Acoustic Research AR-E100 & AR-E10 IEMs

Acoustic Research has an impressive lineup of audiophile-grade personal gear. The AR-E100 and AR-E10 IEMs are the company’s first to offer an excellent sonic experience in the vein of its over-ear AR-H1 headphones. The two models feature different drivers: The AR-E100 has a 10-millimeter beryllium dynamic driver, while the higher-end AR-E10 uses a hybrid unit made up of an 8-millimeter beryllium dynamic driver and a proprietary balanced armature driver. Both IEMs come with a full suite of accessories. Listen to your music through the 3.5-millimeter standard cable (with the AR-E10, you’ll also get a 4.4-millimeter balanced cable) or go wireless with the Bluetooth aptX neckband. Silicone and memory foam ear tips complete the package.

Head-Fi’s Simon T. says, “The IEMs performed really well. Soundstage and presentation were large enough that on certain tracks it did not feel congested (some other IEMs with a narrower soundstage do not allow the 3D sound effect/harmonics to nicely fade away). Bass was pretty tight and punchy, mids were not too recessed, and highs were pretty smooth. To my ears, the sound signature was neutral.”