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Hey, I got some graduation money recently, so I decided its finally time to get some decent earphones.
Basically, I'm only looking for in-ear phones (unless there are any on-ear headphones that are still portable and comfortable) to listen with whenever I'm going somewhere, running, etc.
My budget is about 100$.
Are there any such quality earphones or am I better off just buying one of those cheap 20$ skullcandy/sennheiser cx###?
Uhh let me add something else for content
I have 4 invites to what.cd, 10 invites to jpopsuki.eu, 3 invites to bemaniso.ws, and 1 invite to bitgamer.
I think I did this in a previous blog and there were some TL people who wanted some so..
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Some of my friends are audiophiles and only go for the very best, but for me I'm just fine with decent sound quality. I got random 40$ Sennheisers and they've lasted me 2 years already and the sound quality beats the shit out of my previous stock ipod headphones (obviously).
I think if you are going to spend a lot on audio stuff, you should spend it on headphones, not earphones. For earphones that you will take everywhere and use daily, I'd just get some semi decent ones.
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On July 03 2011 13:52 ketomai wrote:
Some of my friends are audiophiles and only go for the very best, but for me I'm just fine with decent sound quality. I got random 40$ Sennheisers and they've lasted me 2 years already and the sound quality beats the shit out of my previous stock ipod headphones (obviously).
I think if you are going to spend a lot on audio stuff, you should spend it on headphones, not earphones. For earphones that you will take everywhere and use daily, I'd just get some semi decent ones.
yeah thats kinda what i was thinking
i also got some like 30$ sennheisers and yeah they blow stock earphones out of the water, but i was wondering if there was anything better that was also still portable
i'm only going to use my mp3 player on the go and on-ear headphones dont really work with that if you move around alot
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Which mp3 player is it? Depending, you may not want to go with one of the balanced armature varieties, since they tend to have significant impedance interactions with some players with higher output impedance. This can result in the frequency response being screwed up and lower damping factor, which arguably makes the sound less controlled (by how much is very debatable). Also, some very sensitive models may pick up significant noise from a noisier player.
This is just one guy's opinion, but he's done a mini-review for 180 different IEMs, sorted by price range:
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/478568/multi-iem-review-180-iems-compared-ecci-pg100-and-skullcandy-holua-added-6-26
There's a summary table at the bottom. Note that the reviewer tends to prefer balanced sound presentations, which may not be for everyone. Thus, even though somebody else may like the Head-Direct RE0 or Etymotics MC5, they might not be for you.
I think some of the Meelectronics models are the best in the $20 range. You needn't just look at Sennheiser CX300 / Skullcandy whatever, etc. I've used the M9 before and was relatively pleased. The bass was a little much and boomy for me, but that was my only complaint.
edit: IMHO portable headphones are less comfortable, though some people feel otherwise. I use circumaural headphones at home, but IEMs are fine with me too.
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I bought the Razer Moray earphones. I'm happy with them, good sound.
and you can support esports since Razer sponsors like 5 teams ;D
edit: I'll take an invite to jpopsuki.eu if you're willing to give one up ;o
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On July 03 2011 14:09 Myrmidon wrote:
Which mp3 player is it? Depending, you may not want to go with one of the balanced armature varieties, since they tend to have significant impedance interactions with some players with higher output impedance. This can result in the frequency response being screwed up and lower damping factor, which arguably makes the sound less controlled (by how much is very debatable). Also, some very sensitive models may pick up significant noise from a noisier player.
honestly really didn't understand most of that
but Cowon S9
On July 03 2011 14:32 Agama wrote:
I bought the Razer Moray earphones. I'm happy with them, good sound.
and you can support esports since Razer sponsors like 5 teams ;D
oh hey those actually seem cool
whats the difference between the moray and moray+?
