It is very strange the review was made using black version.
the black version is long discontinued due to shell issues back in November of 2014.
And even though manufacture claiming there are no sonical differences between the two versions,
most of people are noticing the Crystal clear edition slightly different to Black (in better ways!)

Hi. I'm looking for IEMs to use with my phone (cba to carry a separate device in my pocket), while in the subway (rather noisy place) and that will be loose inside my jacket (no extra care). I'm not a basshead by any means, do require a bit of isolation and I'm concerned about having at least decent comfort (can't stand the triple flanges of Etymotic). Also I don't really care about having Android controls.
 
I auditioned the GR07 (not the Bass Edition since they didn't have it), and while I liked them I wanted to know if there's anything better, that wouldn't be an overkill for just using them with the phone.
 
I tried the DUNU 1000 and 2000 as well, finding both to be really nice, but they do not isolate that well and are a bit heavy (not a major concern in that case). Could consider them regardless, especially the 1000's as I preferred the sound signature.
 
I also tested the RE-600 with double flanges, but I think even those wouldn't be optimal for a IEM to just carry around and walk. Still could still use them tho if there isn't anything with one flange that doesn't have enough isolation for the job.
 
Which would you recommend? Doesn't necessarily have to be one of those listed.
 
On a second and separate note, the alternative could be something higher end, but with the condition that the IEMs have detachable/swappable cables. That way I wouldn't have a $400-$500 product that is relying on a cable. Also, I don't see myself using Customs, as that would be too much of a hassle. A quick search lead me to the Shure 535, but is there anything else I should consider?
 
Thirdly, in theheadphonelist.com is there any way to sort IEMs by value? At least a list of the 9.5 to 10/10 would be nice.
 
Thanks a lot.
 
edit: BTW my current headphones are the HD600 (office) and the PM-3 (home), while in the subway I use the Piston 2's. The Pistons don't isolate at all and the bass boost is quite noticeable, which I don't like. Never used the Android controls.

avens said:

  Hi. I'm looking for IEMs to use with my phone (cba to carry a separate device in my pocket), while in the subway (rather noisy place) and that will be loose inside my jacket (no extra care). I'm not a basshead by any means, do require a bit of isolation and I'm concerned about having at least decent comfort (can't stand the triple flanges of Etymotic). Also I don't really care about having Android controls.
 
I auditioned the GR07 (not the Bass Edition since they didn't have it), and while I liked them I wanted to know if there's anything better, that wouldn't be an overkill for just using them with the phone.
 
I tried the DUNU 1000 and 2000 as well, finding both to be really nice, but they do not isolate that well and are a bit heavy (not a major concern in that case). Could consider them regardless, especially the 1000's as I preferred the sound signature.
 
I also tested the RE-600 with double flanges, but I think even those wouldn't be optimal for a IEM to just carry around and walk. Still could still use them tho if there isn't anything with one flange that doesn't have enough isolation for the job.
 
Which would you recommend? Doesn't necessarily have to be one of those listed.
 
On a second and separate note, the alternative could be something higher end, but with the condition that the IEMs have detachable/swappable cables. That way I wouldn't have a $400-$500 product that is relying on a cable. Also, I don't see myself using Customs, as that would be too much of a hassle. A quick search lead me to the Shure 535, but is there anything else I should consider?
 
Thirdly, in theheadphonelist.com is there any way to sort IEMs by value? At least a list of the 9.5 to 10/10 would be nice.
 
Thanks a lot.
 
edit: BTW my current headphones are the HD600 (office) and the PM-3 (home), while in the subway I use the Piston 2's. The Pistons don't isolate at all and the bass boost is quite noticeable, which I don't like. Never used the Android controls.

Click to expand...

 
Hello there,
 
I have used theheadphonelist for IEMs countless times (Ended up getting an IEM not on the list ironically haha). But to sort the value from 9.5 to 10, (if you mean Average Rating), just change the range in the Min and Max boxes to 9.5 and 10 respectively, and you'll find your range. Though I can tell you that they are all customs.
 
Based off of personal experience, if your price range is $400-500, I would highly recommend the Noble 3Us (two reviews if you want to check them out). Their design is a bit odd at first, but once you get the hand of it (with the foam tips), they isolate better than shures, and they sound stellar through basic sources (tested with Macbook pro retina 13", Sansa Clip Sport, and Samsung Galaxy S5) due to their high sensitivity.
 
