++PORTABLE/IEM RECOMMENDATIONS THREAD++ i.e. Don't start a new thread: ask for advice HERE!... - Page 12

Quote:

Originally Posted by eke2k6 

Hi Cristello.

 

I think the Etymotic HF5 would be perfect for you. Do some reading on it to see if it's something you're interested in.

As you can tell from my post above, I am am a relative audio-newbie lol. But I read your "[Double Review] Etymotic HF3 & Sony XBA-3, with appearances from the Vsonic GR07 MKII" post, and it was a good read. Thanks.

I just got the xba3's the other day (for $130CN) and am enjoying them greatly. I don't know anything about the Etymotic HF5's, except that they are roughly the same price. How do the two compare in your opinion?

Thanks

I am intrigued by the 4.Ai, as it seems to be a more refined cousin to the ER4. However, I have seen several of the reviews on Hier Audio's website that mentions bass distortion at higher volumes. Which is odd, because it reserves 2 drivers solely for the purpose of proper bass tuning. Maybe this is a result of the 4-drivers-into-2-ports design? regardless, the wood burl shell is stunning, but at ~$250, the ER4 seems like a better deal than the 4.Ai.

Also, some people here have said that the Etymotics are lean and slightly weak in a unnatural fashion. Others stand by the accuracy and realism they are said to provide. Why are opinions on the ER/HF so polarized?

Quote:

Originally Posted by WAYNENUMM 

 

As you can tell from my post above, I am am a relative audio-newbie lol. But I read your "[Double Review] Etymotic HF3 & Sony XBA-3, with appearances from the Vsonic GR07 MKII" post, and it was a good read. Thanks.

 

I just got the xba3's the other day (for $130CN) and am enjoying them greatly. I don't know anything about the Etymotic HF5's, except that they are roughly the same price. How do the two compare in your opinion?

 

Thanks

Ha! I gave your review another read...

Quote:

Originally Posted by C.C.S. 

Is the only difference between the HF3 and HF5 the inclusion of a microphone and in-line remote?

 

Quote:

Yep. The HF2 has an android remote and mic, HF3: iDevice mic and remote, HF5: no remote or mic.

 

In that case, this was your conclusion:

 

Quote:

Conclusion

 

When I first got the HF3, it impressed the hell out of me. I didn't have anything to compare it to, but now that I have iems that are equal in technical ability, I'm inclined to agree than the Ety's are more of a tool than a normal listening device. I think I'll still keep them around for when I want a blast of clarity. 

 

As far as the GR07 MKII vs the XBA-3 goes, you really couldn't go wrong with either. Both have about equal technical prowess, and both have slight advantages over each other. At the end of the day it's up to you to decide what your priorities are.

 

 

Got it! Thanks.

will try this again, in hopes for a response:

As a another EDM fan, I will say that adding bass doesn't always enhance the presentation.

I'm sure others that are more experienced will give a proper recommendation, but I definitely think you should consider a fast headphone that can keep up with your D&B (sans mushing together or bleeding tracks into one another). Also, a more expansive soundstage would turn out great for those progressive mixes and lounge tunes.

Can anyone here think of an IEM that could fit both D&B and hip-hop/lounge exquisitely for under $400?

Quote:

Originally Posted by rubberchickenmx 

will try this again, in hopes for a response:

 

looking to spend around $300-400 on a pair of iems. mostly listen to edm - house, deep house, progressive house, classic/melodic trance, trip hop, drum and bass, lounge, chillout, etc. - and have no real preference on a signature. not too much a fan of overpowering/invasive bass. was looking at um3x, but dont wanna pull the trigger without some insight/advice.

 

music source - probs just computer and my phone although ill probably end up getting a sansa clip eventually. i source high quality rips - V0 standard, sometimes flac.

 

thanks

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cristello 

As a another EDM fan, I will say that adding bass doesn't always enhance the presentation.

 

I'm sure others that are more experienced will give a proper recommendation, but I definitely think you should consider a fast headphone that can keep up with your D&B (sans mushing together or bleeding tracks into one another). Also, a more expansive soundstage would turn out great for those progressive mixes and lounge tunes.

 

Can anyone here think of an IEM that could fit both D&B and hip-hop/lounge exquisitely for under $400?

Both you guys should look into one of these. Just released. I know there isn't any read about these but I am willing to bet both you guys this might be what your looking for. The new CKS1000. bought off ebay. I don't own these but I do own the CKS77 for EDM and hip hop those are and still are one of the best.; These are a high end version.

Hey All,

I recently had my EPH-100's go through a hot wash in the washing machine and now sound terrible, so am looking for a replacement.  I have some Vsonic GR02 which are getting me by but the sound and fit leave a bit to be desired.

I travel a lot for work so need something with good isolation and I like strong bass and non sibilant highs.  I listen to all sorts but predominantly rock, country and folky type of music.  Budget is under $150.

Can anyone offer any IEM suggestions before I order another set of Yamahas?

Thanks,

Kyle

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cristello 

As a another EDM fan, I will say that adding bass doesn't always enhance the presentation.

