[timind]

A few years ago I was more apt to use IEMs for my headphone pleasure. During that time I searched for the best IEMs I could find without going overboard on price. I think the highest I went was Shure SE420? 425? After searching I ended up using Shure SE115s as my favorites, and used them for a couple years before using full sized headphones. Most of my listening time is just before bed time and averages 30 minutes a night.

Anyway, I read a thread a while ago where a poster recommended some inexpensive Chinese headphones available on Amazon. I tried them, and have to say they sounded very good. After that experience I have bought quite a few inexpensive IEMs and here are my favorites.
https://www.amazon.com/KZ-Noise-Isolating-Stereo-Earphones/dp/B01N0O5ZM2/ref=sr_1_6?crid=EWPXVYRO8ESL&keywords=kz+ate+earbuds&qid=1561912712&s=electronics&sprefix=kz+ate%2Celectronics%2C179&sr=1-6

https://www.amazon.com/Rau0501-Headphones-Headset-Earphone-Earbuds/dp/B016ISVZ7O/ref=sr_1_2?crid=16H080VZXF9XO&keywords=rock+zircon&qid=1561912813&s=electronics&sprefix=rok+z%2Celectronics%2C161&sr=1-2

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07792QQH3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Blasphemy? For less than $20, well worth a try.

Anyone have any other cheap recommendations?

[jonbee]

Thanks. Very useful. Are they comfortable enough for night use (laying down with them in ear)?
Any thoughts on the durability of the wires?

[timind]

Thanks. Very useful. Are they comfortable enough for night use (laying down with them in ear)?
Any thoughts on the durability of the wires?

The set listed second on my list are very comfortable in my ears. The first pair I listed are comfortable, but they have a wrap around cable that is not made for activity, IMO. If laying on a bed, which is how I do a lot of my listening, they are fine.
As for sound, the first pair I listed are my favorites. They have as good (ample) bass as I've had with an IEM. The second pair seem the most accurate and I can listen to them for hours.

The last pair I listed, I'm still getting a feel for. I got them after reading a recommendation here. Don't remember who recommended them.

I've owned the first two listed for a few years and they're still like new condition, no problem with cables. But, except for a couple trips, they rarely leave my bedroom.

What I'm not sure of is product consistency.

[undertowogt1]

I picked up these a KZ AS 10 a few months back to go with my Cowon Plenue D2 Hi Res Player (this player is awesome BTW ).

theey are more expensive on Amazon, I got them from Ali Express for about 60 bucks Canadian. I am very happy with them as commuting headphones. I dont need "hifi" expensive headphones personally, just something that sounds pretty damn good for a reasonable price.

https://www.amazon.ca/Balanced-Headphones-Professional-OKCSC-Earphones/dp/B07QG5LBQX/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=KZ+AS10&qid=1561937183&s=electronics&sr=1-5

[FireGuy]

Going on three years now with SoundMAGIC's E10.  Originally for sports applications but since moved on to over ear.  These now mostly for travel due to their noise cancellation and ease of transport.  Well balanced and a gem for the price.   I have no plans to replace them.  I recommend foam tips, way better fit to appreciate their output.

https://www.amazon.com/SoundMAGIC-Noise-Isolating-Ear-Earphones/dp/B005HP3O9C/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=soundmagic+e10&qid=1561942941&s=aht&sr=1-4

[brooklyn]

I purchased the KZ-ZSN IEM’s last year after eclein mentioned them on this forum.. I never had much luck with IEM’s staying in my ear properly so I’ve only had a couple of cheap pairs over the years. The KZ’s seem to work better because the cable wraps behind my ears so there’s no downward pressure on the buds, unfortunately I have small ear canals.

The sound quality was a pleasant surprise for the modest price I paid.. It’s hard to believe they sound as good as they do for under 25 buck$.. I found that they did need a short break-in period before they reached their full potential.. I use them with my iPod Classic when I go out for a walk..

https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=161163.0

https://www.amazon.com/KZ-Noise-Isolating-Monitor-Without-Microphone/dp/B07JBKXGDK/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=KZ&qid=1561945459&s=electronics&sr=1-8

Jerry

[Letitroll98]

Thinksound Rain, the original model, used with Comply foam tips.  Lovely tone, good bass, decent soundstage.  The new Rain 3 is $68 on Amazon now, what's not to like?