++PORTABLE/IEM RECOMMENDATIONS THREAD++ i.e. Don't start a new thread: ask for advice HERE!... - Page 5

I dident see this thread before making a new, sry.. but now that i found it:

I need some help finding a good pair of in-ear phones (is it IEM in short?).

I will be using my computer (acer aspire 7745G) and HTC Desire HD as source of the music, I've decided not to use headphones because i want to be able to listen to my music while riding my motorcycle and at school so the need good for isolation is pressent.

Currently i'm using a pair of sennheiser cx300II and a pair of Bowers & Wilkins C5, but i'm not cuite satisfied with them, so which phones can you recomend me?

I listen to most kinds of music, but my favorites are Pink Floyd, Rise Against, Linkin Park and some dubstep/hip-hop.

my pricerange is up to 450USD, but i can reach higer if i have to

I'm also considering to buy a Little Dot MK-III headphone amp for use at home, will this enhance the expeirience with in-ear phones?

thank's for all answers and recomandations

I stumbled across this web site when I started looking for new IEM's. I've had a set of Bose for the past few years but they have finally broken and instead of buying the Bose IE2's I thought I would shop around a bit. I'm very glad I did because it seems I would have made a huge mistake in buying them!

After poking around I found some very favourable reviews on the Monster Turbine  Pro Coppers and was set to order them but then I saw Jokers IEM's review page and noticed that there were so many that were better and less expensive so once again I'm lost. The reason I'm posting here is because I was hoping that somebody can give me some guidance, I'm looking for IEM's in the under $400 price range. I listen to a little bit of everything, ranging from classical music to heavy metal, but the majority of the time I listen to trance. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advanced :)

Justin

Ps. this is my first hope, I'm sorry if it was a bit long winded or if I posted in the wrong spot :S

EDIT:Should have added this originally:

Right now what I've been considering are the Monster Turbine Pro Coppers, The HiFiMan RE272 and Westone 2's.

I am looking for a pair of "durable" in-ears, something that can take a lot of different punishment; stuff like sitting on it, throwing it into the bottom of a bag, throwing it on to the floor and using it as a whip. I was using a pair of um3x for a few years, but one of them drowned in a cup of tea, the replacement cost for one is pretty insane.

The main idea is to find a pair that is durable without sacrificing too much of the sound quality. Price is not part of the criteria. So I am just looking for this niche product that fits my needs.
I have been 'eyeing' the a-jays, the cables looks pretty indestructible.
I will be using it with my j3 and sometimes my phone which is an s3.

However, I am definitely looking forward to some suggestions.

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeanNSupreme 

Alright I've gone through two pairs of the Klipsch S4s this past year and as much as I love them, the durability is just trash. I've had wire issues with both pairs so I'm looking to jump ship from Klipsch. I've been doing some research and it seems like the Brainwavz M2 is a popular choice for a IEM under $100. I really like the sound quality and bass from the Klipsch and it seems like the M2 are on par or even better than the S4s. Do you guys have any other opinions of an IEM I might like?

The M2s are quite a bit darker than the S4s. Would you want something similar sounding in terms of the S4's signature (V-shaped) or just something with plenty of good, solid  bass? If it's the latter, I would go check out the Eternas, the M2s, the GR02 Bass, Dunu Hephaes, Thinksound MS01 (Haven't heard this one at all, but ljokerl just added it on the Multi-IEM thread, and it seems to have nice bass from what he mentioned). 

Quote:

Originally Posted by audiobot 

Hey guys,need your help deciding on what to do next. I was a proud owner of the Audio Technica ATH CK-10 IEM. Lasted me over a year until one of the armatures went dead (cable issue) on my original pair and replacement pair. The holiday season is about to kick in and I was wondering if there are great deals on IEM's to be had. Should I wait till late Nov/early Dec for these deals?

 

I particularly am interested in either the Yamaha EPH-100, Fischer Audio DBA-02 (MK II), VSonic GR01, or Grado GR10. I want a sound similar to the CK10's which I absolutely loved. I can't see myself purchasing the CK10's again because of the flimsy straight cable connector. Which of these aforementioned IEM's would you guys recommend? I listen to a wide variety of music genres, primarily Hip Hop, Rock, & House. Love instrument separation. 

 

I would love for I-Device controls but those seem sparse in regards to the sound quality that I am looking for. I like small housings like that of the CK10. I wear cable down, so microphonics should be better than average. 

 

Are there any new models coming down the pipeline that may be of interest to me? My budget is between $150 - $350. Thanks in advance for the help and thanks to Doc-Holliday for starting this thread.

