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Earphone advice?

Blogs > David Mudkips
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Ranix
Profile Blog Joined March 2009
United States666 Posts
Last Edited: 2010-01-24 01:15:58
January 24 2010 01:13 GMT
#1
A while ago TL helped me pick out some nice Audio Technica headphones for my computer. Just recently I got a great new mp4 player which has 2 separate audio processors and a headphone amp built in. The problem is I want to be able to fully utalize them without carrying around the huge cans (which sound great, but are lacking in some bass).

Currently, I have some cheap JVC Marshmellows that I used on my iPod nano. One of my friends has, and recommended to me, these ATH-CKS70 Audio Technica earphones. They seem like they are nice but, truth be told, I have no idea why they have a middle piece or what it even does to help the sound. Basically, I only have around $50, and I was wondering if these are going to be worth waiting to save up to buy. If some knowledgeable audiophiles can give me advice, I'd appreciate it .

Legends never gg
DivinO
Profile Blog Joined July 2009
United States4796 Posts
January 24 2010 01:23 GMT
#2
AKG K81DJs.

Pleasant.
LiquipediaBrain in my filth.
Ranix
Profile Blog Joined March 2009
United States666 Posts
January 24 2010 01:25 GMT
#3
Thanks, but I'm looking for in-ear headphones.
Legends never gg
Myrmidon
Profile Blog Joined December 2004
United States9452 Posts
January 24 2010 01:36 GMT
#4
Because I don't know any better personally, relevant head-fi link
Snet *
Profile Blog Joined September 2006
United States3573 Posts
Last Edited: 2010-01-24 01:43:06
January 24 2010 01:42 GMT
#5
I use skullcandy earbuds found on newegg. They are great, and usually $35-50.
Ikari
Profile Joined April 2007
United States176 Posts
Last Edited: 2010-01-24 01:46:19
January 24 2010 01:46 GMT
#6
I'm currently using Sennheiser CX300 II, which are pretty nice. The asymmetrical cable takes some getting use to though. I also have a set of Creative EP 630s, which got good reviews when I was first searching for in-ear headphones.
God Mode: Alt+F4
lac29
Profile Blog Joined December 2008
United States1485 Posts
January 24 2010 01:59 GMT
#7
I've gone through 3 sets of Creative EP630 ... it's a decent cheap replaceable canalphone.
Ranix
Profile Blog Joined March 2009
United States666 Posts
January 24 2010 02:01 GMT
#8
On January 24 2010 10:36 Myrmidon wrote:
Because I don't know any better personally, relevant head-fi link


Thanks, I'll have a look at that.

On January 24 2010 10:46 Ikari wrote:
I'm currently using Sennheiser CX300 II, which are pretty nice. The asymmetrical cable takes some getting use to though. I also have a set of Creative EP 630s, which got good reviews when I was first searching for in-ear headphones.


I've heard good things about Senheiser so I'll take a look at those, unfortunately I can't say the same about Creative.
Legends never gg
CorsairHero
Profile Joined December 2008
Canada9491 Posts
January 24 2010 02:19 GMT
#9
On January 24 2010 10:59 lac29 wrote:
I've gone through 3 sets of Creative EP630 ... it's a decent cheap replaceable canalphone.

agreed, there were times when those were going for 10$
© Current year.
FortuneSyn
Profile Blog Joined July 2008
1826 Posts
January 24 2010 02:21 GMT
#10
I have cycled through countless earphones in my life, and thanked god when I found the Sennheiser (CX300).

Buy the sennheiser and you will never ever have to look for another earphone again.

I'll emphasize it again. Sennheiser, the same one ikari linked for you.
Specialist
Profile Blog Joined April 2007
United States803 Posts
January 24 2010 02:39 GMT
#11
depending on how much you want to spend.. theres a lot of really nice expensive ones. i dont know too much about in ears because i just have a pair of portable cans.

head fi knows a lot though, so check out the forums from the link that was posted somewhere above. i just went through a crazy headphone time period and learned so much from just reading through the forums there
rwong48
Profile Blog Joined December 2007
United States105 Posts
Last Edited: 2010-01-24 02:54:35
January 24 2010 02:53 GMT
#12
I got a Sennheiser CX300B about 1.5 years ago for $8 and loved it so much that I bought 2 more pairs for like $15 each.