They have detachable cables (2 pin, which I personally think are better than mmcx), exellent built quality (very solid plastic housings), extremely comfortable (very lightweight, well designed ergonomic shape), and of course, very clear and enjoyable sound. The only possible downside I can think of is that if you have very very small ears, then it might cause you some comfort issues (though I can't imagine these being uncomfortable at all). Other than that, I would recommend these for you.
 
To give you an idea of the isolation, with a moderately paced song playing at half volume on the Sansa clip (about equivalent to 3 squares on macbook), I could not hear a lawnmower at all (tested with both commercial and ride on and walk behind lawnmowers). I think the isolation should suffice. And no, unlike the Etymotics, these do not violate the deepest depths of your ears. Insertion depth is comparable to shure.

To sort that list click on the column header that you want to sort. You can also use the filters on the left side to narrow down your search.

For example I filtered "sound" rating 9.4 or higher, then sorted by price. Read the review many times and then bought the FLC8.

Good luck in your quest.

Thanks.
 
BTW, by "sorting by value" I don't mean by price. In his reviews |joker| always adds a value for money category, that isn't listed in the chart. For example, http://theheadphonelist.com/headphone_review/vsonic-gr07/
 
edit: Those are a 9.5/10 in "Value" (value for the money). The idea is sorting all the IEMs on that list by "Value", instead of having to browse one by one. If not, at least have a list of all the "Recommended THL 2014" IEMs.

avens said:

Thanks.

BTW, by "sorting by value" I don't mean by price. In his reviews |joker| always adds a value for money category, that isn't listed in the chart. For example, http://theheadphonelist.com/headphone_review/vsonic-gr07/

Click to expand...

Yep, you are correct. Mr. |joker| rated the value of the FLC8 as 9/10. What I was looking for was the best "sound" I could get for the best "price". On that list, the highest sound ratings for universal IEMs is 9.4 and 9.5 with prices ranging from $318 all the way up to $1349. To my thinking, the sound/price ratio of the FLC8 is the best VALUE on the list.

The FLC8 sounds great to me, combining the best features of my ER4S (details and clarity) and my SE530 (sweet mids) into one tidy package. Thanks to |joker| for corresponding with me and answering my questions before and after I bought the FLC8.

wrong thread...

I have another question. In the case I get a mid to high end IEM, lets say $300+, in addition to having decent isolation I would want to have the option of replacing the cable to use one with an incorporated mic, as I'm planning to go on a trip in the upcoming years.
 
I mean, the idea is having the option of swapping to a cable like that. I rarely to never use the mic while at my home town, so 99.9% of the time I'll be using the regular cable without a mic, but having the option would be a nice plus when living abroad.
 
From what I understand I could get any IEM with detachable cables that uses a MMCX connection, then buy a Shure cable for example. Is that correct? Also, are there 2-pin cables that include a mic?

dimitritrush said:

  Congratulations, Ijokerl, It is a nice review as always very interesting to read.
question. Was this review based on Crystal Clear Edition of Black?

Click to expand...

 
Black. In this case I reviewed whatever EarSonics deemed fit to send out. 
 

avens said:

  Hi. I'm looking for IEMs to use with my phone (cba to carry a separate device in my pocket), while in the subway (rather noisy place) and that will be loose inside my jacket (no extra care). I'm not a basshead by any means, do require a bit of isolation and I'm concerned about having at least decent comfort (can't stand the triple flanges of Etymotic). Also I don't really care about having Android controls.
 
I auditioned the GR07 (not the Bass Edition since they didn't have it), and while I liked them I wanted to know if there's anything better, that wouldn't be an overkill for just using them with the phone.
 
I tried the DUNU 1000 and 2000 as well, finding both to be really nice, but they do not isolate that well and are a bit heavy (not a major concern in that case). Could consider them regardless, especially the 1000's as I preferred the sound signature.
 
I also tested the RE-600 with double flanges, but I think even those wouldn't be optimal for a IEM to just carry around and walk. Still could still use them tho if there isn't anything with one flange that doesn't have enough isolation for the job.
 
Which would you recommend? Doesn't necessarily have to be one of those listed.
 
On a second and separate note, the alternative could be something higher end, but with the condition that the IEMs have detachable/swappable cables. That way I wouldn't have a $400-$500 product that is relying on a cable. Also, I don't see myself using Customs, as that would be too much of a hassle. A quick search lead me to the Shure 535, but is there anything else I should consider?
 
