These don't seem like they're doing very well right now and that's understandable. The amount of new IEMs that are flooding the market is pretty staggering. It's hard to know what's good and what's garbage. Well, if anyone has seen my posts over in the PL50 discussion, I've actually been using the B100 since January and it' been my new daily driver since then, replacing the fantastic PL50. It was a blind buy for $60, and originally started liking it because the stock tips isolate better than the Sony Hybrids I use on my PL50, but after some extended use, it was difficult to go back to the PL50. These IEMs are just superb! It's one of those rare moments in my headphone journey where I don't feel the need to buy anything else ever again because I'm pretty confident nothing will beat these for the price IMO. That being said, I've owned over 100 IEMs in the past, couple notable ones including: A83, FLC8S, SE535, W3, W4 IM02, DBA-02, PFE112, RE600, P1, e-Q5, 7550, BA200, GR07 and a massive amount of budget options under $100. And what did I end up with? B100.
Just noticed, SE215 that also dropped has 47 purchased and 589 comments as of now. These absolutely demolish the SE215.
Also, don't look into the B150. It's a sidegrade/downgrade to the B100 for more money? Come on Brainwavz...
saiguySE215 has more bass and the overall sound is warmer/smoother. Although the B100 has more bass than your typical single BA driver and I don't find it lacking at all. Shure headphones are overpriced and even at $80, the SE215 is no exception.
DeathValleyCowHaven't heard those unfortunately, but from the comparisons I've read they're not too far a departure from their standard SE215 sibling. Not sure if you have them in your possession yet, but if you find them too bass heavy, lacking in mids, too mellow, too dark, annoyed by those heavy cables, or find the fit to be wonky (like I did), then I'd totally give these a try!
ZorbzThe issue is that I can't really compare. I had the Marshall mode eqs before these and those the fit was horrible so I couldn't enjoy them. These are pretty much my first endeavor into iems. I got them Tuesday and so far they're extremely clear and the muddiness I'm used to is gone but they also seem somewhat mellow has you said so I'm curious even moreso. The low end is great though has I tend to listen to edm and occasional rock and rap
DeathValleyCowOnce you get used to the SE215's low end, most single BA IEMs may end up being a bit too light for your taste. If you have no complaints about the fit/comfort and you like the sound for the most part, I'd stick with them for awhile. Best option at that point would be try other sources. I'm not sure what you're using now, but some of my headphones (full sized or IEM) are unlistenable on my X3-II, but sound fantastic on my Clip+ and vice versa.
ZorbzI'm just using my phone currently (moto g5 plus) I was considering rooting it to install some custom audio software I think it was called raptor or something? I've been looking at connecting a external dac/amp to it to see how much that's going to do however. I think I saw the oppo ha 2se is very popular for phones so I was thinking about saving for it. I'm currently only using spotify on its extreme quality so I don't know if I'm going to see any improvements
DeathValleyCowYeah in your scenario I'd just stick with what you have for now. Generally you'll see the biggest improvement dumping the money into the headphones first. Great thing about IEMs in general (especially in comparison to full sized) is the bang-for-your-buck ratio is ridiculously high. The B100 is the perfect example. $40?! What's to loose at that point? I'd just be worried your SE215 may get replaced ;)
ZorbzI've also tried a lot of iem, and these are one of my favorite single-BA iem for their well-rounded sound signature. They aren't boomy. They aren't bright. They're just right. Brainwavz did a great job running these. Ergonomics are really good, too.
I've also got the B200 and would highly recommend it if a drop occurs. B200 increases the extension on either end of the frequency range, providing increased dynamics and soundstage. Good stuff!
Just noticed, SE215 that also dropped has 47 purchased and 589 comments as of now. These absolutely demolish the SE215.
Also, don't look into the B150. It's a sidegrade/downgrade to the B100 for more money? Come on Brainwavz...