1 stays at work, 1 stays at home, 1 goes around. I wouldn't mind buying more

Edit: 3 of my friends were looking for cheap+good pairs as well and I recommended all of them the same thing and they like it.
Hiphopapotamus
Profile Joined July 2009
United States121 Posts
January 24 2010 02:57 GMT
#13
That middle piece on the ATH is so that they fit nicely into you ear. They are worn with the wires over the ear (unlike some other earphones, like the senn cx300s for example). I believe this helps reduce the microphonics (SHIKSHIKSHIK sound when the wires rub against something).
My lyrics are bottomless!
Judicator
Profile Blog Joined August 2004
United States7270 Posts
January 24 2010 03:18 GMT
#14
I have 2 pairs of the Skullcandys and to be honest, they are the most comfortable ones I have ever used, they don't hurt your ears at all unlike some brands (including those Sennheisers, Sony, etc.). I am talking about buds ofc.
Get it by your hands...
Chef
Profile Blog Joined August 2005
10810 Posts
Last Edited: 2010-01-24 03:23:07
January 24 2010 03:21 GMT
#15
Is there such a thing as a Digital Audio Player without an amplifier built in?

Try not to be swindled by audiophile garbage. My advice for earphones is to basically just spend about 40 bucks on a brand that isn't apple or skull candy or whatever. You'll get your money's worth with sennheiser, and I'm sure anything else in that price range that isn't a huge popular culture phenomenon is going to be worth it too.
LEGEND!! LEGEND!!
leejas
Profile Blog Joined August 2007
United States440 Posts
January 24 2010 03:23 GMT
#16
Skullcandy's are good in the earbud department. I use a pair of Full Metal Jacket Skullcandy's myself (you can sometimes get a good deal on them). I've been using the ink'd ones for some time as well.
Judicator
Profile Blog Joined August 2004
United States7270 Posts
Last Edited: 2010-01-24 03:42:46
January 24 2010 03:40 GMT
#17
40 dollars on a pair of buds that might take a lot of wear and tear? No thanks. Comfort and durability first in this case. These are your "travel" ones, chances are you won't be listening to music in a nice and quiet environment, so keep that in mind before you decide to spend over 20 on a pair.
Get it by your hands...
da_head
Profile Blog Joined November 2008
Canada3350 Posts
January 24 2010 04:01 GMT
#18
i also have skullcandy that i bought off newegg. $40, free shipping and came in two days. pretty good.
When they see MC Probe, all the ladies disrobe.
Jaxtyk
Profile Blog Joined December 2009
United States600 Posts
January 24 2010 05:44 GMT
#19
Sennheiser. The best in quality and price.
To tell the truth....I could beat anyone in the world.
Loser777
Profile Blog Joined January 2008
1931 Posts
January 24 2010 06:46 GMT
#20
Please, refrain from recommending skullcandy in this thread. It's generally accepted outside of teenage social circles that they're rubbish.
6581
T.O.P. *
Profile Blog Joined January 2009
Hong Kong4685 Posts
January 24 2010 07:13 GMT
#21
If you're looking for good audio quality. Find in ear earphones that uses armature drivers instead of dynamic drivers. Entry level earphones that use armature drivers retail for 130, but you might be able to find them for 30-40 dollars on sale.

