[commdiver]

I purchased a pair of Sennheiser IE7s from JR.com because they had them on sale for $120 and they received good reviews. I must say, I am a little dissapointed, but am sure I am not doing something correctly since Sennheiser makes quality products. The IEMs are not really blocking out sound. There is certainly a noticable difference over Apple's crappy earbuds, but there is noticable sound coming through. My brother says this is not the case with his Beats by Dr. Dre, so I assume IEMs are supposed to block at least most sound. Talking and noise from the train I took this weekend came through. Am I using the incorrect earpads? Am I doing something incorrectly or missing something? Or am I just expecting too much? Thank you in advance for any help.

 
 
 

 

[Fimbulvetr]

As far as I'm aware, the Sennheiser IE series isn't designed to block out noise. It should have better sound quality than Beats though.

 

[W1CKED]

usually, dynamic driver IEM housings are vented
but some dynamic IEMs isolates really great as well, such as Monster Turbines etc.

 

[TrantaLocked]

Right now I'm using the large double flange tips that came in the box. For me they give a perfect sealed fit, and the extra layer makes it much harder for them to slide out on their own. If that doesn't do it then I guess you are just used to headphones with better isolation. In my opinion I think they are fine, but I definitely am not getting sound pouring in from outside.
 
Also, getting them positioned right (deep in the canal and centered correctly) is really important. I was surprised to find out they were designed to fit in upside down; I've never seen that but I think It's important to wear them like the guy in the picture in the box is wearing them for the best fit. Oh, and volume matter a lot also; keep it too low and yes you will hear everything outside.
 
P.S: $120 is a crazy steal for those. JR is authorized so those are definitely legitimate too.

 

[jjb3]

You should get some isolation, moreso than apple's stock buds, but not as much as say, for instance, the Shure SE535s. I have the 7s and they do not block out all ambient noise, but are definitely capable of blocking out noise esp. if get a good seal.

 

[aurnob88]

Yeah, play around with fit and tips. Make sure you wear them over the ear.