[anothermiler]

Having purchased some Denon D1000's (and loving them) I am now looking to replace my old (very very old) EX51's that I bought way back before I had an inkling of good sound. They sounded better than the stock earbuds, which I though was all I needed. Enter Head-Fi....

Anyways, I am looking for a cheap pair of canalphones/IEM's that I can use when my Denon's would be incovenient/likely to get stolen or broken. SQ doesn't have to be great (obviously), but I want to keep them under $20. Durability would be a plus (the cord on the EX51's is degrading rapidly). Also,if possible a symmetrically cord would be nice - I prefer it to the over-the-neck style of the Sony's.

From searching the boards, I have come up with the JVC Marshmallow. Does anyone have any other recommendations? Thanks in advance.

 

[DKaz]

If youare going the cheap route then the FX33 are the way to go (Don't forget to do the mods!) They are only $8.98 at Amazon and they'll ship for free if your total order is over $25.

JVC FX33

 

[gtp]

JVC FX33 Marshmallow!

 

[doubletaps]

Another vote for the JVC Marshmallow.

You can even get them for under $10 at some places if i remember correctly.

 

[HeadphoneAddict]

I have FX33 Marshmallow and FX66 Aircusion - the FX66 are much cleaner sounding, and more accurate, for under $30. The Marshmallows still beat the Sony's and I got some off eBay for like $13 shipped, but the FX66 is an upgrade to my ears. I did find the mids a little recessed, and the piano EQ on iPod really makes them sing.

Here are my FX66 impressions over a 24 hour burn-in period:
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f4/jvc...2/#post3322208

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f4/jvc...ml#post3322389

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f4/jvc...ml#post3325840

 

[anothermiler]

Thanks a lot for the review. The FX66 looks like it is a winner.

 

[jgonino]

Yup! fx66 is a great litle iem.

 

[SactoMan101]

I'd recommend the HA-FX66 series myself, too. They have pretty good sound quality, though I'd recommend rolling off the treble a bit (if your portable media player can do this) because the "sibilant" sound can be a bit annoying.

 

[anothermiler]

How much of a roll off would you recommend? 2-3 dB?