The iem world is as intruiging as ever! Lets get you up to speed
Firstoff Brainwavz seem to be making a mark with their new range this year.
The
Braiwavz Delta s are the new low cost champs. Clear, analyticalish sound (uncharacteristic in this price range). ~20$
The
Brainwavz S1 have a slightly warm sound that makes them a good all rounder. ~50$
The
Brainwavz R3 are perhaps the most intruiguing of the bunch with its quirky Dual dynamic design. Most impressions talk about excellent layering and soundstage with an analytical vibe. ~110$
More importantly they've upped the build quality significantly. Razzer's on a roll.
Vsonic is still at it with the confusing nomenclature
. The VSD1S seem to be causing the most ripples. Good bang for buck.
Hifiman are riding the RE-400 success wave. Although quite a few people have been reporting build quality issues.
Everybody is still waiting on
Philips to stop their shennanigans and release the Fidelio in-ears already. Last week the S2 was on sale for 106$ (Amazon US). Sigh. No love for India.
RHA have come out with an impressive dynamic driver IEM, the MHA750. Its placed in the highly competitive 100$ category and seems to be holding its own.
Onkyo and
Cardas have entered the IEM market with two solid offerings.
Audio technica have some solid performing IEMs out.
The highlights of 2013(discounting the really impressive single dynamic IEMs) seems to be the rise of the affordable HYBRIDS.
The
AKG K3003 set the bar insanely high for hybrids (and universals in general) in terms of sound quality. A technical showcase if you will.
The most notable hybrids this year are
T-PEOS H200: Hybrid Performer of the year probably
Good balance and takes most of what's thrown at it.
The
KEF M200(Dual dynamic): These chunky monsters are a nightmare when it comes to fit. But they say its magic once thats sorted.
DUNU 1000: Creating waves at the pricepoint.
Astrotek AX60 : Set out to dethrone the K3003, but falls short I believe. Dunno much else.
Sony XBA-H series : Sonys latest range of iems. We're expecting it to combine the dynamic goodness of the EX series with the detail and separation of the XBA series. Very very high expectations. The XBA-H1 impressions are trickling in and these seem to be the ones to watch out for. Single 9mm dynamic with a full ranged BA. Sony india has launched it (surprise surprise) at Rs. 6990. 650 on ebay. This is lesser than the international launch price. The impressions seem to be fairly positive so far.
The higher models are TF10esque looking frankenbolts. Detachable cables, Dual BA, high resolution drivers, the lot.
These hybrids seems to bring the best of both worlds together. Perhaps the way forward when it comes to iems.
Steel Series Flux In-Ear : |joker| touts it as one of the best in that price range. Indian resellers only carry the gaming over ears currenty. Might have to contact them to see if they can be ordered on request.
Dunno much about the TDKs.
I'm sure I'm missing a few more
.