[vikkyboy]

Hi Head-fiers...Im very new to this forum and need some buying advice...
 
Actually Im confused on two models Shure SE215, Sony XBA-3. I had Denon AHC560R also in my preference but read a lot of bad things about Denon's build not being so good and that the wires break so easily...so that was ruled out...
 
Going with the other two...I understand one is a Dynamic driver and other is a Balanced Armature one...but somehow I am stuck to these now...I am sure I will be hearing my music on one of these very soon.
 
I had a Klipsch S4A II and I liked it a lot. But the left bud will not produce any sound anymore. Trying to get it replaced but I need a good pair ASAP.
 
I am from India and the SE215s are available in a couple of online stores and XBAs, I assume, will be available in the brick and mortar stores...Based on what I checked, here in India, SE215s are slightly more pricey than XBA-3s...
 
Now let me put in my requirements...
 
 - I hear a lot of Indian film music (goes across all genres - classical, blues, jazz, electronic, pop, rock...practically everything)
 - My primary source is my Galaxy Nexus and Iphone 3GS (mostly mp3s from 192 to 320 kbps)
 - I hear music on the go with my helmets on and also while on bed - Not sure how XBA-3s will really work out on this aspect as I think they will stick out of my ears.
 - I like a more balanced sound (i.e. I love Bass, Mids and Treble equally)
 - Build quality is very important as I take it with me wherever I go (motorcycle, walking, jogging, trains, buses, bed)
 - Overall comfort is very important but I can do with a slightly lesser isolation also. I prefer less sound to be leaked out though.
 - Instrument separation, wider sound stage, reasonable amount of detail are all in my wishlist.
 - I am new to BAs and I am not sure how my ears will accept them - Guys who hear both can suggest
 
I did a some research on XBA-3s initially but somehow I forgot them (maybe I thought they were pricey). I almost finalized on the SE215s (didnt mind the price as I liked the design and reviews) after a lot of research. I had read the entire 70 odd pages of Shure SE15 impressions and now a bit skeptical about the cable issue many were facing. So I started a second round of research and bumped into the XBAs again. Im ready to buy even SE215SPE if the build quality (read cable issues) is better in those.

Any quick response will be really appreciated!!! Thanks a lot Head-fiers

 

[phantom1]

Oh I know. A ploy by Amazon to get you to spend more money....and it's working -_-. These 600's are already an impulse buy, been trying to stop myself for weeks from getting a new toy. Saw that the 600vi were 10 dollars more at $70, but oh well, more money left in my wallet. 

 

[cobhc2013]

Re400 for Metal? Good? I like what I've heard of them being pretty flat, if they're accurate enough to mix on them too, that'd be awesome.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

 

[Exci]

Quote:

Oh I know. A ploy by Amazon to get you to spend more money....and it's working -_-. These 600's are already an impulse buy, been trying to stop myself for weeks from getting a new toy. Saw that the 600vi were 10 dollars more at $70, but oh well, more money left in my wallet. 

Saw your post too late, but good to see you didn't get the RE0; I know you said that you don't want boomy bass, but there is a difference between "no boomy bass" and "cold & anemic". Don't get me wrong, The RE0 does many things amazingly well, but bass quantity really isn't one of them..

 

[diadara]

Need some advice on buying.I mostly listen to classic rock,blues,some jazz, occasional pop song (adele or something similar),I am more interested in vocal clarity and sound stage than bass.I am looking for cans in the rs 5000 to 7000($100 -$150) range.I have considered buying ATH ad700,ad500, seinheise hd449,sony zx700s, There are no local shops so availability is a big factor.Also I don't own any amps or dacs.I might get a dac in the near future.I am open for something else if it's available at a reasonable price in india .

 

[RadTang]

Quote:

 
RedTang, first I just want to say that I have not heard ANY of the models I am about to suggest.  So, please do NOT take this as a recommendation... more of a suggestion as two ones you should do more research on, okay? 

