[amraam]

Hi all,
 
First post here, looks a good site for audio stuff

 
I'm after a decent set of earphones for my iPhone.  Having inline audio controls (play/pause, volume, mic etc) is a must.  I really like the look of the IE8i but they are very expensive and I really would like to limit my budget to £150 if possible. 
 
What recommendations you have?
 
Also, whenever I read up on audio equipment, there's always a load of jargon that just doesn't make sense to me.  How can music be warm or colourful?  I have no idea how to relate that to my music experience - is there like a glossary somewhere which explains all of the audio terminology?
 
Thanks!!

 

[soozieq]

Hi there, and welcome to Head-Fi

 
This thread should help you out.
 
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/220770/describing-sound-a-glossary
 
It would be useful if you tell us what music you listen to, what kind of sound you like, and whether isolation is a priority or not (if it is, cross the IE8 off your list).
 
Do you like a lot of bass? Do you like vocals to be dominant? Are you sensitive to treble? Have a think about that first, and then it will be easier to narrow down the choices.
 
Off the top of my head, the Klipsch S4i is a decent upgrade to stock buds and it has the remote mic for the iPhone too. Can't remember what they sell for, but they're definitely cheaper than the IE8.

 

[amraam]

Thanks for the help. I'm not really sure how to answer the questions. I listen to pretty much every genre except RnB etc. I like lots of deep bass but I value sound quality above all. I like accurate treble buy not too harsh. I'm used to using regular earbuds so I don't think I've ever experienced good isolation. I don't think perfect outside noise isolation is essential for me but as long as they make a good seal and allow me to hear all the music clearly I'll be happy.

 

[mark2410]

ooh well it just so happens im reviewing 2 such items.  the mc3 and hf3 fromm etymotic.  ive also heard the S4 and a normal IE8, it relley depends if your looking for bass or accuracy and isolation.  
 
IE8 great and awesome bass but not an isolator
 
S4 isolates deciently but too much bass and to hard treble, fair i guess for the money
 
mc3 meh, dont bother
 
hf3  oooooh, its a stunner and isolates like no bodys business
 
 
if you want pm me i can send you my not yet published or totally finished reviews of the mc3 and hf3 if you want

 

[goodvibes]

I'll wait for the review but I also thought the HF5/3 really good and just right for portables. A hair smooth but very linear and clear. Could have a bit more low bottom depending on preferrence. Of course mine was only a minute audition but it's easy when they're that close to right.

 Question is, have you heard the DBAs to compare?

 

[mark2410]

yes i have

 

[Morshu]

Try Shure SE115+. It has a nice sound isolating and a control pod.

 

[goodvibes]

Quote:

yes i have

 I guess that part will be in the review. LOL. How to keep a poster in suspense.

 

[amraam]

Quote:

ooh well it just so happens im reviewing 2 such items.  the mc3 and hf3 fromm etymotic.  ive also heard the S4 and a normal IE8, it relley depends if your looking for bass or accuracy and isolation.  
 
IE8 great and awesome bass but not an isolator
 
S4 isolates deciently but too much bass and to hard treble, fair i guess for the money
 
mc3 meh, dont bother
 
hf3  oooooh, its a stunner and isolates like no bodys business
 
 
if you want pm me i can send you my not yet published or totally finished reviews of the mc3 and hf3 if you want

 
That would be awesome mate, thanks.  PM sent

 
My current headphones are MX90vc.  They sound OK, but I guess at £30 they can only be considered as budget.  I want better SQ and more bass, so I figured I gotta up my budget a fair whack. 

 

[amraam]

Any thoughts on MM70is or CX880i?

 

[amraam]

Bump

 
Sorry to be a pest, I'm useless at making decisions, especially when I don't really know what to look for.

 

[mark2410]

im going to go ahead and say it, how about the Radiopaq Jazz with mic, will be well under your budget but has bass and isolates pretty well.  plus it would give you a good frame of reference for future upgrades

 

[amraam]

Thanks I'll check them out. When people say the IE 8s are bad isolaters is that relative? In other words will they still be night in day compared to crappy apple earbuds (that come with iPods etc) or are they simply rubbish at blocking external sound? Isolation is not essential but it's pointless spending all the money if I can't hear the sq over other peoples conversations etc.

 

[amraam]

Got my eyes (or should I say ears?) on the Klipsch X10is.  OK £230, so really not cheap, and I doubt I need to spend even half that considering I'll only be plugging them in an iPhone 4.  But, what can I say - I love music, and it's nearing Xmas so why not?!

 
Any thoughts on these little gems?

 

[amraam]

Any thoughts on this item? Likely that they're fake at that price?
 
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Klipsch-image-X10i-earphones-100-new-ORIGINAL-/220682400663?pt=UK_AudioVisualElectronics_HomeAudioHiFi_Headphones&hash=item3361b23397