In ear headphones $150 or less

The problem I’ve had was not the phones but the amps.

My experience comes with several AKG’s and Shure IEM’s.

The AKG’s sound good with a variety of sources. However, the IEM’s really really only sounded good with high-current capable sources, such as the Fiio Mont Blanc and Pono.  THEN they sound fantastic.

I don't have a good electrical model/explanation for you either. It's just what I have observed.

Best,

E

Thanks guys. I am checking out the headfi thread. I guess I need IEMs. I did not know the terminology. I prefer to use comply foam tips. I am a cyclist and when out in the wild they reduce wind noise drastically and at home they reduce kid noise drastically :)

Also, I have no clue how people get earbuds to even remotely stay in.  They just fall out of my ears.

For in ear try the Klipsch XR8i’s. They’re a hybrid with subwoofer and have outstanding noise isolation (think while vacuuming, using lawn equipment, and of course cycling). Bass response is great, and midrange is just short of neutral (I find my B&W C5 2’s to be more so but doesn’t block out noise as well).  Audiophile-wise you'd have to spend twice as much to get better sound but they definitely set themselves apart from lower tier models. Sound does get a little sweeter with break-in.

They come nicely packaged with a cable clip and Klipsch’s outstanding gel tips that stay put, however the carry pouch could be better. Usually range $150-$279 +/-... Look around, I managed to find a deal at $135. Good luck!

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/SE846?adpos=1o2&creative=55678036321&device=c&ma...

Your math is weak, kalali! 999>150

Greg- my pleasure. Rbh is a consistently under the radar speaker company that makes very solid gear, and their earbud/iem were no disappointment.