http://www.head-fi.org/forums/ Discussion of portable headphones, earphones and in-ear monitors (IEMs). en Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:18:22 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.head-fi.org/forums/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.head-fi.org/forums/ http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/help-ive-had-2-earphones-break-down-past-week-456545/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:55:54 GMT About 6 weeks ago after I lost my ipod earbuds I bought some Griffin earthumps. I didn't like the feel of them very much so 2 weeks later I got a pair of Yuin pk3, which I liked, until last week when the right earphone started having major trouble working, then soon stopped working at all. I shipped it back and in the meantime was using the Griffin earphones, which worked fine until yesterday when the left earphone wouldn't work at all. I don't know what's going on, I don't recall having exposed either of them to moisture (except perhaps when I worked out with the Griffin phones once, a few days before they stopped working). Has anyone else's earphones just failed like this? I don't really know what to do now. ]]> Portable Headphones, Earphones and In-Ear Monitors sgcyrus http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/help-ive-had-2-earphones-break-down-past-week-456545/ http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/esw10jpn-ebay-real-fake-456541/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:16:33 GMT Recently this caught my attention on eBay: Audio Technica ATH-ESW10 WOODEN Headphones LIMITED NEW - eBay (item 180434990969 end time Dec-19-09... Recently this caught my attention on eBay:

Audio Technica ATH-ESW10 WOODEN Headphones LIMITED NEW - eBay (item 180434990969 end time Dec-19-09 20:09:29 PST)

Since I've been eyeing those ESW10s for a while now I was of course very enthusiastic seeing them being sold on eBay for that low a price. However, as most people will be aware of: if something seems too good to be true, it usually is.

So now I'm curious about your judgment: do you think these are fake or not? ]]> Portable Headphones, Earphones and In-Ear Monitors fraqture http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/esw10jpn-ebay-real-fake-456541/ http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/pansonic-hje900-vs-head-direct-re0-456532/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:11:17 GMT Does anyone have listen to both of these headphones? If so, how do they compare?

I'm interested in the following category:
1) Build Quality
2) Sound Isolation
3) Overall Sound Quality
4) The "gift" factor (I'm buying it as a gift)

The price is not that important to me :P

Thanks in advance! ]]> Portable Headphones, Earphones and In-Ear Monitors icebird144 http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/pansonic-hje900-vs-head-direct-re0-456532/ http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/help-searching-buying-foamies-456508/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:25:53 GMT Hi all :)

I'm in search of replacement foamies for some IEMs, and instead of googling blindly I thought it was better to ask here.

The problem has multiple sides:

- I want them to be affordable. I mean, I don't mind paying good money if the foams are of excellent quality, but they're going to be used in cheap phones, so I want to keep the cost as low as possible (specially because shipping will be probably high, too).

- I want them to be good, and with "good" I mean that all foams have the same consistence. JVC foams, for example, usually have this problem: one foam is much harder than the other, and that means that both phones doesn't attach the same to your ears, and sometimes one of them seals properly and the other doesn't. Softer foams, moreover, are difficult to fit properly on the phones. On the other hand, SoundMagic black foamies (the ones that came with my PL21, for example) have all the same consistence and so I can fit them perfectly, seal perfectly and are very comfortable :)

- They have to fit 5mm nozzles (my wife's JVC Marshmallows and my JVC HA-FXC-50) and ideally, the nozzles of my SoundMAGIC PL21. No problem if they won't fit the PL21s, because they came with three pairs of foamies anyway.

- I don't want 10 pairs or assorted shapes and sizes. I prefer multiple units of the same size: foamies are expensive enough as they are, paying for foams I'm not going to be able to use... well.

- Where to buy them? I don't have problems to buy online, but I wouldn't want to receive my foamies totally squeezed.

- Is there any brand I should run from, or any brand I should look for like crazy? I've read a bit here, and looks like Comply foams are good, Shure Olives, etc. but the fact is that I don't have a first hand experience...

