The Best In-Ear-Monitors for over $200

My final mini-roundup review takes a cursory look at some of the best IEMs for $200 and above. Part 1 features items under $100, while Part 2 outlines a few between $100-$200. None of these articles is meant to be exhaustive, as I have left out some notable brands. Also, I have excluded plenty of good portable headphones from companies like Audio-Technica because they are not IEMs and do not isolate from outside noise. For listeners on the go, I highly recommend an IEM over conventional headphones that do not provide passive isolation. You may have noticed that BOSE has been left off my lists. Suffice it to say that I am in agreement with 98% of the audiophile world that BOSE is not hi-fi and is generally very overpriced.

Shure SE310 $299.99: I own the SE310 for several reasons: they are smooth and non-fatiguing (which is desirable for long mobile listening sessions), are technically competent, and can usually be had for substantially less than the competition. While I do not love the SE310’s dark frequency response, I can still enjoy some of its stronger attributes, such as solid and full bass, good amount of detail, low distortion, and decent sound even when unamped. If offered at its MSRP, the SE310, in my view, is not a great deal compared to the $300 Westone UM2, which is slightly better in most categories.

Shure SE410 $399.99: Shure’s dual-driver IEM, the SE420 is far pricier than the Westone UM2, more expensive than the triple-driver UM3, and the same as the 3-driver TripleFi 10. I suspect that just for monetary reasons, the SE420 is not terribly popular. When I auditioned these alongside the SE310, I could not justify the $100 MSRP premium of the dual-driver model. While the SE420 has slightly tighter bass, it also has a greater amount of it than the SE310, making it sound even darker and warmer than an already very warm SE310. I would not choose the SE420 over the UM3 or even the UM2.

Shure SE530 $499.99: The SE530 is the only pair of triple-driver IEMs that I have ever owned. Its bass is surprisingly punchy (thanks to its dedicated subwoofer) but not overwhelming. Vocals are clear but missing the finest of details present in the Etymotic ER-4, but the SE530’s mid-range is, even at its asking price, commendable, despite lacking the minute nuances of the ER-4. By now, you should realize that Shure is not aiming for the hyper-detail and treble crispness as Etymotic; rather, the SE530 excels in providing more realistic and better defined “images.” The ER-4 and UM2, for example, sound a bit “loose” and “diffuse” with their imaging, not possessing the SE530’s excellent solidity and separation. Moving up the frequency spectrum, however, the SE530 begins to lose its prowess. Like its cheaper siblings, the highs are very recessed. Percussive instruments do not shimmer like they should, and treble impact is non-existent. If you are in the market for a smooth IEM with tremendous imaging and bass, then SE530 should deliver, but if you want punchy and more neutral sound, then Etymotic, Westone, and others are better choices at lower prices.

Sennheiser IE7 $299.99: Sennheiser’s first series of hi-fi IEMs use dynamic transducers instead of conventional balanced armatures found in makes from Shure, Etymotic, etc. A 40-page Head-fi thread chronicles user experiences with the IE7.
Sennheiser IE8 $449.95: judging by the overly dark frequency response of the IE8, I was never really interested in these. Reviews generally bear out my assumption that the IE8 is an extension of the low-mid dominant Sennheiser sound, which I am not fond of. This 363-page Head-fi thread might convince you otherwise.

Westone UM2 $299: Westone is a well regarded manufacturer that does not have the advertising dollars of Shure or Ultimate Ears. The UM2 is the company’s mid-range 2-driver IEM that many compare favorably against single-driver earphones like Etymotic’s ER-4. To my hearing, though, the UM2 lacks the ER-4’s immediacy and transparency. In other words, vocals and instruments sound muddier, and there is less impact of hard-hitting effects like the clash of cymbals or rim-shots. On the other hand, the UM2’s dedicated bass driver brings out fuller and more prominent lows. Whether or not the UM2’s presentation is more accurate is up for debate. When put against the similarly priced Shure SE310 (another single-driver IEM), the UM2 has better balance, with a more sparkling top-end. Although the SE310 and the UM2 have the same MSRP, the former can be found for much less. If they were equal in pricing, I would choose the Westone.

Westone UM3 $349.99: Along with quite a few others, I waited for these to appear a few years ago, but they were delayed, so I went with the Shure. The UM3 is Westone’s flagship universal fit IEM and, having 3-drivers, competes against the SE530. A self-described “casual listener” at Touchmyapps.com does not recommend the UM3. A 100-page thread at Head-fi includes everything there is to know about the UM3.

Ultimate Ears TripleFi 10 $399.99: many have opined about the TriplleFi 10, which, like the Shure SE530, is a triple-drive design. Some of the most considerate reviews are from Earphonesolutions.com and a 77-page and counting Head-fi thread. I chose not to try the TripleFi 10 because based on the reviews, I was unlikely to appreciate its sound signature, but your mileage will vary.
Ultimate Ears EU10 $900: for a long time, these were considered the unmatched granddaddy of IEMs. I was certainly intrigued by its custom-fit molding, but at the same time, I never got around to ordering a pair due to impatience. Most IEMs are universal fit, meaning they are supplied with only a few different generic tips for everyone, whereas the EU10 is a custom fit product. An audiologist needs to take a molding of your ear canal and then have the earpiece specifically made for you. This process is less consumer friendly than universal IEMs, but the sonic benefits are undeniable since the EU10 is guaranteed to provide an air-tight and perfect fit for each respective owner. One of the reasons why I did not purchase these is because of resale value: ie, there is none since the unique earpiece will not fit anyone else. I generally distrust Stereophile reviews, but Wes Phillips is known to be an avid headphone listener, so have a peek at what he thinks of his EU10.

JH Audio JH13 Pro $1099: Headphone.com calls these “The Best Custom In-Ear Monitors in the Industry.” This lengthy Head-fi discussion sheds some light on the JH13, and whether or not it is worth over $1,000 of your money. Like the EU10, these are custom fit IEMs, so an audiologist needs to make a mold of your canal before you can have these made. The idea of a 6-driver IEM is interesting, but if you listen to hi-fi speakers, then you may agree with the adage that “more does not mean better.”