[samsquanch]

Since it's almost tax return time, and because the ibasso player costs too much for my tastes, I've decided to get some nice in ears.  At the moment I've got it narrowed down to either the Shure SE535 or 1964 T. 
 
I listen mostly to 70's prog/psych/heavy rock, thrash metal, and early heavy metal.  But I'm also listening to a decent amount of country, hip hop, death metal, jazz, classical, soul, blues and 90's shoegaze.  Or in other words, I listen to just about everything but techno and pop.  I'd really like something that holds it's own in pretty much any style I throw at it.
 
Sources I will be using:  Motorola Droid X, Sansa Clip+, and either an ipod classic or a cowon j3 (broke my old ipod, which will be replaced by one of these).  I also have an O2 amp, if needed.
 
I'm open to other suggestions as well.

 

[calipilot227]

Since they're about the same price, I would say go for customs. The 1964-T is also said to sound better than the SE535, can someone verify this?

 

[Berkovajazz]

I think that any multidriver customs sounds better than stock IEMs.

 

[Jeremypsp]

Customs are on another level compared to universals. 

 

[samsquanch]

Anyone have experience with both?
 
I know that in the IEM shootout thread 1964's are ranked higher than the shures, but the 1964's $400 price tag doesn't include the ~$100 for an ear mold, which makes them ~$500, where as through my company I can get SE535's for $350, so I'm just trying to make sure that customs are worth the extra $150.  I'm fine with spending it, I just want to make sure it's money well spent.

 

[kckc]

First of all, I don't have experience with the 1964 T so I can't comment about that, but IME customs are worth the extra cash. 
 
But $100 for a set of ear mold impressions are very expensive. They should be cheaper than that..

 

[samsquanch]

Quote:

First of all, I don't have experience with the 1964 T so I can't comment about that, but IME customs are worth the extra cash. 
 
But $100 for a set of ear mold impressions are very expensive. They should be cheaper than that..

Yeah, I've been kind of assuming that customs were worth it, maybe I was hoping someone would talk me out of it, even though it's what I want...
 
A co-worker got some custom ear plugs made, and said it was around $150 all said and done with, so thinking about it some more, the impressions probably are more like $50, I need to call the place.
 
Sorry if my previous comment came off like a jerk, not the most eloquent in the morning.

 

[JCS]

I listened to my SE 530's recently and I was impressed with how well they measured up to my JH-16's. With the comply tips, the 530s are more comfortable, though obviously customs are not uncomfortable.
 
The JH-16's are my IEM of choice when I'm out and about while the SE 530s are relegated to desktop listening use solely due to comfort.

 

[samsquanch]

Called an ear doctor, $50 a set.  not too bad.  Looks like someone's getting customs....

 

[kckc]

That sounds more reasonable.