Drop + Etymotic - ER-4B

DT770’s are tough to beat. I don’t personally think there’s anything better. The fact that you can replace every part is great. If I have to use IEM’s (usually when it’s loud - I do a lot of racing stuff) I use Etymotic ER-4s, sometimes under earmuffs.

As someone who mostly uses BA IEMs the multi-flange tips aren't even exactly a matter of isolation, they always provide the best possible bass response and it's very noticeable. I guess that's part of the reason why Etymotic keeps shipping them since the beginning (ER4). Not as noticeable with DDs though

No I think there might not be enough bass and a lower mid, when compared to the 2K peak. However, maybe that will be OK when you take into account the occlusion effect. Also - just as a point, I personally don't agree with having a 'vocal' IEM, or a 'Drummer' IEM, etc. I think they should just be engineered to sound good at a reasonable volume level. Obviously IEM's have some limitations, but even a single driver can sound really, really good - Etyomic ER4 is a great example. I'm still very interested to see some hard, measured data on actual phase and frequency response from 5 or more driver IEMS, because I'm not convinced that they are actually better.

I’d love to keep using the etys but I got impacted earwax in one ear in 2017 very likely from using etys regularly for years. Ok, might have been because I should have kept ear canal clear and wax free regularly, but imo it’s a real risk with these deep insertion earphones. Also, why not get the er4 variants for max sound quality?

Etymotic sound quality is great but not for bass heads. Also the microphonics from the cable will drive you crazy if you move even a little bit.

Might be an unpopular opinion on this sub but Etymotics are better than anything for that. ER4 or ER3, either works. Though deep insertion might not be for everyone! But if you don't like it I imagine you can just return it.