Thanks A LOT in advance, dudes :) ]]> Portable Headphones, Earphones and In-Ear Monitors DervishD http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/help-searching-buying-foamies-456508/ http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/time-new-iem-your-advice-er4p-456506/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:20:44 GMT Hello,
I have a pair of er4p's currently. They really are a wonderful set of IEM's. I have had them for awhile and am really looking for a bit of a change. They are a bit sterile and cold at times. Yeah - my seal is good.
I am looking for something with equal isolation. But, with a warmer sound while not losing clarity. Something with more emphasis in the lower frequency's as well. I'm almost thinking a Grado IEM :) . I might be asking too much. lol
What do you think? Any suggestions?

Thanks so much,
Todd ]]> Portable Headphones, Earphones and In-Ear Monitors todd92371 http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/time-new-iem-your-advice-er4p-456506/ http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/30-iem-review-philips-she-9550-ultimate-ears-metrofi-170-sennheiser-cx-300-ii-precision-456494/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:37:53 GMT hello headfi, you are looking for a cheap IEM and are not an audiophile? read on! my friend and I tested 3 IEMS for 30 €: - Sennheiser CX 300... hello headfi,
you are looking for a cheap IEM and are not an audiophile? read on!

my friend and I tested 3 IEMS for 30 €:

- Sennheiser CX 300 II Precision
- Philips SHE 9550
- Ultimate Ears MetroFi 170

As a source we used a sansa clip+ with different higher quality 320kbit mp3s.
We listened to the same song several times with each headphone and then discussed the soundquality.

Review:

The third place goes to Sennheiser.



The Sennheiser model was unbearable for both of us. The heights were too harsh and piercing. Songs with high frequencies must equalized or listened to on a very low volume. We do not recommend this headphone to anyone.

The second place goes to Ultimate Ears.



The MetroFi 170s soundsignature was the most balanced one out of those three. The general feeling was really good and way better than the CX 300.
Its biggest drawback is that especially single notes have an artificial ring to them. I would not call it metallic, but you get the idea. In an objektive review this model would have probably won, but...

The first place goes to Philips.



Because they sounded the most fun.
I hate to see a ****brand like Philips winning our litte competition but the Philips SHE 9550 just sounded the best to both of us. We never expected that. Their soundsignature is warm and extremely bassy. The bass is almost overwhelming but we both liked it, in particular for music you would listen to on the run.

Conclusion:

All three sound extremely different. We didnt expect that at this price range.
Get the Philips if you are not looking for a true to original playback but FUN. Get the MetroFi if you do not like an exaggerated bass or a more natural sound.
Do not touch the Sennheiser model.

After our little listening exercise my friend was pissed because he bought the sennheiser a week earlier. My girlfriend was surprised because she picked up the Philips by accident in our local electronic store. Lucky her, we would have never bought a headphone made by Philips.

I hope this helps with your choice! ]]> Portable Headphones, Earphones and In-Ear Monitors ipumuk http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/30-iem-review-philips-she-9550-ultimate-ears-metrofi-170-sennheiser-cx-300-ii-precision-456494/ http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/where-do-yuin-earbuds-fit-continuum-456489/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:02:24 GMT Hi. Just a curiosity question. I'm pondering getting some high end earbuds, because the ergonomics of headphones/IEMs aren't always to my liking. (Headphones push on my glasses. And having IEM's in the ears more than a couple hours a day can be fatiguing. Also, earbuds are good for taking in and out at work.) Those of you who have tried Yuin earbuds and also have experience with high end IEM's and headphones - where do the Yuins fit in your opinion?

My everyday headphones are Grado SR225's and soon UM custom molded Klipsch X10's. I also have modded orthodynamics for late night listening. I'm planning high end custom IEM's for next summer, probably JH13's or the next thing from Westone. I have 4 headphone amps, a tube hybrid (CTH), a solid state studio amp (Samson Q5), an Icon Mobile and a Fiio E5.

I normally listen to vocal trance, rock, and a touch of classical. Lately it's been Infected Mushroom, Regina Spektor, Oceanlab, Pink Floyd (Animals), and 311.

Would the OK1 be at about the level of a Westone 3/UM3X? Or at a NuForce NE-7/NE-8 level? Somewhere in between? What about on a headphone comparison chart? Would it compare to a Grado RS1? Or Grado SR225? Or the SR80? Or is it more of a Sennheiser PX100 class?

