[syn3rgetic]

I am new to the whole audiophile thing, but after I upgraded from stick iPod earphones to Bose Triport In-Ears, I realized that paying extra money for headphones do make a huge difference.

Now, I work at futureshop (the bestbuy equivalent in Canada) and I get discounts on products including headphones. I recently had an accident with the Bose Triports and I will need a new pair ASAP. However our selection is limited and after doing some research, and what is available at futureshop, I have limited myself to these few units.

Sennheiser CX300 ($50)
JBL Reference 220 ($40)
Harman/Kardon EP710 ($60)
Harman/Kardon EP720 ($75)
Harman/Kardon EP730 ($100)

Now here's the catch, these prices are with my discount before tax, and also all prices in Canadian. Also, I am limited to these as they are mainly for on the go so I really do not want those big cans.

Here are my questions, Which...

Sounds the best?

Offers best bang for the buck?

Would you buy at these prices?

Thank you for reading. I am new to the audiophile scene and I hope to be part of you guys in the future.

 

[feh1325]

make sure your files are at a high bitrate

 

[Facade19]

Quote:

Originally Posted by feh1325 /img/forum/go_quote.gif make sure your files are at a high bitrate

This might sound stupid, but why is that a good thing and how would one do so? Thx.

 

[epaludo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Facade19 /img/forum/go_quote.gif This might sound stupid, but why is that a good thing and how would one do so? Thx.

The less you compress the files, the less detail is lost. You can setup your ripping program to a higher bitrate.
I suggest you at least -V2 VBR MP3. If possible a lossless format, than you won't lose detail at all, once lossless formats sounds exactly the same as WAV files ...

 

[kite7]

off topic but futureshop sells harmon kardon ep730?

 

[steviebee]

Ref 220s are nice, tho I found the cord too microphonic...but for that kind of money I'd forget the staff discount & go for Crossroads Mylar X3 from Jaben.

 

[riceboy]

I know it's not on your list but I do like the ATH-ES7. I wear those when I'm out and about on my Ipod. It's sounds really good and looks really nice. Good luck on your headphone search

 

[msweeney]

Quote:

Originally Posted by feh1325 /img/forum/go_quote.gif make sure your files are at a high bitrate

Haha, is that all you post? I've seen you post that in threads on every subject ranging from A to Z.

 

[msweeney]

Quote:

Originally Posted by riceboy /img/forum/go_quote.gif I know it's not on your list but I do like the ATH-ES7. I wear those when I'm out and about on my Ipod. It's sounds really good and looks really nice. Good luck on your headphone search

I don't know why everyone raves about how the ATH-ES7 look. I got a pair of those last week and they don't look all that great. Also, they aren't really so circumaural, i.e. not so full-sized.

 

[steviebee]

Quote:

Originally Posted by msweeney /img/forum/go_quote.gif I don't know why everyone raves about how the ATH-ES7 look. I got a pair of those last week and they don't look all that great. Also, they aren't really so circumaural, i.e. not so full-sized.

er....they're not circumaural, never were!

And you just wait til you want to put your makeup on & don't have a mirror handy

 

[derek8555]

Doesn't futureshop sell Shure E4C's?

How much can you get those for?

 

[syn3rgetic]

I work in the audio section I have never seen our store (markham) sell E4Cs. I would prolly get them for under 100 if we did though.


but back on top, without suggesting other ones, which would be the best? I am planning on getting a Pocketdock and a PA2V2. but not in the immediate future...so yeah...from review, it looks like the ep720 are the best bet.

 

[syn3rgetic]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kite7 /img/forum/go_quote.gif off topic but futureshop sells harmon kardon ep730?

yeah we just got em in recently...

the entire ep7xx series

 

[unclejr]

What kind of music and what are your comfort preferences, i.e. do you mind having a little piece of foam jammed up into your ear canal or are you looking more for something that hangs out closer to the outside, etc.?

 

[syn3rgetic]

Quote:

Originally Posted by unclejr /img/forum/go_quote.gif What kind of music and what are your comfort preferences, i.e. do you mind having a little piece of foam jammed up into your ear canal or are you looking more for something that hangs out closer to the outside, etc.?

I've been using in-ears before so i dont mind at all...i listen to almost everytype of music except country lol