Thirdly, in theheadphonelist.com is there any way to sort IEMs by value? At least a list of the 9.5 to 10/10 would be nice.
 
Thanks a lot.
 
edit: BTW my current headphones are the HD600 (office) and the PM-3 (home), while in the subway I use the Piston 2's. The Pistons don't isolate at all and the bass boost is quite noticeable, which I don't like. Never used the Android controls.

Click to expand...

 
The GR07 is something you can't easily beat for ~$100 if you like the sound signature. The FLC8 someone else recommended is a good step up if you also want detachable cables, and its sound can be modified using the tuning system. However, its isolation is similar to the GR07/DN-1000 level (rather than Etymotic), but you can switch to a foam tip to try and maximize it without adding flanges. Foam tips are generally a good idea for isolation when double/triple-flanges are undesirable.
 

avens said:

  Thanks.
 
BTW, by "sorting by value" I don't mean by price. In his reviews |joker| always adds a value for money category, that isn't listed in the chart. For example, http://theheadphonelist.com/headphone_review/vsonic-gr07/
 
edit: Those are a 9.5/10 in "Value" (value for the money). The idea is sorting all the IEMs on that list by "Value", instead of having to browse one by one. If not, at least have a list of all the "Recommended THL 2014" IEMs.

Click to expand...

 
To be honest I don't really want the "value" category to be the decision-maker for people because it's the most subjective of the bunch. I'd rather you use a combination of the other categories to make a list of IEMs to look at and later see the value rating alongside the paragraph explaining it, or use one of the buyer's guides.
 
An IEM might not be the best buy in its category by any means but still get a high value score if it offers something unique and valuable for a certain set of users (e.g. the extremely small size and comfort of the Fidue A31s). Something that sounds way better than the A31s may well have a lower value rating if it doesn't offer anything unique and still isn't one of the best-performing sets in its category for sound. Lastly, I don't update the value scores later on, so an IEM I covered in 2010 may still have a high value "score" but better options may have come along since, which you will see when you sort by other criteria or look at the guides. 
 
The ability to view all the "Recommended" picks (not by a particular year, though) will be added soon. 
 

avens said:

  I have another question. In the case I get a mid to high end IEM, lets say $300+, in addition to having decent isolation I would want to have the option of replacing the cable to use one with an incorporated mic, as I'm planning to go on a trip in the upcoming years.
 
I mean, the idea is having the option of swapping to a cable like that. I rarely to never use the mic while at my home town, so 99.9% of the time I'll be using the regular cable without a mic, but having the option would be a nice plus when living abroad.
 
From what I understand I could get any IEM with detachable cables that uses a MMCX connection, then buy a Shure cable for example. Is that correct? Also, are there 2-pin cables that include a mic?

Click to expand...

 
Yes, as long as the IEM is compatible with the Shure MMCX connector. The MMCX pin itself is the same but some manufacturers use a bulky connector or have the receptacle modified somehow. For example, the AudioFly IEMs have a special design for the plastic bit around the connector so not all MMCX cables will work. Westone also has recessed connectors and their cables aren't a good match for other IEMs.
 
The Shure cables work well with IEMs that have an unmodified MMCX connector like the Ultrasone IQ and Fidue A83.
 
The only two-pin I know of with a mic is the JH Audio one. 

Added a review of the Xiaomi Piston 3 earphones.
 
The IEM ranking has been updated. 
 

ljokerl said:

   
(3B44) Xiaomi Piston 3
 

Reviewed June 2015

Brief: Third generation of Chinese electronics giant Xiaomi’s hit in-ear

MSRP: 99 RMB (approx. $16)
Current Price: $16 from geekbuying.com 
Specs: Driver: Dynamic | Imp: 32Ω | Sens: 98 dB | Freq: 20-20k Hz | Cable: 4.1′ I-plug w/mic & 3-button Android remote
Nozzle Size: 4.5mm | Preferred tips: Stock single-flanges
Wear Style: Straight down

Accessories (3/5) – Single-flange silicone tips (4 sizes); plastic box doubles as storage case with integrated cable wrap
Build Quality (3.5/5) – The Piston 3 uses more plastic in its construction than the Piston 2 but still feels very solid and boasts various small usability improvements such as easier-to-see L/R markings and lower driver flex. The cable is similar to that of the older model – rubbery above the y-split and sheathed in nylon below to provide some resistance to tangling. The new remote is nice-looking but the narrow buttons are actually bit harder to use without looking compared to the previous version’s
Isolation (2.5/5) – Isolation is average thanks to the shallow fit of the earphones
Microphonics (3.5/5) – Audible, but not bothersome when music is playing
Comfort (4.5/5) – The Piston 3 is a large step forward in ergonomics over the older model, moving to a compact angled-nozzle design with strain reliefs that fully clear the outer ear, leading to a very comfortable fit

Sound (8.2/10) – The Xiaomi Piston 2 quickly became one of my favorite budget in-ears thanks to its ability to deliver good clarity, soundstaging, and overall refinement despite its plentiful bass. Combined with an extensive feature set (especially for Android users) and a very low price, this made the previous-gen Piston an unbeatable value.

