ounwx
Head-Fier
- Joined
- Oct 18, 2010
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Just received my first 2 pairs of "cheapo buds" from Amazon courtesy of reading this thread. Initial impressions are not what I expected; a good reminder that trying the cheapest or most readily available options first is always warranted before investing in something that's harder or costlier to get your hands on!
Sennheiser MX365 - I've been using these for years, so this is my reference point. They've always been acceptable/good for me, without knowing any better. After comparison with the below, I find these are relatively *more* balanced on EQ (stronger mids) and have a reasonably forward/flat soundstage, which is something I actually prefer. However, they've been described as muddy in multiple HF posts, and I kind of see why now. Still, if these were still available for $10-15, I might just stock up on more of these and turn away from this rabbit hole!
Edifier H180 - these were widely described as among the most balanced options of the bunch, likely to be at least acceptable for everyone, with perhaps some tendency toward a V-shape EQ. To me, they clearly have a wider soundstage (reminiscent of Senn HD cans I've tried) than the other two. Being that I mainly listen to heavy rock, I don't love this characteristic. Still, they sound good... although the V-shape might be a bit much, and the highs become slightly fatiguing at high volume (even as someone who prefers Klipsch speakers).
FAAEAL Datura X - with a much more polarizing reputation, I figured I'd have a strong reaction here. They're probably my least favorite of the 3, but only by a little. One thing I noticed is they sound awesome at low volume, when you're not expecting any bass to begin with. High-mids and treble are simply glorious up until you reach high volumes. But man, bass is nonexistent, no matter the volume. I'm not a basshead, but I still don't know that I can abide this! I think these will work great in my office, where I usually need to keep volume low... they also leak less than the others due to the metal design.
So I come away from dipping my toes in the water more conflicted than I expected. Based on some of the talk here, I expected just about anything new would best the old MX365... but neither of these did convincingly, to my ear. Instead, it's a matter of many tradeoffs between the 3. I frequently listen at volumes above what I probably should, and I actually have to give the edge to the Senns in holding up best when pushed like that.
I'm planning on putting in an order for several of the favorites (EMX500, RY4S, etc.) at AliExpress... but considering the 3-4 week ship time, I'd like to give Amazon at least one more shot to put something on my doorstep in 2 days that will convince me no further searching is warranted. The only other options are the FAAEAL Iris 1.0 and 2.0, and the Snow-Lotus 1.0, 1.0+, and 2.0. If anyone has tried more than one of that group, any thoughts on which is the most balanced overall? The biggest thing I learned today is that "too bright" actually is a point even I can reach, but I still don't think I'd enjoy something that's super dark or rolled off. If I had to describe what I'm after, it would be something like a cleaner MX365 or a Datura X with more bass and low-mids. Balanced, clear, forward, fast, flat soundtage.
Sennheiser MX365 - I've been using these for years, so this is my reference point. They've always been acceptable/good for me, without knowing any better. After comparison with the below, I find these are relatively *more* balanced on EQ (stronger mids) and have a reasonably forward/flat soundstage, which is something I actually prefer. However, they've been described as muddy in multiple HF posts, and I kind of see why now. Still, if these were still available for $10-15, I might just stock up on more of these and turn away from this rabbit hole!
Edifier H180 - these were widely described as among the most balanced options of the bunch, likely to be at least acceptable for everyone, with perhaps some tendency toward a V-shape EQ. To me, they clearly have a wider soundstage (reminiscent of Senn HD cans I've tried) than the other two. Being that I mainly listen to heavy rock, I don't love this characteristic. Still, they sound good... although the V-shape might be a bit much, and the highs become slightly fatiguing at high volume (even as someone who prefers Klipsch speakers).
FAAEAL Datura X - with a much more polarizing reputation, I figured I'd have a strong reaction here. They're probably my least favorite of the 3, but only by a little. One thing I noticed is they sound awesome at low volume, when you're not expecting any bass to begin with. High-mids and treble are simply glorious up until you reach high volumes. But man, bass is nonexistent, no matter the volume. I'm not a basshead, but I still don't know that I can abide this! I think these will work great in my office, where I usually need to keep volume low... they also leak less than the others due to the metal design.
So I come away from dipping my toes in the water more conflicted than I expected. Based on some of the talk here, I expected just about anything new would best the old MX365... but neither of these did convincingly, to my ear. Instead, it's a matter of many tradeoffs between the 3. I frequently listen at volumes above what I probably should, and I actually have to give the edge to the Senns in holding up best when pushed like that.
I'm planning on putting in an order for several of the favorites (EMX500, RY4S, etc.) at AliExpress... but considering the 3-4 week ship time, I'd like to give Amazon at least one more shot to put something on my doorstep in 2 days that will convince me no further searching is warranted. The only other options are the FAAEAL Iris 1.0 and 2.0, and the Snow-Lotus 1.0, 1.0+, and 2.0. If anyone has tried more than one of that group, any thoughts on which is the most balanced overall? The biggest thing I learned today is that "too bright" actually is a point even I can reach, but I still don't think I'd enjoy something that's super dark or rolled off. If I had to describe what I'm after, it would be something like a cleaner MX365 or a Datura X with more bass and low-mids. Balanced, clear, forward, fast, flat soundtage.
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