SonyIER-M9 in-Ear Monitor Headphones Black

These IEMS hit all the right spots for me. They have top notch technical capabilities in separation, layering, and resolution, audio reproduction with natural timbre, and a warm-neutral sound signature. Together, these allow the IER-M9s to produce a supremely enjoyable and exquisite listening experience across all genres.Concerning comfort, the preformed ear-hangers and the provided different sized ear-tips keep the IEMs stably perched in my ears with no difficulties. The connection between the cable and the IEM body can swivel, so there should be no issues with awkwardness of positioning of the IEMs. I have found it easy to quickly put on the IEMs and get a good seal (common advice is to pull the lobes of the ears backwards and upwards slightly).These also provide good isolation, having used them on flights (yes, you can't really experience 'audiophile' quality music on a plane, but from experience, they're definitely still significantly better than the Sony WH-1000XM4s and Bose NC700s).For reference, I own the IER-M9s and the Focal Clears (a pair of over-the-ear headphones), and I use them for about ~20h and ~40h a week, respectively, switching to the M9s during the evenings when I typically prefer a warmer sound signature or when I wish to read in bed. These are the priciest personal audio devices I have ever owned (but not the priciest that I have tried), and I have no regrets for either of them. I should point out that I am not too concerned with large soundstages in my devices as I have used IEMs and headphones with larger soundstages in the past and found that I was not impressed with what they did to my music with the exception of orchestral pieces. The M9s also produce a palpable and pleasant rumbling in the sub-bass frequencies (with no strange balanced armature flavoring that I can discern), though they are not considered bass-heavy when compared to other top of the line IEMs.NB: Some readers may not consider the IER-M9s "top of the line". Apologies for the abuse of language.

If you are in search of a pair of BA earphone, its not a bass head and do not demand a perfect sound stage reproduction, this is the one to go. (A piece of advice, if you are looking an earphone the satisfy the last one, do not bother at all and look for cans instead or be prepared to spend a lot more than M9 (which is already costly) and sacrificing some fidelity.) Overall thumbs to Sony for finally producing a good pair of premium earphones. (and fewer of them for the price tag lel, thanks to AKG, K3003, consumers whoever have bought it for its original price and encouraged hawkish pricing and manufactures which follow the trend. )Very accurate reproduction of voice and proper noise isolation if you can find a fitting eartip which Sony provide you many and properly insert earphones.Comfort is satisfying as well. You can wear this for hours without even noticing after getting used to it with the right ear tips, though not recommended for hearing protection.Below is me being mean xD.Maybe I am asking a bit more than what M9 is offering but given its $1000-ish price tag I wish M9 has a larger sound stage and slightly more bass without EQ but as a BA earphone it is doing everything right imo given that sound stage usually comes at the price of sacrificing some vocal reproduction, which is against the advertisement of M9.

Maybe I'll go for over ear from now on

My reference IEMs are typically: Earsonic EM-9, Sennheiser IE-300, Shure 846, and Aurisonic 2.5. I prefer lively, dynamic sound, with a mildly analytical side.The Sony manages to have several high-water marks:1)Fine resolution of details: you will certainly find sounds in your recordings that you may not have found before2) staging/imaging: pinpoint. Instruments have excellent coherency and placement. Stage is deep, holographic, and only a bit narrow compared to the best.3) Tonality: Warm, but still resolving. Sound is non-fatiguing, but still visceral. Polite and smooth treble. Bass has weight and moderate 'slam'. Note edges are soft, rather than sharp, but not to the point of 'boominess'. Midrange is more dry than lush, but still conveys emotion. The midrange is the 'holographic' element of the soundstage. Treble, is extended but not sharp. Not airy, but also not dull. 'Balance' is the key word.4) efficiency: Ok, here is a problem for some....you need an amp to drive these to realistic levels. I use a Dragonfly Cobalt and it works fine. Anything less.....the sound becomes 'meh'.Summary: highly recommended for those who like to have the lively Rock & EDM, but also need something to handle acoustic performances. W-shaped signature and solid dynamics.