a "bassy" IEM is incorrect, they are a mid-bass heavy IEM.
Mike
Thanks, Sean. Your comments are appreciated.
Sean
I think that all of the other reviews were good as in the E4P/S, 3 and UM3X. However, I have not heard any of the others so I can not comment but I have heard newer IEMs that are outstanding such as JVC HA-FX700, TBP Miles Davis Tributes and the SM3's which I thought should've been included/considered. Yet, they may not have been out when the review was performed.
Mike
Hi Sean, yes the article were written back in 2009.
I do acknowledge that we are a bit behind in IEMs. Some of the products are hard to get here in Indonesia. And being a fairly young website (we're only 8 mths old!), most companies are still unwilling to loan us samplers.
Of course your comments are helpful in the sense that it helps us to see the areas that we're still lacking. Keep 'em coming!
Sean
I write a lot of reviews for head-fi and would be more than happy to provide some information for your website. At the moment I am working on a huge product in collaboration with a few amp companies (not too sure which one to tip right now) that will make amps become more mainstream for Apple PMP users. Sorry if I came off as rude but I am a huge proponent of the S:Flo2 and this site is the only place I have found that claims it lacks in the low-end, which I feel it does not at all. Of course I have it paired with a high-end custom LOD and a multitude of amps. But, even coming directly from the headphone jack on the S:Flo2 I have found it to be one of, if not, the best PMPs on the market. Aside from the HiFiMan-801 of course, but I feel it is overpriced and the internal amp is not what is supposed to be so I find more people bypassing this via it's line out and pairing it with something like an RSA Protector which provides the balanced option.
Mike
Hi Sean. If you're convinced that the S:Flo2 doesn't lack low end, there is nothing I can do to convince you otherwise. As a review site it is in our best interest to to be accurate, and the Teclast T51 does have a polite bass. The Hifiman HM-801 is surprisingly the only DAP that can provide good sinergy and driving power with the HD800 straight from its headphone out. Is it expensive? Yes. But it does have the quality to back up the pricetag. I'm sure you know what I mean since you've read the review. But let's agree to disagree there and not prolong this any further.
emoaddict
i am definitely poisoned with the APs ER4P after reading this…
Mike
Well, the article was written long time ago before the Copper was even announced. 😉
I had a listen to the Copper, and this is what I wrote about it on the other article:
http://www.headfonia.com/triple-jh-comparison-five-ten-and-sixteen/comment-page-5/#comment-1109
Jose
You know, there is one contender missing, the Monster Turbine Pro Copper.
Mark Chastain
Hey, what happened to the review of the Sennheiser IE7's?
Mike
*facepalm*
We never did talk about the IE7, didn't we? Oh that's a stupid stupid mistake. Anyway, this is talking from memory, the IE7 sounds exactly like the IE8 without the overpowering bass amount. Actually some of us prefers the IE7 more than the IE8.
Sorry about that.
Mark Chastain
thats okay. Greatest headphone site ever though. Keep it up!
More please.
Mike
Thanks Mark. I'll try to write more things when they become available. 🙂
Enoch
Mike, Please add in SM3 and final audio. I am VERY sure sm3 will be the best if not second.
And i think you should add in some lower end customs if you can since they are only a bit more expensive. A lot ppl who are into this range of earphones are interested if spending a bit more on customs dual drivers are worth it.
On a unrelated note, this site has nice design and your reviews are great. although i would prefer if you are 50% more wordy and detailed, it is still very good.
Mike
Hi Enoch, I listened to the SM3 and was not that impressed with it. I thought it was similar to the UM3X and I even would still prefer the UM3X due to the better designed housing. The SM3's boxy housing is hurting my ears (and my friend's as well).
Thanks for the comments about the review, I'll try to write better reviews. When we have a multiple product shootout, we need to limit the number of words, otherwise it'll be too long of a read for the majority of people. 🙂
I compared the JH5Pro to some of the universal triple drivers on the JHAudio review. http://www.headfonia.com/triple-jh-comparison-fiv…
😀
esanthosh
Time for another $300+ IEM shoot out? Would like to see SM3, FX700, Monster Miles Davis Tribute, Ortofon e-Q7 added 🙂
Mike
Yep. Sounds like it's time for another $300 IEM shootout.
Boyd
don't forget these aswell: SE535, MTCP, RE262 (and upcoming).. x-jays and Sa-7 d(^_^)b
Mike
Oh man. 🙂
No promises though.. takes time to gather a line up like that. 🙂
toe
CK100 at 300$ IEMs shootout?
