Nice thread.
I bought some used Shure KSE1500 IEM electrostatics, a few years back. They have a decent DAC built into the eStat amplifier provided that can be bypassed when listening via the line out (2.5mm single ended) output, if you have a DAC you want to utilize already. The DAC kicks in when listening via the USB port to your computer, or phone, and the amp can be charged off your computer USB port while in use. They're in-ears, and provide something like 30dB isolation, I can attest they do a great job isolating outside sound, which helps blacken the background quite a lot when listening. They're fairly durable, not a delicate hi-fi item, which i value. Also, they're not going to bother anyone in your office, as open-backs or even some close backs would. also great in church or funerals :)
Some users say they lack bass, but they don't (frequency response digs down to ~10Hz), you can clearly hear/feel that sub bass on electronic music with bass information that deep, its all there. Rather they lack "slam" other headphones/IEMS may have. I would just call the bass quality fast and accurate, and extremely detailed, as are the mids and highs. I listen to everything (acoustic jazz to classical to rock, death metal and rap, some audiophile recordings)... The KSE1500's compliment everything i listen to through them. I'm sure there are headphones that sound better, but not at this price range. They reveal everything that was intended by the recording, the most dense mixing/mastering all of a sudden, you just "get it." Doesn't matter if it's heavily produced or the most bare bones audiophile touch . They make everything sound great.
Cons:
Some folks don't like IEMS, or do not like listening through headphones at all.
The amp that comes with the IEMS can be cumbersome when trying to use them in a portable situation.
These (and possibly all Electrostats in general?) sound most engaging at higher volume, past comfortable listening levels. Maybe that just my opinion...
Shure KSE1500's can be had new $3,500, or can be found used around $1,000-$1,500. They also make a KSE1200 that is the same setup, without the onboard DAC. Some prefer those if they already have a high end DAC as part of their existing system.
Highly recommended. Happy New Year all.