[1audioz]

Hi everyone, this is my first post ever in Head-Fi *waves* - and I would just like to ask around what some recommended earphones are. And to add something else - I'm not used to hearing mid-range sound -> what does it normally refer to? Highs I can probably relate to voices and lows to the bass.

I hail the Australian website Headphonic | Australian Headphone Specialists: Buy Etymotic, Alessandro, Audio Technica, Ultimate Ears, Talisman, Meier Audio and more where I could possibly get a desired pair from.

But having no real-world experience of buying 'good' earphones - I'd just thought I'd ask. The only pair of earphones I've ever bought were the Creative EP-630 and Sennheiser Street MX50 which turned out to be awesome - but now find that the highs are lacking and the bass is very muddy to my liking. As for the Sennheiser, I don't really know how to describe the sound of it - as it just sounds better than iPod buds.

At the moment, I am eyeing a pair of Audio-Technica ATH-CM700 or the Titanium variant. As for headphones, I wear square-framed glasses with thick steel earpieces - so wearing headphones isn't exactly my thing.

Is it possible that an Asian trader at a computer swap-meet could be selling the CM700 for $35? - I was highly suspicious yesterday afternoon when I was eyeing one pair on sale. I did take the box apart and look at the contents - had user manual in English and other languages and didn't look at all cheap. I didn't have my iPod with me so I wasn't able to test them. I know Audio-Technica is Japanese, but the box said it was Made in China? Is this meant to be or shows its fake?

I eventually went around and found some other sellers trying to sell me Audio-Technica CK-7's (I think) and I tested it with their iPod Nano 3Gen. Immediately, I heard distortion in both the high and low ends and said how could they be...eventually they admitted that they were selling fakes - which brings me back to the CM700 bargain - whether that could be fake or not. Also tried some other Audio-Technicas (can't remember what model number, but have thin ear hook things with earbuds) - which were encased in an aluminium box with a sticker saying that had been made in Korea?!?

Apart from that, I'm also thinking of purchasing the dirt cheap FiiO Headphone amplifier - that is if I'd really need one. Do I?

Yuin PK1's also look very attractive and from my reference website only cost $189 compared to the CM700ti's staggering $239. (prices in Australian Dollar)

My friend owns Sennheiser's PX100 and PX200 portables and another owns the 'famed' Koss KSC-75. The Koss did sound very nice though - much nicer than my own MDR-ED136's but my trebles were clearer.

Ok, I'll stop talking and let the community speak.

- 1audioz -

 

[ClieOS]

CM700 for $35? It should be fake. Real CM700ti can easily be sold over $100 even in 2nd hand. Although I don't know where CM700 is produced, many (if not most) of AT's headphones are produced in China these days, therefore that along won't tell you whether it is fake or not. Some AT are also produced in Korea by an OEM, for example: CM5.

If you even get a PK1, don't save your money on the amp. FiiO might be cheap, it won't have enough power nor quality to reveal PK1's potential.

 

[hotheadedjonny]

I would highly recommend buying a pair of PX100s, they sound awesome and sound great. But then again, as you said, wearing headphones are not your thing. In that case, buy some Ultimate Ears =P

 

[IZCool]

I haven't bought many different headphones/earphones, but when I bought my Shure E5 about 4 years ago, I imported them from an online store in the USA - worked out MUCH cheaper than anywhere in Australia. Of course, returns would have been very difficult if I didn't like them, so research (including reading these forums) is the key to finding the right pair for you.

I personally wouldn't trust anything at those computer swap meets - the one operating in Melbourne was shut down temporarily a few months ago for selling counterfeit software.

If you're in Melbourne, there are a few specialist hi-fi stores that stock some earphones, but you might be paying quite a bit more than online prices, especially from the US with the exchange rates as they are right now.