IEM: decisions, decisions

[obliquity]

hi, this is my first post here... I'm looking to upgrade from stock iPod earbuds.

I've done some research and have it narrowed down to

-Vmoda Vibe
-Denon C551
-Sennheiser CX400

I'd like something that is versatile... decent bass and acceptable highs. Clarity is a priority as well. What is my best option of these IEMs? I really appreciate any feedback. Thanks!

 

[HeadphoneAddict]

Denon - no doubt about it.

Welcome to Head-Fi...and sorry about your wallet.

 

[threads]

I'd second HeadphoneAddict ... I'm lovin the control and clarity of my pair. The trick like any IEM is to get good insertion. I loop mine over-ear style and use a small hairclip just below the Y join to take the weight of the cable.

The Denon AH-C551 has gotta be a great bargain @ $68 from Amazon.

 

[obliquity]

thanks for the comments!

does anyone know if the denon c551 is available in silver in the US? the silver model only seems to be available overseas...

 

[FrederikS|TPU]

Denon is the best choice.

 

[obliquity]

alright so I've eliminated the Vibes, and I'm definitely leaning towards the Denons... now if I could only get the silver ones in the US...

does the senn. cx 400 have any advantages over the denon c551?

 

[obliquity]

took the plunge! have the Denon AH-C551K on the way from amazon! my first upgrade from stock apple earbuds

 

[Duffy1207]

You'll probably be quite shocked how much better they'll be than stock apple buds.
Welcome to head-fi.

 

[FrederikS|TPU]

The new stock apple earbuds are actually tweaked fostex earbuds. Similar to the Sennheiser MX500 which by no means is a bad earbud compared to the price. Only the old stock earbuds are that crappy

 

[obliquity]

I have the old stock earbuds... my ipod mini is from june 2005, and I've been using my stock buds for 3 years... I can't wait to hear the denons

 

[Duffy1207]

Tbf the newer iPod buds aren't that bad (enphasis on the "that) but I can't stand them now.

 

[obliquity]

got the Denons today! 24 hour standard shipping from UPS

wow. what a difference...

 

[Duffy1207]

What do you think of them, then?

 

[obliquity]

I'm not sure if these need burn-in, but I've used them for an hour so far. bass seems very sturdy and crisp. mids and highs are there, but not especially sparkling. they aren't lacking, though. very pleased so far. build quality seems excellent. cable is a bit heavy with the extension, but very little microphonics.

 

[tsolly]

Have been lurking the boards for a while as a politely quiet newbie but now I feel I'm ready to start giving my 2 cents when applicable. I've had the Denon AH-C751 for about 4 months now and I would have to say that they did, indeed, benefit from some burn-in. When I first tried them they sounded a bit on the harsh side to my ears. Maybe it is just psychosomatic but I think that they really smoothed out nicely after about 30 hrs of pink noise. Enjoy them!