Cheap Audio Bliss

These IEM (In Ear Monitors) are astounding. They've recently come way down in price, but retailed for $200 when first released. Now, they can be had for under $100 online. I'll start with the product info, and then move into rating each specific area.

PRODUCT INFO

The AL IM716's are a sound isolating (not cancelling) headphone. They block most ambient noise. This means you can enjoy the music without having to crank the volume to overcome ambient sounds. These earphones use Etymotic Research technology which the manufacturer claims will deliver near-perfect sound reproduction and dead-quiet noise isolation. The manufacturer says this technology has been around since the 1980's, but until now was only availible to sound engineers and recording studios.

The IM716's have a dual-mode selector with inline volume control. This unit has a clip which attaches to you clothes. The dual mode selector includes "Enhanced Bass" and "High Definition" audio modes.

The IM716's come with a hard carrying case which fits the earphones, cables, and inline volume selector inside.

RATINGS

Earphone Sound:
The sound quality (SQ) is the most important feature in my opinion. I'm an audiophile with years of experience competing in (and winning) car audio SQ competitions. The IM716's deliver on this front. The HD mode is superb and delivers fantastic sound. However, I find myself using the BASS mode as any true RL (flat) sound reproduction is going to lack bass. For my source, I like to listen to all music styles (rap, classical, rock, alternative) through an iPod Nano. I use a 320 (near CD quality) bitrate for all my music, which improves SQ some. SQ gets an A+

Earphone Fit:
The second most important feature is fit. If it doesn't fit, then it won't be comfortable (and you won't use them) and the SQ will be horrible. IEMs rely on a tight in-ear fit to help isolate ambient sounds and to seal the speaker to your ear canal (which produces a desired bass response). I found the IM716's fit surprisingly well. There are the tri-flanged rubber tip shown in the picture (which is my preference) and a round foam plug, which I've never tried because the tri-flanged tips worked so well from the start. I've heard a superb fit can be achieved for most with these two options. Fit gets an A

Comfort:
With all IEM's you'll experience some annoyance after prolonged use. Your ears aren't normally used to having something blocking the ear canal for hours and hours. The IM716's are no exception. However, I'd consider them better than most. Comfort gets a B

In-Line Selector:
The inline selector is nice, but I rarely use it. I keep my setting on my preferred BASS mode and use my source for volume control. The weight of the selector is minimal, but enough to require a tiny clip on the back of the selector so it doesn't pull the IEM's out of your ear. The clip is not it's strongest feature. It's merely a metal (ball-point pen style) clip which I pray won't end up like most of my ball point pen clips (broken). However, so far it's held up fine for a year of casual use. There are many that review the selector as "wonderful", and I think this is more a personal preference thing. The In-Line Selector gets a B- from me.

Construction:
The IM716's are well built and durable. However with a thicker cord comes more noise from them rubbing on things. These earphones were not designed for the active sports enthusiest to use while mountain biking. These suckers were made to use while relaxing, walking, or on an airplane to isolate ambient noise. A word of caution: Do not try to use these in situations where safety dictates an need to hear outside noises (such as driving, biking or talking to your spouse). You will not be able to hear passing cars, emergency sirens, etc.. I'd have preferred a black color option, but to get black you have to go down to a cheaper version of this IEM. I give construction a B

Carrying Case:
This thing is nice and well built. However it's fairly big, which limits its portability and practicality. It's ok when storing your IEMs at home, but for home use, I'm fine with gently setting my IEMs on my dresser. A carrying case's real value is in protecting your earphone investment when on the fly. This case is bulky enough that I don't use it. Case gets a C (would be a D if not for the solid construction)

Conclusion:
Online audiophile forum users rate these IEMs up with (if not better than) earphones that cost over $600. This is a great overall sound bargain. I am very pleased with these earphones and would gladly pay twice as much to replace them (thankfully I won't have to).