Cheap but decent in-ear earbuds?

Apr 20, 2017 at 9:04 AM Thread Starter Post #1 of 8

headfip

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My earbuds broke completely yesterday (they were already quite broken, but I'm on a low budget).
 
I'm looking for something that would sound decent (I like neutral sound, like Beyerdynamics DT990 or T1 if I remember it correctly), obviously I know I can't achieve the quality with earbuds, but I need a portable solution that I could use in public places with noise and people around me.
 
Preferably I'd like to pay 10-20 euros tops - as I said, I'm on a very low budget.
 
Can you recommend me anything?
 
Apr 20, 2017 at 9:41 AM Post #2 of 8
 
I'm looking for something that would sound decent (I like neutral sound, like Beyerdynamics DT990 or T1 if I remember it correctly), 

Can you please clarify here? Do you want something that sounds like the DT990/T1 or you want a neutral sounding IEM. The DT990/T1 does not have a neutral tonality.
 
Apr 20, 2017 at 9:47 AM Post #3 of 8
 
Preferably I'd like to pay 10-20 euros tops - as I said, I'm on a very low budget.
 
Can you recommend me anything?

 
Anything that works well enough at that price range will likely cost as much for shipping from China. Then there's the question of whether you might be charged import taxes.
 
You might as well save up and get something from a mainstream brand more widely available, and from a local store. 
 
Apr 20, 2017 at 1:04 PM Post #4 of 8
  Can you please clarify here? Do you want something that sounds like the DT990/T1 or you want a neutral sounding IEM. The DT990/T1 does not have a neutral tonality.

Well, those were the ones I found to be sounding the most neutral. I do want something that sounds as neutral as possible. DT990 had a bit too harsh highs for my neutrality in my opinion, and was slightly too bass-y. Anyway, what I think I meant was that I am likely to dislike mainstream choices.
 
   
Anything that works well enough at that price range will likely cost as much for shipping from China. Then there's the question of whether you might be charged import taxes.
 
You might as well save up and get something from a mainstream brand more widely available, and from a local store. 

I'm from Germany, in case that matters for shipping and such.
 
I just don't want to buy something that I will hate how it sounds, so I'm looking for information before I look for anything.
 
Apr 20, 2017 at 1:21 PM Post #5 of 8
  Well, those were the ones I found to be sounding the most neutral. I do want something that sounds as neutral as possible. DT990 had a bit too harsh highs for my neutrality in my opinion, and was slightly too bass-y. Anyway, what I think I meant was that I am likely to dislike mainstream choices.

Well, I'm not too well versed in cheap IEM, but I have tried a couple of KZ models and some of them are quite good so I'd suggest maybe starting there? Try taking a look at this thread and see if anything there interests you.
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/805930/best-sub-100-chinese-brands-earphones-thread-hidden-gems-personal-favorite-best-deals-and-impressions-sharing-for-audiophile-on-budget-include-best-chinese-headphones-dap-section
 
Apr 20, 2017 at 2:01 PM Post #6 of 8
 
I'm from Germany, in case that matters for shipping and such.

 
It does. Like I explained, anything worth listening to for your max budget will cost nearly that much just to ship from China (or Russia, but Fischer doesn't make the more popular IEMs anymore). And then you have EU import fees.
 
 
I just don't want to buy something that I will hate how it sounds, so I'm looking for information before I look for anything.

 
That's another problem buying a low price Chinese brand, which is why I suggested you save up and buy local, ie, some brands might have demo units in some stores. Or at least order one from an internet dealer that can do the first shipping free and has decent return policies, so you just pay for return shipping in case you don't like it.
 
Apr 21, 2017 at 9:51 PM Post #8 of 8
I agree with @ProtegeManiac. Your best move is to save a bit and buy in-EU. Available on amazon.de right now are the SoundMAGIC E10C and the Beyerdynamic Byron, both for 49 euros and worth every penny. Both are really good. You should read about them and see what you think. You are better off spending your money on earphones, not shipping and duties and taxes.
 

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