My random 2 cents:
I got myself some custom IEM since any normal IEM hurts after about 20 minutes.
But I wanted to use IEMs for when I don't want to have my headphones imprinted in my hair or sweaty ears from covering them.
And something for some casual running.
So I searched for soft custom IEMs since acrylic would probably hurt after a while like everything else that touches my ears... and found a company in Germany that provides all kinds of soft custom ear things.
Like silicone in-ear pieces for hearing aids, custom hearing protection etc.
They have a cooperation with ACS for the German market.
Classic Series In-Ear Monitors The Classic Series continues to provide the same pro-audio high-fidelity listening experience developed from our T and Studio IEMs. This together with custom fit soft-silicone comfort. Made for your ears only, our medical-grade silicone ear moulds create a perfect...
www.acscustom.com
Anyway, I got the basic evoke model and I love them. The highs are slightly rounded off, which I absolutely like since most headphones and IEMs have too harsh highs for my taste.
The bass is there, but not pumping. Kinda neutral and warm without anything missing.
Spatial awareness, if the stereo audio is well made is absolutely awesome! Extreme clarity in the mids.
Putting them in was a wild experience the first 10 times.
Getting them out is even wilder!
You have to get used to feeling like putting a balloon into your ear and then pump it up to some "+10% ear-volume".
You get a teaser for it when getting the ear moulds done. I'd say the ear moulds were feeling like expanding my ears 2x as much as the actual IEMs.
The moulding + scanning did only cost about 25€ so if you want to check if you could stand the feeling, do these first.
At first I was like "oh wtf, they will hurt within the next minute!
But they sit just perfect, dont hurt at all even after 6 hours and isolate extremely well.
Only thing I really can't recommend is eating with them in. Too much side movement will let air in/out and lead to air-popping in your ear.
For me, the 399€ were absolutely worth it. Sadly I can't let anyone have a listen and convince them. I'm wondering how they even fit into my own ears every time
I can really recommend them if someone struggles with hurting ears from basically any headphone, ear buds or IEMs.