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Another "what should I get" thread

post #1 of 16
12/24/11 at 2:04am
Thread Starter 

Hi guys, mediumish lurker here.  I am more knowledgeable and have more experience with home audio than IEM's so bear with me.  My only "real" pair of IEM's that I've owned so far was with first gen V-moda Vibes.  I recently picked up a pair of Brainwavz M3's.  The source I use is my cellphone, a Samsung Galaxy S, I know it has a nice DAC, a Wolfson, however, I do not/have not looked into whether this provides decent SQ.  I thought the Vibes were decent for $40.

 

 I've had the M3's now for a few days, I find the highs to be detailed but less airy that I would prefer, the mid-range I find to be my favorite aspect of them, the bass is quite accurate and I'm certainly still messing with the EQ but, initially I think I would prefer the bass to be "punchier."  Also, the cable is annoying, it's something I can live with but, it definitely is something I could do without, lol.  Also, they do not fit comfortably how they should, what I mean by that is, I reverse the earpieces, so my left is right and my right is left, so those tabs don't dig into me.  The thing is, when I do reverse them, they're damn comfortable and seal quite well.  Oh and I would estimate I have close to 40 hours playtime on them.

 

If, my cellphone isn't of decent SQ, should I look into a dedicated MP3 player?  If my source is decent enough, for about $120, should I stick with the M3's?  What I would mainly be looking to gain is airier/more open highs and punchier bass but with a similarly warmish/neutral sound quality and similar mid-range.  Thanks for any help/suggestions.

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post #2 of 16
12/24/11 at 9:14am

If you're not happy with the sound quality of your phone, or portability, then by all means get a dedicated MP3 player. If you are, then it should be good enough for portable usage. You can take a look at the Westone UM1s if you want to change your IEMs :).

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post #3 of 16
12/24/11 at 9:27am

JAYS q-JAYS maybe? They're a bit out of your price range but I know a great used pair!

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post #4 of 16
12/24/11 at 12:21pm
Thread Starter 

Thanks for your responses.  The reason I was inquiring about my source is because, I have much less experience with portable audio.  I think my set up is pretty good, and is only lacking a little in the areas I mentioned.  I was just wondering if a dedicated source might provide what I'm looking for, or if my source is "good enough" and that I should just stay focused on headphones.

 

I had read a little into the UM1's on this forum and saw a plethora of people with problems with them and/or selling them, so that was a red light for me.  I realize some of those posts are a few years old so I know it's likely Westone fixed those problems but, enough people seemed to have problems with them for me to not be interested in them.

 

Keanex, how old are your Jays?  Feel free to PM me your amazing price!  My brother is a veteran, so don't forget the discount :)...

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post #5 of 16
12/24/11 at 3:34pm
I will highly recommend to try JVC FXT90, Sony EX600, Etymotic HF5 with your phone and they all are very detailed in mids with extended highs and offers great bass response(HF5 are bass light compared to other two). But upgrading the source will improve the soundquality and i will recommend the Sony X1060, S:Flo2, HM602, Cowon X7.
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post #6 of 16
12/24/11 at 8:54pm

Upgrading the source can improve sound quality, but the wolfson chip that you mentioned that is in your phone are also used by old iPods and iPhones which they don't use now. Also I have heard that the new iPods and iPhones do not sound as good as the old ones. So if you want to upgrade your source, going to an iPod won't improve anything. 

Also, if you want to look at the Q-jays, I suggest you look at the UE700s, cheaper price, below your budget and better sound quality :)

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post #7 of 16
12/26/11 at 1:05am
Thread Starter 

Thank you very much for the replies.  I think I'm going to slow down my new found addiction, lol, I'm going to focus first on finding the right IEMs and then maybe look at a source.  I definitely wouldn't get a new ipod etc, the SQ is lacking IMO.

 

I think I might want to increase my price range to about $150, the UE700s sound enticing.  I can also find the Sony EX600s for about $150 on ebay.  Those are the two I have kinda narrowed my selection down to.  Has anyone had a chance to compare them to the M3s?  An IEM with comparable bass and a bit airier highs would be ideal for me. Thanks!  

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post #8 of 16
12/26/11 at 1:12am

Hey dude, 

 

I can assure you our SGS i9000's blows any iPhone out the water, including the sgs2's SQ.

 

I do suggest a thing though:
Get rooted, and get the voodoo control app - this will make your SGS not only sound better, but also go louder and have a better bass response + bass boost option. Supercurio, has done a brilliant job and has made the SGS sound brilliant. Simply put.

