Multi-IEM Review - 352 IEMs compared (Pump Audio Earphones added 04/03/16 p. 1106)
Dec 3, 2012 at 6:24 PM Post #8,926 of 16,931
[size=medium]Hi guys, Hoping for some advise. Currently in the market for a good pair of IEM’s. Just bought the Mile Davis Trumpets with or without an E11 amp a couple of months ago which I have to say really does have a really nice sound, particularly the bass. Looking to replace them with something else, but am hoping to be able to get something with similar bass levels, excellent clarity and strong isolation.[/size]
 
[size=medium]Always confused by looking at options like the q-JAYS or DBA-02, CK90Pro or [/size][size=10pt]TripleFi 10 [/size][size=medium]and not knowing the whether they will meet the criteria of their bass levels and isolation. I love the fact that the Trumpets have nice punchy bass and not muddy.[/size]
 
[size=medium]The music I listen to is usually House, Trance or Rnb.[/size]
 
[size=medium]Not particularly fussed about the amount, just wanted to get something which was good quality[/size]
 
[size=medium]Is anyone able to provide some suggestions?[/size]
 
Dec 3, 2012 at 10:24 PM Post #8,927 of 16,931
Quote:
Just received my GR06,listened to it few mins and i'm pretty sure it's going to be awesome.
Can't wait to have them burn in correctly.
Thanks to ljokerl for the suggestion!

 
Glad you are liking them so far 
wink.gif

 
Quote:
 I'm looking for a new set of $100 (or about £50-70) IEMs. I'm completely new to IEM's; the last pair of headphones I had were Sennheiser OMX-181's which sounded average but never properly fitted. I'll be using them mainly while walking/commuting on busses etc around town and with some cycling too, so I want a pair that will fit properly, won't be uncomfortable when worn for hours at a time and offers fairly good isolation. I tend to listen to a fairly wide variety of music, so some piano pieces, rock, pop, easy listening, r+b and some folk but I'm more centred around rock. I like my music to have rich bass but not so that it smothers the rest of the trebels and mids. I'd like a set that would keep a good sense of the bass while giving me the detail in the mids and highs that I've not had in my previous earphones up to now... something that will give a good sense of balance all around and help me to hear every note.
 
I posted in the advice threads and I've got a few to consider but I honestly don't know which will suit my needs better:
 
1) VSonic GR06
2) MEElectronics A161P
3) PFE012
4) SE215
 
With either of these IEM's are they proven to be reliable? Will the stock tips provided be comfortable or can you recommend other tips that will be more comfortable and provide the best sound? How long is the burn in with these IEM's? How big of an issue is it for the GR06 not to have a cable clinch? Are there some different IEM's in my price range that will fit my needs better that I've missed?
 
I'll be using whatever set with a Nokia Lumia 920 for music as well as a Creative Zen X-Fi MP3 player.

 
I think the SE215, GR06, and PFE012 are all safe choices. The A161P is a little more aggressive and probably not a good first "higher-fi" model unless you already know that that's the type of sound you like. Picking between these three won't be easy as they all isolate reasonably well, are comfortable to wear, and sound good for the money. Also, the GR06 now has a cable cinch apparently so don't pay attention to that. Personally, I would want lower isolation for cycling and would probably go with the PFEs. Plus, you get the ability to pick up some extra filters later and turn them into 112s. 
 
 
Quote:
I've got about 150$ to burn on a replacement for my eph-100.
I'm looking for an iem with a very clear presentation over a dark background (similar or better then the eph-100). I listen to a lot of classical music but can't say I enjoy a very analytical listen. I'd rather a warm detailed sound. Also, hopefully the treble isn't as absent as on the eph :frowning2: 
 
 
With that said, considering a dark background being my primary criteria. Would the gr01 fit the bill (should I really stray from a dynamic driver) or are there any better/other suggestions?

 
The GR01 is a strange choice as it's so very different from the EPH-100. It does have great clarity but it's more balanced overall, with near-flat bass and pretty prominent treble. You might like the VSonic GR07 if you're willing to go up in price a bit.
 
Quote:
[size=medium]Hi guys, Hoping for some advise. Currently in the market for a good pair of IEM’s. Just bought the Mile Davis Trumpets with or without an E11 amp a couple of months ago which I have to say really does have a really nice sound, particularly the bass. Looking to replace them with something else, but am hoping to be able to get something with similar bass levels, excellent clarity and strong isolation.[/size]
 
[size=medium]Always confused by looking at options like the q-JAYS or DBA-02, CK90Pro or [/size][size=10pt]TripleFi 10 [/size][size=medium]and not knowing the whether they will meet the criteria of their bass levels and isolation. I love the fact that the Trumpets have nice punchy bass and not muddy.[/size]
 
[size=medium]The music I listen to is usually House, Trance or Rnb.[/size]
 
[size=medium]Not particularly fussed about the amount, just wanted to get something which was good quality[/size]
 
[size=medium]Is anyone able to provide some suggestions?[/size]

 
You probably don't want the DBA-02, q-JAYS, or CK90Pro if you hope to match the bass of the trumpets. I would recommend the EPH-100 if you don't mind a slightly warmer sound with a bit less treble and more midrange. Fit is similar to the Trumpets but they isolate quite well and are more reasonably-priced. 
 
