[pineapples10]

I just picked up a Rio Karma and am looking to get some good (albeit moderately priced) In Ear Phones to use with it unamped. I am looking to spend less than $100 or so, so im not looking for anyting that will BLOW MY MIND. So far im considering the Shure E2C, Etymotic ER6 (provided I can find some for fairly cheap), SONY MDREX71SL. Im leaning towards the E2C's as those seem to be the best price/performance ratio ($64 from buy.com) Im open to suggestions, so if any of you have any thoughts they would be appreciated

 

[Legacy 163]

All those sound like good choices. I have the er-6i's and if you can find a deal in your price range (not too hard hopefully) I fully recommend them. Bass might be a little weak for some unamped, but it's there. Another suggestion might be the Sharp HP MD33S's for 39.99 + shipping at AudioCubes; upgradeitis is pretty big around here so those might be too far down the chain, but there are plenty of positive reviews rating them on level/near the er-6 and e2's etc.

 

[pineapples10]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Legacy 163 All those sound like good choices. I have the er-6i's and if you can find a deal in your price range (not too hard hopefully) I fully recommend them. Bass might be a little weak for some unamped, but it's there. Another suggestion might be the Sharp HP MD33S's for 39.99 + shipping at AudioCubes; upgradeitis is pretty big around here so those might be too far down the chain, but there are plenty of positive reviews rating them on level/near the er-6 and e2's etc.

I did some searching around here, and it seems to me that the general concensus is that the MD33's > E2C. The fact that they are also cheaper may make my decision that much easier

. Are the Er6i's better than the Er-6? What are the main differences?

 

[EdipisReks]

the ER6i have lower impedance and more bass than the ER6.

 

[kramer5150]

Im happy with my e2c + creative Muvo. Highs are recessed, I boost 16K by 3-4db and 4K by 2-3db and it works great.

I wanted max isolation so I chose the 2c over the md33.

Im listening to dreamtheater live @ budukan on my e2c as I type this. Love how they project Petruccis Mesa overdrive tones.. very non-fatigue-ing signature IMHO.

Garrett

 

[easypeasy]

How about Westone EM-1's, they're just sub $100 and have a very nice silver cable (better than the Etys).

 

[pineapples10]

Quote:

Originally Posted by easypeasy How about Westone EM-1's, they're just sub $100 and have a very nice silver cable (better than the Etys).

Anyone else have an opinion on these? Right now im actually leaning towards the Sharp MD33's as they are affordable and most say they offer comparable if not better sound than the E2C's.

 

[steel102]

Well since you have the karma, you can use the EQ to add some treble to the E2's. the added isolation will be nice.

 

[fr4c]

unless your looking for a good amount of isolation, i would go with the md33. give it a listen and do the judgement yourself, as people have different sound preferences. if you find the md33 unenjoyable, simply sell them here on Head-Fi as many people will probably be eager to buy them off you.

 

[endrun]

I tried the E2C's and found those uncomfortable (for me), settled on the E3C's, very comfortable and nice sound for my portable devise. Try searching on http://www.pricegrabber.com/ I saw the E3C's for 129.00 lowest price, Etymotic 6i for 133.00.

 

[miketriple]

e3cs and er6is are just a bit above your price range. imo, it's well worth saving up a bit more to get them. they can both be found for around $130 or so.

 

[JeffS]

I'm going to have to throw in another vote for the er-6i.
It is worth the wait if you can save up the extra cash. I use them
unamped on a Karma, and they sound fantastic.

-Jeff

 

[Mr Iriver]

A vote for the E3s. I found them superior to the 6is, and when equalized , superior to even ER4. Both etys sound very thin to me. Since you have a Karma, and Karma has one of the best built in Equalizers, I recommend the E3s. Well Equalized they are said to sound very close to the E5c.

 

[pineapples10]

This thread reminds me why I left Head-Fi for a number of years, getting talked into upgrades easily

. I'm going to have to sit and think about this, a headphone purchase is serious business.

 

[pineapples10]

I tried my Dad's Sony Ex51's today, and was somewhat unimpressed with the sound. There was little bass, and it just didn't sound that great. Also, they felt somewhat uncomfortable in my ears. So I guess I've come to the conclusion that I want some earbuds that are comfortable a good amount of bass. i guess I like more 'lively' sounding phones. Anyone have any suggestions, my budget has gone up to include the likes of the ER6i if that makes any difference.