 

I am the main video maker for all i9000 rom flashing guides on youtube ;)

-TotallydubbedHD

 

 

So, what are you looking for in your earphones? And where are you located? US I presume?
For $150, you could get good set of earphones.


Edited by Totally Dubbed - 12/26/11 at 1:15am
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post #9 of 16
12/26/11 at 2:57am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Woogs Nuts View Post

Thank you very much for the replies.  I think I'm going to slow down my new found addiction, lol, I'm going to focus first on finding the right IEMs and then maybe look at a source.  I definitely wouldn't get a new ipod etc, the SQ is lacking IMO.

 

I think I might want to increase my price range to about $150, the UE700s sound enticing.  I can also find the Sony EX600s for about $150 on ebay.  Those are the two I have kinda narrowed my selection down to.  Has anyone had a chance to compare them to the M3s?  An IEM with comparable bass and a bit airier highs would be ideal for me. Thanks!  



The UE700 has more detail and a little more clarity than the EX-600s. Have not the M3s before though. The Samsung Galaxy S, I believe is good enough for a player and getting new IEMs would probably ensure a larger difference than a new player. 

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post #10 of 16
12/26/11 at 4:12am
UE 700 will sound much more detail but maybe you can add the TDK BA200 to your consideration list?biggrin.gif
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post #11 of 16
12/26/11 at 4:17am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Liplip View Post

UE 700 will sound much more detail but maybe you can add the TDK BA200 to your consideration list?biggrin.gif


You seem to be a great BA-200 fan now. biggrin.gif

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post #12 of 16
12/27/11 at 2:01am
Thread Starter 

I am beginning to suffer from research/review reading over load, lol.  

 

So, I want a similar "amount" of bass as the M3's, similar mid, airier/more open highs.  I am kind of getting stuck and thing I just need somebody to tell me to buy something, lol.  From reading, the TF10s, UE700s and GR07s, Sony EX600s, Phiaton PS200, Brainwavz B2 all sound really good!  I've also found the Westone 2s for reasonable price as well, although I'm under the impression they're not as "bang for your buck."  Something around $150, a little more is fine if I'm convinced.

 

So, just tell me, there, I admit, I'm indecisive.  LOL.  Thanks!


Edited by Woogs Nuts - 12/27/11 at 2:12am
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post #13 of 16
12/27/11 at 2:24am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Woogs Nuts View Post

I am beginning to suffer from research/review reading over load, lol.  

 

So, I want a similar "amount" of bass as the M3's, similar mid, airier/more open highs.  I am kind of getting stuck and thing I just need somebody to tell me to buy something, lol.  From reading, the TF10s, UE700s and GR07s, Sony EX600s, Phiaton PS200, Brainwavz B2 all sound really good!  I've also found the Westone 2s for reasonable price as well, although I'm under the impression they're not as "bang for your buck."  Something around $150, a little more is fine if I'm convinced.

 

So, just tell me, there, I admit, I'm indecisive.  LOL.  Thanks!



if your looking for overall earphone W2's do a great job.

If your looking for bass, DO NOT buy ANY BA driver earphones. I'm a basshead....trust me.

 

And if you do want bass, mind-blowing bass that is: TFTA 1XB's

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post #14 of 16
12/27/11 at 2:31am
Thread Starter 

Thanks for the response.  I definitely understand BAs are not super bass designs and I don't think that's quite what I'm looking for.

 

 I actually just made a decision!  I found the Phiaton 200s for $120, so i pulled the trigger.  I figure at that price, if they don't work out, I shouldn't really lose any money.  The UE700s sounded very good and the direct comparisons I found had people stating the Phiatons had better bass/sound stage and better build quality.  So, if people think I've made a mistake, you have 1-4 days to convince me!  Thank you very much for the responses.

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post #15 of 16
12/27/11 at 3:24am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Woogs Nuts View Post

Thanks for the response.  I definitely understand BAs are not super bass designs and I don't think that's quite what I'm looking for.

 

 I actually just made a decision!  I found the Phiaton 200s for $120, so i pulled the trigger.  I figure at that price, if they don't work out, I shouldn't really lose any money.  The UE700s sounded very good and the direct comparisons I found had people stating the Phiatons had better bass/sound stage and better build quality.  So, if people think I've made a mistake, you have 1-4 days to convince me!  Thank you very much for the responses.


I have no experience with them so I'll leave it to others :)
Have fun regardless!

 

 

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