Considering going to IEM for the first time

[DirtDog]

Between the Aux out on your mixer and your IEM earbuds, you need a headphone amp. If going wireless, the headphone amp is built into the receiver. If wired, you will need a dedicated headphone amp. There are many solutions for the latter use case.

 

[s0c9]

Between the Aux out on your mixer and your IEM earbuds, you need a headphone amp. If going wireless, the headphone amp is built into the receiver. If wired, you will need a dedicated headphone amp. There are many solutions for the latter use case.

We had suggested [further back up the thread] that the OP get a Rolls PM series headphone amp! I suggested the PM55P as it comes with a built-in limiter (AFAIK - the only one in their range that does)!

 

[DirtDog]

We had suggested [further back up the thread] that the OP get a Rolls PM series headphone amp! I suggested the PM55P as it comes with a built-in limiter (AFAIK - the only one in their range that does)!

Sorry @s0c9 - I see your post now. Was on mobile earlier so must've scrolled right past.

so, OP, +1 on @s0c9's post!

 

[Laklandfan]

Things may be finally picking up after the last two years, so I’ve put off any purchases. I might have the opportunity to use iems now. For the iem I’m thinking the westone es40 should work, they make models with more drivers but would that just be diminishing returns? Are they considered good for their price range or is there another brand that I should consider? For the amp, I’m thinking about the rolls PM55p or maybe a Shure p9hw. I can’t tell from specs if the P9HW has a built in limiter like the pm55. I kind of like the idea of the body pack, for portability on stage. For the rolls, are you locked in place by the distance the iems cable length?

 

[s0c9]

Things may be finally picking up after the last two years, so I’ve put off any purchases. I might have the opportunity to use iems now. For the iem I’m thinking the westone es40 should work, they make models with more drivers but would that just be diminishing returns? Are they considered good for their price range or is there another brand that I should consider? For the amp, I’m thinking about the rolls PM55p or maybe a Shure p9hw. I can’t tell from specs if the P9HW has a built in limiter like the pm55. I kind of like the idea of the body pack, for portability on stage. For the rolls, are you locked in place by the distance the iems cable length?

If you are first time IEM user, I'd go for cheap-but-good models like the KZ ZS5, ZS6 or CCA10's off Amazon that will allow you to get used to them vs plunking down $1000 on the Westone's.
And yes, using a Rolls PM series will lock you in place based on cable length from the Rolls to your buds..

 

[Laklandfan]

If you are first time IEM user, I'd go for cheap-but-good models like the KZ ZS5, ZS6 or CCA10's off Amazon that will allow you to get used to them vs plunking down $1000 on the Westone's.
And yes, using a Rolls PM series will lock you in place based on cable length from the Rolls to your buds..

The universal stuff is much cheaper, I guess the thought process is if I like them then I could expect custom stuff to be better and safer to move forward? I guess a downside of the testing is that there’s no real used market for iems.

 

[s0c9]

The universal stuff is much cheaper, I guess the thought process is if I like them then I could expect custom stuff to be better and safer to move forward? I guess a downside of the testing is that there’s no real used market for iems.

They can be sold and the purchaser then has the vendor put their impressions on the used buds.. far cheaper than buying new..but not sure what that market is like…but..I would for sure test with cheaper buds before I plunk down $1000.
There are a lot of folks who will tell you to save your $$ and go with the cheaper models if universal fit buds work for you as the sound is very good. The Z6 sound great - yes I’ve tried them - but can’t use at a gig..no seal!
They don’t work for me.. so..I have no choice.