Joker, any thoughts about replacing an Etymotic HF5? They were unfortunately run into the vacuum cleaner, the earbuds torn right off the cabling.
I listen to many different kinds of music: rock, pop, folk, piano, vocal, some hip-hop, and a touch of spoken word, so all-arounders seem like the best option. I often wear IEMs for hours on end, so comfort is important, and while running, so the fewer microphonics, the better. I'd like to hear the music as close to a live performance. I don't mind if the headphones color the spectrum whichever way to make that sound.
What I liked about the Ety HF5s: super-detailed and clear sound and amazing isolation. What I did not like: bass felt weak for hip-hop and pop (even with a great fit), microphonics were troublesome in quiet settings (I wore them cable-down), after long sessions, I had some ear discomfort (as the Ety HF5s seem to go pretty deep), and the "sound stage" was disappointing (exactly as your review; good left/right, but I didn't discern any other depth).
I'd like to keep my next IEMs for years, so I wanted to get the best I could under $500. For me, the CustomArt Music One was unequivocally the winner that checked all the boxes. It seems like the *best* IEMs at that price-point, competing with cans nearly 4-5x the price.
Did I miss other IEMs that might fit me? Do the Music Ones have any big flaws? I mean, if you care about isolation, microphonics, and sound quality, they sound like the absolute best for $200-$800 or something, haha. I don't know why they aren't just flying off the shelves....
Hi again Joker
You had previously advised me to get the Astrotec AM800s which I have to say do sound great - the highs and mids are great compared to what I remember of my old JVC XXs.
I've been looking for BT and wired adapters to control my phone's music playback, and act as a mic, but I soon realised that some new IEMs might be in order (does this mean I'm hooked now?)
The best ones I've found are the MEElec A161P. They're a good price (£50 compared to the £30 of the Astrotec + £20 for the BT adapter) and wanted to know how they compare to the Astrotecs and also the Shure SE215s edit: or the MEElec M-Duo?
I know you have rated the A161Ps higher but I also see that they have a lower frequency range, and you describe them as dry, compared to the AM800s being airy.
And I've just realised that although the Shures and the A161P would be great for over the ear, that would stop me using the mic :S and so I might need to get one of those BT adapters anyway, although I wear my IEMs cable down more often than not (but I do now know why so many prefer over the ear)
Thanks again!
The A161P is more accurate and also more analytical than the Astotec. The AM-800 is more v-shaped in comparison with some added bass and a bit more treble sparkle.
The SE215 is warmer and bassier than both the A161P and AM-800. Not sure about the M-Duo - never tried it. Also, the SE215 is always worn over-the-ear so doing that will not stop you from using the mic. However, the mic doesn't come standard on those so you have to either buy the mic accessory cable separately or make sure to get them already with the optional mic cable.
You might want to consider the JVC FRD80. It seems to be pretty cheap on ebay and is the mic version of the FXD80 I reviewed: http://theheadphonelist.com/headphone_review/jvc-ha-fxd80/.
Joker, any thoughts about replacing an Etymotic HF5? They were unfortunately run into the vacuum cleaner, the earbuds torn right off the cabling.
I listen to many different kinds of music: rock, pop, folk, piano, vocal, some hip-hop, and a touch of spoken word, so all-arounders seem like the best option. I often wear IEMs for hours on end, so comfort is important, and while running, so the fewer microphonics, the better. I'd like to hear the music as close to a live performance. I don't mind if the headphones color the spectrum whichever way to make that sound.
What I liked about the Ety HF5s: super-detailed and clear sound and amazing isolation. What I did not like: bass felt weak for hip-hop and pop (even with a great fit), microphonics were troublesome in quiet settings (I wore them cable-down), after long sessions, I had some ear discomfort (as the Ety HF5s seem to go pretty deep), and the "sound stage" was disappointing (exactly as your review; good left/right, but I didn't discern any other depth).
I'd like to keep my next IEMs for years, so I wanted to get the best I could under $500. For me, the CustomArt Music One was unequivocally the winner that checked all the boxes. It seems like the *best* IEMs at that price-point, competing with cans nearly 4-5x the price.
Did I miss other IEMs that might fit me? Do the Music Ones have any big flaws? I mean, if you care about isolation, microphonics, and sound quality, they sound like the absolute best for $200-$800 or something, haha. I don't know why they aren't just flying off the shelves....
I've not heard the GR07, been holding out for replaceable cables but...maybe I should let that one go for now...or be zen and see what their new models are like.
Based on what I've read I think I'd prefer the BE, though; I like a slight u/v shape. PFE232 would probably be my IEM of choice if it wasn't so expensive.
I'm guessing the Reference might not have the bass I'm looking for, though; how would you compare it in terms of quantity and impact to something like the SM3?
Thanks again!
But now I have too many options
Out of those three, which would you say is the best (I'm guessing they're worth an upgrade ? Going on the ratings you had given I would've thought the A161P would be but the shures are beginning to sound pretty nice and now I'm confused. You said the JVC aren't that great for smaller ears, so I'm not sure if they'd be that great for me
But now I have too many options
And I wouldn't need an amp for any of these, would I?
Actually, I didn't realise that the mic cable for the Shures would be so expensive. Also, I realised that my phone isn't actually that good as an ouput for headphones (iPhones always seem louder when connected to the same speakers) and when connected to my PC (standard onboard Asus soundcard) the AM800s sound pretty good, and the bass is a tad behind my Bose OE1, not as boomy, you I can still hear and appreciate it.
I quite like the sound of those FRD80 but I have small ears so I don't think they'd be that greatwhich is a shame cos I quite like the V shape of my AM800 now I have them in my PC.
I really wanted the A161P but I don't think I've had a "neutral" IEM before and no idea if I'll like it, and I assume there's no place you can go and test out IEMs. And I've also realised that all of the IEMs I'm comparing have different sound signatures too
If I buy the £20 bluetooth headset, are there any other alternative IEMs around the same sort of price as the other IEMs you've recommended?
One more question: I've just realised that I've been using an EQ on my PC, and when I turn it off, the AM800 sound completely different. I know if it's a different thing when I'm comparing them using my phone and PC, but assuming a new phone is as good as my PC, would that mean I could just boost the bass for the A161Ps? (Sorry if that's a bit of a stupid question, but I guess a naturally better sounding bass from the Shures would be better)
Thanks again
)
Ah right. I was thinking it might start distortion.
Joker said it had less bass than my AM800s, which I thought didn't have that much, which is why I wasn't so sure. When connected to my PC, they feel more bassy (although I realised I had the EQ which made more of a difference than I had thought)
Now that I've been sat here listening to them for a while, I think they're actually pretty good in a quiet room - and I hardly ever listen to them in a quiet room (mainly on my bike or in the school study room [which tends to get loud]) I'm not sure if it's placebo, but they do sound slightly better when connected to my PC, so I hope the new phone I'll be getting will be better than my current one.
(I've turned the volume up, and they are actually pretty great