And then the PK3. Where would it sit?

I realize this may be an apples/oranges question. But if I'm going to spend a non-trivial amount of money on earbuds, I'd like to know where they'll be on the scale.

Thanks.

EDIT: As a side topic, which Yuin has the best bang-for-the-buck? And other really good earbuds to consider? ]]> Portable Headphones, Earphones and In-Ear Monitors barleyguy http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/where-do-yuin-earbuds-fit-continuum-456489/ http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/recommendation-new-iem-456486/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:36:34 GMT Hi
I've been using a pair of shure e3cs for the last 2 years which I liked greatly. Unfortunately I accidentally ended up breaking it. It accidentally broke off the tip in one of my ears. I'd like to get a new one. I read this guide here
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/r...2-08-a-335851/

also saw guides here on the PL50 and the RE0.

I listen to a whole variety of music styles. classic rock, trance/techno and dancey music, 80s and 90s pop, punk, heavy metal and thrash. A little bit of classical.

So Im guessing Ill want one which is kinda neutral. But I don't know more than that. I'm looking to get something sub 200$ (though I wouldnt mind spending less ofcourse =p). If there is something which is a fantastic deal right now do let me know.

If possible I'd like to avoid buying an IEM that requires an amp. And ideally one that comes with everything I need (or if I should buy something + some accessories do let me know)

thanks ]]> Portable Headphones, Earphones and In-Ear Monitors pathsny http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/recommendation-new-iem-456486/ http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/sony-ex56lp-456467/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:53:20 GMT Anyone heard it? Opinions? Anyone heard it? Opinions? ]]> Portable Headphones, Earphones and In-Ear Monitors applaudio http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/sony-ex56lp-456467/ http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/ksc75-reliability-456454/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:13:41 GMT Hello, My 5th pair of KSC75s just went out on me, for the fourth time the left channel went out, and for the fourth time I assumed it was the... Hello,

My 5th pair of KSC75s just went out on me, for the fourth time the left channel went out, and for the fourth time I assumed it was the cable and soldered a new one on, and as you can guess for the fourth time the problem was not the cable but appears to be the driver itself. I know I can send them back under warranty but I'm tired of them going out on me. I cant seem to get into the driver itself to check it as I can't disassemble the plastic housing (please correct me if there is a way to do this.

The main problem is, the 75s are by far the best sounding portable headphones to me, and I don't want to give them up, but at this rate, I find myself wondering if there's something else that sounds as good but is more reliable.

I have 2 questions:

1. If I do replace the 75s is there anything I can do to make them stronger? I only use them at work and they get minimal wear and tear but seem to break on me, maybe I can add some strong glue somewhere or mod them or something?

2. Are there any other similar phones out there (clip ons) that sound as good or better for say $50 or under that will be more durable?

Thanks for your help. ]]> Portable Headphones, Earphones and In-Ear Monitors chrismc_us http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/ksc75-reliability-456454/ http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/um2-ie8-m5-456453/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:02:49 GMT I have decided to get either one of these IEMs because they're all within my budget.

UM2 - MYR1050 (USD 300) from a seller in Malaysia. (This is the max I'm willing to part with FOR NOW :p)
M5 - MYR 575 (USD 170) from the same seller here.
IE8 - GBP 170 (USD 282) from Amazon.co.uk. My friend can bring it back from the UK for me if I decide to get it.

Which one of these IEMs will be the best buy? I listen to mostly rock music and am quite a fan of bass but would also like to have some good mids for the guitars. Not a real fan of the vocals and highs so as long as it is clear, I'm fine by it.

I am pretty worried about fake Senn products. Since it's from Amazon, should I be worried? The main problem is my friend is not an audiophile. He could even be tone deaf so he won't be able to check it for me before bringing it back here. :p

Any of you have these 3 IEMs to make a simple comparison for me? Just make it as easy as possible since I'm new to the audiophile world.

My source is an Apple iPod Touch 3G and although I listen to music when I take the train, I might want to add in an amp. It all depends on the budget too.

