Can you post sources/listening conditions for the JVC auditions?

Interesting. I have the XBA-3s and with my sources (iPhone 5, iPod Classic/Arrow 4G) and tips (Comply Ts200) they don't sound metallic. Of course, he is speaking of the XBA-30s, not the 3s. I have the 30s on order, not sure if they sound different than the 3s, but I will have to judge that for...

I think you missed his point. He noticed something he had not noticed before on a piece of music, is what he was saying, I believe.

I have a pair on order via Amazon.jp/Tenso. That is creepy when you think someone is in the room when listening via isolating phones. Looking forward to trying them out. I also have the XBA-3, via the Gropon deal. So I will get the chance to compare the two before I sell the XBA-3 (figuring the...

Yeah, and no reason you can't resell them without the box as used IEMs. My box was not that bad either, just one corner was a bit "bruised." As far as burning them in properly, being BAs burn-in is really not very needed, even 24 hours at most. So doubt they will change. I am not hearing any...

Guess we whined and they listened. Or it was a complete coincidence.

Checked with someone I know and they said it took a month to get an order from Groupon Goods. So I guess I will hang tight and if no Sonys in 3-4 weeks, I'll contact Amex.   Uopdate: Interesting, is someone at Groupon reading this thread? Doubtful, but this just showed up re my UPS tracking...

Quote: I got the same BS, so anyone who ordered from Groupon is in the same boat. Just glad I used Amex because they will definitely get my money back pronto (always have in the past with poor retailers/etailers). I am going to give them 3 full weeks before I dispute the charge, since I am...

Quote: Has anyone received their pair yet? My order email still says that a UPS label has been generated, but nothing has shipped. The Groupon CSR says the fine print says "2 1/2 weeks," which is true, but mine were ordered on Dec. 11 and that would be almost the deadline. If they don't...

Same here (goodvibes is right). You are better off buying them used for $159, in my view. Or, you could try and get a warranty from a third party, but without an original manufacturer's warranty, that's not easy either. I'd look on the FS forum and try to get a much better deal. The W3s are only...

Quote: Yes, I forgot this very important point, seal is everything (and why I prefer the over the ear wearing style). So many times with IEMs, getting a proper seal is the culprit. You see it time and again on Amazon feedback, people love an IEM and one person says, "sound like crap, no...

I don't have the Moray Gaming ear buds and I am not sure why you can't tell the difference between them and the Trumpets. If you read about the Trumpets here, there are some people who own them who think they sound fantastic, whether or not they are "audiophile" quality is really subjective. I...

Can't say about metal, but the Trumpets sound much cleaner, clearer to me than the Tributes. Owned both, still love the Trumpets.

Already owned the UE700 and they are pretty decent, but too high for gift level (under $50 is it). So the AKG's are perfect.

Thanks, picked up a pair for a Xmas gift.

This one? $45? Might have to grab one for Xmas.   http://www.thecableco.com/Product/Russian-Military-6H23N-EB--Single-

Exactly. There are expensive ear buds that compete quite well with IEMs. Listening environment and fit is critical. I have owned some buds but they caused some ear pain (ears too small), but there is an entire thread somewhere focused on the top "bud" style phones, Besudes Yuin PK1, there are...

Arrow HE 4G by Headphonia. It is expensive, but it's fantastic. Check it out in the portable amp forum.

Quote: Agree and if they didn't have the lifetime warranty, I might buy a second pair. Of course, they also could stop making/selling them (as happened to the Tribute), so I might anyway. I just think they are great on the go phones (tip: you can wear them over the ear easily).

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Not really $119, actually $199 on the link you provided (for AF78). The cheaper Audiofly phones (AF56) are $109.

Quote: Excellent description of the UM56. Makes anyone who has a Westone want a pair for sure.

Saliva works best.

John Seaber delivers the best customer service anywhere. World-class.

Wow, new here and just stumbled across this thread (too rich for my blood, at least on the higher levels). Average_joe, amazing stuff. How the hell do you listen to all those customs?