[RokBoks]

Alright first post so be easy on me I've been lurking around head-fi for a while and finally decided to sign up and ask for help so here's my question (and if i posted this in the wrong section please re direct me) :
 
which would be a better buy the RE-0's, Senn's IE-6 or the Thinksound's?
 
I'm deciding to upgrade my cheap-o earbuds since i finally made some cash and i spotted some IE-6's refurbished for about $50 my music tastes include everything but heavily focus on rock (classic to metal) and rap/hip-hop i dont know if the thinksound's are worth mentioning but i'm trying to cover all my bases so any help is much appreciated! (0h almost forgot my budget is about $80 and would be running them out of a rockboxed sansa fuze no amp)

 

[RokBoks]

Anyone? Help?

 

[zero7525]

The head direct RE0 would fit the bill if you want rock. They also have an average amount of bass (you can EQ it up) so hip-hop isn't an issue, at least with me. The other 2 might be too warm and relaxed. The RE0s are very neutral and detailed with a touch of warmth and I love it.

 

[kmhaynes]

IMO, the Rain will be much more fun and engaging to listen to for active music (most of what you described).  Yes, RE0 is detailed and clean, but it can sound too anesceptic, too polite for loud and gritty rock.  The Rain needs to have the 2 front ports under the nozzle blocked to reduce the way-too-airy stock sound.
 
Also, look at the Etymotic MC5 with 2 year warranty for $70 right now at Amazon & J&R.

 

[RokBoks]

Hmmm thanks for the help i was about to pull the trigger on the Senn's...i'll look into the MC5's Haynes thanks for the suggestion!

 

[RokBoks]

So i think i'm going to narrow it down to the rain's and re0's...can someone fill me in a little more on the front port issue with the rains?

 

[paulypaul]

RE0
Everyone should try an RE0 once in their life.

If you get the bass boosted they can extend really low. Also i find adding +1 EQ across the board takes them away from being a bit analytical and a bit more fun (some audiophiles may cringe at that, but it works for me).
 
RAIN
Thinksound Rains are fun sounding (lush mids) and have more mid bass quantity.
If you were running with no EQ i would say get the Rain as you may find the bass of the RE0 on the light side.
 
this review sums them up pretty well.
 
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/470357/review-hifiman-re0-vs-thinksound-rain
 

 

[RokBoks]

Thanks for all the help! Paul i just read that review last night and well it swerved me towards the re0's pretty much...still i cant help but be tempted by the $49 price tag on the Sennheiser IE-6's...(i know i know i decided to scratch them out but what can i say i'm undecisive

) the issue i have hear is would the re0's do well out of just a fuze with no amp?

 

[paulypaul]

Quote:

the issue i have hear is would the re0's do well out of just a fuze with no amp?

 
i tried the RE0s on a Fuze (not rockboxed) at a Headfi meet in Brisbane recently and it drove them very well.
 
On my Walkman they drive easily 12 / 30 volume. and in my opinion they are quite easy to drive.
My RE-ZEROs which are 16 ohm drive the same volume at 9 / 30 so there's only 3 between them and the 63 ohm RE0s.
 
I would think having your fuze rockboxed would be an advantage too.
 
If you decide on the RE0s dont forget 100 hrs burnin for the bass to come out more and the highs to tame a little.

 

[RokBoks]

Thanks again for all the help pauly so you would recommend the re0's over the senn's? Anyone with other phones at the price point ($50-$80) for rock i'm open for suggestions!

 

[paulypaul]

Quote:

Thanks again for all the help pauly so you would recommend the re0's over the senn's? Anyone with other phones at the price point ($50-$80) for rock i'm open for suggestions!

i cant say anything about the sennheisers as ive never heard them, but i do love my RE0s and RE-ZEROs.

Good Luck with your quest.

 

[RokBoks]

Thanks paul i'm headed towards the re0's! (still open to any suggestions just to have a look-see though)

 

[yello131]

Look up multiple reviews of Radius DDM (HP-TWF11R, highly regarded Dual Driver earphones by a group of fellow headfiers,  often compared to top tiers IE8 among few. This are above your price range but can get am OEM version for around $110US from MusicaAcoustics.com

 

[RokBoks]

Thanks for the suggestion yello but the radius is definitely out of my price range...

 

[grahamnp]

The RE0 is great for rock if you don't mind the less than average amount of bass.  Not sure about hip hop/rap though, I don't listen to it but whatever I've heard seemed to lack bass for the genre.