Best Earbuds, at least better than the Ipod stock. Help

[Axelrod1]

Hey,

So I've been trying to figure out what kind of earbuds/earphones to get for the last few weeks. I've gone back and forth between a variety, such as the AT-CK7, Creative E630, Senn CX300's etc. I've never used 'canal' type earphones, only earbuds (only apples stock ipod buds) and over head types (PX100's + MDR-V6).

I want a new pair of headphones to replace the Apple stock earbuds. I want something good, but I also need it to be functional for the gym, moving around, etc.

My concern with 'earphones' like the models mentioned above, are two fold: 1.) will they fall out when I'm moving, or running or working out?

2.) microphonics. A fun word I just learned, which sounds nightmarish. I stuck my fingers in my ears and tryed to emulate the sensation (as suggested in a thread here) and it sucks. According to most people some of the phones I really considereed, like the Creative E-630s suffer from this problem. If I'm in the GYM, I mean -- the cable is going to be rubbing against my shirt the whole time -- does that mean I'm going to 'hear' it??

So, that being said. I'm thinking, maybe I should just look for an upgraded pair of earbuds, and the pickings are slim. I saw some Audio Technicas that looked nice, but they had a pricetag of about $150.00.

What are my options -- the Apple earbuds have no bass, but worse, they rattle -- can't handle any volume, and sound overall -- bland.

I'd love to hear what you have to say, and appreciate any help!

-ax1

 

[Old Nico]

There are some buds (not in ear) with better sound than the iPod stocks - I'd recommend the Sony E888 and the V-Moda Remix M.

Alternatively, I find that the Sony EX90 has less of a problem with microphonics because it's a hybrid, and it also 'stays in' very well because of the 'bend' in the design.

Some find very light earbuds stay in better - in which case you might assess the V-Moda Vibe and Bass Freq, or the SuperFi 5s, which incorporate what is effectively a clip.

 

[bazmonkey]

If you're at the gym, I think you're going to have more of an issue with being able to hear yourself breathe than you are with hearing the cord move. And that's basically something that's going to happen with any canalphone/IEM. However, it will give you the bass and isolation that earbuds just can't provide.

If I were you, I'd find somewhere local that carries the CX300's (Circuit City, Virgin Megastore), or the EX90's (Buncha places)... somewhere that has a refund policy. Try a pair out to give you an idea of what you'd be hearing. They don't necessarily have to be the pair you'll end up buying. The CX300's have average-to-strong microphonics for me compared to other canalphones, so hearing a pair of those yourself will demonstrate what we're saying much more well than we can describe it.

Buds wouldn't have nearly as many strange sounds to go with them, but IMO, earbuds generally don't get much better. Besides the rattling, other earbuds aren't going to sound worlds better. I'm much happier hearing myself pant to richer, more detailed music than I am *not* hearing myself pant to tinny earbud sound.

 

[HeadKase]

I recently replaced my Sony EX90L earbuds with Bose Triport IE's that I think are much superior in many respects. I can't imagine a more refined yet bassier sound. Except... I don't really wear them to the gym anymore.

My favorite gum IEM is the Koss IEM that you can get for about $20 at RatShack. The sound isn't as refined, but its big, bassy, brash, really comfortable and has some isolation. The other thing is that they're just more fun to listen to than the Sony or Bose $100 IEM. Like the Porta Pro they're just crazy good for the price. But personally I don't think the Porta Pros hold a candle to them.

Take my advise and buy these $20 phones before you try anything else. Your shopping will probably stop there, but even if not, you'll keep em, use em and have fun with em.

 

[HeadKase]

P.S. they're perfect for the gym. You don't hear yourself breath yet they're somewhat isolating, no cord microphonics, they're comfortable in the ears and stay put while you're working out. As I say, the sound isn't quite as refined for say classical or acoustic jazz as the Bose, but I like them better for rock, metal, dance, electronic etc which is the kind of stuff you listen to in the gym anyway.

 

[Axelrod1]

Thanks for the responses everyone. So, I will check out that Koss HeadKase, do you know which model you've used -- there are a couple of variations.

So, taking out the hearing yourself and microphonics out, do you think Canal phones, in general are likely to fall out at the gym, in general?

I did see those V-Moda Bass Freq, which don't really look like Canal phones -- they sound pretty interesting. I do listen to a wide range of stuff, I'm sure the Bose would sound amazing with Coltrane, but probably not so great with The Stooges.

Thanks -- appreciate any more advice/personal experiences.

Take care - AX1

 

[eitook]

I believe Headkase is refering to the Koss Plugs.

 

[m3ta1head]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Axelrod1 My concern with 'earphones' like the models mentioned above, are two fold: 1.) will they fall out when I'm moving, or running or working out? 2.) microphonics. A fun word I just learned, which sounds nightmarish. I stuck my fingers in my ears and tryed to emulate the sensation (as suggested in a thread here) and it sucks. According to most people some of the phones I really considereed, like the Creative E-630s suffer from this problem. If I'm in the GYM, I mean -- the cable is going to be rubbing against my shirt the whole time -- does that mean I'm going to 'hear' it??

EP-630 will be perfect for you. There is very little microphonics, so don't worry about that. I use mine all the time on the go without any sort of problem whatsoever.

 

[Axelrod1]

The 630's are ones I have been looking at, for about $25 they seem like a good choice. I was mainly worried about them 'falling out' of my ear, I guess -- otherwise sounds good.

I think I bought the Koss Plugs like 2 years ago, and I tried to like them, but hated them and ended up buying the pX100s. I didn't even really hear them, I just didn't like the feeling of them in my ear at the time, but now things are different -- at least I would give them a fightning chance.

thanks all -

ps. I just sent my px100s in because of a strange 'rattle' noise at certain frequencies, fortunatly they are still under warranty.

 

[m3ta1head]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Axelrod1 /img/forum/go_quote.gif The 630's are ones I have been looking at, for about $25 they seem like a good choice. I was mainly worried about them 'falling out' of my ear, I guess -- otherwise sounds good. I think I bought the Koss Plugs like 2 years ago, and I tried to like them, but hated them and ended up buying the pX100s. I didn't even really hear them, I just didn't like the feeling of them in my ear at the time, but now things are different -- at least I would give them a fightning chance. thanks all - ps. I just sent my px100s in because of a strange 'rattle' noise at certain frequencies, fortunatly they are still under warranty.

ep630 won't fall out unless you take them out. They create a really good seal.

 

[Axelrod1]

Thanks m3ta1head --

So, I've pretty much narrowed down to either the 630's, the v-moda bass freq or vibes, and possibly even the bose triport IE.

Price obviously favors the 630s. This process is overly hard, isn't it?

thanks!

ax1

 

[Jokieman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Axelrod1 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thanks m3ta1head -- So, I've pretty much narrowed down to either the 630's, the v-moda bass freq or vibes, and possibly even the bose triport IE. Price obviously favors the 630s. This process is overly hard, isn't it? thanks! ax1

Yeah it is, because while they're all good, they may not all suit your tastes. I'd recommend trying out the EP630's first, and if you don't like them, just return them and go with a more expensive model. If you like the fit but don't like the sound, then go ahead and take a look at the Vibe.

 

[m3ta1head]

ep630 are nice and bassy. The clarity is pretty good..mids are a little weak..there is virtually no soundstage, though.

But overall, a steal for $30 shipped. Very nice, cheap IEMs.