If you liked the CK-10, maybe try the ER4s. Somewhere along the same lines in terms of sound. A few years ago, I had been deciding between either, and was fortunate enough to have been able to demo both. I definitely liked the Ety's build better. The ER4Ps are pretty flat until the treble, like the CK10s, but I would say that the CK10s had smoothed some things out and had a bit more upper-mid emphasis. The DBA-02 struck me as a drier CK10, somewhere between the Etys and the CK10s in voicing. GR01s were pleasant and sweet sounding on the whole,  very smooth sound.

If you're waiting for a time to pounce on a sale, EarphoneSolutions almost always has a 25% Black Friday coupon or something along the lines of that. Amazon has good prices during that time as well

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by sijaka 

I dident see this thread before making a new, sry.. but now that i found it:

 

I need some help finding a good pair of in-ear phones (is it IEM in short?).

I will be using my computer (acer aspire 7745G) and HTC Desire HD as source of the music, I've decided not to use headphones because i want to be able to listen to my music while riding my motorcycle and at school so the need good for isolation is pressent.

 

Currently i'm using a pair of sennheiser cx300II and a pair of Bowers & Wilkins C5, but i'm not cuite satisfied with them, so which phones can you recomend me?

I listen to most kinds of music, but my favorites are Pink Floyd, Rise Against, Linkin Park and some dubstep/hip-hop.

my pricerange is up to 450USD, but i can reach higer if i have to

 

I'm also considering to buy a Little Dot MK-III headphone amp for use at home, will this enhance the expeirience with in-ear phones?

 

 

thank's for all answers and recomandations

The Little Dot is a desktop tube amp, generally that doesn't work so well for IEMs, which are much more sensitive than full-sized. Best you just use your phone, or pair it with a portable amp (like the E11). I think at that price range, I would second Doc's suggestion on the W4s. Though, people do have their own preferences on how Rock would sound. Some like it Grado-style, some abhor it. That being said, I think the IE8/80s/MTPC would suit this kind of music well for some. My preference would be something fast hitting and clear, like the Etys or the TF10s. Maybe you could specify what kind of presentation/signature you would want for your genres as well?

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmrkngRvng 

I stumbled across this web site when I started looking for new IEM's. I've had a set of Bose for the past few years but they have finally broken and instead of buying the Bose IE2's I thought I would shop around a bit. I'm very glad I did because it seems I would have made a huge mistake in buying them!

After poking around I found some very favourable reviews on the Monster Turbine  Pro Coppers and was set to order them but then I saw Jokers IEM's review page and noticed that there were so many that were better and less expensive so once again I'm lost. The reason I'm posting here is because I was hoping that somebody can give me some guidance, I'm looking for IEM's in the under $400 price range. I listen to a little bit of everything, ranging from classical music to heavy metal, but the majority of the time I listen to trance. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advanced :)

 

Justin

 

Ps. this is my first hope, I'm sorry if it was a bit long winded or if I posted in the wrong spot :S

 

EDIT:Should have added this originally:

Right now what I've been considering are the Monster Turbine Pro Coppers, The HiFiMan RE272 and Westone 2's.

CK10 = Greatest trance phones ever, IMO

Anyways, I'd imagine the reference to other phones being "better" is related to the SQ score? That's purely based on his preference, so rather than using that particular score as an absolute criteria, read how they sound instead of how they score. I think the Coppers are quite good in their tier. Maybe the speed and tone doesn't suit classical or trance much, but they're still solid IEMs. For your genres, I think ER4s, W2s, CK10s, are something to look into.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shash 

What are the best IEMs to go for that have an apple inline remote? I prefer the cabling on the X7i, the X10i look woefully fragile. I had a pair of the original S4i and have got through 2 sets during the warranty. I'm not rough with my stuff so I don't rate the durability especially high. That sound, the sound and convenience of having a remote is absolutely brilliant.

 

I mainly listen to rock (classic and modern) and soundtracks. I love the bass response of the S4i but this is a potential opportunity to step up (or stick with another set).

Any recommendations for better options (best bang for buck) £50-£200 would be very welcome. Having an inline remote is especially important to me but if this is easily doable with a seperate device I'm open to a better combo.

 

I'd really appreciate any advice from you all.

PFE132, HF3s are the only things I can't think off the top of my head with good sound and a remote in that price range (not that the price range isn't high enough, it's fine). 

Quote:

Originally Posted by lsuichan 

I am looking for a pair of "durable" in-ears, something that can take a lot of different punishment; stuff like sitting on it, throwing it into the bottom of a bag, throwing it on to the floor and using it as a whip. I was using a pair of um3x for a few years, but one of them drowned in a cup of tea, the replacement cost for one is pretty insane.

The main idea is to find a pair that is durable without sacrificing too much of the sound quality. Price is not part of the criteria. So I am just looking for this niche product that fits my needs.
I have been 'eyeing' the a-jays, the cables looks pretty indestructible.
I will be using it with my j3 and sometimes my phone which is an s3.

However, I am definitely looking forward to some suggestions.

