The PL30s have a very "fun" sound signature. The mids are forward, the whole signature is on the warm side, bass in punchy enough to be felt but definitely not heavy. They don't really have any glaring faults.
The Ai-M9 are much more detailed and have a better balance. They are more extended on both sides than the PL30s (they go higher and lower). The bass is clean and strong.
Unfortunately the Meelecs' cables are quite a bit more microphonic (possibly the worst in my current collection) and they only come with single-flange tips. Yes, the Ai-M9 pretty much have to be worn over-the-ear to reduce microphonics. I wear all IEMs over the ear, so the Ai-m9 work fine for me. You can get some silicone ear hooks from Phonak if you have a lot of trouble getting them to stay like that.
That said, I currently use the M6's much more than the M9's because the nicer form factor/fit pretty much causes them to sound better (even though its the same hardware underneath). The M6 are definitely a better earphone than the PL30s if you can live with the awful microphonics. The M9s are in much closer competition and if I had to keep one I would be inclined to pick the PL30s, if only because of the fit. Keep in mind these are all everyday/activity IEMs for me so comfort/microphonics have more weight than, say, for someone doing critical listening while stationary.
The PL30s have a very "fun" sound signature. The mids are forward, the whole signature is on the warm side, bass in punchy enough to be felt but definitely not heavy. They don't really have any glaring faults.
The Ai-M9 are much more detailed and have a better balance. They are more extended on both sides than the PL30s (they go higher and lower). The bass is clean and strong.
Unfortunately the Meelecs' cables are quite a bit more microphonic (possibly the worst in my current collection) and they only come with single-flange tips. Yes, the Ai-M9 pretty much have to be worn over-the-ear to reduce microphonics. I wear all IEMs over the ear, so the Ai-m9 work fine for me. You can get some silicone ear hooks from Phonak if you have a lot of trouble getting them to stay like that.
That said, I currently use the M6's much more than the M9's because the nicer form factor/fit pretty much causes them to sound better (even though its the same hardware underneath). The M6 are definitely a better earphone than the PL30s if you can live with the awful microphonics. The M9s are in much closer competition and if I had to keep one I would be inclined to pick the PL30s, if only because of the fit. Keep in mind these are all everyday/activity IEMs for me so comfort/microphonics have more weight than, say, for someone doing critical listening while stationary.
I agree with santosh's words . Recommendation totally depends on person's music taste , preference and budget .esanthosh said:^ I doubt if I would recommend K-702 and an amp. RE-0 or any other IEM trounces it in cost and convenience. And what makes you so sure that somebody won't hate the K-702?
RE0 are not "hyped". It just caters to one set of taste. Just because Sushant (and a few others) do not like it, does not make it "hype". It is what it is - an IEM beyond which you are seriously looking at law of diminishing returns in the analytical signature IEMs. Now, is it the best IEM money can buy? Probably not. It has it's own faults, quirks and irritants. But is any IEM perfect? Absolutely not.
Recommendation always has to cater to the budget, the person's taste and musical preferences, the kind of source he owns etc., And I don't think RE0 can be blindly recommended ..... nor is K-702 + Amp.