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The moray+ comes with a mic
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At walmart, near the checkout line where they have all the candy and stuff, they sometimes have them with a bunch of different stuff like xbox live cards, chap stick, lighters, etc. and that's where I bought my headphones. They are like the ipod ones but I got them for $4 xD They have lasted me 6+ months now!
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soundmagic pl-50
cheaper side, super good for its price
i love good soundstaging
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for your budget, i'd recommend something like the klipsch image s4 earphones. these are very good earphones for the price and they cost 80$.
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iPod headphones will last you for years if you don't stomp on them, they're incredibly durable, and the sound quality is nice, and stays there. I only retired a pair that I had been using for 2 1/2 years because the plastic that cushions you on your ear was falling off, but I had been using it all day for my computer (6-10 hours a day, to be totally real) as well as just for an ipod going around campus at school.
They go for 40 bucks stand-alone, but they will last you a long time!
On July 03 2011 14:43 MechKing wrote:
At walmart, near the checkout line where they have all the candy and stuff, they sometimes have them with a bunch of different stuff like xbox live cards, chap stick, lighters, etc. and that's where I bought my headphones. They are like the ipod ones but I got them for $4 xD They have lasted me 6+ months now!
The quality of these are absolutely terrible if you listen to any other set of decent headphones.
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On July 03 2011 14:43 SpiritoftheTunA wrote:
soundmagic pl-50
cheaper side, super good for its price
i love good soundstaging
soundmagic, meelec, brainwavz offer great sub-100 choices.
head-fi.org is your friend (and enemy...its addicting....)
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On July 03 2011 14:43 MechKing wrote:
At walmart, near the checkout line where they have all the candy and stuff, they sometimes have them with a bunch of different stuff like xbox live cards, chap stick, lighters, etc. and that's where I bought my headphones. They are like the ipod ones but I got them for $4 xD They have lasted me 6+ months now!
uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
lol
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On July 03 2011 14:47 BloodDrunK wrote:
for your budget, i'd recommend something like the klipsch image s4 earphones. these are very good earphones for the price and they cost 80$.
These are probably one of the best headphones you can get in that price range. My friend has them and they blow my Jbuds J3M's out of the water. (As a note, I was going to recommend the Jbuds J4's but i've read several reviews plus my freind's high recommendation, I would say the S4's are a very good investment.
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It doesn't matter what you get unless you're thinking of using the in-ears as your main pair of headphones. Essentially all you want is the most durable ones.
I don't suggest getting $25 ones because unless you think you'll lose the $100 ones a lot, if you buy a $25 pair and lose it, you'll need to replace it with another $25 pair, meaning you could've just spent the $50 for a better pair. Also, the price tag is motivation to keep better care of it.
What I mean about you wanting more durable headphones is that unless they're your main home phones, you'll never listen to it 100%. Headphones have these really subtle differences, but they can only be heard in a really good environment. On a train, on a car, or when you're running is not a good environment to hear these nuances. When you're in these noisier environments, all headphones are going to sound the same. Therefore, I suggest getting the most durable headphones, that isolate the best and make the least noise when you're moving.
If you're listening while moving however, I think the volume would cover the sound of the wire shaking. Still, the best recommendations would be the Koss KSC-35, Etymotic ER-6i or the Shure E4. The Koss are better for running, but the Etymotics and Shures are better in general. EDIT: Never tried the Klipsch S4, but they should be fine.
I don't think you've been running with the Cowon S9 much, because it's very annoying to ever run with something in your pockets.
Just remembered the word for the noise the earphone wire makes when you're wearing them is microphonics. Not sure how to use it though.
Again, I'd like to emphasize build quality and microphonics* and not sound quality if you're using the headphones for running or exercise and not for home use.
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I just got a pair of Klipsch Image s4 earphones recently and I like them. They're even on sale at amazon right now.
