Multi-IEM Review - 352 IEMs compared (Pump Audio Earphones added 04/03/16 p. 1106)

[Niyologist]

My JVC HA-FXT90L2 (Gold) shipped out last night. It'll take 7-10 days for me to receive it.

 

[ChristmaSFnatic]

Ill just post my questions here, to also help others who are wondering the same thing.

Anyway you suggest the vPulse to me right? When are you doing a review of it? Cuz my iBuds died, and if not anytime soon, Ill just go ahead and buy one. I just hope its better than the S4i(in which you said that its not offensive to the audiophile but will also make the bass junkie happy) and that soundstaging is good.

 

[ljokerl]

Quote:

Ill just post my questions here, to also help others who are wondering the same thing.

Anyway you suggest the vPulse to me right? When are you doing a review of it? Cuz my iBuds died, and if not anytime soon, Ill just go ahead and buy one. I just hope its better than the S4i(in which you said that its not offensive to the audiophile but will also make the bass junkie happy) and that soundstaging is good.

The vPulse review is a couple of weeks off. I do recommend it over the S4i when a 3-button headset is a requirement. The vPulse is very bassy but there's just as much sub-bass as mid-bass and the top end isn't harsh like it is with the S4. The vPulse has a decent-sized stage and the presentation isn't overly forward/aggressive. 

 

[ShantyD]

Hi I just found this page && I really like it
I want to buy the id America spark earphones, but I feel that I need to ask you about other earphones.
Have you hear or try the House of Marley In-Ear Headphones?
http://www.thehouseofmarley.com/in-ear-headphones.html

I have been looking for good but not expensive earphones.
I already have the Sony PIIQ Clip-on Earbuds && they are really good for the price which is usually $24.99 but they are now on sale for $12.49. But I am looking for better earphones.

 

[ChristmaSFnatic]

 
Quote:

The vPulse review is a couple of weeks off. I do recommend it over the S4i when a 3-button headset is a requirement. The vPulse is very bassy but there's just as much sub-bass as mid-bass and the top end isn't harsh like it is with the S4. The vPulse has a decent-sized stage and the presentation isn't overly forward/aggressive. 

 Thanks man. One last thing, based on your initial handling, hows the durability looks? It doesnt feel to cheap or that the cord will rip off from the monitors themselves eh?

And do you agree with a review that says it sounds like a $10 SQ earphones but with a million dollar bass?

 

[carfentanil]

 
Thanks guys, and joker, for the vibrant interaction this thread has prompted - I certainly wish other shopping decisions had such thorough pre-purchase advice available!
 
My Headphone Search - my source is currently an iPod Classic 160GB (7G I think.)
==============================================
Timeline - my only other audio gear are formerly Philips FW-C70 Shelf System, and my current Sony MHC-EC909ip
 
Numerous OEM earbuds, cheap headsets
 
on-ear: Sony MDR-V150, Similar sets from Koss, Aiwa
 *Prone to breaking
 
ear bud: Apple Stock Buds
 
IEM: Sony MDR-EX300
 *I liked this one very much, but for the muddled low end/tangle-prone cabling.
 
IEM: Sunrise SW-XCape Impressive Edition
 *Proficient, but poorly built. Lacked in physical presence. Treble mildly harsh.
 *Very, very good sound quality, but the signature/presentation was not to my liking.
 
around-ear: Sony MDR-XD200
 *Excellent for videos (or anything else) on PC and Laptop. Not much isolation. In terms of bang-for-buck, I'd put this into my bag 90 times out of 100 instead of the M9, despite the bulk.
 
IEM: Meelectronics M9
 *Major comfort issues, even when able to seal, sounds unnatural without EQ
==============================================
 I am sketchy on whether BA can deliver the "push/pull" loudspeaker-like presence with which the EX300 grabbed my attention. Is this what is called "articulation" or "thickness," or is it simply a byproduct of dynamic drivers? My experience is too limited for me to be sure, as I have not used a BA for any meaningful duration. I also favor sets that have a substantial case (XCape, M9) for protection/transport.
 
Wanted in sub $100 IEM - my preferences for now
1.Build quality, endurance: I want to be able to use it [thoroughly] for at least a year
2.Spacious, detailed sound emulating headphones/loudspeakers
3.Plentiful, powerful low end, well extended, but not muddy
4."Wow!" level of presence/detail - mids should be recessed as little as possible
5.Forgiving treble but not too rolled-off
 
My shopping, and advice from Head-Fi, has brought me to select these 5 models:
Fischer Eterna
Xears TD-III
Spider Realvoice
Dunu Ares
Soundmagic PL50
 
on the other hand, I could spring for (full-size) either the Creative Aurvana Live or the Sony ZX700, which are also available under $100 - The ZX700 probably isolates more.
 
Please consult and advise.

 

[ljokerl]

 
Quote:

Hi I just found this page && I really like it
I want to buy the id America spark earphones, but I feel that I need to ask you about other earphones.
Have you hear or try the House of Marley In-Ear Headphones?
http://www.thehouseofmarley.com/in-ear-headphones.html

I have been looking for good but not expensive earphones.
I already have the Sony PIIQ Clip-on Earbuds && they are really good for the price which is usually $24.99 but they are now on sale for $12.49. But I am looking for better earphones.

