Recs on new IEM for $300

[DigMe]

I was using some Westone UM1's before this. Not ideal but not bad and way better than the older Shure (lower end) that I was using. The UM1's broke a stem so now I need to buy some more.

Playing in a modern worship setting and I value clarity across the tonal spectrum but I definitely need to hear myself and the kick clearly. I was just going to order some Westone UM Pro 20's and call it a day because I had a favorable impression of Westone products for live monitoring but I thought I'd shout out and see what else is out there. I want clarity and durability.

So right now I've taken a look at the UM Pro 20's and the Westone W20 (what's the difference between these two?). Then I started looking at the Audio Technica ATH-IM03 and thinking, "3 drivers for the price of 2" but not really sure about them. I don't really want to buy used because I don't feel confident without a warranty if I break another stem or something. I don't know.. kinda want the warranty.

I don't play enough to feel warranted in spending more than $300 so no customs for me.

Any thoughts?

 

[Goatrope]

I've had the Shure SE425 for a year or so and they work well. Using IEMs less lately, but when we use that system, the Shures work great. Very durable and sound fine.

 

[walterw]

still enjoying my older westone triple-driver buds, there were called the UM-3X at the time; i think they're the Invalid Link Removed now.

 

[DigMe]

Yeah, I'd probably get those if they were in my price range. The triples are out.

 

[s0c9]

Used the UM-1's for over a year with partial molds on the stems. Used mostly with guitar and occasionally with bass at church. They sound great for single drivers.

I saved up and (after lots of research) went with a set of 1964 Ears Quads. I have done over 100 gigs with since they arrived back in Jan 2014.

I highly recommend multiple drivers for bass player - even if you go with universals.
I have small canals so the custom fit was my only solution, as nothing universal fit stays in my ears.
Save up.. buy good quality, multiple drivers.
For universal fit.. look here
Best Earphones $201-$399

 

[DigMe]

Yeah, I'm definitely getting multi-driver replacements.

 

[walterw]

Yeah, I'd probably get those if they were in my price range. The triples are out.

oh, right; it looks like the pro 30s are going for $400 everywhere i look.

i scored my UM-3Xs a few years ago through some kind of grey market ebay store for like $325; makes sense that they're gone up since then. hell, mine were pre the detachable cable, the only thing i don't like about them.

still, the 20s being dual driver are gonna be a huge leap over the single driver versions, that might be just fine. the triple-driver 30s are low-mid-high, so i think the difference might be more about midrange detail than low end fatness (some "triple driver" buds are still 2-way, but with dual lows and a single high).