The jump in sound quality from the original Piston to the Piston 2 was sizable – the first-gen model was bassier and had significantly poorer fidelity. Though the gap in overall sound quality between the 2^nd and 3^rd-gen Pistons is not as great, the new model maintains the trend toward a more balanced, less consumer-oriented sound. You will notice that aside from the Piston 2, the sets I compare the Piston 3 with are mostly in the $50-100 range – a fact that is itself a testament to the performance of the Xiaomi in-ears.

The bass of the Piston 3, while less enhanced than that of the Piston 2, remains quite punchy. Mid-bass impact is slightly lower than with some of the other not-quite-reference-flat earphones such as the VSonic VSD3S and Ostry KC06, but enhanced compared to flatter-sounding sets like the HiFiMan RE-400 and Etymotic MC5. Bass depth is pretty good as well, though sub-bass reach and presence lag a bit behind the VSD3S and VSonic’s higher-end GR07.

Like the previous model, the 3^rd-gen Piston is tuned for a v-shaped sound. However, thanks to the tighter, less bloated bass, its mids are clearer despite not being very forward. With that said, they are still somewhat recessed and a touch muffled compared to higher-end, less v-shaped sets such as the KC06, RE-400, and GR07.

The Piston 3 picks up presence in the upper midrange and lower treble, giving it a cooler tone. It is a little less bright than the KC06, but more so than the RE-400, which tends to be very smooth and laid-back. Harshness and sibilance are generally not a problem – the Piston 3 is not as forgiving as the warmer-sounding models that preceded it, but it’s not as sibilant as any of the popular VSonic earphones, either.

The spaciousness of the Piston 2 is also preserved, though the lower bass quantity and cleaner, brighter sound of the Piston 3 makes its capable and precise presentation less surprising.

Mini Comparisons

Xiaomi Piston 2 ($20)

The Piston 3 offers a more balanced, less consumer-oriented sound than the model it supersedes. Its bass is significantly less enhanced and much tighter. In comparison, the bass of the Piston 2 is deeper and has more rumble and slam, but also sounds boomier. Cleaner bass with almost no bloat is actually the Piston 3’s biggest asset, though with the loss of bass quantity it also sacrifices some of the Piston 2’s appeal to the average listener.

On the whole, the sound of the Piston 3 is less colored than that of the older model. The upper midrange and treble are smoother. Clarity is better due to the tighter, less bloated bass, though it is still limited by the not-too-forward midrange positioning. The Piston 3 is also less sensitive than the older model, which fits with its less consumer-oriented sound because a non-audiophile listener is more prone to put value in both emphasized bass and the ability reach higher volumes more easily.

Technically, the Piston 3 is the better earphone – it is clearer, tighter, and more neutral. The Piston 2 is warmer and boasts bass that is deeper and more powerful which, admittedly, also helps it sound very dynamic and delivers a “wow” factor. As a result, it’s hard to call the Piston 3 a straight upgrade from the Piston 2 – it’s a more Hi-Fi earphone for sure, but I will still be recommending the Piston 2 in many situations and for certain genres. There are parallels here to the DUNU DN-1000 / DN-2000 situation, albeit with a greater magnitude of difference. There, the older DN-1000 model also provides a bassier sound and in many cases remains recommendable over the more expensive DN-2000.

Zipbuds PRO ($35)

The Zipbuds PRO are a surprisingly capable consumer-class earphone with a v-shaped sound profile. The main thing they do well is balance high bass quantity and good overall clarity. Indeed, the Piston 3 has significantly less bass but doesn’t gain any clarity over the Zipbuds. Its bass is tighter, however, and its highs are less bright and more smooth, making the Zipbuds appear overly harsh in comparison. On the whole, the Piston 3 is the more balanced and accurate-sounding earphone.

