Hi all

Recently my JVC Air Cushion IEM's broke, and I'm looking for a replacement. Right now I'm on a very thigh budget, so there are not a lot of models that I can take into consideration, but moreover I can't find a lot of models in Madrid anyway, so...

I'm not looking for IEM's, earbuds would be enough, and I know that with my limited budget I won't be getting the same quality I had with the Air Cushion, but anyway I want them for my PMP so extreme quality is not exactly an issue. It's more a question of having the best bang for the buck. I would like to spend less than 20€ if at all possible...

I've elaborated a list of possible candidates, and I would like to hear your opinion about them:

- For cheap earbuds, I've read that the Sony MDR E12LP are not bad, but I don't think they are going to be comfortable. They look way too big.

- In the same price range I have the JVC Gummy Air earbuds, the new incarnation of the classic Gummy but with a silicone air cushion similar to the one in the JVC Air Cushion IEM's. I had Gummy's in the past and they sounded great for the price.

- A bit more expensive I've found the Panasonic RP-HJE170 IEMs. I haven't found many reviews of them, but on paper they look OK.

- Maybe some AKG earbuds? I've seen them ranging from 15€ to 30€, but I don't know about their quality.

- A couple of bucks of overbudget, but still in consideration, I've found the Sony MDR EX35LPB, also IEM. I've seen them recommended in a couple of pages.

Going completely overbudget I've considered another pair of Air Cushions, although mine broke quite easily, or even the Sennheisser CX-200, which here go about 30€, but frankly I would like to stay on budget if possible. I've found that portable headphones are very fragile and when used in the city, with the noisy environment, sound quality is almost impossible to fully appreciate, so I prefer not to spend much money on the buds.

Thanks a lot in advance!
Raúl

How about this! Try the NEWLY engineered Sony's. They are certainly not like the old models. Sony has employed a much better approach to both materials and design in these. I am refering to the EX300LP's and the EX500LP's. Plenty of bass and is comfy. Does very well all the way around. They will need to be broke in for about 40 hours.....Street price is $58 for the EX300's. Best But has em for $79.
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58$ is a bit over my budget

Anyway I'll take a look at the new Sony's you've cited, thanks

Right now I'm considering SoundMagic PL30's if I can find them cheap...

Raúl

I just got some Sony MDR-EX35 to replace some failing JVC Marshmallows HFA FX34 and I'd have to say the marshmallows are better for the money (both are in the 20$ range. The Sony's have more of a seal for sound isolation and are smaller and more comfortable in the ear but they are totally lacking in treble response the box says 6 - 23 khz but I sure don't believe it. I'm aware that folks claim the marshmallows have muted high end response these Sony's make the JVC's sound vibrant.

as a basis here are the headphones I've owned (listened to long enough to judge)

MDR-EX51
MDR-EX71 *
MDR-EX35
MDR-E868 *

HA-FX33 *
HA-FX34 *
HA-FX66

The stars are next to headphones I found acceptable the EX71's were a little harsh on the highs but still acceptable with EQ settings

Thanks for the info!
Raúl

I always recommend these to friends, they compare really well to my Klipsch Custom 2s and EX500lp, i have had mine for about 2 years and they are hard wearing as well.
They are much better than all the other Sonys you have listed.

Review: Sony MDR-EX75 Stereo Headphones | iLounge

The 75's look good, but a bit over my reduced budget. Anyway, if I finally decide to expend more money I'll take them into account.

Thanks for the advice
Raúl