[AudioAficionado]

Hello Head-fiers,
 
I'm currently on a budget and looking for earbuds that fit my need. I have a few in my sight, but am wondering if there are better ones. My criteria  may be a little hard to meet: symmetrical cables, decent bass (but doesn't have to match Klipsch S4's amount of bass), mind-blowing clarity, and durability that's for everyday use. I do not prefer Klipsch buds because of their peculiar eartips. I would also like a case included and a 3-button Apple-style remote, but these two are optional.
 
Currently, I'm looking at the JVC HAFXC80 and the Sennheiser CX 280 on Amazon.com. They both sell for less than $40, and meet my criteria except for the optional 3-button remote. (but the Sennheisers have a volume slider)
 
So, any suggestions?

 

[kckc]

You're most definitely not going to find a mind-blowing clarity pair of phones out there with your budget, but the Dunu Trident was the first that came to mind with your criteria. If you're used to basshead IEMs then you may find them a bit bass light, but the bass is indeed north of neutral. They come with lots of accessories (for the price) and a pouch, but without the apple remote (which I can't think of any IEMs that has it at this price). The Tridents are built like a tank and will stand up against some abuse no problem. 

 

[donedj]

Monoprice 8320
 
Do a search about them on the site

 

[Cakensaur]

Shure SE115 if you can stretch a bit furthur.

 

[AudioAficionado]

Quote:

You're most definitely not going to find a mind-blowing clarity pair of phones out there with your budget, but the Dunu Trident was the first that came to mind with your criteria. If you're used to basshead IEMs then you may find them a bit bass light, but the bass is indeed north of neutral. They come with lots of accessories (for the price) and a pouch, but without the apple remote (which I can't think of any IEMs that has it at this price). The Tridents are built like a tank and will stand up against some abuse no problem. 

 

Hello kckc,
 
I have looked at the Dunu Trident before. The back of the earbud housing is a little strange, like there's a hole. Could you give more feedback on the Tridents?
 


Quote:

Monoprice 8320
 
Do a search about them on the site

Hello donedj,
 
These earbuds you mentioned look extremely flimsy, due to the price and the casing, which looks like it was made from ridiculously cheap plastic. More feedback on these please and why you recommend them?
 


Quote:

Shure SE115 if you can stretch a bit furthur.

Hello Cakensaur,
 
Sorry, my budget is very limited. Also, I've heard that Shure's generally have a more treble sound and sometimes fit awkwardly (for the eartips). Therefore, what is the reasoning behind recommending this pair of earbuds?
 
--Audio Aficionado
 

 

[Cakensaur]

I dont think id go as far to say that they are treblehead phones, but yes the treble is fairly pronounced. i have never had any trouble fitting in the eartips, they generally have a very tight seal. They fit me much better than the senn's anyway. but that differs from ear to ear, because of the good seal they tend to be fairly bassy, while still remaining controlled, not really boomy.
i personally recommend them due to high build quality, and good quality/price ratio that follows shure through the entire line-up, they provide decent clarity for the price range.
 
*edit*
 
Goodluck however you venture with the earphone pickings SQ is subjective. so your most liked earbud is the best choice.

 

[donedj]

 
Quote:

Hello donedj,
 
These earbuds you mentioned look extremely flimsy, due to the price and the casing, which looks like it was made from ridiculously cheap plastic. More feedback on these please and why you recommend them?

 


Monoprice kick some serious butt
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/580769/the-monoprice-8320-mep-933-the-7-11-club
 
They are actually pretty well made, the microphonics are an issue though, if you want to wear them and move around a lot... Otherwise they are just an incredible value.

 

[AudioAficionado]

Hello all,
 
I would like to ask: does Amazon.com allow FREE RETURNS of OPENED items? If yes, then I can try out earbuds and return them if I don't like them.

 

[jjb3]

I have a pair of Sennheiser CX400s that I will sell for $30.

 

[AudioAficionado]

Quote:

I have a pair of Sennheiser CX400s that I will sell for $30.

Hello,
 
Thanks for the offer, but I do not want a pair of CX 400s. Thanks though!
 
To everyone else who's viewing this post: Please, if you you have any recommendations for me that fits my criteria, post it in this thread. Thanks, everyone!
 
--AudioAficionado

 

[meefer]

Radius Atomic Bass 2 with in line mic. Should squeak in under budget. Good bass.

 

[bowei006]

I would recocommend checking out any of DSnuts threads
http://www.head-fi.org/search.php?search=*:*&advanced=1&sort=lastupdate&order=descending&searchtype=thread&currenttab=Thread&createdbyuserid[]=185895
 
You just made a very big starter mistake there. Talking about the 8320's due to how thye looked even though supremus's love it for the price. the current fad or find is the CKM50
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=ckm50&x=0&y=0
 
read through DSNUTS thread on it. you will probably buy it if you think the 8320's are too flimsy for you.
http://www.head-fi.org/t/592457/the-ath-ckm50-the-ckm-family-impressions
 
stop looking for senhesiers or stuff that you already have an image of being good inn your head and open up. If i recommended the PL11's you would scoff at me.. $20? ha.! they look cheap. despite hifi reviews and people's pinning this up against the Sennheiser CX300's
 
 
I don't have the CKM50 but have the 8320 and PL11. the CKM50 ws just a new thread and something i have heard a lot about that i thought you should be made aware of

 

[AudioAficionado]

Quote:

I would recocommend checking out any of DSnuts threads
http://www.head-fi.org/search.php?search=*:*&advanced=1&sort=lastupdate&order=descending&searchtype=thread&currenttab=Thread&createdbyuserid[]=185895
 
You just made a very big starter mistake there. Talking about the 8320's due to how thye looked even though supremus's love it for the price. the current fad or find is the CKM50
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=ckm50&x=0&y=0
 
read through DSNUTS thread on it. you will probably buy it if you think the 8320's are too flimsy for you.
http://www.head-fi.org/t/592457/the-ath-ckm50-the-ckm-family-impressions
 
stop looking for senhesiers or stuff that you already have an image of being good inn your head and open up. If i recommended the PL11's you would scoff at me.. $20? ha.! they look cheap. despite hifi reviews and people's pinning this up against the Sennheiser CX300's
 
 
I don't have the CKM50 but have the 8320 and PL11. the CKM50 ws just a new thread and something i have heard a lot about that i thought you should be made aware of

 
Thanks for taking the time to point me in the right direction, bowei006. I'm seriously considering the ATH- CKM50s now. What do you think of the JVC HAFXC80s?

 

[tinyman392]

I'm going to put a vote in for Dunu Tridents.

 

[lilkoolaidman]

http://www.head-fi.org/t/478568/multi-iem-review-216-iems-compared-koss-keb70-sunrise-i100-added-1-23-12
 
Did you find this thread OP? I think the Soundmagic PL50s would be a good choice to look into as far as clarity, although they aren't exactly bass heavy. They do include a case I believe, but no in-line remote.
 
And by 'symmetrical cable' you mean ones that don't have the longer cable to go around the back of your neck right?