I think the younger sister, CK10 more suitable to this shootout 😀
Mike
🙂
David
I listen to all different types of music, but primarily indie music and hip hop (practically opposites…) Should I get a pair of westone 3’s or make the $200 jump for a pair of JH 5 PRO’s? I can’t decide, please help me out!
Anonymous
That’s tough. Indie and Hip Hop.
I think the Westone 3 can handle indie and hip hop perhaps just as well
as the JH5. Also check out the new SE535 shure. I think it’s a better
choice than the Westone 3.
David
Wow, thanks for the super prompt reply. Hmm…duly noted. The Shure SE535’s are nearing the price range of the JH5 pro’s, comparing the two, which do you think is better? To make things a little bit easier I listen to indie music more often than hip hop, but I’d just like whichever pair I get to be able to hold it’s own reasonably well in both genres.
Anonymous
Yes, the Shures are not cheap.
The SE535 and the JH5Pro.. both are equally good within their own
differences. It’s hard to be specific without considering the exact
album that we are basing the comparison on. I would probably make the
choice based on the practical aspects. The custom JH5 will give you
better isolation than the Shure. Resell value on the Shure is probably
going to be higher, since it is a universal.
But if I reconsider the overall situation, for $200 less, the Westone 3
is probably going to be the one I go for. After all, I’d put the Westone
3, the SE535, and the JH5Pro at around the same level. The Westone 3 has
“flaws” such as the midbass hump and the treble which some people
complaints to be sibilant. That is why I recommended the SE535 earlier.
But at the end of the day, the Westone 3 still sounds fun and musical,
and at $200 less than the other two, is a very good value IMO.
Snorlax
Nice review! Cant wait for your review of the Westone 4 😉
Anonymous
Thanks, Snorlax.
I am trying to do an IEM shootout that will include the SM3, W4, EX1000, SE535 — basically the most recent triple-quad driver universals.
But briefly, the Westone 4 is very smooth sounding from top to bottom with zero flaw in the tonal balance. The only issue is being the serious lack of bass punch from the two bass drivers, even when compared to triple drivers like the SE535 and the SM3.
Apparently Westone tried to break away from all the coloration issues that people sort of blame the Westone 3 for: too much treble, too much midbass, and they come out with something that is as neutral and as flat as I’ve seen among IEMs. But they left the bass punch out in the process.
Simply put the W4 lacks a great deal of PRaT. I haven’t found an owner who’s been happy with the W4 (at least in my local forum), and people’s impression of it has been quite uniform as well — need punchier bass.
Snorlax
Thanks for the brief impressions. I wonder how would you compare the Westone 4 with the UM3X mainly in instrument separation and who has better overall clarity.
Anonymous
The W4 has the overall edge on both. But that wasn’t through A-B
comparison, just from separate impressions.
Snorlax
Thanks! I hope the lack of punchier bass on the Westone 4 can be fixed by adding a punchy amp. I have a RSA Mustang and UM3X RC by the way and i’m having second thoughts if i should switch to Westone 4 or just stick with my current setup..
Anonymous
A few people I know seem to prefer the UM3X over the W4. But if you want
to get the W4, the Pico Slim adds quite a good amount of bass punch.
Kidkorn
Wonderin when will your new IEM shootout will be release. Im getting excited.
Anonymous
Sorry Kidkorn,
I am nowhere close to even starting the IEM review. Sorry man — not sure when I’m going to do it.
Kanon
Mike, I think you should get a pair of re272, Nankai said it is comparable to $1000 customs (a comparison with x1000 would be nice too), if you agree than that can save lots of money.
Anonymous
Really, that’s quite a bold statement yes?
Kanon
I know! That’s why I am so interested since there has not been a failed product from these people. This reviewer is very enthusiastic about the technicalities of re272 too. http://9811194.blogspot.com/2011/07/hifiman-re-272-review.html
Anonymous
Well doesn’t this paragraph pretty much sums it all?
Conclusion: HiFiMAN now have a triumvirate of top tier IEM’s, the 252,
262 and here the 272. The 262 is warm and lush, the 252 the paragon of
perfect neutrality and the 272 is the hyper analytical, bright one. In
term of value they pretty much kick the snot of everyone else and in
absolute terms I think the 272 is the one that may have taken top tier
to a new level. I honestly can’t decide if it’s down to its sound
signature but the 272 is revealing in a way I’ve never heard before.
LOL you can tell I’m not so big on IEMs. And I still owe you guys that
triple driver shootout that I’ve been saying I am going to do: SM3, W4,
SE535, etc.
