aaron-xp

I believe most do have it (as in those in the UE and ES line, and most probably ACS' line and the FS line. Though the ACS T2 is more or less a rebranded 2S-X, I believe they do have wax filters).

^ The soft molds, and the fact that ear wax can go into the drivers. I think the 2X-S does not have wax filters, and Sensaphonics does not cover the driver problems due to wax under its warranty, so if such a problem occurs, you will be stuck with a rather expensive paper weight (unless you pay for the repair fees, which goes quite high, something like USD200 per driver, if I'm not wrong).

^ You are joking, right? The Bose IE, while supposedly okay for its price, is in a totally different range from the above mentioned. Anyway, to the thread starter, would you consider headphones?

^ The offer is on. PMed you the link.

The OVC-20 is supposed to be a giant-killer canalphone when paired with a good/decent amp (ie. Xtra). Some have ditched their UM1/2 for the OVC-20 + Xtra for on the go listening. It uses mylar drivers if I'm not wrong. It's currently being sold at Jaben.

There's quite a price range, so you may want to ultimately make your own decision. I personally think that the ES2 would be the best way to go custom, otherwise, the triple fi. would be a good universal IEM.

Sorry, my mistake. I somehow misread the amping thing. The MS2 and SR325i will be able to be used without amps. Personally, I find Grados rather nice unamped, with their low impedence. However, an amplifer will definitely be good. The other headphones are slightly more difficult to drive. Another choice would be the Audio Technica A900/AD900. Both are rather easily driven. The A900 is closed-back whereas the AD900 is an open headphone. Another possible choice would be to wait for the A950LTD to be released. Remember to audition the headphones before buying.

For about $400 to $600, you could get yourself some decent cans. However, unless you intend to use them at home, I'd think it'll be too big a hassle to enjoy good sound. At the price point, you could have a: -K701 (order from Northern Sounds and Lights, their price is rather good if the offer is still on), -DT880 -MS2 / SR325i and probably the HD600. All are decent headphones, and deciding between them would be a matter of personal choice and music taste.

^ Both are the same thing. The cheapest may not be the best bang-for-buck item. Some others within the $200 price range include the Xtra, govibe, PA2V2, C&C and the Xenos RHP and REP. The Xtra has been gaining quite a few fans in Singapore and you probably would want to try it out.

Congratulations on finding your favorite then. Personal preference plays a huge role. I have rather straight canals and thus prefer the IEMs for isolation (and don't find triflanges uncomfortable). The CX300 is probably the most comfortable of the lot you tested (other than the EP630, which is about the same in terms of comfort level). I must say, that IEMs take some getting used to. Congrats again.

Actually, the Koss earclips aren't really that big. The UM1 was quite a big jump from the EP630. I would think that the ER6i (which has been receiving rave reviews) would be much better than the EP630/OVCs in terms of isolation and sheer detail. It would be less bassy than the rather muddy EP630, but trust me, it'd be a real good entry to the IEM realm. Besides, if you don't really like it, you can sell it for a small lost. The ER6i costs >S$200 in Singapore. (though the one bought overseas wouldn't have local warranty). The E2 has been described as muddy and the UM1 is preferred over it if you like the midrangy/bassy sound. The CX300, in my opinion, is overrated at its price point.

Wow, that's quite a good sum to work with. V-Moda Vibes http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=217597 Can't really think of many canalphones which cost more than $200. I assume you will be using the iPod on the go. There is a whole lot options available for home use.

Bose is not really highly regarded in the headphone world (and the speaker world as well), mainly because there are products for cheaper and yet offer better performance. Not too sure about Sennheiser noise cancellation headphones, but the general feedback is that they are decent for cheaper than the QuietComforts. Another choice would be canalphones (not IEMs, since you don't really find them comfortable), like the EP630, or slightly higher end, ie. V-Moda, CK7, CX300. They isolate quite a bit (less than IEMs) but sit on the outer part of the ear canal, and are thus less uncomfortable to those who don't like IEMs. As for IEMs, you may want to try the UM1. Should be slightly more comfortable than the E2 (to me). Ear tips play a part. Foam and grey flex tips are usually the most comfortable. (excluding custom ear-mold tips). EDIT: Forgot to ask, what's the budget?