 
If I were to choose blindly from the ones on that site, based on impressions from my fellow Head-Fiers, I would choose the following (in this order):  (a) SoundMagic PL50; (b) Denon AH-C260; (c) Brainwavz Beta.
 
I hope that helps. 

  kimvictor, you got anything picked from that site?

 
Thanks! But these SoundMagic PL50 costs much more than my budget (slightly more than 2x of it around 60$ - 200 PLN)) You've probably meant the Sonorus PL50 which could be a counterfeit of it or so. Those Denons I've planned from the start (the cool-looking silver edition with japanese text on the box) and Brainwavz Beta with Comply tips are on my list (89 PLN, nearly 30$).
 
My whole list (maybe it will be helpful for You)
All prices in $ (assuming that 1 $ = 3 PLN, which is more-or-less same as in reality)
 
All available (currently) on Allegro IEMs: http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=pl&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=pl&ie=UTF-8&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fallegro.pl%2Fsluchawki-dokanalowe-66889%3Forder%3Dd%26string%3D%26price_to%3D100%26price_enabled%3D1%26buyNew%3D1%26offerTypeBuyNow%3D1 (I've set the type to In-Ears, price from 20 to 100 PLN (~6-33 $), only new). Hope that this link would work for You. 10 pages, on first one there are some promoted offers (Like Creative EP-630 for 2-3$ - surely a counterfeits).
 
From polish Allegro (site similar to Ebay)
Less than 50 PLN (~16-17$)
Philips SHE-8000 - 6-7 $
Philips - SHE-3500BL - 7 $
SONY MDR-EX10 LP - ~7$
SoundMAGIC ES10 - ~7$
KOSS KEB 24 - ~13$
Ministry Of Sound Exspect EX078-SB - 15$
JLab JBuds - ~16$

50-75 PLN (17-25$)
MEElectronics MEE M2 - 18$
MEElectronics MEE RX12 - 18$
KOSS The Plug - ~20$
Philips SHE-8500 - ~20$
Koss Pathfinder - ~21$
Cresyn AXE C415E - 23$
Soundmagic PL12 - 23$
MEElectronics MEE RX11 - 23$
Soundmagic PL11 - 23$

75 PLN - 100 PLN (25-33$)
MEElectronics MEE M16 - ~26$
Sennheiser CX300 - ~26$
Sennheiser CX150 - ~29$
Brainwavz Beta Comply - 30$
AKG K321 - 30$
Superlux HD386 - 30$
JBL Roxy 250 In-Ear - ~33$
NuForce NE-600x - 33$
Soundmagic PL21 - 33$
Audio-Technica ATH-CKF303 - 33$

From various shops:
JLab JBuds J2 - ~26$
MEElectronics M9 - 30$
Audiomagic Titicaca - 33$
Cresyn C260E - ~13$
Cresyn LMX-E630DL - 15$
SoundMagic PL20 - ~26$
Jays a-Jays One - 33$
Cresyn C520E - 33$
 
And as for music that I like, maybe it will be helpful if I post links to Youtube with tracks / albums. Because people think that electronic music is just techno / trance / dubstep / drum & bass.
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBGJEDx13Kc (Tangerine Dream, Phaedra, 1974)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOVtxExHCPM (Tangerine Dream, Ricochet, 1975)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnvd6-EBiVs (Tangerine Dream, Stratosfear, 1976)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hie8kXocnbg (Tangerine Dream, Logos Live, 1982)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LOZbdsuWSg (Tangerine Dream, Hyperborea, 1983)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PveVrCzvXA (Tangerine Dream, Lily On The Beach - single track 1990, re-recorded version from 2002)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pt1qIM1vjVQ (Tangerine Dream, Melrose, 1990 - single track)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyY7chUsArU (Tangerine Dream, Rockoon, 1992)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9dE2Q3hPXM (Tangerine Dream, Comet's Figure Head, 1999 - single track)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DesVKXp0o1c (Tangerine Dream, Rubycon 2010, a re-recording of extract of 1975 classic)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykNxgmIzndo (Tangerine Dream, Calymba Caly (Figaro's Fine Cut), a 2012 re-recording of a tune played live during 1980-1981 shows)
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7CEZgAe7_o (Klaus Schulze, Cyborg, 1972, with 2007 bonus tracks)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SytVmRc67T8 (Klaus Schulze, Moondawn, 1976, with 2005 bonus track)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQyA43lzIMk (Klaus Schulze, Dig It, 1980)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jh6oiAKK2fA (Klaus Schulze, Brave Old Sequence, 1991 - single track)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_81-3w8akYs (Klaus Schulze, Kontinuum, 2007)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-8g8hKJEwQ (Klaus Schulze, Shadowlands CD 1 (the regular album edition), 2013)
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppUJheV6xhQ (Radio Massacre International, A Bridge Too Far (Live), 1997)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tFUffnifZE (Radio Massacre International, Fast Forward, 2007)
 