Thanks!

Sennheiser IE 8 -IE Series Ear-Canal Phones: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo ]]> Portable Headphones, Earphones and In-Ear Monitors zachary_row http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/um2-ie8-m5-456453/ http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/hippo-shroom-canal-phones-456450/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:50:28 GMT Image: http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/3069/hipposhrooms.jpg these cost SGD $68 from jaben. the body is metal and resembles the crossroads...

these cost SGD $68 from jaben. the body is metal and resembles the crossroads quattros without the changeable plates.

have listened to it for around 10 hours. initial impressions so far it is very smooth sounding, no hint of sibilance at all, quite impressive for a tiny dynamic driver. details are fantastic. at the start of Million Dollar Bill by Whitney Houston, there is this very faint rhythm in the background which sounds like some kind of polyphonic ringtone from a cellphone, the Shroom managed to pick it up, which i did not notice on other phones before this. impressive.

treble is crisp, almost balanced armature (BA) like. sounds very fast.

mids are forward and solid. no sibilance at all with Ss and Ts sounds, like good BA drivers.

bass extends quite deep. there is an average amount of mid bass which can sometimes cover the low bass. bass is layered, not mashed up like poorer offerings. the bass quantity/impact is not very big, but its present. extreme bassheads need not apply.

soundstage is pretty good. it doesn't sound compressed and belies the fact that the drivers are placed at the tip of the canal opening.

compared to the Hippo VB, the Shroom is more analytical and intimate, while the VB has a more airy and relaxed nature. both are very good for the target consumers they are aimed at, especially at the price they are sold.

it seems like this new Hippo company is producing some pretty impressive earphones for a low price. ]]> Portable Headphones, Earphones and In-Ear Monitors DigDub http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/hippo-shroom-canal-phones-456450/ http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/fiios-turbines-456443/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:22:06 GMT I have a pair of Monster Turbines which sound good on their own, but they are very much improved with a good amp.

How do Fiio's handle such a headphone?
I am specifically looking at the E1. ]]> Portable Headphones, Earphones and In-Ear Monitors Alc Jr http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/fiios-turbines-456443/ http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/senn-cx380-first-impression-456439/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:49:17 GMT So it was my birthday today and somebody in my family, as I have just found out, is a bit of a audiophile and gave me a pair of Sennheiser CX380s for... So it was my birthday today and somebody in my family, as I have just found out, is a bit of a audiophile and gave me a pair of Sennheiser CX380s for running and the general on the go where I can't bring my cans.

After about 3 hours of use both running, and sitting around, I have to admit they've been pretty solid. Before I was using crappy Skull candy ink'ds (cause they're cheap). And they're a huge step up. Solid bass, well balanced treble, generally good sound (I wasn't looking for insane sound perfection).

O and they don't whistle when I run like the Skulls did...that was sooo annoying.

I guess this thread is for people who have CX380, or want some, or have something they think would be a better pick and just give your input. That and I haven't been on in a lil' while so I really wanted to start a thread again. :normal_smile : ]]> Portable Headphones, Earphones and In-Ear Monitors whiteleaf http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/senn-cx380-first-impression-456439/ http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/rattling-noise-eq-lev-3-sony-a720-x5-456412/ Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:49:26 GMT I know that the X5 is designed to play a lot of lows without distortion, but sometimes I put up the "clear bass" on my Sony NWZ A729 because the X5s are naturally flat. At 1-2 bars of EQ there isn't any clipping or distortion on most songs.

At the 3/4 bars, I noticed on the apollo 13 soundtrack, the left channel had a rattling noise during the heaviest sequences that's not part of the track. The rattling was not continuous, and was only present when the volume was relatively high. I'm wondering if this kind of asymmetrical channel distortion is expected when I push the X5s this hard?

The bass level at level 2 is just fine, I just thought these things don't break up at higher volumes. Anyways since it's a driver problem, if it "is a problem" it's still under warranty. ]]> Portable Headphones, Earphones and In-Ear Monitors ucrags84 http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/rattling-noise-eq-lev-3-sony-a720-x5-456412/