[ljokerl]

Quote:

I was wondering what is the best headphone under $150 for listening to rap music on my iPod? I have no amp and i won't be buying one either so I want a headphone that sounds great out of the box. Any suggestions? Price is not fixed, I can go up to maybe $170-$180 but I would really like to keep it under that $150 mark.

 
There are quite a few options - really depends on what type of sound you're looking for. "Best" will vary widely depending on who you ask but some solid options in the <$150 price range would be the Yamaha EPH-100, FutureSonics Atrio MG7 (w/coupon noted above), JVC HA-FXT90 and FX500, and Audio-Technica CKM99.
 
 
Quote:

This thread is amazing.

 
Thanks!
 
Quote:

Joker i thank you so much for the continuous support and advice......
 
just wanted to share that i purchased these:
http://dx.com/in-ear-stereo-earphones-with-removable-ear-hooks-3-5mm-13887
just for the ear-hooks \ cable guides.... to use with my id America Spark
hopefully they're of nice quality...turned out much cheaper than
ordering the stand-alone cable guides from Meelectronics (expansive delivery)

 
The reason I like the MEElec ones is that they are soft silicone with no ridges - I even switched the PFE 232 I have on loan from the Phonak guides to the MEE ones. I don't like plastic guides or anything with a pre-formed shape like the Sennheiser and old V-Moda ones. I can't really tell from the picture what kind those DX ones are but hopefully they'll work for you. 

 

[dogears]

All this teaser/preview on the PFE232's making me scratch (from itchiness)

 

[Gryphus0204]

Thanks Joker for your review of the GR06 I picked one up and after about 100 hours of burn in, the instrument separation is a lot better music is clear and sharply accurate love it, not gonna change to another soon! THANKS!!!

 

[ljokerl]

Quote:

All this teaser/preview on the PFE232's making me scratch (from itchiness)

 
More of that in the Spiral Ear 3-way review I posted the other day 

 
 
Quote:

Thanks Joker for your review of the GR06

I picked one up and after about 100 hours of burn in, the instrument separation is a lot better

music is clear and sharply accurate

love it, not gonna change to another soon! THANKS!!!

 
That's what they all say 

. Glad you like 'em!

 

[jarrett]

I know you get this all the time, but any plans to review the Audio Technica CKS77 or CKM500? There are threads for both headphones. I'm not one to jump on the bandwagon - the last time I did was before the Sunrise Xcape v1 became popular - but these headphones seem like a new price/quality direction for Audio Technica.

 

[ljokerl]

Quote:

I know you get this all the time, but any plans to review the Audio Technica CKS77 or CKM500? There are threads for both headphones. I'm not one to jump on the bandwagon - the last time I did was before the Sunrise Xcape v1 became popular - but these headphones seem like a new price/quality direction for Audio Technica.

 
No plans at the moment - everything I intend to review is listed on the front page of this thread, below the table.

 

[steve2151]

Quote:

 
You mean bad? It generally messes with the crossovers. The TF10 is disastrous with added impedance.

 
Does anyone knew of any multiple armature iems that actually work well with extra impedance? My XM6 with the +75 ohm feature enabled works wonders with my X10, slightly improves my IE80 and M5, but turns my TF10 into a disorganized mess. I was thinking of adding a neutral iem that amplifies well like the ER4, but wanted to see if anyone's tried an extra impedance adapter with their W4, UM3X, SE535, SM3, etc.

 

[Inks]

I only know that it will surely work well with the W4, don't expect good results with the SE535 or SM3, who knows with the UM3X. Makes the X10 more neutral doesn't it?

 

[steve2151]

Quote:

I only know that it will surely work well with the W4, don't expect good results with the SE535 or SM3, who knows with the UM3X. Makes the X10 more neutral doesn't it?

 
In addition to the neutrality, I think the X10 gains some extra extension in the highs and bass. From a Clip+, it feels claustrophobic and veiled in comparison to the TF10, but can match or surpass the bigger iem when run out of the XM6.

 

[Sweden]

The AT CKM500 which are selling for around 70 bucks need to get more attention around here. I don't think there is a better sounding  in-ear under 100 out there. At least what I know about... Compared to the GR06 and Eterna this one is in another league of refinement. I would say it's up there sound wise with 150 USD in-ears like EPH-100 and GR07. Only problem is a bit of microphonics and too stiff stock tips.  
Hope you get to review this one some day ljokerl.  

 

[ljokerl]

Quote:

I've been a lurker for a long time, and finally decided to create an account.
I have to say this thread is possibly the best thread earphone wise, in the world!
Amazing job joker!
I really love your writing!!

 
Thanks 

 

[shotgunshane]

I can't wait for you to hear the Meelec A161P. SQ value per $ just keeps getting upturned every few months.  These are seriously impressive.

 

[kanuka]

Quote:

The AT CKM500 which are selling for around 70 bucks need to get more attention around here. I don't think there is a better sounding  in-ear under 100 out there. At least what I know about... Compared to the GR06 and Eterna this one is in another league of refinement. I would say it's up there sound wise with 150 USD in-ears like EPH-100 and GR07. Only problem is a bit of microphonics and too stiff stock tips.  
Hope you get to review this one some day ljokerl.  

the gr06 and eterna are very different btwn themselves...imo
 
still, i wonder how the ckm500 compares to similiar priced xba1

 

[ljokerl]

Quote:

I can't wait for you to hear the Meelec A161P. SQ value per $ just keeps getting upturned every few months.  These are seriously impressive.

 
They should sound very much the same as the Fischer SBA-03 I've reviewed here - it's one of my favorite reasonably-priced single-BA earphones. It seems MEElec has made some much-needed usability improvements and dropped the price $30, too. 

 

[Emospence]

Joker, were the Shure single flange you used with the UM3Xs the black/grey soft flex?