Best headphones you've ever heard/used

The in ear stuff sounds good, but anyone that isn't traveling should try them somehow first, because it is difficult to get the seal right.

One time I tried to pull it out, and I felt serious pain in the eardrum. My ear was sore all night. I use sure e3 which is all I wanted to spend since mp3, wma isn't exactly the highest quality front end anyway. I use it for travel only.

Just a warning for anyone considering these. They are great for travel: sound isolation, etc - but make sure you're comfortable with them cuz they aren't anything like regular headphones.

Thanks Lenny. I also think with regard to your concerns Robm321, the UE custome molded fit may solve some those issues: pure conjecture on my part but it must, shouldn't it?

Best place to explore this is over at head-fi.org, where they talk headphones incessantly, and are quite nice, too. I have learned a lot from there, and also used the site to make an informed purchase of my fave, the Audio Technica L3000.

For example, you'll find many comparisons of IEMs, but the UE-10 is clearly in the top of the heap, with the Sensaphonics 2Xs...those seem to be blow away the universal IEMs, from what I've read. I have the Shure e4 and e5 and have had the e2 and e3. The e4s/e5s are different and very good, but from what I've read, should not compare to the UE-10...and they are very different prices, too, with the UE-10 being almost 3x more than the shure e5.

- walkman

Henryhk,

I would assume the same thing.

I've not used the custom IEMs but ultimate ears or sensaphonics, or for that matter, Shure also lets one purchase custom ear molds with their universal IEMs, however, the use of the foam tips with the Shure's makes them more customizable to one's ear canals. And, when removing the IEMs, one should raise the top of one's ear to break the seal, and then slowly pull out the "plug." No pain at all; no worries, no suction, no vacuum effect -- not with the foamies.

I've been using IEMs for 6-7 years now. They are great, especially for blocking out outside sound. There are different sound signatures with the various brands, Shure, Etymotics, Superfi.pro, Westone, and the custom IEMs. Usually, it's a matter of getting comfy with the concept of screwing a canalphone into one's head, and finding the right kinda tip (e.g. the foamie). Otherwise, IEMs to me, are an indispensable portable headphone. I use them walking around NYC, and on the subway and bus commute to work within NYC.

Some have mentioned the Shure e3; well, IMO and many others, the e4s are far superior. I've had both, no comparison. The e4s are richer, more detailed, and have some bass, especially when used with a portable headphone amplifier (easy to plop the amp and the mp3 player in a bag and carry the bag). The e5s have a ton of bass, but too much, but are a rick, thick sound with detail. I prefer the e5s unamped and the e4s amped.

Again, you'll find a lot more information at head-fi.org about these headphones and others. Audiogon and Audio Asylum for hi-fi, Head-Fi for headphones. Very easy.

- walkman