Dec 3, 2012 at 10:49 PM Post #8,928 of 16,931
Joker sorry for bothering you again. So currently i am using the Vsonics GR06. And I'm planning to get a new one. So right now my eyes are set on either the GR07 or Rock-It Sounds R50. Both very detailed reviews. But between this 2, what are the most promising differences that the 2 IEM display? I like my music brimming with brightness and accuracy in the treble, with good separation. Any advice?
 
Dec 4, 2012 at 12:43 AM Post #8,929 of 16,931
joker, does EX1000, PFE 232 and AKG K3003 match JVC FX700's timbre?
 
And can you briefly compare JVC FX700 and PFE 232?
bass quantity and extension, treble quantity and extension, presentation (3D, soundstage)
 
Dec 4, 2012 at 1:18 AM Post #8,930 of 16,931
^
And while you're at it, could you please post the TF10 review?
 
And will we get the ToGo 334 review before the first anniversary?
 
And will there be a boy or a girl for Will and Kate?
 
(sorry, got carried away...
wink.gif
)
 
Dec 4, 2012 at 1:22 AM Post #8,931 of 16,931
More on the MH1C, there is a vent at the back of the IEM, I taped over it, all of a sudden the ridiculous subbass vanished. It's still emphasized, but not like before. Now, on the bass reducer eq on my iPod, they sound fantastic. Truly fantastic.
 
My GR04s broke yesterday, and while lendmeurears takes their usual week to return an email (don't get me started, when it comes to warranty stuff, they take FOREVER), I'm finding these quite suitable. More burn in in the future, but I really don't think it does much.
 
Dec 4, 2012 at 1:34 AM Post #8,932 of 16,931
Plugging the vent doesn't kill off the bass too much? I'd guess not since you mention even with that you're still EQ'ing it down... So Sony made an unintentional tunable IEM? :p

Is the cable very microphonic? Never had one of those flat cables...
 
Dec 4, 2012 at 2:51 AM Post #8,934 of 16,931
Quote:
I think the SE215, GR06, and PFE012 are all safe choices. The A161P is a little more aggressive and probably not a good first "higher-fi" model unless you already know that that's the type of sound you like. Picking between these three won't be easy as they all isolate reasonably well, are comfortable to wear, and sound good for the money. Also, the GR06 now has a cable cinch apparently so don't pay attention to that. Personally, I would want lower isolation for cycling and would probably go with the PFEs. Plus, you get the ability to pick up some extra filters later and turn them into 112s. 

 
 
 
I've been looking into the PFE's and I like the idea that I can go to the Phonak website and order the filters/guides or whatever I want for the set. I'm hearing that the filters need to be replaced fairly often though and I'm wondering why? Do they just get blocked up with ear wax and there's no way to clean them? Also wondered about if the PFE's have removable cables or not? I'm also hearing that the PFE's can be a little low volume without an amp. I'm gonna be using a Creative Xen X-Fi and while I've never had problems with the output I don't really want to resort to getting an amp; especially not while I'm out and about. I'm leaning towards the PFE's but these points concern me.
 
Dec 4, 2012 at 3:49 AM Post #8,935 of 16,931
Quote:
Joker sorry for bothering you again. So currently i am using the Vsonics GR06. And I'm planning to get a new one. So right now my eyes are set on either the GR07 or Rock-It Sounds R50. Both very detailed reviews. But between this 2, what are the most promising differences that the 2 IEM display? I like my music brimming with brightness and accuracy in the treble, with good separation. Any advice?

 
Biggest difference would be the bass quantity (GR07 wins), overall presentation (R-50 is more well-rounded; GR07 is just wide), and location of treble peaks/energy (lower on GR07 mkI, resulting in bigger potential for sibilance)
 
 
Quote:
joker, does EX1000, PFE 232 and AKG K3003 match JVC FX700's timbre?
 
And can you briefly compare JVC FX700 and PFE 232?
bass quantity and extension, treble quantity and extension, presentation (3D, soundstage)

 
I don't have an FX700 in my inventory so I never got to compare it to any of the new releases.
 
