HJE900 review with pics (56k stay away) - Page 4

I was about to buy the IE8... Now I'm stuck LOL. More impressions would be really helpfull

Great review Libertad

I agree with a lot of what you say.

I'd like to add these are really brick solid. I'd be confident of throwing these around. The cable would be the only concern. It's not as tough as Westone and Etymotic ER4P designs.

Isolation isn't as good as Etymotic ER4 or the Sleek Audio SA6. I'm using double flanged tips, with triple flanged tips on order. I get a good seal very easily. There is a little microphonics, but not as bad as Etys or SA6.

Detail is very good I agree. Mellow, certainly, especially if you are coming from just listening to ER4S.

These phones are not as cold or bright as the Etys. Not as warm as SA6, which I found to be a little too warm for me.

I like the bass very much. Just what I've been looking for! I am not a basshead, but for some electronica, trance etc.. if the bass is in the recording I want the bass and these deliver. I never got the bass I was looking for with the Etys and SA6. I remember the Sony 51, 71s being boomy which I disliked. I also found the Future Sonics M5 too 'low end' and lacking detail for me. The HJE900 are more balanced.

Poo in, poo out, I agree. I like my FLAC files with these.

Instrument separation is very good.

Soundstage is better than Etymotics and SA6. Not as wide as Audio Technica ATH CKM70.

I bought these as a punt, as there aren't many reviews about, but I am so far impressed. I also bought the Klipsch Image X5, which should arrive next week. I will listen to both and decide which to keep.

I wouldn't necessarily say the HJE900 excel in any given area, but for the type of music I listen to, I like them very much. Maybe they are great allrounders. I will find the time to listen to other genres over the coming weeks. For full size headphones, my Kenwood KH-K1000 pulled me into the music and are keepers, due to the fact they sound great to my ears whilst listening to different kinds of music.

So far I've used only the Cowon D2 with these. Next week, I'll use my IPOD and Go Vibe Petite with the HJE900.

But so far, I'd say the $170 I paid for them was a steal in all honesty, provided you use a good source and decent coded music. More toe tapping than Etymotic ER4P, if not as detailed (better experienced people will be able to judge better than I). The Technics sound engineers did a good job for Panasonic here imo.

I'll keep listening....

Libertad, you could use these...Head-Direct.com | YUIN. The tips are great and the filters at least seem to be quite transparent/don't alter the sound.

Removable cables? That's pretty slick!

Great review Libertad. Thanks!

Indeed. Panasonic even sells a "High Grade Cord" for the HJE900.



パナソニック、ケーブル長60cmで実売1,000円のイヤフォン - AVWatch (Japanese)

インサイドホンコード RP-HAC9000 商品概要 | アクセサリー | Panasonic (Japanese)

I took off the filters, and the mids are better. Thanks for the advice. I think these will be keepers, so modifying them won't do any harm as I won't be selling them. Very impressed with their performance with electronica. The Klipsch Image X5 provide better isolation and comfort, and are good allrounders to chuck in the bag on the move via the subway etc.

I'll buy the alternative cable that kjk1281 has highlighted too. A bit pricey, but may improve sound quality and offer a spare cable either way. I'll whack in an order this week with seyo-shop!

Two good phones for different situations and needs.

Just a friendly bump to this thread to say I recently got these IEMs for a good price and there's some discussion about them in another thread (IEMs with good highs).

Besides (better late than never), thanks to the OP and kojebee to their insightful reviews that sparked my interest in these phones.

Sadly, I'm going to sell off my newly-purchased Panasonic 900s. Really great IEMs, to be honest, but right now "isolation" and "natural" are what I'm needing for on-stage use. Can't afford to keep both these and my Ety HF5s.

If anyone is interested, please let me know.

Yip

New here, just a few days in. I have owned these for some time now. I also own Grado 80i and often, I find myself reaching for these over the Grados. I'm in total agreement with the reviewers. After a few hours of white and pink noise they are even better. With the comply foam tips, the isolation is much improved too (for my ears). Super satisfied with this purchase. Beautifully flat response, fantastic detail and clarity,  and crazy extended range beyond my expectations. Now I need to buy a better amp than my CMOY to do them justice.

 

K

Libertad, thanks for your comments. They provide useful perspective. Do you still have this pair? What are your thoughts now--13 months since your last post in this thread about the Panasonics? They went as low as $109, but are around $129 right now.

Edited by big_lou - 9/18/10 at 10:32am

Really nice review, thanks for taking the time to write it up!