Drop + Etymotic - ERX

for mixing and mastering Etymotic ER4 are pretty much _the_ IEM under that price, super accurate and definitively neutral. Just gotta figure out if the triple flange ear tips work for you

Yeah the combination of the bass and separation is an ear tickler for sure! I'm usually into balance tuned in ear monitors and for me these are about as basic as I can get. For ABSOLUTE detail under $500 I ended up moving to the Elysian Pilgrims which are even more detailed than the RE2000, S12 and others. Those will be my detail kings moreso than even my Etymotic ER4 and TSMR Sands. This is from studying the reviews I've seen of them (still waiting for them to arrive). I'd say for under $200 the re2000 is a steal though especially if you outfit them with some Tri Clarion eartips for mids.

I share your affinity of noise-blocking IEMs (as opposed to noise cancelling) BUT I gotta question you on your choice of Etymotics. DGMW, I have a set of ER4s, and the phrase "from my dead hands" has been uttered in reference to them (and I am sad I didn't pick up a pair of ER4xr when they went on sale that one time), BUT in equal proportion to how good they sound they also suck to sleep in on a plane. Every time you turn your head even a little bit they impale you. Despite the fact that I think most multi-driver-IEMs are a downgrade from Etys the slight drop in sound quality may be worth it to rest your head on its side with a set of IEMs that at least makes an effort to sit flush with your outer ear.

Wired ~~Etyomitcs~~ *Etymotics* would be your best bet then. If you can't scrimp on sound you shouldn't even be looking at wireless headphones. Edit: Fixed a typo