7 best earbuds rated. The winners are: Yuin PK1, Audio-Technica ATH-CM700, Yuin PK2 - Page 6

I am impressed by all I've read about Yuin PK1/PK2, but ohhhh I wish someone could compare V-Moda Remix M-Class ($50) to Yuin PK1 ($140) -- I've got V-Moda and don't feel like buying Yuin PK1/PK2 if they ain't that better than V-Moda M-Class...

Never owned the V-Moda bud, but it's doubtful they are even close to the PK1s or even the PK2s for that matter in SQ. Hey, I could be wrong, but there is only one way to find out. Head-Direct does have a money back policy, 30 days. But I can't believe the V-Moda can compare with the PK1s. Of course, you have to amp the PK1s for max SQ. Not the PK2s. I had the 2s but decided to sell them to finance the 1s. Good move, to me.

Well, I don't think I can try them via Head-Direct, since I am in Europe and shipping cost can be around $40 (e.g. Headroom charges me that much to ship).

Plus, if I return them I have to pay shipping cost again from me to them...

So, anyone who tried them both??!


I did read some opinions which say that V-Moda Remix is close to Yuin PK2, but it was not a direct comparision...

can you have more comparisons with the sony ex90? maybe place it on the chart?

OK, I'm now the owner of two pairs of ATH-CM700, one set for my computer and one set for my portable mp3 player, here is my opinion on this earbud:

If you like "sony-like" sound-curve, typical pop sound, that has recessed mids, strong "omph" bass and some of the highs very strong, -the CM700 is not for you. The CM700 also isn't for you if you have a crappy source, or loads of bad mp3 files at 128kbps.

If you on the other hand, enjoy a flat and honest response, don't mind wearing the extra foam pads that earbuds come with, appreciate a super build quality and also is looking for a very decent good soundstage, -the CM700 is -definitley- for you.

Another positive of this earbud is that it can be almost anything sound wize, except you won't be able to remove the fantastic mids it has. I've tried to eq it into sony-land, but even when pulling mids all the way down, there is still what you won't find in the typical sony earbud ; smooth, super detailed vocals and acoustic instruments. The CM700 has been described as analytical and "over detailed". It's probably correct in the terms that it does not suit crap equipment or source material.

A couple of tracks I've listned to :

YouTube - elsiane - Mend LIVE

Elsiane - Mend : This track has difficult vocals for any headphone or earbud, and lot's of strong bass. On the CM700 the vocals are forward and mixes well with the rest of the music, not overly detailed while keeping the smoothness that is very present in vocals on this track. Bass is thinner than on the beyer cans I own, but that would be expected. However the bass is very well controlled and not at all lacking.

YouTube - Bat For Lashes - Whats a Girl To Do

Bat for Lashes - What's a girl to do : Fantastic vocal detail, equals the über-detailed DT660 2007 edition ! On cheap earbuds the vocals on this one usually just "mixes in" with the rest of the drums and strings and creates all hell. The CM700 holds this well but on this track the upper-bass could have been stronger. Impressive separation.

YouTube - Bugge Wesseltoft - Yellow is the colour -

Bugge Wesseltoft - Yellow is the colour : If you are into piano that's mixed with electronic elements, bugge is one to check out. On the CM700 the piano could be warmer when you only hear the piano on this track. I suspect a lossless format here would help (I used 192kbps lame). The rest of the "layers" added are also lacking a bit of warmth compared to full size cans. Overall the most dissapointing listen (demands a dance like sound that is capable of producing detailed mids... quite difficult in other words).

YouTube - MADITA , CEYLON 2005

Madita - Ceylon : Very good handling of the bass line here, along with near-perfect details. Separation is very evident on this track, and everything is positioned like on propper speakers or large headphones. A very impressive performance.

Source : X-fi head-fi basic mod (opamp)

Sound volume : The CM700 can be played at any level, and does not require loads of mw to pump out good sound. If you have the YP-P2, this is a good fit for it's warm sound and weak headphone-out.

Cable : Very small 3.5 connector, and thin single cable going to a split about 2/3 of the way. Seems good enough. Soft wire

Build : it's metal !

Wearing comfort : the CM700 are not heavy in contrast to what I thought they should be. They fit very well, and are comfortable, -way better than IEMs if you ask me.

Overall : almost a portable DT660 2007 edition.

Hi,

Could a Cowon D2 player manage the PK1 or must I go for the PK2? The Cowon (iAudio) D2 are a 75 mw at 16 Ohms and Cowon said that this is a very powerful output. What is the power output of the ipod shuffle?

Is the treble of the PK1 similar in extension to the Alessandro MS1?

Thanks in advance.

Great review and thread. I am also a big fan of Audio Technica EC700 (over ear version of the CM700). My review thread of the ATH-EC700
I agree with all your comments. I listen to my EC700 with the "socks" to give them a more mid-range warmth, and I also have Koss KCS75 and PortaPros but I hardly listen to them since getting my EC700. I am thinking of buying a pair of CM700 for my portable and on the train commute.

I also have a pair of Sony MDR-E930SP which came with a sony minidisc player and I am really surprised at how decent they are especially for a $25 ear-bud. Not near the level of the ATH-EC700/CM700 but similar balance (nice midrange, excellent imaging, clear highs and responds well to a little bass boost). My recommendation for anyone wanting to experience a decent ear-bud that starts to sound like real headphones.

I had heard such good things about the Sony MDR-E888 that I was wondering about them, but your description is not what I enjoy in headphones so I can easily skip them. Thanks for a great thread that should not be lost. Most people have not experienced quality ear-buds and still think that the throw-aways that come with iPods and other mp3 players are what all ear-buds sound like. The CM700 and EC700 are in such a different league and I believe you when you make the same comments on the Yuins.

Um, but would you mind doing a review on the top 7 IEMs? Does the new Yuins compare to the pk-1 amped at all?

Seven top IEM, even without inclusion of custom, will cost at least 5 times more money than all top 7 earbuds. If you count in custom, a pair of UE11 will cost more than all top 7 earbuds - one does not venture into the land of IEM lightly and hope to survive unharmed.

Also, the PK1 vs OK1 is in kostalex's OK1 review, link on previous post^.

Don't worry man, you're a warrior of sound.