Here's a story.
I've been using a pair of Sony MDREX38IP for a few years now. I'm on my third pair. First went through the washing machine, second got the wires ripped out, and the third is in my pocket. These aren't great, or expensive. 40 bucks at best buy w/ the iPhone controls on them (which I have a strong desire for)
I decided it's time for some better "stuff" in the listening department.
I ordered a FiiO E5 and the Fiio line out adapter for apple products. Plugged my Sony's into it... I was amazed!
I ordered a Fiio E7 (100 dollars vs 25) It is just as good + it is a DAC so I'm not always tethered to my phone. (Also turned my sennheiser 280 pros from something I thought I wasted money on, into something I really appreciate.)
I decided it's time to drop some money on GOOD earbuds that I would use when I'm at my desk, or stationary... Not at the beach or the gym where they're likely to be ruined. (I'm not cheap but I AM frugal)
I buy some Etymotic HF3's. I have heard many good things about them but not seen too many technical reviews. I was willing to spend another 100 bucks getting the custom ear molds made. I gave them a thorough audition of my collection [all flac/lossless audio] - My initial impressions were: EXCELLENT fit. I love how deep they go and really drown out my environment. They are probably better than some of the foam earplugs you buy at the drugstore. The mid to high range is unbelievably clear. A TINY bit harsh when listening to some types of music but for the most part they are beautiful. Oh, the low end.... makes me sad. I really expected something in that price range and especially something that fits so tight and far into my head to produce a little more low end.
(for reference, I do NOT use the bass enhancement on my Sony's and I have the EQ set to "3" on my FiiO e7)
I used them for another week like this. Listening to podcasts (vocal) or classical guitar, they are absolutely perfect but the low end is just sad and non existent.
I decided to return them.
Picked up a pair of Ultimate Ears 600vi. (is that bad grammar?) - Anyway... I digress. These have *better* low end than the Etymotics; but still not great. I like to listen to Minimal electronic most of the day - at a low volume - and get some nice warm filling low end. These are close but not so great. The expanding foam pads work really well. They sound pretty good. Not great. Not sure they're worth keeping..... Also, I do have one serious gripe about them; There is ALWAYS a "hiss" sound. Doesn't matter what they're plugged in to. None of my other headphones do this. I'm bothered by this, and not sure what to think. I've seen some reviews that say the 500's might be better... but I'm not sure.
So.... I ask for your help.
Should I just stick to the cheapo sony earbuds when I need to use earbuds and go with my Hd 280 pro headset... maybe get a Beyer DT770 pro. I don't mind spending 200 bucks on a set of earbuds that I love... but I'm having trouble finding any.
