aaron-xp

In my opinion, the ER series is over priced in Singapore. Nevertheless, they are still rather interesting IEMs. However, looking at your preference for a jack of more (I wouldn't say all) trades, I'd go with the UM1.

The UM1 has a rather nice, tight (especially coming form Sony canals) bass. Rather liquid midrange, because it's primarily a stage monitor, but with a treble roll-off (don't worry though, it's not very obvious).

The E2, on the other hand, is overly bassy, and has a weird fit.

If you can, try as many of them as possible first, so that you can know more of how they sound.

I wouldn't recommend using any of the IEMs from a PC, especially if it has an onboard soundcard, because of the hissing problem. Both iPods shouldn't pose much a problem though.

Second-hands are good, if you can live with the fact that they were used by someone you don't know. Try looking for someone with a good history of transactions before buying. Not too sure about the magnet thing, but from what I know, I doubt the effect should be great on IEMs (balanced amatures). Not too sure about dynamic headphones though, though I doubt that there would be any horrible effect.

It;s supposedly rather good, about half a step up from the EP630. The CK7 would be a better buy though, at about $130 (forgot the exact price).

These?

http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showthread....&highlight=moda

There's been a great hype over them at headfi.

Budget?

For about $250, the Audio Technica A900 seems to be a decent choice for the above mentioned.

UE's biflange works, though the fit is rather subjective (works well for some, not too well for others, like me).

I doubt it's available for cheaper locally. The Etymotics range seems to be one where the prices online beats the local ones by a whole lot (which is rather rare).

It should be decent, given the rather good reviews (on Stereophile, if I am not wrong). Besides, Etymotics has been prided for their good, clinical sound, so I doubt they'll throw all of that into the drain with the product.

I doubt the competing companies will release one any time soon, given the criticism they have received over the design, which probably can't be solved unless there is a technological breakthrough for the size of the bluetooth unit.

Haha.. This really reminds me of the "Greatest Supporter" thread in headfi.

The SR60 is a very well recommended under-USD100 headphone throughout the audio forums. Of course, there are new contenders, such as the K81DJ, etc. But the SR60 has stayed a favorite over the years.

Tried it yet?

I wouldn't recommend customs for someone of my age (erm... it's the same). The ear continues to grow, and though the audiologist may be able to predict the growth and make slightly larger molds, it is still rather risky for an item such as this (barely less than SGD200).

It's more of the danger of shipping. If the unit happens to be faulty, you'll have to send it back. If it so happens that the next unit is faulty, you'll have to do the same. Some prefer it fast.

Based on my understanding from their huge advertiesment on the centrefold of the Straits Times, it's possible.

Clip-ons/general headphones - KSC75

Sub USD100 - SR60

Canalphone - EP630

SE is in Causeway Point. Stereo Electronics. On the third or fourth floor, if I didn't remember wrongly.

Jaben is in Adelphi, opposite Funan. Top floor, near the staircase.

Both allow testing of Grados. I know the MS2 is available for testing at SE, but not sure about MS1.

In my opinion, the CK7 looks the best in the sub-$150 canalphone/IEM range.

Grados/Alessandros look pretty good too.

FC7s don't really get much love because they are really bassy, but personal preference counts. Headfi has a review here:

http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=191075

I'd definitely get it at $29. Cheaper than the EP630, better isolation, much better sound. Was deciding whether to trade the Zen Micro in for a free Xmod.

AT ES7,

AT EC7,

B&O A8

AKG K601/K701

UE10 Pro

The possibilities are almost limitless. Budget please.

It may be the price set by AKG. Really depends.

It's like the European Grado issue. Grados in USA cost much, much less than those in Europe, and slightly less than those here.

I don't think they ship to Singapore, but vPost should do the job. Shouldn't cost more than SGD40 (if I remember correctly).

Northern Sound and Light has a real good price. Ask for an email on the K701 price. I think it's around USD244.

http://www.northernsound.net/Sales/Wireles...elessframe.html

Shipping is a pain though, and it should be a small risk to take because the headphone may be faulty (small chance though)

For some isolation, the Creative EP630 is decent.

The only thing is that the ER4 is much cheaper online. The hassle (and danger) of shipping, however, probably evens it out.

I'm not sure if SE has the etymotics on display, but I think Jaben has them.

UM2 and E4 should be available in both places.

The ER6i and ER4 looks pretty good for someone in your situation. Great for clarity.

I personally find IEMs really comfortable. Maybe it's because of my "IEM-style" ear canals. Or simply because it's too warm to put on headphones for long in Singapore.

*GASP*

Happy Birthday to Aron!

And not forgetting Cypher.