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Please recommend a good pair of NON-noise isolating earbuds...

post #1 of 6
1/24/12 at 10:36am
Thread Starter 

Hello!  First time poster.  Over the past few years I've found I like earbuds, as they are most comfortable to me.  The last several months I found myself buying cheap $19 G-Cube earbuds... not the best sound but for $20 it's what I expected.  My problem with those was that they broke every 3 months.  I was literally buying a new pair every 3 months.

 

So, I decided to try a pair of Ultimate Ears 350vi.  I had read several reviews and user reviews on these and they seemed like a decent budget pair of earbuds.  I have to say, I like the sound of these quite a bit.  The problem that I've discovered, however, is my inner ear must be very sensitive because after wearing them for several minutes, I start feeling weird... like sort of a sick-to-my-stomach feeling.  I feel like it's because the gels are creating a seal inside my ear and is causing an unpleasant pressure inside my ear.  It feels a little like when your ears pop in an airplane, but not as intense. 

 

Maybe this is how noise isolating is supposed to work, but I can't have this weird feeling all day.  I wear these for work and need to have them on for long periods of time.

 

Can you please recommend me a pair of NON-noise isolating earbuds?  The G-Cube didn't bother at all, but as I said they were poorly made.  I'm looking for something that doesn't have such a pressurizing seal and I'm guessing that has to do with the noise isolating feature.  I know.... the better the isolating, the better the sound probably is, but it's way too uncomfortable for me.

 

I am not looking to get over-the ear types or cans, so please don't suggest any of those. I specifically need earbuds that are similar to Ultimate Ears. As far as music I listen to....  alternative rock, classic rock, rap, reggae, electronic, jazz, a wide variety!  I like good bass and more neutral highs. I'm not overly picky with the sound... to me Ultimate Ears sounds fine. 

 

 

I would like to spend in the $60-$80 range but if need be... I'll spend $100.

 

Any help and suggestions would be massively appreciated!!!  Thanks in advance!

 

 


Edited by Hornacho - 1/24/12 at 10:47am
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post #2 of 6
1/24/12 at 10:50am
It appears that you might prefer earbuds instead of IEM's. IEM's, such as the Ultimate Ears 350vi, are worn in the ear canal, while earbuds, such those that come stock with iPods, sit in the outer ear, just outside the ear canal opening.

You may have trouble finding earbuds with good bass response, at least at an affordable price point. Most IEM's achieve their good bass response by creating a sealed sound chamber in which to direct their output.
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post #3 of 6
1/24/12 at 10:56am
Thread Starter 

Thanks!  Well, as far as I know... the G-Cube's were IEM's and they didn't have that  pressure in my ears at all.  I'm guessing I'm using the wrong terminology when I say earbuds.  The earbuds that come with the Ipod for example... are very uncomfortable for me to wear all day let alone an hour.  Unless there is a more comfortable earbud option... I think I'm looking more for IEM.

 

These are the G-Cubes I had:

 

http://www.gggcube.com/product.aspx?id=119

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post #4 of 6
1/24/12 at 4:45pm
Thread Starter 

Hmmm... after some research, I'm wondering if it would help for me to get a ported IEM.  I know these probably aren't considered as good isolation, but I feel like part of my problem may be some sort of inner ear pressure effect that is happening with the noise isolation properties of the Ultimate Ears?  Since my old G-Cube have a little hole in the back of them, it might be relieving some of that pressure. 

 

Anyone have thoughts on this or suggestions for IEM with ports that still sound great?

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post #5 of 6
1/24/12 at 7:19pm

Non-isolating earbuds with comfort? I use the Bose IE in that situation. 

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post #6 of 6
1/25/12 at 1:46am

There's always the Yuin PK3 or PK2. It's are the smallest earbud model around and it sounds much better than the iPod earbuds. Not much bass with earbuds, though but if you use foam covers you'll improve bass response.

 

TM2756243-1.jpg

 

When I use my Yuin earbuds, I hardly notice them in my ears.

 

http://www.amazon.com/YUIN-PK3-Yuin-Pk3-Earphones/dp/B001B4E49C

 

http://www.amazon.com/YUIN-PK2-Yuin-Pk2-Earphones/dp/B001B484D4/ref=pd_cp_e_2

 

 

You can find the PK3 and PK2 cheaper on Ebay. I'm sure that they're not fakes since it's a Chinese brand. Those who make fake ear- and headphones are only interested in Japanese, European or American brands...


Edited by Danneq - 1/25/12 at 1:51am
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