Apple IEM Reviews

I'm hoping that a headphone junky can help me out with this.

I'm currently eyeing the Apple In-Ear-Monitors, and could really use some high level advice. Outside of Head-Fi, all the reviews I've come across are from inexperienced consumers who have no background in audiophile grade equipment. If anyone could either redirect me to solid reviews or give me pointers directly, I'd be very grateful.

Anything better than my "Oh my god my ears are bleeding" Sony EX-51 with an in-line mic would make me happy, though some really good IEMs at a good price would make me happier yet.

Suggestions must have mic.

 

What price are you getting the apple IEM's for? I haven't tried them an honestly, don't really want to. But I can suggest other things in the price range if you wish.

 

Sure, go for it. The only things go for the Apple IEMs are their dual-driver goodness at an okay price, the in line microphone, and the in line volume control. I'm going to be using this with both my computer and iPod Touch for skyping and music, so those features are awfully handy.

 

Hmm.. I can't suggest any with the controls and such, but I don't really like the controls in cable. I personally would save up a bit more money and go with the Audeo Phonak PFE's. Here's a great little chart of different IEM's in different price ranges. The prices on them are retail, if you shop around a little you can find many of them for cheaper than listed.
http://www.anythingbutipod.com/images/forum/dfkt/IEM-Comparison.gif

 

while i won't say the apple iem is bad, but if you are looking for something with mic and won't be paying few hundred dollars(se530 w/ mic modular adapter). apple iem is indeed a good choice(and look, plain but not bad) as there isn't too many other choices out there.

on the issue with head-fi, be reminded there are a few people there that are quite religious about apple IEM and that might not be a good source to hear from, they simply argue to no end or claim they are either 1)experienced with many iems, or 2) inexperienced anyways but since they own/owned many iems they would claim themselves knowledgeable.

most people though agree that if you pay for the iem for less than retail (35-50), they are a good bargain.

for reviewers on other website, if every other website besides head-fi conclude them to be so-so; they must have their reasons.

 

Perhaps the Nuforce NE-7/NE-8 are options as well, as they fit your budget too.