Sapic
New Head-Fier
- Joined
- Jun 11, 2008
- Posts
- 6
- Likes
- 0
I currently have Sony EX71s. They are pretty old, at least a couple years. I lost the extension cable, so I figured I'd see what else is out there these days rather than spend money on fixing these old ones.
I've narrowed it down to primarily AH-C551 ($74), ATH-CK7 ($74), RE2 ($80), and HJE70 ($75).
I listen to a lot of rock (punk/alternative/indie), some popular examples being Radiohead, Nirvana, Green Day, and some electronic (M83, Ladytron, etc). Bass is not incredibly important to what I mostly listen to but I still would like some decent bass for when I listen to something like Nine Inch Nails or Portishead. What's probably most important is guitar and drums.
I like a punchy, strong attack sound. This is probably "wrong," but my EQ for in the car is "loud" setting, treble 5/5, bass 3 or 4/5. Currently I have an iAudio M3 and I use the rock EQ or custom and in the "V" shape. I use the different iAudio enhancements like 1-3 for bass boost, 1-2 mp3enhance or whatever they call it. I assume that makes my preferences slightly different than the average "audiophile." Hopefully that helps describe the sound I'm looking for. Clear, sharp, powerful.
The EX70s do a fairly good job, but I don't have anything very good to compare to. The main weakness is that they can sound a bit hollow. In songs where the drums should be up front and snappy, it sometimes sounds distant. I had to mess with the M3 settings for a while to get a better sound.
Some notes:
I actually like the J cord on my Sonys, but I'm open to wearing the wire in the back if this is the most similar configuration.
I also like the extension cord on my Sonys (probably because of my M3).
I'll be using these on the bus and I don't want to disturb anyone, so do any of these do a better job than any other at keeping sound IN? And I'm not that worried about isolation (the Sonys have plenty for me and I assume they're not considered great isolators).
I'll be using these when running, too, so I need something that wont fall out too easily. The Sonys work fine for this.
On the flip side, I'd like to be able to pop them in and take them out easily. I'd also like the option of wrapping them around the back of my ear to minimize microphonics. Again, though, I'm sure the Sonys are not known for their great microphonics but I'm mostly satisfied with them here.
I ruled out similar UE and Denon IEMs because they stick out too far. I'd like a discreet look. I also ruled out the iM716s for this reason as well. I sometimes also sleep with my headphones on.
I'll probably never use a headphone amp.
From what I've read, the RE2s would be best (plus I'm somehow attracted to the idea of getting quality headphones from China in a dragon box at a discounted price). I haven't heard anything about build quality, though, and that's the main reason I ruled out the MylarOnes.
The Panasonics seem ideal (J cord w/extension, supposedly good sound, nifty rubber pads that join them together) but they seem heavy and I don't like the idea of the added metal where the cord attaches.
So my questions are:
Based on what I'm looking for, what would you suggest? Either from the four I listed or something else.
Do you think any of these are a worthwhile upgrade from the Sonys? I've seen glowing reviews of the Sonys but they seem to be generally looked down upon in forums like these.
One thing missing from the pictures and reviews for many of these is how can they be worn? Wrapped over the ear, normal way, in front, behind?
Sorry for the LONG post, but since I don't have a lot of money, this will be a somewhat major purchase that will need to last a few years and I don't have the time or money to try these out myself. Thanks in advance!
I've narrowed it down to primarily AH-C551 ($74), ATH-CK7 ($74), RE2 ($80), and HJE70 ($75).
I listen to a lot of rock (punk/alternative/indie), some popular examples being Radiohead, Nirvana, Green Day, and some electronic (M83, Ladytron, etc). Bass is not incredibly important to what I mostly listen to but I still would like some decent bass for when I listen to something like Nine Inch Nails or Portishead. What's probably most important is guitar and drums.
I like a punchy, strong attack sound. This is probably "wrong," but my EQ for in the car is "loud" setting, treble 5/5, bass 3 or 4/5. Currently I have an iAudio M3 and I use the rock EQ or custom and in the "V" shape. I use the different iAudio enhancements like 1-3 for bass boost, 1-2 mp3enhance or whatever they call it. I assume that makes my preferences slightly different than the average "audiophile." Hopefully that helps describe the sound I'm looking for. Clear, sharp, powerful.
The EX70s do a fairly good job, but I don't have anything very good to compare to. The main weakness is that they can sound a bit hollow. In songs where the drums should be up front and snappy, it sometimes sounds distant. I had to mess with the M3 settings for a while to get a better sound.
Some notes:
I actually like the J cord on my Sonys, but I'm open to wearing the wire in the back if this is the most similar configuration.
I also like the extension cord on my Sonys (probably because of my M3).
I'll be using these on the bus and I don't want to disturb anyone, so do any of these do a better job than any other at keeping sound IN? And I'm not that worried about isolation (the Sonys have plenty for me and I assume they're not considered great isolators).
I'll be using these when running, too, so I need something that wont fall out too easily. The Sonys work fine for this.
On the flip side, I'd like to be able to pop them in and take them out easily. I'd also like the option of wrapping them around the back of my ear to minimize microphonics. Again, though, I'm sure the Sonys are not known for their great microphonics but I'm mostly satisfied with them here.
I ruled out similar UE and Denon IEMs because they stick out too far. I'd like a discreet look. I also ruled out the iM716s for this reason as well. I sometimes also sleep with my headphones on.
I'll probably never use a headphone amp.
From what I've read, the RE2s would be best (plus I'm somehow attracted to the idea of getting quality headphones from China in a dragon box at a discounted price). I haven't heard anything about build quality, though, and that's the main reason I ruled out the MylarOnes.
The Panasonics seem ideal (J cord w/extension, supposedly good sound, nifty rubber pads that join them together) but they seem heavy and I don't like the idea of the added metal where the cord attaches.
So my questions are:
Based on what I'm looking for, what would you suggest? Either from the four I listed or something else.
Do you think any of these are a worthwhile upgrade from the Sonys? I've seen glowing reviews of the Sonys but they seem to be generally looked down upon in forums like these.
One thing missing from the pictures and reviews for many of these is how can they be worn? Wrapped over the ear, normal way, in front, behind?
Sorry for the LONG post, but since I don't have a lot of money, this will be a somewhat major purchase that will need to last a few years and I don't have the time or money to try these out myself. Thanks in advance!