Anything DUNU really. I gift them all the time for people I know who will man-handle their stuff, and none of them have broke yet (to my knowledge). Etys also have good longevity - 3 years with my ER4Ps, nothing yet! I also know pairs that've lasted 10-15 years already. 

Since I'm getting no love from the official recommendation thread, I guess I'll try posting here.

• acoustic singer/songwriter

• ambient/post-rock

• indie

• classical

• detail, preferably without sacrificing too much bass

• sound stage

• low/no microphonics

• RE262 (concerns: high impedence = need to buy an amp)

• HF5/HF2 (concerns: sacrificing bass to achieve detail)

• R-50 (concerns: bass light?)

• Ortofon e-Q5 (concerns: fit)

Thanks a ton sir. Definitely keep my eye out on black friday. Any thoughts on the Yamaha EPH-100? Those look so appealing to me. Great cost especially after getting burned with the CK10 build. I payed $450 for those 

Quote:

Originally Posted by audiobot 

Thanks a ton sir. Definitely keep my eye out on black friday. Any thoughts on the Yamaha EPH-100? Those look so appealing to me. Great cost especially after getting burned with the CK10 build. I payed $450 for those 

 Where did you have to pay $450 for the CK10s? They usually hover around 300-350, unless you count in shipping (and even then...) 

No idea on the Yamahas, sorry. How did your CK10s break, though? They felt really sturdy when I last heard a pair. Probably some of the best build in an IEM that I've seen.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4 cm 

Since I'm getting no love from the official recommendation thread, I guess I'll try posting here.

 

 

Looking for recommendations for IEMs after listening to the MS1is for quite some time. I like their sound but for fit, practicality, and portability reasons, I'm looking for something else to listen to from my laptop and my Galaxy Nexus (microphone/control is a bonus but not necessary).

 

My budget is <$210.

 

I listen to a wide variety of music (in no particular order):

• acoustic singer/songwriter

• ambient/post-rock

• indie

• classical

 

Qualities I think I might be looking for in my next purchase:

• detail, preferably without sacrificing too much bass

• sound stage

• low/no microphonics

 

On one hand I'd like to get a direct upgrade/transfer from the MS1is but on the other hand I'm curious what can be accomplished from a set that have a different sound.  So far in my research, the IEMs that have piqued my interest are:

• RE262 (concerns: high impedence = need to buy an amp)

• HF5/HF2 (concerns: sacrificing bass to achieve detail)

• R-50 (concerns: bass light?)

• Ortofon e-Q5 (concerns: fit)

 

Ideally I'd like to get an IEM that is highly detailed and immersive but is still fun - if that is even possible.  If not, I can always relegate my MS1is to fun and use the IEMs to satisfy the detail freak in me.

 

Isolation is not a concern but I do have small-ish ears so fit could be (although I have no problem inserting AAA batteries in my ears haha).

 

I'm open to suggestions outside of these options as well. Thanks!

I agree that the other thread is very slow, hopefully this one takes over, or that either one gets stickied in the future.

Back to your problem. I found no problem with bass quantity with the Etys. Especially for those genres (a lot of the music I listen to would probably be similar to yours). Sometimes, the ER4Ps are just so detailed, and so proficient, that it becomes very fun and immersive in a way. Of course, the HF5s are ever so slightly less detailed, though I feel the gap in price doesn't reflect the difference - they're pretty closely on par. Soundstage wise, well, they separate and layer fantastically, but there isn't much in terms of lateral size. One thing I really enjoy with the Etys was how they portrayed vocals dryness/wetness - the wisps of air before each breath, capturing each raspy note. Very fun for acoustic and indie stuff. 

One other IEM with a "fun" (for me) sound would be the PFE122. It's smooth and ever so slightly warm, but balanced throughout. Details are very much present, and it's just a fun, laid-back listen, without much coloration to be offensive in the least. If you're looking for Grado fun, I though the TF10 and Atomic Floyds were close. Fit might be weird though.

I bought them 2 years ago. Went through the original and a replacement pair that was sent to me under warranty. Everything about it was perfect except for the straight plug in. The sound on one of the armatures went dead on both models. I was so frustrated and disappointed that I threw them out in the the dumpster (stupid I know). I should have gotten the cables customed to fit an L-plug. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by lsuichan 

I have been 'eyeing' the a-jays, the cables looks pretty indestructible.

I've got a-jays ( one+ designed for android) .. Good stuff IMO , overall good sound quality with especially good bass. I use them when I go to work and and when I travel. I haven't any case . Cable and 3,5 mm plug suffer all bad treatments (I'm not very careful). The point is that it's easy to lose the tips so my advice is to purchase a-jays three ( one , one+ , two, three and four are the same iem with different packages ) which is delivered with a case for a few more money.

One more important point noises of friction between clothing and the cables ( I hope google translate gave me the good words...) are very loud ... I can't imagine using a-jays for outdoor activity.