ljokerl, I am trying to decide between 5 IEMs, if you look over here. Which headphones are best for my requirements?
 
The comparison:
-Sennheiser IE8 ($200 after discount)
-Sony MDR-EX600 ($180)
-Phonak Audeo PFE122 ($200)
-VSonic GR07 ($180)
-Yamaha EPH-100SL ($150)
(I take suggestions for other things)
 
TL;DR version of my thread:
 
-For accessories, I use the case, clip, and possibly ear tips.
-Use my headphones a lot and in many situations, want them to last. Like forever.
-Noise isolation isn't too much of a problem, mediocre isolation is fine.
-Good microphonics; don't want cable noise.
-Needs to be comfortable; feels like it's not there after a while.
-Listen to classical, jazz, techno, electronic, rap, hip-hop, pop; need good bass and treble.
 
Preferred sound signature-
I like euphonic, juicy and lush, and sturdy music. I find accuracy, clarity, and attention to low sounds important. I would like my sound to be balanced, gripped, and brilliant. Punchy bass and treble is important.
 
Thanks!

Yeah, this makes it easier: "I want everything".
 
Anyway, I'd say PFE122 = GR07 > MDR-EX600 > EPH-100 > IE8.
MDR-EX600 are too "hot" treble with some 4k ringing, EPH-100 is somewhat muffled and IE8 far too warm.
 
Between the first two, it comes to whether you can live with 6kHz ringing in GR07, which also causes sibilance and is generally annoying. Maybe mkII has that changed, but I'm pretty sure not.
 
I prefer PFE122 both for its signature as well as nicer fit than GR07 due to longer effective nozzle and no blocky body. It's also a bit lighter in the bass, bit more neutral - slightly worse bass decay, somewhat better mids and treble handling.

I need a 60 euro max. Headphone/IEM. I ride with my bicycle to school. I've read both stickies and came up with this:
 
Grado SR60i
Sunrise Xcape Impressive Edition
VSonic GR06
 
Which one is the best? I listen to rock/metal. Also, my source is an iPod Nano 3G. Should i replace it with a clip+? Haven't heard anything about the Nano 3G around here.

 
ALso, is buying a Grado that risky if you haven't heard any before?

Quote:

yezz12 said:

I need a 60 euro max. Headphone/IEM. I ride with my bicycle to school. I've read both stickies and came up with this:
 
Grado SR60i
Sunrise Xcape Impressive Edition
VSonic GR06
 
Which one is the best? I listen to rock/metal. Also, my source is an iPod Nano 3G. Should i replace it with a clip+? Haven't heard anything about the Nano 3G around here.

 
ALso, is buying a Grado that risky if you haven't heard any before?

Click to expand...

 
grado may not be the best if you dont know what it will do to you , the open back may kill all the fun , long cable can be worse while on the go , ride to school ? may be no , if you want a headphone not in ears phone , you can go for some funky style closed ones , like philips oneill  snug and stretch , just going at as low as $40 , good sound for the price , good seal , on ear with good clamp force , and looks can be good . sq is not awesome but okay .
 
grado is good for inside home use . xcape ie , may be , gr06 , yes , if you can take the treble . its not bad , i love that treble , but some dont like it at all , easy solution , eq it man . best to show off and with good music can be some funky velodyne v plus . take that bass dont hurt .
 
and the clip+ will do better then nano 3g .

Quote:

suman134 said:

Quote:

yezz12 said:

I need a 60 euro max. Headphone/IEM. I ride with my bicycle to school. I've read both stickies and came up with this:
 
Grado SR60i
Sunrise Xcape Impressive Edition
VSonic GR06
 
Which one is the best? I listen to rock/metal. Also, my source is an iPod Nano 3G. Should i replace it with a clip+? Haven't heard anything about the Nano 3G around here.

 
ALso, is buying a Grado that risky if you haven't heard any before?

Click to expand...

 
grado may not be the best if you dont know what it will do to you , the open back may kill all the fun , long cable can be worse while on the go , ride to school ? may be no , if you want a headphone not in ears phone , you can go for some funky style closed ones , like philips oneill  snug and stretch , just going at as low as $40 , good sound for the price , good seal , on ear with good clamp force , and looks can be good . sq is not awesome but okay .
 
grado is good for inside home use . xcape ie , may be , gr06 , yes , if you can take the treble . its not bad , i love that treble , but some dont like it at all , easy solution , eq it man . best to show off and with good music can be some funky velodyne v plus . take that bass dont hurt .
 
and the clip+ will do better then nano 3g .

Click to expand...

Listening to cans while driving or on a bike is generally not advised, as your ears tend to alert you to impending collisions...

Quote:

astralstorm said:

Yeah, this makes it easier: "I want everything".
 
Anyway, I'd say PFE122 = GR07 > MDR-EX600 > EPH-100 > IE8.
MDR-EX600 are too "hot" treble with some 4k ringing, EPH-100 is somewhat muffled and IE8 far too warm.
 
Between the first two, it comes to whether you can live with 6kHz ringing in GR07, which also causes sibilance and is generally annoying. Maybe mkII has that changed, but I'm pretty sure not.
 
I prefer PFE122 both for its signature as well as nicer fit than GR07 due to longer effective nozzle and no blocky body. It's also a bit lighter in the bass, bit more neutral - slightly worse bass decay, somewhat better mids and treble handling.

Click to expand...

I'm quite surprised you picked the Sennheiser IE8 last, considering it seems like a really good in-ear. Most people would pick it above all others (except maybe the GR07.) Can you explain what receding factors helped you make the above comparision?