Maybe it will be helpful. Some of tracks / albums form my favourite artists. A lot of listening.

 

[RadTang]

Sorry for doble post. I'm interested in SoundMagic. My friend have a PL11 and I think also about P21. Both models are in my budget, though my parents would buy the cheaper PL11. Would they (both models) be good for electronic music?

 

[Extreme1Bass]

edit

 

[vikkyboy]

Quote:

Hi Head-fiers...Im very new to this forum and need some buying advice...
 
Actually Im confused on two models Shure SE215, Sony XBA-3. I had Denon AHC560R also in my preference but read a lot of bad things about Denon's build not being so good and that the wires break so easily...so that was ruled out...
 
Going with the other two...I understand one is a Dynamic driver and other is a Balanced Armature one...but somehow I am stuck to these now...I am sure I will be hearing my music on one of these very soon.
 
I had a Klipsch S4A II and I liked it a lot. But the left bud will not produce any sound anymore. Trying to get it replaced but I need a good pair ASAP.
 
I am from India and the SE215s are available in a couple of online stores and XBAs, I assume, will be available in the brick and mortar stores...Based on what I checked, here in India, SE215s are slightly more pricey than XBA-3s...
 
Now let me put in my requirements...
 
 - I hear a lot of Indian film music (goes across all genres - classical, blues, jazz, electronic, pop, rock...practically everything)
 - My primary source is my Galaxy Nexus and Iphone 3GS (mostly mp3s from 192 to 320 kbps)
 - I hear music on the go with my helmets on and also while on bed - Not sure how XBA-3s will really work out on this aspect as I think they will stick out of my ears.
 - I like a more balanced sound (i.e. I love Bass, Mids and Treble equally)
 - Build quality is very important as I take it with me wherever I go (motorcycle, walking, jogging, trains, buses, bed)
 - Overall comfort is very important but I can do with a slightly lesser isolation also. I prefer less sound to be leaked out though.
 - Instrument separation, wider sound stage, reasonable amount of detail are all in my wishlist.
 - I am new to BAs and I am not sure how my ears will accept them - Guys who hear both can suggest
 
I did a some research on XBA-3s initially but somehow I forgot them (maybe I thought they were pricey). I almost finalized on the SE215s (didnt mind the price as I liked the design and reviews) after a lot of research. I had read the entire 70 odd pages of Shure SE15 impressions and now a bit skeptical about the cable issue many were facing. So I started a second round of research and bumped into the XBAs again. Im ready to buy even SE215SPE if the build quality (read cable issues) is better in those.

Any quick response will be really appreciated!!! Thanks a lot Head-fiers

 
BUMP!!!

 

[kimvictor]

Quote:

 
BUMP!!!