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On July 03 2011 15:07 Blisse wrote:
I don't think you've been running with the Cowon S9 much, because it's very annoying to ever run with something in your pockets.
i kinda have
i just hold it in my left hand
so right now i'm trying to choose between the Head-Direct RE0 and the Klipsch Image s4
am determined to determine my choice soon
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I have the Head Direct RE0s. I'm no audiophile but they're pretty boss. The build quality isn't that good so I had to superglue mine a few times, but for the price....they're pretty good.
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On July 03 2011 15:21 kidleader wrote:
I have the Head Direct RE0s. I'm no audiophile but they're pretty boss. The build quality isn't that good so I had to superglue mine a few times, but for the price....they're pretty good.
yeah like the sq is apparently sick since it used to be 200$ (and was worth it) but is now like 80$ lol
but i keep seeing people report splitting problems TT
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why do you need earphones if you're muted all the time 
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Hi
Dont go for sennheiser cx 150 (or any other which looks the same) They have this wierd noise when u touch the cable but they are still AWESOME. and + they are indestructible.
I would go for sennheiser IE6 (100euros) or CX 880 (70euros)
Or u can go classy and buy Razer moray or that one from Steelseries.
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On July 03 2011 15:26 ThePurist wrote:
Shure SE215s hands down
yeah my debate is now between the se215 and the re0
On July 03 2011 15:27 coolcrimefighter wrote:why do you need earphones if you're muted all the time
heh
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In my experience, it depends first and foremost on fit. I'm no audiophile, of course, but just wanted to give my two cents. Sound quality is a close second, but even if you have eargasmic sound, it will suck terribly if the earphones feel uncomfortable. I absolutely HATE that ;;
In fact, I'm just using some cheap-ish "sport" Sony headphones (still IEMs, but by no means particularly expensive), which sound all right, but do not fall out, have cable noise, and generally feel nice. The sound isn't amazing, but I like them much, much better than some of my past earphones, which have been extremely expensive and qualitatively amazing, but none of the eartips fit/felt good at all.
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If you do a lot of exercising or on the move, i recommend the meelectronics m6. They're like $20 on amazon and are really good for the price. It comes with this memory wire that basically wraps around the top of your head and keeps the headphones in place. I use these whenever I go to the gym or working. If you just want some good ear phones and don't spend much money, I'd recommend the re0 or even trying some over-ear headphones.
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I have the 535s and the 425s and I saw my friend's 215 and the build quality is exactly the same and the translucent black actually looks nicer.
The detachable cables are sweet and the fit is great at least for me, it's amazing how much Shure stepped up their game since their last SE series - known for their crap cables breaking all the time.
If you buy online - the SE215s will prolly run you like 85~ just look a little and there are great deals vs. the retail stores.
Btw, are you doing like an invite giveaway? 
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On July 03 2011 15:42 ThePurist wrote:Btw, are you doing like an invite giveaway?
yeah my last 2 blogs i just was like "who wants an invite here"
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On July 03 2011 15:14 tube wrote:Show nested quote +On July 03 2011 15:07 Blisse wrote:
I don't think you've been running with the Cowon S9 much, because it's very annoying to ever run with something in your pockets.
i kinda have i just hold it in my left hand so right now i'm trying to choose between the Head-Direct RE0 and the Klipsch Image s4 am determined to determine my choice soon
wtf how do you run while holding something... -.-
It's actually bad to run if you run with clenched* fists. Don't remember the reason though. I think something about how being tense is bad.
I use a iPod shuffle.
The RE-0 is the better choice if those are your options. Never ran with them though.
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On July 03 2011 15:44 tube wrote:Show nested quote +On July 03 2011 15:42 ThePurist wrote:Btw, are you doing like an invite giveaway? yeah my last 2 blogs i just was like "who wants an invite here"
Sweet lol, you know where I stand on the SE215s and if you'd consider me for an invite I'll put it to good use.
Sonic Diamond rating by renowned head-fi'er
Head-Fi SE215 Review
To close the deal on any dispute trying to prove otherwise.
