Most durable yet tolerably sounding IEM <$100 - Page 3

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greg32 

Just looking into buying a pair of buds that I can use when I walk around, workout, video chat, etc.  Sort of an all-purpose set that has decent durability.  Preferably under $100 but if justified can go up to $150, maybe higher.  I'm by no means an audophile, but I do care for clear sounding cans.  Nothing too bass heavy or blurry, nor neutral.  I listen mostly to Reggae, Hip Hop, R n B, so solid bass is integral.  I'd love for it to have an in-line mic since as I mentioned I'd like to use it for video chatting, but don't hold back any suggestions due to that. 

RE0 by Hifiman. I highly disrecommend the Klipsch S4 since they are not clear at all, and they are nothing but bass heavy.  (Keep in mind that many people love the S4, but I definitely do not).  Note the RE0 has build quality issues, which seem to be rampant but who knows, they may have fixed them by now.

Quote:

Originally Posted by pufftissue 

RE0 by Hifiman. I highly disrecommend the Klipsch S4 since they are not clear at all, and they are nothing but bass heavy.  (Keep in mind that many people love the S4, but I definitely do not).  Note the RE0 has build quality issues, which seem to be rampant but who knows, they may have fixed them by now.

Saying it's "nothing but bass heavy" is a little misleading. I do admit that the bass is bloated and it lacks clarity, but it has some really good mids. The highs are lacking though.

Well, I think they can actually be worn both ways. Personally, I think if you're going to be active (out and about, and/or exercising) with your earphones, the over-ear fit is the way to go. It takes a little more time to wear, but it becomes second nature almost immediately. I admit the atrios don't look comfortable; I was very unconvinced myself --- the sound won me over though. I don't think you need to buy tips just yet. See if they get along with you first. They come with foam tips too, and foam tips will fit just about everyone. Well, as I said before, the reason why they don't have many sales outside of the enthusiast community is that they look terrible (and look much more uncomfortable than they really are), and looks matter to most casual consumers. I'm not above shunning some earphones because they look ugly myself. By the way, don't feel compelled to buy the atrios if you're not feeling them. I'm merely making a suggestion based on your criteria --- sound and durability.

Here are some alternatives: Joker's latest two reviews, the JVC FXT90 and FX500; I've only heard the FXT90, and they're very good for their price, but the FX500 should be very good as well, although I've only heard the FX700, and that might be out of your price range. I already mentioned the Brainwavz M2, and this looks like it might be a good deal, the Koss KDX200... I can't vouch for either though; never listened to them.

Do some more searching on your own with Joker's Multi-IEM Review and ClieOS's Concise IEM Comparison. These two threads are the two most referred to on Head-Fi for newcomers looking for earphones. I trust both their ears, and they did a great job putting all that information together.

EDIT: Almost forgot! The Panasonic HJE900! They've been getting ignored for a while; it might be that they're going out of production, but I'm not sure. Again, haven't listened to them, but the majority of accounts point to a sound signature that suits your tastes (almost like an uber Klipsch S4), and they're definitely built to last.
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greg32 

I've really been looking into the Mg7s, and I must say that I am pretty convinced that for IEMs in their price range they are far and away the best.  the only thing that I am not sure of is the comfort/seal/tips. I've never worn my buds with the cable over ear.  is that something you easily get used to? should i already buy some of the suggested tips (tri-flan monsters with tip adaptors) or wait and see if the stock tips satisfy me? also, where are these crazy sales?? i can barely find reviews on these things outside of head-fi (even the only decent reviews on amazon are from head-fi peeps). 

That's a fair assessment. The highs are the S4's weakest link. The mids don't sound as impressive only because the bass can be a little overpowering. However, the bass, even though it's very strong, is quite nice. It's very much a distinctive Klipsch-style bass. It also is one of the most comfortable IEMs around. I love Klipsch tips; I have all of them, even the rare large double flange tips!
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeremypsp 

Saying it's "nothing but bass heavy" is a little misleading. I do admit that the bass is bloated and it lacks clarity, but it has some really good mids. The highs are lacking though.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomscy2000 

That's a fair assessment. The highs are the S4's weakest link. The mids don't sound as impressive only because the bass can be a little overpowering. However, the bass, even though it's very strong, is quite nice. It's very much a distinctive Klipsch-style bass. It also is one of the most comfortable IEMs around. I love Klipsch tips; I have all of them, even the rare large double flange tips!

 

 

Well, I do agree that the bass does tend to bleed into the mids. But when I listen to certain songs that is mainly acoustic, it starts to get really nice. Though I wouldn't say it's as good as the Turbine's but it's more powerful and forward.