HitsOfMissesSorry for the late reply. Cables are...a source of contention? Some people swear they make a huge difference, some don't. I personally haven't heard a big difference in stock vs aftermarket but I also haven't bought high-end cables, for example Moon Audio. Not to say they aren't worth it...I just honestly do not know.
I switched between a Fiio MMCX and the stock JVC MMCX cable on my FX850 Woodies (came with when I bought them second-hand) and I couldn't really tell a difference, but I prefer the feel of the stock one. I should note that I'm not in my teens or 20s so my hearing isn't what it used to be.
If you want an MMCX cable with a mic, I'd search around for budget options (no need to really dump a ton of money into a cable, unless you want). Or go with a known manufacturer like Brainwavz. They have one for about $22 which is reasonable. I think Fiio also makes cables as well.
mayorblurpsDid you mean JVC Kenwood HA-FX850? Seems interesting. Never heard of them before. How do you like them?
I'm like you. I'm neither in my 20s nor I believe cables can make a huge difference. But again, I've not done cable swapping myself. However, if I'm spending some money, I would rather do some research & pay a few extra bucks & get the best bang for my bucks. I don't have time for buyer's remorse or going back & forth.
HitsOfMissesYep, the JVC FX850 wood IEMs. Love them, probably my favorites of many I've tried and owned, but the shape of them isn't the best for comfort. They definitely have a following, so to speak. The newer FX1100/1200 (same IEM but one is Japan market and the other for Asia in general, IIRC) apparently is a cleaner/crisper, less thick and bassy, but still has the signature JVC woodie sound. The newest version HA-FW01 is on my list to buy. Smaller housing that improves comfort from what I've read.
But, I prefer warm and musical with plenty of low end and these have it in spades. To me it's a unique sound - timbre maybe is the right word? they just have an intimate, warm sound signature. I'm not a huge fan of balanced armatures for this reason (and prefer dynamic drivers) but I know there are BAs that can do bass well and not all BA based IEMs sound analytical and cold.
mayorblurpsWhich other IEMs have you tried & compared against?
I used Klipsch S4i for over a decade & was quite happy with it. I'd bought it mainly for attending conference calls while traveling, the Mic clarity was phenomenal. At that time, I was lusting for Klipsch X10i but couldn't afford it.
Bought MD NuForce EDC3 a few months back (better) & now I'm waiting for the BGVP DM6 delivery in April. If Null-Audio wouldn't have screwed it up, I would have bought a refurbed Universal AXH or W900. I'm too pissed to throw away that kind of money at them for having too many rules & too little customer service.
HitsOfMissesBear w me, I've gotta think back to the IEMs I've had and tried. The unique sound of the FX850 and other JVC woodies is unlike anything else I've heard from an in-ear. It's like comparing well-made wood cup headphones vs plastic or other non-wood cups, in a way. There's a certain timbre to the sound and as far as I know, no one else makes a wood diaphragm IEM like the JVC wood series.
You'll be happy with the DM6. Definitely on my wish list, but just don't need anymore IEMs right now