SteelSeries Flux In-Ear ($50)

The Flux In-Ear is the closest match I could find for the Piston 3 when balancing sound quality and sound signature. The SteelSeries unit is warmer and has smoother treble and a slightly wider presentation. It’s more sensitive, too. The Piston 3 is a bit more v-shaped and has a cooler, brighter tonal character. It sounds thinner, but also a little clearer. It’s hard to say one outperforms the other, but that in itself is a big win for the Xiaomi – only two years ago the Flux was one of the absolute best in-ears one could get for $50. Now, the Piston 3 offers the same level of performance – albeit with a slightly brighter tonal tilt – for 1/3 of that, with better build quality and a 3-button remote to boot.

Havi B3 Pro I ($60)

The dual-driver B3 Pro I is notable for having an even less consumer-friendly sound signature than the Piston 3, with lower bass impact and much lower sensitivity. The overall sound of the B3 is more balanced compared to the v-shaped Piston 3. The Piston is bassier, but the low end of the B3 is tighter and cleaner. The midrange of the Havi is clearer and more prominent while its upper midrange and treble are a bit more forgiving. The presentation is a bit more well-rounded on the B3 as well. Especially for those in search of balanced sound, the Havi is better than the Piston 3, but its low sensitivity and lack of bass enhancement limit its appeal in the mainstream.

Sennheiser Momentum In-Ear ($100)

The Sennheiser Momentum In-Ear is one the few earphones with 3-button Android remotes on the market besides the Piston line. It is also fairly similar to the Piston in how it fits in the ear, albeit with a slimmer profile and longer nozzles providing slightly better noise isolation. In terms of sound, the Momentum has a more colored, arguably more “fun” tuning than the Piston 3 but isn’t too far ahead in technical ability.

Both earphones have sound signatures on the v-shaped side of “flat” but the Momentum In-Ear unit offers up a warmer tone with better bass. Its bass delivers more depth and resolution while also making the Piston 3 seem a touch boomier in comparison. The mids of the Sennheiser unit are slightly clearer but it is a little more prone to sibilance and less forgiving on the whole. The Momentum’s presentation is slightly wider and more spacious.

Value (10/10) – The latest evolution of Xiaomi’s venerable Piston line once again succeeds in delivering outstanding sound quality with a solid construction and 3-button Android remote, all at a very low price. The biggest improvement this time around is in ergonomics – the new model is significantly more comfortable and unobtrusive than the previous Pistons.

Xiaomi has come a very long way since the original piston in terms of fidelity, too – while not a direct upgrade from the Piston 2 due to how different the tuning of the two earphones is, the Piston 3 provides a clearer, tighter, more balanced audio experience for those willing to trade away some of the previous model’s warmth and bass power. Going forward I can see myself recommending either of the two Piston variants, depending on the situation.

Pros: Very comfortable fit; fantastic sound quality for the price; 3-button Android remote
Cons: Remote is a bit less user-friendly than previous generation; mediocre noise isolation

Click to expand...

Another great review Joker! The Piston 3 are a great inexpensive in-ear indeed. Alongside the KZ ED10, it's the best 8 bucks (I got a good deal) I've spent in portable audio.

Joker, you should really take a look at the duozas from zero audio. They rock!

i might really need your help, |joker|… do you have experience with the Fischer Amps FA-4E XB? i cannot find any retail store that has this brand. a short impression will be good enough for me. most of the comparisons i found prefer it to StageDiver 3 and it's cheaper too. does it has the fit and isolation close to the SD3?(it's top notch in universal fit in my book)

ljokerl said:

The only two-pin I know of with a mic is the JH Audio one. 

Click to expand...

i remember in-ear the german company has two-pin with mic. saw it somewhere on thomann.de

b9scrambler said:

Another great review Joker!

The Piston 3 are a great inexpensive in-ear indeed. Alongside the KZ ED10, it's the best 8 bucks (I got a good deal) I've spent in portable audio.

Click to expand...

 
I still remember when the majority opinion on Head-Fi was that you can't get a worthwhile earphone for under $50. How things change...
 

poridge said:

i might really need your help, |joker|… do you have experience with the Fischer Amps FA-4E XB? i cannot find any retail store that has this brand. a short impression will be good enough for me. most of the comparisons i found prefer it to StageDiver 3 and it's cheaper too. does it has the fit and isolation close to the SD3?(it's top notch in universal fit in my book)

Click to expand...

 
Sorry, never tried a Fischer Amps product.