Anonymous
Hey Mike, my Klipsch Image S4i’s wandered away about a month ago, and was looking for something new. The oval Klipsch tips are the only IEM’s that have ever been confortable for me. I was wondering if you had every critically listened to the Klipsch X10/X10i, and how they might compare the the IEM’s on this list. I know it won’t be a direct comparison, but an informed opinion would be great. I’m going to be using a Fiio e11 amp, and am relatively familiar with the sound of the IE8, the TripleFi 10, & the ER4P, although I’m one of the people who thinks the Etymotics sound too sterile.
And as always, keep up the great work!
Anonymous
Ah you know the Klipsch IEMs happen to be one of the brands that I’m totally unfamiliar with. People say that they’re good stuff, but I just happen to never had the opportunity to listen to them. From what I’ve heard is that they have good bass.
I don’t know, the TF10 has been having a resurgence here and a lot of people are actually digging the sound of them again, especially after the whole bass-less Westone 4 episode. So that’s what I would recommend.
Yes the ER4P is sterile for perhaps 98% of music listeners out there — that I agree.
reckoncile
Where is the cheapest place to get the CK100?
TheOneInYellow
Juts to put it out there for readers (TL;DR post follows):
If you are interested in getting, quite possibly, the best sounding IEM on the cheap, then consider the Ultimate Ears Triple.Fi 10 Pro’s.
In truth, at their general RRP, the Triple.Fi 10’s have been beaten by other IEM’s, but are still noteworthy even now (Mike still recommends them, and he is not the only one). For that reason, it would have been wise to research whether you wanted this triple-driver IEM or another, such as Audio-Technica’s CK100, Westone 3, Westone UM3x, or Shure SE535.
It is also true that getting a double or triple-armature based, or equivalent, high quality dynamic driver based IEM, is expensive.
However, the online retailer Amazon, in different territories around the world, has slashed the price of the Triple.Fi 10’s, so much so that they have become, in general terms of SQ, the best IEM’s at the discount price bracket. :O
Ultimate Ears Triple.Fi 10 Pro for £109.99Ultimate Ears Triple.Fi 10 Pro via Amazon.com for $170.62
Obviously, everyone has different tastes, needs, requirements, sound signatures, and so forth, so the UE Triple.Fi 10’s will not be for everyone. However, there is nothing on the market currently that can match them at those prices, so if you are interested in getting your first multi or triple-driver based IEM, or an IEM that is still considered one of the best sounding regardless of its age, get them from Amazon before the discount price ends or the item becomes out of stock.
Indeed, if you have the cash, get two, and get one remoulded! Mike suggests Unique Melody to remould your Triple.Fi 10’s; he advices for the TF10x6 drivers, but UM can do TF10x8 drivers as well!
Or, you can invest in the IEM’s, and buy an amplifier/LOD, and possibly something else. I opted for the:
– FiiO L9 LOD,
– FiiO RC-UE1 Replacement Recable for IEM’s (in this case, the Triple.Fi 10’s), and
– JDS Labs c421 Portable (rechargeable) amplifier with bass boost and two gain settings. There are three opamps to choose from, and I selected the AD8620 opamp for my amp.
You may also consider FiiO’s upcoming E17 ‘Alpen’ Amp & PC DAC, or one of Mike’s recommended audio equipment (such as the Digizoid ZO2, Audinst Amp-Hp, JDS Labs cMoyBB v2.03, and so on).
On that note, there are rumours that the Triple.Fi 10’s are being discontinued, an the Logitech website has already removed it form their website; the UK still has it listed, and in Asia, under the Triple.Fi 15vi name (thought to be the same as Triple.Fi 10 with more accessories by the headphone community), it is still visible.
If true, this would explain Amazon’s most generous discount offer, but it is a shame that Jerry Harvey’s final universal IEM and his sound signature under UE might be put out to pasture; I salute you, sir, for your wonderful work at UE and now at JH Audio! Thank you for making great audio products!
Kind regards,
TheOneInYellow
^_^
TheOneInYellow
Urghhh, the links did not work. Here you go:
http://www.head-fi.org/t/587208/amazon-uk-usa-cyber-monday-boxing-day-ue-triple-fi-10-pro-deals
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ultimate-Ears-Triple-10-Earphones/dp/B000JFJDAE
http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Ears-TripleFi-Isolating-Earphones/dp/B0019RBJOE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1324915835&sr=8-1
Mike
The TF10 is old and it doesn’t have the same hype as the newer triples. However it has been for a long time, and is still one of the crowd favorite IEM, while the same can’t be said about the newer stuff.
