[kakari]

   
    go for eph-100 , its worth it , you will enjoy it for sure , re-400 lacks bass , it dont lean towards any where , not at all towards bass .

I hear from quite a few reports that the build quality, specifically strain relief of the IEM, is pretty bad. Have you encounter a similar problem and what do you feel about the comfort? Thanks.

 

[suman134]

 
I hear from quite a few reports that the build quality, specifically strain relief of the IEM, is pretty bad. Have you encounter a similar problem and what do you feel about the comfort? Thanks.

  no phone is safe with me sadly , yanking the cable and damaging the cable can be an issue , and the double flanges bother abit , but i have my cc51p tips that helps big time . single flanges are good . and about deeper fit , im good with it and used to it , now a days at times it feels odd if the fit is not deep enough .

 

[ljokerl]

  Which one is the best: Audio Technica IM50 or Yamaha EPH100 or Hifiman RE-400?
 
I have only listened to the IM50 and felt it was quite balanced,  but leaning to the bassy side. The bass really goes deep. I have no way of listening to the other two, so I wish to ask for some advice. I listen mostly to pop.
 
Is the EPH100 and RE-400 really worth $50 more than the IM50?

 
I personally haven't tried the IM50. There's a huge difference in sound signature (esp. bass quantity) between the RE-400 and EPH-100, though, so you should figure out if you're after flat/somewhat mid-centric (RE-400) or warm and powerful, with very deep bass (EPH-100) before considering either. 

 

[kakari]

   
I personally haven't tried the IM50. There's a huge difference in sound signature (esp. bass quantity) between the RE-400 and EPH-100, though, so you should figure out if you're after flat/somewhat mid-centric (RE-400) or warm and powerful, with very deep bass (EPH-100) before considering either. 

Do all the IEMs that use the ~6mm microdrivers, such as the JVC FXD80 and Yamaha EPH100, have a more or less V-shape sound signature?

 

[Ap616]

Do all the IEMs that use the ~6mm microdrivers, such as the JVC FXD80 and Yamaha EPH100, have a more or less V-shape sound signature?

No, not at all in my experience with both of these. I can say the EPH-100 are rich and warm and bassy. They have smooth forward mids as well but laid back treble, so they aren't v-shaped.

The HA-FXD80 are v-shaped. The bass is nicely present and subbass oriented. The mids takes quite a step back and the upper treble is accentuated upon initial listen, but after many hours on them the highs are tamed a bit(but still accentuated) and mids come out to play more. They sound great to me if I want to listen to a different type of sound/signature than normal.
Thanks for help in choosing them Joker! I do quite enjoy them once I got some more comfortable tips than the stock ones that didn't seal well. Had to use the Auvio tips from Radioshack recommended on their thread.

Another micro driver earphone is the Zero Audio Carbo Tenores. They are relatively flat with a little bit enhanced bass and smooth but amazing treble. Haven't tried the IM-50 or RE-400. Hope this helps

 

[ljokerl]

^ Glad you like them!
 

 
Do all the IEMs that use the ~6mm microdrivers, such as the JVC FXD80 and Yamaha EPH100, have a more or less V-shape sound signature?

 
The SE215 from Shure uses a very small dynamic driver as well, and is not v-shaped, so it's hard to say there's a rule. Maybe a slight trend. 

 

[kakari]

  ^ Glad you like them!
 
 
The SE215 from Shure uses a very small dynamic driver as well, and is not v-shaped, so it's hard to say there's a rule. Maybe a slight trend. 

Just got my EPH-100 .
 
My first impressions are that they are more trebley and less bassy than the SE215 and IM50. From my memory, bass quantity wise, IM50>SE215>EPH-100>FXD80. Bass quality wise, EPH-100>IM50=FXD80>SE215.
 
While the EPH-100 doesn't reach as low as the IM50, there is still enough thump when bass is needed. The bass on the IM50 is just too much to handle for me to handle and can be quite tiring. The treble is a little laid back and smooth, lacks the "shine" and timbre of the JVC FXD80, but not enough to be called un-revealing. Sound signature is less V-shape than the FXD80. I would still consider the FXD80 to be more fun to listen, and the price is ~40% of the EPH-100.
 