Sorry for late reply. I've been sleeping. For blues and jazz, SE215 is the best option. Although it lacks slightly in treble, it's balanced overall, and doesn't stick out of your ears. About the cable: cables aren't that bad as long as you clean that once a month or so. Overall, I say it's SE215 or Sony XBA3.
Quote:

Need some advice on buying.I mostly listen to classic rock,blues,some jazz, occasional pop song (adele or something similar),I am more interested in vocal clarity and sound stage than bass.I am looking for cans in the rs 5000 to 7000($100 -$150) range.I have considered buying ATH ad700,ad500, seinheise hd449,sony zx700s, There are no local shops so availability is a big factor.Also I don't own any amps or dacs.I might get a dac in the near future.I am open for something else if it's available at a reasonable price in india .

Wrong thread. You might want to go to full size headphone recommendation tread. I don't know too much about full size hps. Sorry.
Quote:

Re400 for Metal? Good? I like what I've heard of them being pretty flat, if they're accurate enough to mix on them too, that'd be awesome.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

They are flat, or slightly cold. They should be fine with metal. However, you might want to consider a full size hp for mixing. IEMs don't cut it imo.

 

[kimvictor]

Quote:

Sorry for doble post. I'm interested in SoundMagic. My friend have a PL11 and I think also about P21. Both models are in my budget, though my parents would buy the cheaper PL11. Would they (both models) be good for electronic music?

I read the PL11 distorts badly, so I would stay away from them, especially if you listen to music loudly. 

 

[kimvictor]

Quote:

 
Thanks! But these SoundMagic PL50 costs much more than my budget (slightly more than 2x of it around 60$ - 200 PLN)) You've probably meant the Sonorus PL50 which could be a counterfeit of it or so. Those Denons I've planned from the start (the cool-looking silver edition with japanese text on the box) and Brainwavz Beta with Comply tips are on my list (89 PLN, nearly 30$).
 
My whole list (maybe it will be helpful for You)
All prices in $ (assuming that 1 $ = 3 PLN, which is more-or-less same as in reality)
 
All available (currently) on Allegro IEMs: http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=pl&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=pl&ie=UTF-8&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fallegro.pl%2Fsluchawki-dokanalowe-66889%3Forder%3Dd%26string%3D%26price_to%3D100%26price_enabled%3D1%26buyNew%3D1%26offerTypeBuyNow%3D1 (I've set the type to In-Ears, price from 20 to 100 PLN (~6-33 $), only new). Hope that this link would work for You. 10 pages, on first one there are some promoted offers (Like Creative EP-630 for 2-3$ - surely a counterfeits).
 
From polish Allegro (site similar to Ebay)
Less than 50 PLN (~16-17$)
Philips SHE-8000 - 6-7 $
Philips - SHE-3500BL - 7 $
SONY MDR-EX10 LP - ~7$
SoundMAGIC ES10 - ~7$
KOSS KEB 24 - ~13$
Ministry Of Sound Exspect EX078-SB - 15$
JLab JBuds - ~16$

50-75 PLN (17-25$)
MEElectronics MEE M2 - 18$
MEElectronics MEE RX12 - 18$
KOSS The Plug - ~20$
Philips SHE-8500 - ~20$
Koss Pathfinder - ~21$
Cresyn AXE C415E - 23$
Soundmagic PL12 - 23$
MEElectronics MEE RX11 - 23$
Soundmagic PL11 - 23$

75 PLN - 100 PLN (25-33$)
MEElectronics MEE M16 - ~26$
Sennheiser CX300 - ~26$
Sennheiser CX150 - ~29$
Brainwavz Beta Comply - 30$
AKG K321 - 30$
Superlux HD386 - 30$
JBL Roxy 250 In-Ear - ~33$
NuForce NE-600x - 33$
Soundmagic PL21 - 33$
Audio-Technica ATH-CKF303 - 33$

From various shops:
JLab JBuds J2 - ~26$
MEElectronics M9 - 30$
Audiomagic Titicaca - 33$
Cresyn C260E - ~13$
Cresyn LMX-E630DL - 15$
SoundMagic PL20 - ~26$
Jays a-Jays One - 33$
Cresyn C520E - 33$
 