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The RE0 is extremely proficient at portraying detail and instrument separation, performing way above its price point. Treble presentation is excellent, with a touch forward mid that's very pleasant and non-fatiguing. The main problem most people have is that it is very lean on bass - tight and punchy, but little in the way of rumble or "kick", which is a problem for most mainstream listeners that look for nothing but tons of bass boom in their dance music or whatever. The RE0 is analytical, precise, balanced, but perhaps just lacking in "excitement" for some.
The S4s on the other hand are very bass-heavy, so they will work for most people better than the RE0s. As for the SE215, it will probably not disappoint at its price point but it doesn't do anything exceptionally well or exceptionally poorly. If you have no idea what your sound preferences are you probably won't go wrong with the Shures, as long as you are OK with the over-ear wearing style. I personally feel the SE215 has underwhelming treble leading to an overall bottom-heavy, warmish sound that lacks the refinement I seek in my IEMs, but objectively it can easily have the most appealing sound signature out of the 3 (smooth, warm, mid-centric).
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Hong Kong20321 Posts
i bought the klipsch image s4s a fewm onths back
NO REGREtS AT ALL for spending the most i've ever spent on earphones man.
so good . very solid bass, and at laest for my standards the level of sound clarity is really good overall :D:D:D
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On July 03 2011 16:20 uriel- wrote:
The RE0 is extremely proficient at portraying detail and instrument separation, performing way above its price point. Treble presentation is excellent, with a touch forward mid that's very pleasant and non-fatiguing. The main problem most people have is that it is very lean on bass - tight and punchy, but little in the way of rumble or "kick", which is a problem for most mainstream listeners that look for nothing but tons of bass boom in their dance music or whatever. The RE0 is analytical, precise, balanced, but perhaps just lacking in "excitement" for some.
The S4s on the other hand are very bass-heavy, so they will work for most people better than the RE0s. As for the SE215, it will probably not disappoint at its price point but it doesn't do anything exceptionally well or exceptionally poorly. If you have no idea what your sound preferences are you probably won't go wrong with the Shures, as long as you are OK with the over-ear wearing style. I personally feel the SE215 has underwhelming treble leading to an overall bottom-heavy, warmish sound that lacks the refinement I seek in my IEMs, but objectively it can easily have the most appealing sound signature out of the 3 (smooth, warm, mid-centric).
that was really helpful man thanks
since i listen to p much everything i guess ill go with the shures
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I own a Portapro (Koss), and i can say it's pretty neat..
not only is it very portable, sound quality it's pretty much worth its cost too.. around 75USD i think
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just had to add this update:
HOLY SHIT THE RE0s ARE SO GOOD
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A cousin of mine gave me Grado SR60s for my birthday, great sound for sub-100 dollar price.
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On July 03 2011 16:40 tube wrote:
that was really helpful man thanks
since i listen to p much everything i guess ill go with the shures
On July 09 2011 04:58 tube wrote:
just had to add this update:
HOLY SHIT THE RE0s ARE SO GOOD
What happened here? LOL. Glad you like them, they are really good.
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bumping because it is the most recent thread.
Looking for a new set of earphones for pretty cheap (less then 40$). I want some with a decent build quality as I've gone through several pairs of 10$ earphones quite quickly
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Real audio nerds choose Grado.
www.gradolabs.com
I've only ever used the SR80 headphones but for $99 they outperform $400 jobs from overseas. Way outperform. Absolute best clarity, responsiveness, location. I have no doubt that their in-ear headphones are of equal quality. Just checked google and they can be had for about $100 also and get strong reviews.
I am not kidding you. The SR80s are the best headphones you will ever listen to, barring you dropping the wad for the higher model Grados. The casing and cushions are cheap and crappy but that is how they deliver all this performance for $100. For a lot more money you can get them with wood trim but hey, you're listening to it not looking at it, right?
Also, Grado makes the absolute gold standard of turntable cartridges.
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EPT