Like this one
http://www.amazon.com/Altec-Lansing-UHP336-Snugfit-Earphone/dp/B000Q7IA5E
Oracle comes in, Scvs go down, never a miscommunication.
R04R
Profile Joined March 2009
United States1631 Posts
January 24 2010 07:14 GMT
#22
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/multi-iem-review-thread-38-earphones-compared-re252-pfe-new-meelec-m9-added-01-15-10-a-453836/

I loved looking at that thread for IEMs. I'm sure if you read it or even look at the table at the bottom of the page you'll find what you need. I myself got the ai-m6. A steal when it was only $25 on Newegg.com Not anymore though.
ô¿ô
s_86
Profile Blog Joined January 2009
United States191 Posts
Last Edited: 2010-01-24 07:17:45
January 24 2010 07:17 GMT
#23
From my experience, Skullcandy Ink'd is great at keeping sound out, as well as being comfortable. On the other hand, it breaks incredibly easy. So... Don't get Skullcandy... at least not the Ink'd model.
lac29
Profile Blog Joined December 2008
United States1485 Posts
January 24 2010 07:37 GMT
#24
On January 24 2010 11:01 David Mudkips wrote:
Show nested quote +
On January 24 2010 10:36 Myrmidon wrote:
Because I don't know any better personally, relevant head-fi link


Thanks, I'll have a look at that.

Show nested quote +
On January 24 2010 10:46 Ikari wrote:
I'm currently using Sennheiser CX300 II, which are pretty nice. The asymmetrical cable takes some getting use to though. I also have a set of Creative EP 630s, which got good reviews when I was first searching for in-ear headphones.


I've heard good things about Senheiser so I'll take a look at those, unfortunately I can't say the same about Creative.


You do realize that the CX300 and the EP630 are basically the exact same guts right? I dunno if this is currently the case, but in the past the Senn CX300 cost $10+ more than the Creative EP630 even though the insides are exactly the same.
R04R
Profile Joined March 2009
United States1631 Posts
January 24 2010 08:20 GMT
#25
On January 24 2010 16:37 lac29 wrote:
Show nested quote +
On January 24 2010 11:01 David Mudkips wrote:
On January 24 2010 10:36 Myrmidon wrote:
Because I don't know any better personally, relevant head-fi link


Thanks, I'll have a look at that.

On January 24 2010 10:46 Ikari wrote:
I'm currently using Sennheiser CX300 II, which are pretty nice. The asymmetrical cable takes some getting use to though. I also have a set of Creative EP 630s, which got good reviews when I was first searching for in-ear headphones.


I've heard good things about Senheiser so I'll take a look at those, unfortunately I can't say the same about Creative.


You do realize that the CX300 and the EP630 are basically the exact same guts right? I dunno if this is currently the case, but in the past the Senn CX300 cost $10+ more than the Creative EP630 even though the insides are exactly the same.


http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies-archive.cfm/642178.html

Cheaper model, same driver. CX300 has a y-cord, while EP630 has a v-cord. I would get the EP630 if that's what you're interested in.
ô¿ô
Taku
Profile Blog Joined February 2009
Canada2036 Posts
January 24 2010 08:30 GMT
#26
somewhat hijack but anyone use a sennheiser CX500 before? I can get them for a good price but I haven't really heard anything specific about them, good or bad.
When SC2 came for BW, I cried. Now LoL/Dota2 comes for SC2, and I laugh. \o/
538
Profile Blog Joined November 2008
Hungary3932 Posts
January 24 2010 09:28 GMT
#27
I never really liked the sound of Sennheisers (nor the CX300 particularly, nor their other "entry-level" stuff), they go overboard with bass and lack in highs imho.
I've been using a pair of relatively cheap AKG 314P-s for quite a while, it was the other way around, clearly lacking in bass, but wonderful in mid and high, and I loved it this way. It depends a lot on your personal taste.
BW fighting!
Redunzl
Profile Blog Joined January 2010
862 Posts
January 24 2010 09:31 GMT
#28
On January 24 2010 15:46 Loser777 wrote:
Please, refrain from recommending skullcandy in this thread. It's generally accepted outside of teenage social circles that they're rubbish.


sennheiser is superior to all in my experience.
lac29
Profile Blog Joined December 2008
United States1485 Posts
January 24 2010 10:49 GMT
#29
Fact is most consumers looking for earphones simply don't take the time to look around and actually listen to multiple earphones. Fact is everyone's ears are different and just like everyone has different musical tastes ... there are a lot of differences in earphone tastes.

Brand loyalty is usually pretty blinding for imo the majority of consumers. Listen (if you can) before you take online reviews by their word ... maybe not so much for under $50 ... but certainly if you're willing to spend over $100ish.