And as for music that I like, maybe it will be helpful if I post links to Youtube with tracks / albums. Because people think that electronic music is just techno / trance / dubstep / drum & bass.
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBGJEDx13Kc (Tangerine Dream, Phaedra, 1974)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOVtxExHCPM (Tangerine Dream, Ricochet, 1975)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnvd6-EBiVs (Tangerine Dream, Stratosfear, 1976)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hie8kXocnbg (Tangerine Dream, Logos Live, 1982)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LOZbdsuWSg (Tangerine Dream, Hyperborea, 1983)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PveVrCzvXA (Tangerine Dream, Lily On The Beach - single track 1990, re-recorded version from 2002)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pt1qIM1vjVQ (Tangerine Dream, Melrose, 1990 - single track)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyY7chUsArU (Tangerine Dream, Rockoon, 1992)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9dE2Q3hPXM (Tangerine Dream, Comet's Figure Head, 1999 - single track)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DesVKXp0o1c (Tangerine Dream, Rubycon 2010, a re-recording of extract of 1975 classic)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykNxgmIzndo (Tangerine Dream, Calymba Caly (Figaro's Fine Cut), a 2012 re-recording of a tune played live during 1980-1981 shows)
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7CEZgAe7_o (Klaus Schulze, Cyborg, 1972, with 2007 bonus tracks)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SytVmRc67T8 (Klaus Schulze, Moondawn, 1976, with 2005 bonus track)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQyA43lzIMk (Klaus Schulze, Dig It, 1980)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jh6oiAKK2fA (Klaus Schulze, Brave Old Sequence, 1991 - single track)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_81-3w8akYs (Klaus Schulze, Kontinuum, 2007)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-8g8hKJEwQ (Klaus Schulze, Shadowlands CD 1 (the regular album edition), 2013)
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppUJheV6xhQ (Radio Massacre International, A Bridge Too Far (Live), 1997)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tFUffnifZE (Radio Massacre International, Fast Forward, 2007)
 
Maybe it will be helpful. Some of tracks / albums form my favourite artists. A lot of listening.

I recommend a monoprice iem. I can't remember the model name, but it is very popular on head-fi for being a great budget iem.

 

[vikkyboy]

Quote:

Sorry for late reply. I've been sleeping. For blues and jazz, SE215 is the best option. Although it lacks slightly in treble, it's balanced overall, and doesn't stick out of your ears. About the cable: cables aren't that bad as long as you clean that once a month or so. Overall, I say it's SE215 or Sony XBA3.
Wrong thread. You might want to go to full size headphone recommendation tread. I don't know too much about full size hps. Sorry.
They are flat, or slightly cold. They should be fine with metal. However, you might want to consider a full size hp for mixing. IEMs don't cut it imo.

 
Thanks Kim...I was always inclined towards SE215...Im thinking of getting the Special Edition, the Blue ones with grey cables..looks like the cables are shorter in them and Im pretty sure tht will help with the microphonics and tangles...just dropped into a Sony store here and they said XBA-3 is discontinued here in India...not sure how true that was though...I might order those Blue beauties tonight itself

 

[RadTang]

Quote:

I recommend a monoprice iem. I can't remember the model name, but it is very popular on head-fi for being a great budget iem.

 
Thanks for suggestion but monoprices aren't available in Poland
 
Someone wrote that PL11 distorts on loud volumes. On rockbox I rarely use (if ever?) more than -10 or -8 dB. Usually I try to listen at -20 to -16 dB.
And unfortunately, the Soundmagic packaging was changed and the richness of tips were lost.

 

[kimvictor]

Quote:

 
Thanks Kim...I was always inclined towards SE215...Im thinking of getting the Special Edition, the Blue ones with grey cables..looks like the cables are shorter in them and Im pretty sure tht will help with the microphonics and tangles...just dropped into a Sony store here and they said XBA-3 is discontinued here in India...not sure how true that was though...I might order those Blue beauties tonight itself

Special editions are bassy. Be aware. But if you like bass, go with the special edition.