 

I'm sure others that are more experienced will give a proper recommendation, but I definitely think you should consider a fast headphone that can keep up with your D&B (sans mushing together or bleeding tracks into one another). Also, a more expansive soundstage would turn out great for those progressive mixes and lounge tunes.

 

Can anyone here think of an IEM that could fit both D&B and hip-hop/lounge exquisitely for under $400?

CK10s. You'll have to get used to the lighter bass, but these are some of the fastest IEMs that I've heard. If I was to solely to listen to trance/electronica, these would be the ones. The W3 sort of fits the criteria as well (bass emphasis, large soundstage). 

well, I can't speak for RubberChickenMX, but I find it hard to imagine how those A-T IEMs could possibly stay in someone's ears and still be comfortable. I, at least, would prefer one that is as close to the Apple In-Ears' weight as possible. The HF5 is the most-similar-in-size "hi-fi" IEM I have seen (so far). If you know of any others, I would gladly thank you for any mention of them.

Fit aside, I have found the Apple In-Ears' bass to be more than satisfactory. Would you consider the mids and highs lacking, equivalent, or superior to the HF5? I am specifically seeking improvements above ~1kHz (basically the whole upper half of the audible spectrum) with less dips/peaks and better extension.

Beyer DT1350 vs. Senn Amperior/HD-25

I took a trip uptown to B&H to demo these 3 sets of cans. They didn't have the Amperiors out so I did a comparison between the DT1350s and the HD-25s.  The DT1350 floor model appeared to have considerably more sub-bass then I expected, relative to the HD-25s; I believe B&H must add some color to their demos which caught me a bit by surprise.  After switching back and forth for about and hour, I could not make a definitive decision so I decided to purchase the DT1350s and the Amperiors for a more comprehensive test with my own equipment.

Sources Used: 

1) iPhone 5 straight up

2) iPod 5.1 > Earcandy Lite 90° > TTVJ Portable Slim > DT1350s

Selected Tracks (High Quality ALAC)

Grateful Dead: Truckin' - American Beauty

Al Di Meola: Mediterranean Sundance/ Rio Ancho - Friday Night in San Francisco

Cat Steven's: Bitterblue - Teaser and the Firecat

DMB: Why I Am - Big Whiskey & The GrooGrux King

Eric Clapton: Key To The Highway (Live) - One More Car, One More Rider

Foo Fighters: Walk - Wasting Light

The Gaslight Anthem - The Spirit of Jazz

Miles Davis - 1st 5 songs - Kind of Blue

Fleetwood Mac - Never Going Back Again, Silver Springs - Rumours

Metallica - Enter Sandman - Black Album

Beatles - While My Guitar Gently Weeps - White Album

My minimalist conclusion:

* Out of the box the DT1350's delivered exceptional detail and clarity through the mids in comparison to the Amperior's which I felt were just pretty flat and one dimensional...no spring.

* The Amperiors and HD-25s were very similar in signature, with the Amperior's presenting slightly more detailed, clearer mids; but certainly not justifying the additional ~$200 price tag.  YMMV as I was comparing an out of the box set of Amperiors vs. a floor set of HD-25s

* Both the DT1350s and Amperiors benefit from a portable amp, the DT1350s slightly more.  Side note...the DT1350s had slight line hum when plugged into my home/desktop tube setup.  I didn't connect the Amperiors as my mind was made up at this point. 

* Both performed adequately when connected directly to my iPhone 5. The DT1350s required about 10% more volume.

Overall, I believe Jude's review below is spot on.  The DT1350s seem to be more of a reference set of cans.  I also read another post that said if you listen to highly produced, high quality audio files, the DT1350s are for you.  If you want a bit more bass and slightly more upfront highs, with a bit more attitude...go with the HD-25s...I agree here as well (pass on the Amperiors for the +$200 price tag).  FYI, I thought "Enter Sandman"  sounded killer on the 1350's so don't pass on them without giving them a legitimate shot.

My Opinion: 1350s > HD-25s > Amperiors

I was able to get the 1350s for $285 at B&H via price match from Amazon.  The Amperiors go back today so I can collect my $350 deposit.

Jude's Review:

http://www.head-fi.org/t/550581/sennheiser-hd-25-1-ii-and-beyerdynamic-dt-1350-head-fi-tv-episode-004

Hope this all helps in your quest.

-Marc

Well I didn't get much of a response on my first post, so I'll to elaborate on what I'm looking for. Obviously, I'm looking for a pair of IEMs, namely one that is comfortable and compatible with small (really) ears. In terms of musicality, a good soundstage would be nice along with decent noise isolation. I currently have the SRH840 over-ear headphones, and their sound signature is something that I'm used to and comfortable with, so something along the lines of that would be what I'm looking for; warm with a tight bass I suppose, I don't have much expectations with the trebles, just nothing too harsh, though I doubt I would be able to recognize it anyways. I generally listen to pop, Korean pop, acoustic, instrumental and slow songs, with the occasional rap and rock. My budget is somewhere around $100, hopefully below that - but I'm willing to go as far as $150 (CAD).

Thank you!