It seems that in the last 10 years or so, Asian manufacturers have come to dominate the SB $100 IEM market. US/European manufacturers for the most part, have kept the $1000+ market. But how do they compare in the middle market - the $100 to $1000 space? For example, I was thinking about...

You might know, will there be a lightning cable audio line out with the 7?  The adapter they are selling doesn't seem like it can have much in the way of circuitry at that price so I was wondering if the audio out will run through the iPhone's built in DAC.

This might be too early to answer but is Apple changing the nature of the lightning port audio signal?  Right now it operating as a "line out" - an unamped (or possibly consistently amped) non-equalized signal. A signal that you could run into an external DAC to do all those functions. But in...

The Audiofly 180's look really intersting and my be exactly where I want to end up.  Any idea if they have a similar nozzle to  Westones?  I really like their Star tips.

I've had a faithful pair of UM3x' s I've used for the last 6 years.  They are finally starting to give out.  I have drifted away from the iem market and was wondering if there were comparable iems in in the $400-$500 range (maybe a bit more for something outstanding).  I wouldn't mind something...

That is so weird.  The files were all encoded through iTunes, so nothing fishy there.  The are at 320 kbps and I don't remember if they are done at a vbr or not, but I think they are not. The worst part is that I've gotten rid of most of my CD's over time, and just have the encoded files backed up. 

Grr.  Is anyone else having this problem with CanOpener?  Lots of my files are compressed aac files with an .m4a extension. CanOpener will not play these files, seeing them as video files ("Video Selected!  Unfortunately Can Opener can't play video content.)   My guess this is a peculiar bug...

A company called Good Hertz has just released an IOS app called CanOpener ( http://canopenerapp.com ) that adds crossfeed and equalization. It seems to have some real nice features,fully adjustable angle and percentage on crossfeed, a fairly deep equalization program and presets for both. Does...

Has anyone used both of these and can compare the sound quality?  I know this is a bit of an apples and oranges comparison, but they are both comfortably played without an amp and are (somewhat with the Grados) portable.  I've been thinking about the Grados but would appreciate the extra...

I have a pair of silicone UM56's coupled with my UM3X IEMs. I love them but they do not fit very tight. Sometimes the the tips stay in my ear when I pull the IEMs, which is no big deal because of the swizzle stick, but twice one has fallen off as I was putting them in. Luckily I found the...

Can anyone tell me which of the two (W3 or UM3x) is more of the sonic successor to the UM2? I have had and enjoyed the UM2's for many years and am looking to upgrade while keeping roughly the same sound signature. I know the UM3x have the same physical form factor, but, even with all the...

I just looked at the unpacking photos. Is there any sort of case?

I have, and still use, a five year old pair. I've beat them up and have had them recabled once (due to the "greening" they clear cables used to get), and they still sound fine. I can't help you on the price, though. I haven't been paying attention to the used market.

I ma sure this has been covered a number of times, but my google-fu is failing me. What are some of the best non-IEMS out there that do not require a separate amp? I have the Yuin G2A's and the Grado 60's, but there must be a wide range of other options. Money is no object -- well, let say under...

So the gr8's are now available. SoundEarphones.com Your Earphone & Headphone Source for Ultimate Ears, Shure, Sleek-Audio, Ultrasone, Sennheiser, PS Audio, Grado,V-Moda - Shop - Grado Gr In Ear Earphones. Anybody order them yet? My mistake, still pre-orders

Whoops I didn't notice that you were from the UK

I ordered them from Head Direct through Amazon (it was easier for me at the time) and it took about a week and a half. i have had faster results when I ordered directly from Head Direct.

Here's some from Streamline Audio though Amazon: Amazon.com: Shure PA758L Large Ultra-Soft Flex Sleeves for Shure E1c, E3c, and E5c Sound-Isolating Earphones (5 Pairs): Electronics

I have been a happy owner of a pair of UM2’s for about six years. However they are getting a little beat up, I have lost one of the filter inserts, and more importantly, one of the ear-stalks broke and I have it patched together with epoxy. I seem to work fine, but the idea of it bothers me...

I've had the um2's for about 3 years. Other than issues due to slamming the jack in a car door -- and Westone replaced the cord quickly and cheaply -- I have not had a single problem with them.

knights -- there is no "best" headphones that play directly out of an ipod, it is all a series of compromises. First, you have to decide what kind of headphones you want: full-size; iems; or earbuds. Full-size cans will probably give you the sound you want (especially given your comment about...

Just got my OK2's yesterday. The jury is still out on the sound quality/price ratio (although they are the best earbuds I have heard), but I was surely disappointed in the packaging. My understanding is that the PK come in a nice wooden box, these came in what is essentially a film canister in a...

Cool. Now they just need to come out.

I see that the OK3's have a higher impedance and the PK2's. Are the OK2's even higher? Do you think that the OK2's will, like the PK1's, really need an amp to shine?

For what ever reason, they are very sensitive to to the tips used. I found that any of the foam tips are problematic -- they muffle the treble and accentuate the bass. No what you need given the UM2's sound signature. On the other hand, I like them very much with silicon tips -- I personally use...