I've already answered a ton of questions you've asked about the K3003, FX700, and other earphones so I feel like I have to post this again:
 
Quote:
I don't mind doing comparisons but they do take time and effort. If you're asking only out of curiosity, I recommend just reading the reviews. If you're actually looking to make a buying decision, it might be best for you to state what you're looking for. It's easier for me to say which fits your criteria better than to come up with a from-memory comparison featuring products you might not even want in the first place.

 
 
 
Quote:
^
And while you're at it, could you please post the TF10 review?
 
And will we get the ToGo 334 review before the first anniversary?
 
And will there be a boy or a girl for Will and Kate?
 
(sorry, got carried away...
wink.gif
)

 
How I feel:
 

 
Quote:
 
 
 
I've been looking into the PFE's and I like the idea that I can go to the Phonak website and order the filters/guides or whatever I want for the set. I'm hearing that the filters need to be replaced fairly often though and I'm wondering why? Do they just get blocked up with ear wax and there's no way to clean them? Also wondered about if the PFE's have removable cables or not? I'm also hearing that the PFE's can be a little low volume without an amp. I'm gonna be using a Creative Xen X-Fi and while I've never had problems with the output I don't really want to resort to getting an amp; especially not while I'm out and about. I'm leaning towards the PFE's but these points concern me.

 
I've been using the same set of filters on the 232s since summer and haven't noticed a change. My ears aren't very waxy; maybe others need to swap filters often.
 
232s have removable cables. All of the lower-end ones do not. 
 
Dec 4, 2012 at 11:16 AM Post #8,937 of 16,931
Quote:
I don't have an FX700 in my inventory so I never got to compare it to any of the new releases.
 
I've already answered a ton of questions you've asked about the K3003, FX700, and other earphones so I feel like I have to post this again:
 

 
I'm actually serious of buying. Sorry for all the questions.
I currently own FX700. To give you an idea, I kind of want more extended treble and brass shimmering from the cymbals (not thin roll offs), not laid back mids, and slightly, just slightly less bass. Perhaps better instrument separation. Those are the improvements I'm mainly concerned about FX700. The sound quality and everything has to be more or less on par or better.
 
I'm just torn between spending 3-4 times as much as FX700, getting a slightly better sound. I narrowed my search to AKG K3003 and Sennheiser IE 800. Since you haven't hear the IE 800, I can't get any input from you. I'm not sure if there is another IEM that satisfies all those characteristics I've described above. By reading the reviews, PFE 232 seems similar.
 
Thanks
 
Dec 4, 2012 at 12:00 PM Post #8,938 of 16,931
Quote:
 
Minus the part where people insert cash 
rolleyes.gif

 
Still, thanks for all your work on reviews.

 
*Looks at FitEar TG334 & UM Miracle*
 
 
Quote:
 
I'm actually serious of buying. Sorry for all the questions.
I currently own FX700. To give you an idea, I kind of want more exteneded treble and brass shimmering from the cymbals (not thin roll offs), not laid back mids, and slightly, just slightly less bass. Perhaps better instrument separation. Those are the improvements I'm mainly concerned about FX700. The sound quality and everything has to be more or less on par or better.
 
I'm just torn between spending 3-4 times as much as FX700, getting a slightly better sound. I narrowed my search to AKG K3003 and Sennheiser IE 800. Since you haven't hear any the IE 800, I can't get any input from you. I'm not sure if there is another IEM that satisfies all those characteristics I've described above. By reading the reviews, PFE 232 seems like it.
 
Thanks


The PFE232, while bassy, really doesn't quite have the sheer power, rumble, and richness of the dynamic drivers used by the FX700 or K3003. It's also got somewhat recessed mids in my opinion, which doesn't seem to suit your requirements. 
 
Dec 4, 2012 at 12:18 PM Post #8,939 of 16,931
Quote:
The PFE232, while bassy, really doesn't quite have the sheer power, rumble, and richness of the dynamic drivers used by the FX700 or K3003. It's also got somewhat recessed mids in my opinion, which doesn't seem to suit your requirements. 

 
So the K3003 is the closest to what I've described?
If I used High boost filter for K3003, the highs are more forward, bright, while the mids and bass gets completely unaffected?
 
Dec 4, 2012 at 9:16 PM Post #8,940 of 16,931
Quote:
 
So the K3003 is the closest to what I've described?
If I used High boost filter for K3003, the highs are more forward, bright, while the mids and bass gets completely unaffected?


Seems that way to me. The high boost filters makes the K3003 pretty bright.
 
 
Quote:
 
 
If I used High boost filter for K3003, the highs are more forward, bright, while the mids and bass gets completely unaffected?

 
Anytime you change part of the spectrum the entire sound signature changes but insofar as possible that seems to be the case with the AKGs.
 

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