[size=medium]Hello – for a newbie like me, I really appreciate all the good info in this threat, thanks! I purchased my first set of IEMs a couple weeks ago to use with my new iPhone, and ended up purchasing the Klipsch S4i based on CNET and other reviews. I was very disappointed when I first tried them out – they fell out of my ears even with the largest tips, the wires tangled like crazy, I wasn’t prepared for the microphonics and bone noise, and the mic was very sensitive to wind. Through some research I found that some of these issues are inherent with IEMs, and after using them for a week or so I got used to much of these issues but having to push the buds back into my ear every minute was a pain. [/size]
[size=medium]I wanted to try a different set so I picked up a pair of the new Sony XBA-1iP’s late last week. The first thing I noticed was the flat wires don’t tangle as much and I was able to find a pair of tips that fit really well. I spent some time doing a side by side comparison with the S4i’s (with the Sony tips on) and realized how much bass the S4i’s have, almost to the point where it muddles the mids and highs. I don’t have a great ear for this stuff but the XBA-1iP’s sound pretty good to me, better than the S4i’s at least. I listen to a variety of music (no modern rap though) and while doing a sound comparison between the two with a classical piece, I noticed some white noise/hum with the S4i’s. Regarding the mic, I’ve been told my voice still sounds distant when I use the mic on the XBA-1iP’s but the wind doesn’t affect it as much so I would say it is also better than the S4i’s. [/size]
[size=medium]I have a couple more weeks to return either set but at this point I like the XBA-1iP’s better than the S4i’s. Does anyone have any opinions to share on the XBA-1iP’s? Any suggestions on an iPhone compatible set of earphones that are under $100?[/size]
[size=medium]Thanks,[/size]
[size=medium]Steve[/size]
