[bk2006]

Looking for some cheap (preferably under $50) IEMs or earbuds to use while exercising, and only for while exercising. I currently use CX300s but once they get a little sweaty they do not seal well for me. I am looking at in no particular order:

Sennheiser OMX 80
Sennheiser MX85
SoundMagic PL-30
Lenntek Sonix

The main qualities I am looking for is:

1. fit and staying put while moving
2. microphonics
3. sound quality

I also don't run in traffic so isolation, or lack of is not that important to me. Are there any other buds/IEMs out there that would be better suited for what I am doing?

Thanks

 

[ljokerl]

PL30 would be (and are) my choice. The (old version) Sonix might have a bit too much microphonics. Not sure about the new version though. I would maybe also look at the Meelec Ai-M6 from overstock (clear or black ones with the new cabling) and the Yuin PK3s if buds fit you. Buds probably wouldn't be affected by sweat as much.

 

[mhdena]

I got a set of the Lenntek Sonic Micro from Costco for $20, thy ssound pretty good and the cord doesn't tangle.

This was my 1st pair (new ipod) of IEM and I'm now thinking about the Lenntek pro and the Creative Zen Aurvana both $50 at Costco.

I've tried to find reviews here for both, so far not much though Gizmodo ranked the Creative Zen Aurvana right below the Shure SE110. (in the $100 to $140 category)

opinions here seem split 50-50 for and against


I have not seen much of anything about the Lenntek pro series, though with Costco's easy return policy I may demo both.

 

[ljokerl]

I remember a few Head-Fiers auditioning those Aurvana IEMs when they first came out. The impressions they posted pretty much killed the Aurvana IEMs on this forum, so I would stay away. The lenntek Pro is something I want to try as well. I have read that they lack bass and that's about it.

 

[mhdena]

Thats what I meant by mixed reviews here, which seems odd as they were well received at Gizmodo

Ultimate Cut-The-Crap In-Ear Headphone Battlemodo - Earphones - Gizmodo

 

[bk2006]

Thanks for the suggestions. Is there anything different with the red M6s? I don't see the clear or black ones on overstock. I'll add the PK3s, Ai-M6s, and the Lenntek pros to my list

 

[ljokerl]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bk2006 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thanks for the suggestions. Is there anything different with the red M6s? I don't see the clear or black ones on overstock. I'll add the PK3s, Ai-M6s, and the Lenntek pros to my list

It was reported that the red ones from Overstock are still the old version with the much weaker cable. I'm not sure about the Lenntek Pros as noone around here has ever tried them, so I'd hold off on that.

 

[So_Sweet]

I personally use the se210's! They stay in your ears because you run them over it.

 

[basiltahan]

I run daily with my CX300's and LOVE them. (I also have the SE530's for more gentle use) I live in Scotland and run in the rain as well. Have you tried differnt sized tips? Maybe a bigger tip would do the trick for you.

Just a suggetion as these are my favorite HP for jogging and I was suprised to see this thread.

 

[mark2410]

not that ive heard them but how about the CX380?

that should be exactly what you are looking for

 

[mogeansai]

Pl30 does me fine, no microphonics, stays in grand, and the SQ is top notch for the price.

 

[OHPC]

I see you are looking for IEMs, but I have the same problem with sweat - they get slippery after a while, and - let's be frank - pretty disgusting after some time.
If you really are after a earphone/IEM, I suggest trying the JVC marshmallow, or better yet - FX66 (air cushion). I bought these for running/jogging and they have a pretty good seal and stay very firm inside my ears, although I didn't try exercising with them yet.
Don't you like behind-the-neck headphones? They will stay put, no matter rain or sweat.

Sennheiser has the PMX80 (behind-the-neck), which I am considering right now. And the Sporta Pro - but the foams might be a problem when sweating.
Just my suggestions.

 

[jp_zer0]

Quote:

Originally Posted by OHPC /img/forum/go_quote.gif I see you are looking for IEMs, but I have the same problem with sweat - they get slippery after a while, and - let's be frank - pretty disgusting after some time. Don't you like behind-the-neck headphones? They will stay put, no matter rain or sweat.

You just made realize that I haven't exercised in at least a year.

That's when I started using IEMs seriously and I don't know how it feels like to sweat in them.

 

[BLOX]

PL30 is great for its price.

 

[bk2006]

Quote:

Originally Posted by So_Sweet /img/forum/go_quote.gif I personally use the se210's! They stay in your ears because you run them over it.

Will take into consideration, little more than I wanted to spend, cheapest I saw was $80

Quote:

Originally Posted by basiltahan /img/forum/go_quote.gif I run daily with my CX300's and LOVE them. (I also have the SE530's for more gentle use) I live in Scotland and run in the rain as well. Have you tried differnt sized tips? Maybe a bigger tip would do the trick for you. Just a suggetion as these are my favorite HP for jogging and I was suprised to see this thread.

I played with a bunch of different tips, and got them to work great when I'm not moving a lot, but once I'm moving they just don't stay put. Plus I get a lot of microphonics with mine.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mark2410 /img/forum/go_quote.gif not that ive heard them but how about the CX380? that should be exactly what you are looking for

I thought I had them on my list, guess I forgot.

My fear is that they look similar to the CX300s and again will not fit well while moving, though being in their sport line maybe they did change it enough to work.

Quote:

Originally Posted by OHPC /img/forum/go_quote.gif I see you are looking for IEMs, but I have the same problem with sweat - they get slippery after a while, and - let's be frank - pretty disgusting after some time. If you really are after a earphone/IEM, I suggest trying the JVC marshmallow, or better yet - FX66 (air cushion). I bought these for running/jogging and they have a pretty good seal and stay very firm inside my ears, although I didn't try exercising with them yet. Don't you like behind-the-neck headphones? They will stay put, no matter rain or sweat. Sennheiser has the PMX80 (behind-the-neck), which I am considering right now. And the Sporta Pro - but the foams might be a problem when sweating. Just my suggestions.

That's why these are only for exercising and cheap, so I can replace them regularly. My worry with behind-the-neck headphones, is that I also listen to music at the gym and usually don't bother taking them off when I'm lifting, I worry about them getting in the way when I lay down on the bench. If they fit close enough I guess I don't have to worry about that.


Thanks all for your suggestions and advice. With everyone suggesting something different I'm no closer to a decision,

but I have a list to look at some more reviews.