Both would be real good. Choose what is more convenient for you. Stereo would allow you to listen many other headphones (most of which are on display), which is a real eye opener. Jaben for Uncle Wilson giving quite a bit of advice, and mainly for the quiet listening environment. (There's a wide range too, just that it's more inconvenient because a lot of stuff is still in boxes.

The Creysn is probably the E630 (which I heard is somewhat like the EP630, except that it is not as bassy, then again, this is based on my somewhat faulty memory). The OVC is from China, and has been receiving quite a bit of rave reviews in Singapore.

I don't think you have much of a choice now (as in to get a better price), though Hung Brothers in Sim Lim Square may have them. There are definitely many better earphones than the EP630, it just depends on the price you are willing to pay. Some other canalphones in the same price range to consider is the OVC T range which is rather popular now, and the JVC marshmallows. Beyerdynamic has a new canalphone, though I'm not too sure about the price.

The frequency response in a headphone is not really a very important factor in the quality of it, especially in higher end models. A good rule of thumb would be around 20hz to 20khz, which is the range of the average human hearing. Some headphones will be able to extend better both in the lower and higher frequencies, ie K601 -> 12hz to 39khz. It doesn't really mean anything, mainly because it's not proven that humans can hear beyond 20khz or below 20hz. Do note that IEMs usually have a roll off at about 16khz because of the technological limitations of balanced armature drivers.

I believe Stereo (and probably Jaben) stock the EP630 at $35, BUT the Creative show rooms sell them at $42 (the last time I checked, which is some time ago.) Enjoy it though.

That's a hasty generalization. I personally love how comfortable IEMs (even triflanges) are as compared to a lot of full-sized headphones in Singaporean heat. To original poster: I assume you'll be using this outdoors, so I'll go with the CK7 suggestion (unless you're willing to top up $10 for a UM1, which I find really good). If you are using this indoors, try out the SR60 (open headphones, leaks in and out sound), especially if you like rock and metal.

The CK5 doesn't really get much love around here. I'd personally recommend the EP630, which can be bought at Creative's main outlet (which would be nearby in Jurong, or the Marina/Plaza Singapura branches) for about $42. Stereo Electronics at Causeway Point and Jaben at Adelphi should also carry them.

Shoot, I'm really getting rather messed up.

I'm assuming you prefer canalphones/IEMs for their isolation, and will focus on them instead of the earbuds (unless otherwise stated) Audio Technica - The Ck7 is pretty popular, but it's about $130, so it's exceed the budget. The CK5 isn't really popular around here. Cresyn - The E630 is more or less an equivalent of the EP630 of Creative, just slightly bassier (probably muddier as well). Etymotic Research - The cheapest model, the ER6(i) costs about $200+ in Singapore (US price slightly better), rather far off the budget. Known for clean and analytical sound. OVC - (Mentioned by guys above) Sennheiser - CX300, popular choice in headfi. Retails about $130 in Singapore. I would recommend the CK7, which costs the same, instead. MX500, MX450, MX550 are some popular earbud choices. Shure - E2, the cheapest model, costs about $140 plus (I think). Rather bassy.

HMV should be able to do that, but the price is really high, as compared to you shipping direct from the online store like cdjapan.com. I personally have FF8 OST and the orchestrated version of the soundtrack.

Do you have any specific budget? Do you mind non-isolating headphones that might like out some sound? Will monitoring be the only thing the headphones be used for?

The UM1 should beat the E2 in terms of clarity by quite a margin, mainly because of it being a stage monitor. The E2 on the other hand, is really bassy, to the point that it's muddy. It's fine using the IEM out of the onboard soundcard, not damage will be done to the IEM nor the soundcard. It's just the hissing sound from the headphone output. It gets rather irritating at times, especially in quieter passages of the track. The UM1 has decent build quality, perhaps the best amongst the three. Microphonics is not a problem because of the braid wire. Triflanges from Buying Shure/OEM will work (I've tried them), though some say triflanges are too long. You can always cut one tip off to make them biflanges. I personally like triflanges for their great isolation, though some might find them uncomfortable (I personally enjoy them). These come with Westone Comply foam tips, which are really good for isolation and real comfy, but the cost is huge over the long run, and you'll probably need to buy either the triflange or shure flex sleeves. The Super fi. 3 studio and iM716 are 2 other (good) choices. The iM716 is supposed to be something in between the Er6i and ER4, so you might like it. The Super fi. 3 leans towards the Westone in terms of sound.