[GSurge]

Hi, I got some Marshmallows recently and am interested in getting some 'real' canalphones. Maybe you can help me find the right balance of the things I want.

Here are the qualities I want/need in a pair.

1) Impact. I want some bass. No less than the mallows, preferably more.

2) Long cord. I'm not a portable guy, I want to be able to lean back in a chair or in bed and listen. I don't know how long canalphone cords yet, but the Marshmallow is extremely restrictive. I guess an extension cord would be acceptable if I have to do that.

3) Low-medium price. I don't really want to spend more than $125 on a pair, and definitely not more than $200 on something I will probably break.

4) Comfortable. More comfy than the mallows is good, less comfortable is iffy.


Thanks!

 

[rwest1389]

'Canalphones' don't generally go very expensive, are you meaning IEM's (which go deeper in your ear, generally with more isolation)? EP-630s are canalphones with a LOT of bass, you can really feel it. I would definitely say its tighter and more accurate than marshmallows, which I found very bloated. However these are cheap (round 30 bucks) so you don't get the great detail that you may be looking for in an upgrade. The most expensive canalphones I know of are cx300s (pretty much ep630s with less bass it is said), vibes (personally I prefered ep630s, especially for less than half the price), and JBL 220s (haven't heard them). I'm sure there are more, but Im not sure how expensive they get, I doubt there are many over 100. Also, no canalphones I've seen have had long cords, you extensions cords are most likely.
Hope this helps

 

[GSurge]

I thought the terms were interchangeable. Ah well.

Yes, by all means, IEMs then!

 

[rwest1389]

Well of the iems I've heard, none had great bass, but from what I've read you should look into SuperFi 5s. Seems like general consensus that those have plenty of bass. They also have EB versions, but I have read bassheads that thought it was too much...

 

[big-fi]

iM716
Mylarone X3's (jaben.net)

 

[glac1er]

Either a used Atrio M5 or the Mylarone X3s will suit your needs, except number 2. It's really hard to find earphones with long cord.

I personally think the X3 is a better value but if you want the best SQ you can get for that price, by all means go for the M5.

Also, skip the EP630, CX300, and the JBL220 since the X3s are not that much more expensive anyway.

 

[OverlordXenu]

Super.fi 3's or 5's? These were recommended to me a while ago if I wanted more bass.

 

[Pianist]

Quote:

Originally Posted by OverlordXenu /img/forum/go_quote.gif Super.fi 3's or 5's? These were recommended to me a while ago if I wanted more bass.

No, the UE Super.fi 3s are not bassy 'phones at all, but the 5s definitely are.

 

[rbui]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rwest1389 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Well of the iems I've heard, none had great bass, but from what I've read you should look into SuperFi 5s. Seems like general consensus that those have plenty of bass. They also have EB versions, but I have read bassheads that thought it was too much...

yes, yes, and yes. considering all the IEMs that aren't ridiculously expensive and more within your price range, the UE super.fi 5 pro's are the ones to get if you want punchy, defined bass. bassheads generally don't go for IEMs, but isolation is high on your list of must-haves, I would seriously consider the s.fi 5 pro's for great bass (relatively).
also, you should stay away form the EB versions, although they may have a lot more bass, it just doesn't sound as clear, and the lower frequencies can get a bit muddled. they are also significantly larger.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GSurge Here are the qualities I want/need in a pair...

1) having used these for almost a year, i have found these IEMs to be great for bass-heavy music.

2) as for the cord, they are 4 feet long, which isn't short by any means (some canalphones have 3 ft. cords, but include an extension cable).

3) these aren't really low-medium IEMs, as they run for around $170 retail ($250 msrp), but if you keep an eye out for them on head-fi, you can grab the 5 pros for $120 to $140.

4) lastly, YMMV as far as comfort goes. some people love the fit and feel, others don't. personally, i hate the traditional fit, using it the way that UE instructs you to (which also makes the ends stick wayy out). there's a modification that i first learned about on these forums that, in my opinion, make these earphones MUCH more comfortable, and give them a much lower profile as well.