for IEMs, tried Sennheiser CX350 (they've stopped selling CX300s due to the insane numbers of fakes out there) at Stereo Electronics yesterday, wasn't impressed with the muddiness. Then tried Audio Technica CK7 and liked the clarity and bass a lot. The CK7 is now going for $140+ (20% listed price of $170+). It's a good buy IMO.
As for headphones, I tried my friend's Koss Portapro and compared it with my own Grado SR80s at home. I realized that when paired with a normal mp3 player like the iPhone, they are almost the same in terms of clarity, with the portapros giving a stronger bass. It's only when you put them through a headphone amp that the difference shows, and the Grados pull through with its superior clarity. So conclusion is that Koss Portapro is really value for money if you're just using it for your portable players. Portapro for $70 - $80, Grado SR80 for $170.
Speaking from the perspective of a mainstream music lover with a budget of $100 - $200 for earphones and headphones
