[sonickarma]

Hi,
  I yesterday received a new pair of Grado GR10 IEMs and the sound signature is to my likeing.
 
However the build quailty is not to the standard for such an expensive top tier headphone.
Ear Shell Casing, Cable and Connections seem really poor quality IMO
 
Does anyone have recommendations for a similar/better sound signature but with better build quality?
 
Thanks

 

[daveDerek]

this is really easy. the ortofon eq5 sounds very similar to the grado gr10 and feels like it's built like a tank, with it's bullet shaped metal housing!

 

[sonickarma]

Thank but I've owned both the EQ5 and EQ7 but prefer the Grado GR10 sound detail, it seems crisper to my ears.
 
Are the any other contenders?

 

[takoyaki7]

CK90Pro Mk II?   

 

[Sparhawk69]

FAD SB (Heaven S) and FAD SC (Heaven C)

 

[goodvibes]

Quote:

this is really easy. the ortofon eq5 sounds very similar to the grado gr10 and feels like it's built like a tank, with it's bullet shaped metal housing!

I've been inside a pair since you lent me yours and I can guarantee the GR10 build is better. The cases are very thin (probably how they got them narrower than the E-q7) and actually not a strong as the Grado though I doubt either ever crushes without some major abuse. E-q5s have also had cable problems when it's been rare in the Grados. Since that's the most common IEM issue, I don't think that recommendation will help. I'm a fan of thinner cables but I can understand how another wouldn't care for them. Everything else about them is rather bullet proof (case and strain relief).
 
If I were that concerned about durability, I'd look for something with replacable cables. Easiest way to protect your investment.

 

[sonickarma]

Anything recomendations for Models with replacable cables that with a similar crisp detailed sound signature?

 

[eke2k6]

Quote:

Anything recomendations for Models with replacable cables that with a similar crisp detailed sound signature?

 
The Ety ER4 series may be up your alley.

 

[darcyb62]

Quote:

However the build quailty is not to the standard for such an expensive top tier headphone.
Ear Shell Casing, Cable and Connections seem really poor quality IMO

I find the concern on build quality surprising.  I think the build quality is outstanding and these have held up better than any other earphones I have purchased.  I use these as my workout headphones, so they really get abused.  I've sweated on them, stepped on them, yanked on the cord, etc and they just keep on pumping out the music.

 

[goodvibes]

Quote:

I find the concern on build quality surprising.  I think the build quality is outstanding and these have held up better than any other earphones I have purchased.  I use these as my workout headphones, so they really get abused.  I've sweated on them, stepped on them, yanked on the cord, etc and they just keep on pumping out the music.

My take as well and why I said the only better option would be something with a replacable cable. The only ones I've heard is the Shure and some older UEs and I also prefer the Gr10.

 

[sonickarma]

Thank for the info, maybe I have just assumed they are poor build as on inital inspection they dont look like they would last if you compare them to the build of other top tier headphones.
 
However from the feedback of other owners maybe they will last longer than I thought. Time will tell, lets hope I dont list them for $20 as broke in a few weeks.

 

[Spyro]

There are not many users out there but I have yet to hear of even one GR10 (or GR8 failure).  I think it is built well.  Design is great.  Nothing really to break.
 
Keep in mind SE535 is built like a tank and has had it's share of failures.  I had problems with both pairs I owned.

 

[daveDerek]

Quote:

There are not many users out there but I have yet to hear of even one GR10 (or GR8 failure).  I think it is built well.  Design is great.  Nothing really to break.
Keep in mind SE535 is built like a tank and has had it's share of failures.  I had problems with both pairs I owned.

 
Steve, what type of failures did you experience? i thought they se535s supposed to be pretty tough and that this edition solved the cables problems associated with earlier iterations.

 

[Spyro]

daveDerek:  I developed intermittent static where cable attaches to IEM.  After just a few weeks on both pairs.
 
I mainly use IEM's while exercising.  To me, if a cable can swivel that means there is "space" between the connection.  If there is a space between the connection then sweat, humidilty, etc can get in there and develop corrosion.  I think the swivel connector concept is crazy.  I'm no engineer but wouldn't you want a complete airtight seal with ANY cable to connector connection?  I do not want ANY movement or space.