ElChupaNibre
New Head-Fier
- Joined
- Jul 20, 2010
- Posts
- 11
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- 0
Hello all,
I've been using Shure's for the past four years: E2Cs > E3Cs > currently using SE210s. I've never had a major problem with the sound quality on those earphones, mainly because I've always used EQ on all my DAPs to compensate.
However, I've recently started to use Spotify on my iPhone 3GS, and since the EQ only works with the iPod app I've decided to turn it off. With the flat EQ setting the SE210s, to my ears (I'm no audiophile), sound closed and muddy. I've tried a pair of RE0s that my brother bought last year, and the difference in clarity is amazing. I was initially going to get the RE0s myself, but instead decided to do a bit of research and find similar-sounding IEMs with a warmer, slighty bassier sound than the RE0s.
After a lot of research I think I've whittled the choices down to three IEMs - the Hippo VBs, Jays Q-Jays and the new Phonak Audeo 012 Perfect Bass.
The Hippos VB seemed like the best option (and cheapest, too - around £50), until I read that the included tips are very poor - and apparently my preferred Shure tips (the grey soft tips) won't fit. The cable, at 130cm, also seems ridiculously long (one of my major bugbears with the E2Cs/E2Cs was the long, stiff and tangly cables) and someone here mentioned that they might uncomfortable to wear because of the tuning plates...
The Q-Jays look the best (design-wise), but are also the most expensive (at approx. £105). I've read complaints about the short (60cm) cable length, but I've got a 30cm Shure extension cable that I can use so it shouldn't be a problem, right? Again though, I've heard about problems with the included tips (not sure if the Shure tips will fit). Also, there is an issue about build quality, and that the size of the earphones might make them harder to get in and out.
Finally, the Phonak PFE 012s. £80 from Amazon, great clarity, apparently, and plenty of bass with the included bass filter. However, the shape looks a little odd - will it be comfortable to wear standard earphone-style (I hate wearing over the ear)? Also, I've read that the included filters need to be replaced every once in a while, and that the earphones are quieter than normal.
So, all three seem to have their pros and cons. I've also read about the new RE-ZEROs, which are like the RE0 but with a bit more bass and (apparently) better build quality. Would they be a better option?
To sum: I'm after a small pair of earphones that are comfortable and easy to wear, have good clarity (comparable to RE0) but with a warmer sound and slightly punchier bass (but not overbearingly so). I'd also like it to have a wide soundstage. I don't want to have to buy any accessories, so the included tips should be good or, if not, then it would be great if I could use my Shure tips. Not much then!
Apologies for the long post but any advice would be very much appreciated - despite doing lots of research (both with reviews and forum threads), I still can't work out which is the best option. Thanks.