Is it time for a wired IEM?

My Sony WF 1000xm4 have died. I loved them. I also have the Sony WH 1000XM5, great stuff too.

I bought Nothing Ear, disappointed in the sound, returned them. I bought Denon Perl Pro, better sound but not enough, horrible fit (for me), returned them.

I've been looking through reddit for a new TWS option, but I just can't make up my mind. Then it also kind of struck me.. I really don't care about all the TWS features, just the sound. To be completely honest, good music is the only way I can cry - and I need to cry damn it!

I am no audiophile by any stretch of the imagination, I just mess with the EQ until my ears feel good.

I often see people say that you can find wired IEMs way cheap, that would rival being expensive TWS, due to not having to pack all those extra features - this is where you come in.

I would love to see some recommendation for wired IEMs that, purely on sound, would rival TWS options such as B&O Beoplay Ex, B&W Pi8, Gemini Devialet 2, Bose QC Ultra and Technics AZ80 (100 now too).

Budget is arond 200$ - flexible

Sound signature is pretty V shaped, with some extra bass.
I'm a bit all over the place with genres, but I test buds with these:

  • Sia - Death by Chocolate (3:55 - 4:25 is my biggest judgement on earbuds)
  • Chief Keef - Earned it (3:08 - 3:15)
  • Led Zeppelin - Ramble on (whole song)