[goldfilm]

It looks like the JVC Marshmallow has no competition under $20, but what about the best earphone under $30/$35? Would you still buy the cheapest? In other words, is it worth doubling the budget?

 

[Xan7hos]

I've owned a set of Sony EX-51s, Razer Pro|Tones m100, and Shure E2c. The Sony I purchased for $25 shipped, the Razer for $20 shipped, and the Shure's for under $50.

My favorite of the 3 has to be the Sony's, to me it just has much more details, and the bass is more defined than the other two.

 

[babya]

I'm a fan of Sony's EX series-own the EX32 and also MDR-ED12LP (heavy bass-which I love).

 

[ljcii]

i would have voted c-351.
it's good
great soundstage.
but it needs some equalizing and after 5 band equalizers, the sound is stilll fatiguing.
so i voted for nothing

 

[Barock]

CX300 floats my boat.

 

[babya]

Xan7hos-I agree, my favorite earphones are Sony's too, because the bass is better produced overall than other brands.

 

[eruditass]

jvc only if modded.

 

[giordun]

The cable on my Marshmallow's ripped and it was still under warranty so I went to get it fixed. I went to buy the JBL Reference 220 as a replacement and since I can't really compare it with the JVC Marshmallow right now I can't say too much.

The isolation isn't as good... But still blocks out some sound. It's good since I nearly got hit by a car with my Marshmallows last time.

And the JBL Reference 220 comes with a free case that will fit all iPods and a plane adapter and 3 pieces of useless plastic!

 

[feh1325]

creative ep630

 

[giordun]

And to the OP I think you shouldn't because I think the differences are kind of small. With my kramer modded marshmallows and the JBL Reference 220 the difference is pretty small. I haven't compared them side by side but yea.

I think you should just get whatever you can at the best price.

 

[goldfilm]

Thanks all, I guess I'm kinda following giordun's advice, and buying the Marshmallows, though I noticed today that Amazon sells the CX300 with a $15 off mail-in rebate.

 

[lewislink]

A lot of these you really can't go wrong with. Most of them have quality sound and are comfortable to wear. The JVC HA-FX33/34, though they have good sound, I find them difficult to wear without switching the OEM foams for some Complys or olives because the OEM foams just aren't large enough to create a good seal.

Of all of those listed, I'd say these are the best of them:

JVC JVC FX66 These and the CX300s are probably the easy best of them all
Sennheiser CX300
UE Metro.fi 100
V-Moda Freq
Skullcandy Smokin
JBL Reference 220

 

[eruditass]

Quote:

Originally Posted by giordun /img/forum/go_quote.gif And to the OP I think you shouldn't because I think the differences are kind of small. With my kramer modded marshmallows and the JBL Reference 220 the difference is pretty small. I haven't compared them side by side but yea. I think you should just get whatever you can at the best price.

have you even tried different amounts and types of foam? it makes a HUGE difference.

it can range from a horribly warm and undetailed sound to a ridiculously thin and piercing sound.

 

[goldfilm]

Did anybody try the Etymotic stock foams or 3-flange in a Marshmallow or Senn CX300?

 

[bunbut]

I vote for CX300 because I just bought the Senn CX300 at newegg, $30 -$5 coupon -$15 rebate from Senn = $10.