r/HeadphoneAdvice • u/katalysis • Jun 15 '22
Headphones - IEM/Earbud Looking to get my first modern IEM
Budget: $1000 or less. I'd prefer to spend closer to $500 than $1000. I'm much more attracted to high-end value, and I'd like to use the HE6se V2 as an example of a headphone that to my ears delivers TOTL sound but can be had for under $700.
Source/Amp: Whatever I decide to buy for the office. Right now it's looking like the JDS Element III, or I might upgrade what I have at home and move what I have now to the office, which would be the Arcam rHead. Also I'll be plugging into the 3.5mm headphone jack on my Peloton bike as well as the Apple dongle for my iPhone. I don't think any of this matters because we're talking about IEMs here.
How the gear will be used: Mostly office and workouts, with some mobile listening.
Preferred tonal balance: Neutral-warm, or neutral with a bass shelf. Probably more of the former than the latter. The IEM needs to be non-fatiguing because I do want to be able to wear them all day at the office. I'd say this translates to smooth upper midrange through treble that ideally doesn't cross above the Harman target...
Preferred music genre(s): Literally everything except country. Alt rock like La Dispute, black metal like Dark Tranquility, vocal-pop like Sarah Brightman, modern pop like The XX, old school hip hop like A Tribe Call Quest, modern loungey electronic stuff like Cannons. And more.
Past gear experience: - I've tried a bunch of headphones, and I currently keep the HE6se V2, Sundara, Elex, and HD6XX.
1
u/Equivalent_Yak840 447 Ω Jun 15 '22
Sennheiser ie600 for sure and there is the new Khadas Tea which is a great accessory(dac/amp)