Anonymous
How does the Hifiman RE-262 fare with those IEMs mentioned above?
Mike
The RE262 is nice, but not quite the same level I think.
Alok Juyal
Nice review Mike! All my IEMs are Shures (215, 530, 535) and I love the sound. If I wanted to upgrade looking for more refinement, which way would I go? For amplifiers while I use the E11, I am going with your advice and getting a Continental V2 (maybe a SR71B or similar as well later)… Alok
Mike
Alok,
I would recommend the Continental, but not so much the SR71B.
Alok Juyal
Thanks Mike, advice noted and appreciated. The Continental V2 arrives tomorrow 🙂 What would you suggest could be an upgrade to the Shure se535s if I wanted to try a different IEM. Thanks again.
Mike
The universals have different sound signature mostly, but I don’t think they differ very much in terms of technicalities (and I’ve listened to all the top triple-quad driver universals).
I think you should give the customs a try. Even starting from a JH5 which in terms of technicalities are way ahead of the universals.
Alok Juyal
Thank you, I shall check with JHAudio if they are OK to take ear impressions from Singapore. The V2 sounds awesome with my He300s.
Mike
Oh yes that shouldn’t be a problem.
Stephen Loke
Hey Mike,
Nice review! Which portable amplifier would you recommend being paired with the UM3x?
Thanks.
Mike
I like it with the RSA Amps.
Stephen Loke
Do you prefer it with the Shadow or the P-51 Mustang?
I like to listen to mostly Pop, Rock & Alternative.
Thanks.
Mike
Shadow of course.
Stephen Loke
If I’m going to use it with portable headphones and IEMs, would you recommend the Shadow. Most likely to connect the amp with an Ipod 5.5g via LOD.
Thanks for advice.
Stephen Loke
Hey Mike,
Should I get the UM3x or the Westone 3 for Pop, Rock & Alternative.
Thanks.
Mike
I’d get the UM3X.
Alex Davis
Looking at a pair of second hand triple fi 10s but worried about the fit issues
Would i be better of with a pair of brainwavz b2 or hifiman re262 new?
Mike
Alex, replied on your other post.
BHASKAR JYOTI KRISHNATREYA
Hi Mike! Thanks for such a nice comparison.
How would you compare the mids and the highs between the W3 and the UM3x? Which one has more air and sparkle. I mostly listen to Rock, alternative and jazz. Need a recommendation.
Mike
Bhaskar,
Air and sparkle, has to be the W3.
BHASKAR JYOTI KRISHNATREYA
Thanks. How do you think they would go with jazz?
Mike
I think it would be sweet with Jazz. What sort of Jazz?
BHASKAR JYOTI KRISHNATREYA
Mostly Contemporary Jazz like The Bad Plus, Esbjorn Svensson Trio, Jan Johansson, Brad Mehldau etc. What do you think?
Mike
Listening to the Bad Plus right now, very nice music. I think the W3 would be good, better than the UM3X for this.
If you want, also look into the Vsonic GR07 which would be smoother on the treble & mids than the W3, but less bass. Also look into Sony EX1000.
BHASKAR JYOTI KRISHNATREYA
Could you also compare a few dynamic driver IEMs within $200 range?
This comparison was fantastic.
Mike
Yes, I’m afraid I don’t really have the time for that right now.
Stas Ka
The best in-ear headphones =)http://www.flickr.com/photos/stakatch/8097340395/?ref=nf
Mike
To a certain degree, yes. 😉
reckoncile
I was wondering what would be a synergistic amp for the er4p/s? I find the ALO amps way too big. perhaps the Amp-Hp?
Mike
JDSLabs C421 works very nice. Also RSA’s SR71-A
Alberto Martinez
RE-600 vs Aurisonics Rockets vs Etymotics ER4-PT/ER4S
Hi, I need help to finish my decision.
I am getting rid of of big and bulky noise canceling full size Senn PXC450 when traveling weekly by high speed train or airplane with an average duration of 2 hours.
I am looking for best balance in comfort (my ears are very sensitive using small and medium tips), noise isolation and sound quality (new IEMs will be connected to Audioquest DragonFly v1.2 FLAC 24/96 mainly).
Price range $200-400
By now options are HiFiMAN RE-600, Aurosincs Rockets and Etymotics ER4-PT/ER4S (in near feature I will have and iFi micro iDSD o Centrance M8),
Music 70% classic and progressive rock and 30% jazz guitar.
Which one of these 3 do you recommend? Thanks a lot
Please indicate other models and brands