The downloadable spreadsheet has been updated with the latest scores. Data from the portable headphone thread is now included as well. It can be downloaded here, thanks to carfentanil
 
 
Quote:

snappyaxolotl said:

ljokerl, I am trying to decide between 5 IEMs, if you look over here. Which headphones are best for my requirements?
 
The comparison:
-Sennheiser IE8 ($200 after discount)
-Sony MDR-EX600 ($180)
-Phonak Audeo PFE122 ($200)
-VSonic GR07 ($180)
-Yamaha EPH-100SL ($150)
(I take suggestions for other things)
 
TL;DR version of my thread:
 
-For accessories, I use the case, clip, and possibly ear tips.
-Use my headphones a lot and in many situations, want them to last. Like forever.
-Noise isolation isn't too much of a problem, mediocre isolation is fine.
-Good microphonics; don't want cable noise.
-Needs to be comfortable; feels like it's not there after a while.
-Listen to classical, jazz, techno, electronic, rap, hip-hop, pop; need good bass and treble.
 
Preferred sound signature-
I like euphonic, juicy and lush, and sturdy music. I find accuracy, clarity, and attention to low sounds important. I would like my sound to be balanced, gripped, and brilliant. Punchy bass and treble is important.
 
Thanks!

Click to expand...

 
My read from your requirements is that you would be happiest with a GR07 or EX600.
 
Quote:

yezz12 said:

I need a 60 euro max. Headphone/IEM. I ride with my bicycle to school. I've read both stickies and came up with this:
 
Grado SR60i
Sunrise Xcape Impressive Edition
VSonic GR06
 
Which one is the best? I listen to rock/metal. Also, my source is an iPod Nano 3G. Should i replace it with a clip+? Haven't heard anything about the Nano 3G around here.

 
ALso, is buying a Grado that risky if you haven't heard any before?

Click to expand...

 
I would think twice about riding a bike with IEMs unless you are riding on trails or closed courses. On the other hand the SR60i might be susceptible to wind noise at speed, which would be undesirable. You'd have to find someone who's tried biking with one to know for sure.
 
And the Grado signature isn't that outlandish, just bright and aggressive. I think first-time buyers are typically happy with Grados as they are very clear and quite a bit more exciting than stock earbuds, If you want something safer a PX100-II or Portapro would be warmer, smoother alternatives. If you're set on IEMs I'd probably go for the GR06 or something less isolating, like a Soundmagic E30. 
 
Not familiar with the Nano 3G as a source but iPods (and even more so, iPhones) are typically decent. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by ljokerl /img/forum/go_quote.gif
 
My read from your requirements is that you would be happiest with a GR07 or EX600.

Click to expand...

Are those my best options, or are there better options (that aren't listed) for the price of ~$200? I consulted ClieOS who recommended the PFE and the GR07

Quote:

scootsit said:

Listening to cans while driving or on a bike is generally not advised, as your ears tend to alert you to impending collisions...

Click to expand...

 
thats a good advice man , but i think headphones dont isolate like iems , not saying ride with headphones on , but its hard to stop some one when they want to . one should me more cautious while these on .

Quote:

snappyaxolotl said:

Are those my best options, or are there better options (that aren't listed) for the price of ~$200? I consulted ClieOS who recommended the PFE and the GR07

Click to expand...

 
They're two of the best sub-$200 earphones I've heard and seem to suit what you are asking for. I haven't heard everything that's out there, though.

Quote:

suman134 said:

 
thats a good advice man , but i think headphones dont isolate like iems , not saying ride with headphones on , but its hard to stop some one when they want to . one should me more cautious while these on .

Click to expand...

Riders with earplugs are far more dangerous to other riders too.

Quote:

psygeist said:

Quote:

suman134 said:

 
thats a good advice man , but i think headphones dont isolate like iems , not saying ride with headphones on , but its hard to stop some one when they want to . one should me more cautious while these on .

Click to expand...

Riders with earplugs are far more dangerous to other riders too.

Click to expand...

In the US, it is actually illegal in many places. I have considered something like iGrados at a low volume for it, something open and cheap, so you can still hear the music quietly, but the sound of the street dominates. I also occassionally use ear buds at low volume, as they do very little in the way of isolation.

Quote:

scootsit said:

In the US, it is actually illegal in many places. I have considered something like iGrados at a low volume for it, something open and cheap, so you can still hear the music quietly, but the sound of the street dominates. I also occassionally use ear buds at low volume, as they do very little in the way of isolation.

Click to expand...

 
sadly , in here no one cares . people riding with earphone/headphone is rare , but when they do , not many will care . im not saying drive with them . i drive with my snug no , i can hear nearly every thing . and horns are easier to hear , unless , you have custom inears placed deep . headphone earphones are okay for casual roads with out much traffic , not for busy roads , cuz busy roads needs some thing like a helmet on . with earphones , most of the time i put only one side on , that makes things better .

Quote:

psygeist said:

Riders with earplugs are far more dangerous to other riders too.

Click to expand...

 
headphones do isolate lesser when compared to earplugs/inears , and are for casual roads , not high way and busy roads . and you dont concentrate on headphone much , it just comes , keep to your lane  and you should know what to do while changing lanes and turning , dont do rash things , keep it safe , and its not that bad .
 
     use of any type of hearing instrument while driving is dangerous , it cant be stopped , but can be done better .

hello!
i was interested in the Soundmagic e10 because the id America Spark
just go too deep into my ear canals and it bothers me
does the Soundmagic e10 make for a shallower fit?
thanks