I've only heard the Marley Zion and two as yet unreleased higher-end models briefly and didn't think they were anything special. The bass was consistently heavy and a bit boomy but there are dozens of earphones that sound like that. Generally speaking, there are tons of great earphones out there, some of which would probably suit you better than others - just depends on what type of sound you're looking for and what you're willing to pay. 


Quote:

Thanks man. One last thing, based on your initial handling, hows the durability looks? It doesnt feel to cheap or that the cord will rip off from the monitors themselves eh?

And do you agree with a review that says it sounds like a $10 SQ earphones but with a million dollar bass?

They seem to be well put-together although the fact that they were built down to a price shows in some of the finish. Only time will tell how good the real-world durability is; they've only been out for a month or so.
 
As for the latter statement, both parts seem like hyperbole. They are not giant killers by any means and there may indeed be a $10 earphone that will sound better to some listeners (e.g. the monoprice 8320) but they aren't offensive. Probably somewhere in the 7.x range on my scale though they still need more burn-in time just in case.


Quote:

I am sketchy on whether BA can deliver the "push/pull" loudspeaker-like presence with which the EX300 grabbed my attention. Is this what is called "articulation" or "thickness," or is it simply a byproduct of dynamic drivers? My experience is too limited for me to be sure, as I have not used a BA for any meaningful duration. I also favor sets that have a substantial case (XCape, M9) for protection/transport.
 
Wanted in sub $100 IEM - my preferences for now
1.Build quality, endurance: I want to be able to use it [thoroughly] for at least a year
2.Spacious, detailed sound emulating headphones/loudspeakers
3.Plentiful, powerful low end, well extended, but not muddy
4."Wow!" level of presence/detail - mids should be recessed as little as possible
5.Forgiving treble but not too rolled-off
 
My shopping, and advice from Head-Fi, has brought me to select these 5 models:
Fischer Eterna
Xears TD-III
Spider Realvoice
Dunu Ares
Soundmagic PL50
 
on the other hand, I could spring for (full-size) either the Creative Aurvana Live or the Sony ZX700, which are also available under $100 - The ZX700 probably isolates more.
 
Please consult and advise.

Some BAs are capable of moving air but I wouldn't recommend any that are in your price range for the type of presentation you want. The Realvoice, Eterna, and TD-III all deliver what you're after minus really heavy-duty durability, with Eterna being maybe a bit more mid-recessed than you seem to want. I would also add the Brookstone Clear Dual Drive to that list though again durability is suspect. Realvoice and Brookstone are probably safer in that regard as they are located in the US for warranty service. 
 

 

[jarrett]

Why not XE200Pro? I thought those were generally regarded as Xears' best pair

 

[ljokerl]

Quote:

Why not XE200Pro? I thought those were generally regarded as Xears' best pair

They are (of the ons I've heard) but the more recessed mids and less laid-back treble compared to TD-III seemed to not be what carfentanil was looking for. Really a wash between the XE200 Pro, TD-III v2, XR120 Pro II, and N3i IMO depending on requirements. 

 

[Swimsonny]

At the moment I use a Fischer audio dba-02, would it be worth me buying a cheap super fi 3 for more tough use?

 

[ChristmaSFnatic]

Thanks again Joker. 7+ estimated score? Not bad. Also in your opinion, doesnt make a difference between flat and regular shaped cords eh? - quality wise?

That said, you still advice the Spark over vPulse if I dont mind the lack of volume controls right? Im torn between the two.

 

[XacTactX]

Sorry, let me clarify this post, I want ear tips that will bring the RE0 toward a neutral sound signature.
 
I have the HiFiMan RE0 coming in the mail, and I'm wondering what eartips to get. I don't have the PL30 so I can use the foam tips, and I don't want to go to the trouble of de-coring the Shure olives. What's the next best alternative? (preferably something that doesn't mess up the treble and doesn't have to be replaced often). I heard the Sony hybrids mess up the treble, but what's the overall consensus on those?
 
Also, I ordered some eartips off of eBay. The double flange ones look just like the ones that come with the RE0, and the triple flange ones look like Etymotic triple flange (but I'm sure it's more complicated than that). These are the ones I got.
 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/200715970526?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/200708810680?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

 

[dosley01]

Quote:

 

Those two would be my choice as well. Keep in mind that the MD has more bass than an ESW9, to the point where it can get slightly overbearing, and the RE262 has less to the point where you may have to EQ it. If you're used to getting IE8-level bass from your in-ears, the MD is probably the better choice though it lacks the large headstage of the IE8.
 

 
Grabbed a pair of MDs at the $149 price, too cheap to pass up.  I've had Turbines and MTPC and was actually a little sorry I sold the MTPC as they were "fun" so it will be interesting to see how I like the MD.  I've really come to like the MDR-EX600 also even though it's not my normal sound signature but I think I have finally burned my brain in to them.  I need to weed down the stable of IEMS and Headphones to 1 On-Ear and 2 IEMS.  Definitely keeping the ESW9 and I really enjoy the TF10 for my commute so it looks like the battle will be between the IE8s, EX600s and MMDT but I already feel like it might be time to find the IE8s a new home, and I never thought I would say that. 

 

[Xinn3r]

Joker,
just checking to see if there are any Chinese brands I miss,
ECCI
HiFiMan (just knew this 5 minutes ago)
Visang
VSonic
SoundMAGIC
Yuin
 
any other nice ones I need to know about? I'm looking for my next purchase 

 

[psygeist]

^^HiSoundAudio
DUNU