There are really too many ppl who have only read reviews without actually listening to (or owning) multiple earphones so that they can have some type of real world comparison. Yeah, maybe it's tough to actually try out several earphones before buying one, but it helps a lot to be not severely disappointed when a glowing review you've read made you buy an expensive earphone and you found out you didn't like how it sounded. Or ... to avoid being blown away about how awesome an earphone you bought because of someone's review sounds like ... which in reality doesn't sound that great for the price a year later when you buy a different earphone at the same price.
Judicator
Profile Blog Joined August 2004
United States7270 Posts
January 24 2010 18:33 GMT
#30
On January 24 2010 18:31 chrisSquire wrote:
Show nested quote +
On January 24 2010 15:46 Loser777 wrote:
Please, refrain from recommending skullcandy in this thread. It's generally accepted outside of teenage social circles that they're rubbish.


sennheiser is superior to all in my experience.


Sennheiser is a good brand, but the fact is that I can't wear their buds for more than an hour at a time annoys me to no end; my ears start to noticeably hurt.

The fact that I forget that I have my Skullcandys on is more than enough to warrant their relatively low price about $10 to $20 for a pair that I don't mind carrying around and treating roughly. So before you become another one of those SC is absolute rubbish individuals who are just as ignorant as the crowd that thinks SC is the best ever, weigh your priorities and options.

Personally, I stick with Sennheisers and SC namely because I have horrible luck with buds, I go through about 5-6 per year because of them getting caught on something and having the cord yanked, chair coming down on them, dropping them in the toilet, etc. So I have tried most of the lower to middle price ranges. Sony and other brands I don't even bother with any more because they hurt my ears after about 20 mins of use.
Get it by your hands...
celeste
Profile Joined January 2010
England45 Posts
January 24 2010 19:12 GMT
#31
I use Shure E115 earphones which I found to be a really amazing change from the cheap generic earphones I used to use. The E210s are said to be even better but slightly more costly

Also the Hydrogenaudio forums are 100x more reliable that Head-Fi.org in my experience
CharlieMurphy
Profile Blog Joined March 2006
United States22895 Posts
January 24 2010 19:16 GMT
#32
sennheiser.

specifically the HD 280 PROs
..and then I would, ya know, check em'. (Aka SpoR)
Ikari
Profile Joined April 2007
United States176 Posts
January 24 2010 19:33 GMT
#33
The HD 280 pros are too bulky for what the TC wants to do with the headphones. I own these as well and I feel like these start to hurt after like an hour. >_<
God Mode: Alt+F4
maga33
Profile Blog Joined December 2008
United States247 Posts
January 24 2010 22:06 GMT
#34
sennheisers are good
i use cx 500s
The victorious strategist only seeks battle after the victory has been won, whereas he who is destined to defeat first fights and afterwards looks for victory.
adiyo011
Profile Joined June 2009
Canada125 Posts
January 24 2010 23:10 GMT
#35
http://shop.v-moda.com/p-18-vibe.aspx I just bought these. When I get them, I'll tell you what I think. They retail for 50$ but I found em on eBay for 15$ so not too bad. I used to have the CX300s before so I'll tell you a comparison.
Ranix
Profile Blog Joined March 2009
United States666 Posts
January 24 2010 23:48 GMT
#36
I guess the only thing is finding Seinheisers at a good price. I do like the HD 280s in terms of specs but like Ikari said I would want something with the same quality just in earbud form.
Legends never gg
ero
Profile Joined April 2009
United States66 Posts
January 25 2010 00:55 GMT
#37
I spent about 4 years using the Etymotic ER-6i's. They broke, so I "downgraded" to a cheaper in-ear earphone:

http://www.amazon.com/iM-590-Enhanced-Definition-Isolation-Earphones/dp/B002HI3VMW/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1264380698&sr=1-2-fkmr1

So far, I approve. Headroom thinks highly of them:

http://www.headphone.com/selection-guide/top-picks/10-best-headphones.php

As often the case with in-ears, YMMV.
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