[SuperGrover88]

Hallo again mob,

As mentioned a few articles down, I've had my heart set on a pair of Etymotic ER-4P for the last week or so, but the problem is I only really use headphones when I'm waddling around with a portable MP3 player. It's been suggested - as I suspected, that MP3s would not really do any justice to a pair of Etys, and that the increased clarity over my current SR60's would, if anything, just highlight the imperfections in the files. So....

Anyone got a suggestion for sub-$300 phones to use with a Treo15 portable MP3 player? Ideally I'd like to run them without an amp, but if a cheap Airhead or something is needed then so be it. I'm guessing that, considering it's MP3 output, I'll be best off with a set that has more warmth than detail (which is fine by me; my usual preference with audio gear, anyway), but I'm still stuck for suggestions. My SR60's have been great, but I really would like to get something a bit higher up the scale, should there be any benefit in doing so with mere lousy MP3 output. So, any suggestions for a pair of phones that would suit a bass-lovin', warmth-preferring MP3 user?
Thanks in advance,
John Bayne

 

[00940]

If you don't have mp3s encoded at more than 128kps, don't waste your money and go for the porta pro.

If you have better encoded one, get an airhead or a Cmoy and a pair of good closed headphones, it will still cost you far less than the Etys.

 

[geraco]

I use both (I switch off from week to week) the Koss PortaPro and Sony Eggo D66SL. Do a search for both models because a great deal has already been said about them, so I won't bore you with my comments.

Price wise, the PortaPros cost me $25.00 (after a %50 discount) and the Eggos were $89.00 (new on e-Bay). S/H extra, of course.

Oh yes, I use them unamped with my Yepp YP-700H (Samsung)dedicated mp3 player.

Later.

Oh yes, the PortaPros are far more forgiving of low bitrate artifacts as 00940 suggested.

 

[Wilson]

I use MP3 player only when I am on the move, go running
or workout in the gym. The physical size is important to me so
I chose a Muvo which gives very good sound. It does not
make sense to have a large headphone. I tried SR-60 on it and
the sound is very good for the setup, but it is not suitable for
running and it is too big. I am using the Muvo with SportaPro
for running, and sometimes KSC-35/50 for stair-machines and
other workout, when I can be less critical sonically. The sound
is good enough, an enjoyable experience.