Overall, I am happy about the purchase on EPH-100. The aluminum enclosure looks really nice. If the treble is tuned more forward and have more "attack" on it, it would have been perfect.
 
Thanks |Joker| for the recommendation~

 

[ljokerl]

  Just got my EPH-100 .
 
My first impressions are that they are more trebley and less bassy than the SE215 and IM50. From my memory, bass quantity wise, IM50>SE215>EPH-100>FXD80. Bass quality wise, EPH-100>IM50=FXD80>SE215.
 
While the EPH-100 doesn't reach as low as the IM50, there is still enough thump when bass is needed. The bass on the IM50 is just too much to handle for me to handle and can be quite tiring. The treble is a little laid back and smooth, lacks the "shine" and timbre of the JVC FXD80, but not enough to be called un-revealing. Sound signature is less V-shape than the FXD80. I would still consider the FXD80 to be more fun to listen, and the price is ~40% of the EPH-100.
 
Overall, I am happy about the purchase on EPH-100. The aluminum enclosure looks really nice. If the treble is tuned more forward and have more "attack" on it, it would have been perfect.
 
Thanks |Joker| for the recommendation~

 
Are you absolute sure they're genuine? Just asking. The unit I tested had plenty of bass, not lacking compared to the SE215 for sure. Treble is a little relaxed, yes. There's a peak somewhere in the upper treble but it's not enough to bring the overall energy back up :/

 

[lahin]

Hi joker,
First, thanks a lot for you contribution to the community. It takes some real commitment to do what you do.
I'm looking to buy a nice set of IEMs for about $125. I mostly listen to electronic music and melodic death metal. I currently have Vsonic GR02 bass editions and V-Moda crossfade LP2s. I'm not fully satisfied with the bass impact of the Vsonics, but I love my V-Modas. I'm currently looking at Yamaha EPH-100, RHA ma750i, ATH-IM50, and Shure SE215 LTD. I'm open to suggestions too. I'd really appreciate your advice. Thanks!

 

[ljokerl]

  Hi joker,
First, thanks a lot for you contribution to the community. It takes some real commitment to do what you do.
I'm looking to buy a nice set of IEMs for about $125. I mostly listen to electronic music and melodic death metal. I currently have Vsonic GR02 bass editions and V-Moda crossfade LP2s. I'm not fully satisfied with the bass impact of the Vsonics, but I love my V-Modas. I'm currently looking at Yamaha EPH-100, RHA ma750i, ATH-IM50, and Shure SE215 LTD. I'm open to suggestions too. I'd really appreciate your advice. Thanks!

 
EPH-100 or MA750 are probably your best bet. They're not far apart in bass impact and overall sound quality but if you listen at lower volumes the EPH-100 is probably better because the mids are less recessed. There's also the RHA MA600, which is worse than the MA750 overall but has more bass than the 750 and most other earphones. 

 

[encoreAC]

Would be nice to see some of asian hype phones included like Vsonic VSD3(S), Zero Audio Tenore/Basso and Ostry KC06(A)

 

[altrunox]

  Would be nice to see some of asian hype phones included like Vsonic VSD3(S), Zero Audio Tenore/Basso and Ostry KC06(A)

don't forget about the Havi B3 Pro 1. 

 

[lahin]

Thanks joker. I think I'll be getting the EPH-100.

 

[ljokerl]

  Would be nice to see some of asian hype phones included like Vsonic VSD3(S), Zero Audio Tenore/Basso and Ostry KC06(A)

 
Xiaomi Piston also. Already covered that one. I do have a KC06 and will probably get to review the VSD3(S) as well.

 

[suman134]

  guys get the she3900 , just got mine , for $9 , these are more like 3680 , not much v-shaped like she3590 , got rid of the excess bass too , and god , super pleased , looks really nice , and got 90 degree plug too , sound is a bit dark for now but i hope it will improve and from now i can say , bass got serious definition .