Need *small* IEM's

[rustbucket]

Howdy -

I currently have a set of ER6i's that I'm pretty happy with, although the bass presence isn't great (what else is new?). One of my favorite things about them is how low profile they are - they barely stick out past my ears and are comfortable for hours at a time.

I also had Shure e2c's that I used for the last couple of years. Bass was better, but I found them really uncomfortable, and difficult to keep a good seal if I was moving around.

I'm looking to upgrade with a ~$200 budget. This is a controversial subject I'm sure, but I intend to use them on my motorcycle, where the Ety's are fantastic because they never get pulled out when I'm putting my helmet on. If y'all could just accept that as a feature I'm looking for rather than debating whether it's wise, it would be greatly appreciated.

Suggestions? They're mostly going to be pushed by an iPod Nano 2g. I also have a PA2V2 amp on the way (I know the Ety's don't need it, but I wanted it

).

 

[jsmithepa]

Investigate whether Shure can accept 2/3 flanges buds, they should sit tighter, else the Jays are tinny, but again, look for the flanged buds.


(u don't have to tell us why, lots of ppl prefer small phones such as for sleeping).

 

[Chickenman]

I heard that the Q-jays are the smallest IEM of its kind. They also fit your budget at around 180 dollars. If you like the Etymotic sound, I think these will please as I read that the Q-jays sound alike but with more bass.

Best of luck, Jayon

 

[rustbucket]

Thanks for the replies!

My problem with the e2c's was that the plastic tube that goes into the ear was just too thick. I cut the 'flange' off the tubes with a dremel, and used Ety 2 flange tips, which helped comfort somewhat. Unfortunately they also had a tendency to deposit the tip deep in my ear. It became such a constant issue that I packed a set of tweezers in with my mp3 player!

I'm using the 3-flange tips on my Ety's and they're perfect.

BTW - I also own a set of Sennheiser HD-280's and Koss PortaPro's. I like both a lot. The PortaPros in particular are a nice, fun headphone to listen to, with their punchy bass. They're not particularly precise, but certainly fun.

In a perfect world, I'd take the punch of the PortaPro bass, clean it up, control it better and couple it with the mid/highs of the Ety. The 280's are nice, but I really haven't done much analytical listening with them - they mostly see duty watching movies on my laptop.

 

[jgonino]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rustbucket /img/forum/go_quote.gif In a perfect world, I'd take the punch of the PortaPro bass, clean it up, control it better and couple it with the mid/highs of the Ety. The 280's are nice, but I really haven't done much analytical listening with them - they mostly see duty watching movies on my laptop.

You just described the q-jays

 

[jsmithepa]

U dunn want your "road" phones too good do ya? Imagine u going into a trance and close the eyes... better keep that insurance up-to-date!

 

[Sherwood]

Depending on your priorities, you might want to look into the Westone UM1s. hey fit entirely within your ear cavity, so much so that you can wear them laying down on your side. The cord is also a "behind-the-ear" design, which further lowers the profile.

They sound better than the ER-6i's, for sure, but for the money better sound can be had. Better comfort and profile, however, cannot. Your call.

 

[rustbucket]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsmithepa /img/forum/go_quote.gif U dunn want your "road" phones too good do ya? Imagine u going into a trance and close the eyes... better keep that insurance up-to-date!

Hehehe - trust me, when you're on a motorcycle and any tiny mistake could result in severe pain, it's easy to pay attention!

Really, I need IEM's for the isolation on the bike. It's at home and when traveling that the sound quality comes into play.

 

[andy43]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rustbucket /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hehehe - trust me, when you're on a motorcycle and any tiny mistake could result in severe pain, it's easy to pay attention! Really, I need IEM's for the isolation on the bike. It's at home and when traveling that the sound quality comes into play.

I plan on getting some q-jays sometime soon for my newly acquired ipod classic. From what I here being described, they really are the perfect ipod headphone.

 

[jsmithepa]

I failed to look at the mirror when I had my Qjays, but the ER6i dissapears in my ears... looked kinda weird at first having wires coming out of my ears but now I think it's kinda cool.

 

[Dash]

My SE420s all but disappear as well, save the cord.

 

[shigzeo]

nothing for that price is as small as the q-jay (which can be worn over the ear as well) - i have owned the um2 which is a little bigger than um1 and have tried the um1 - it is much much bigger than q-jay.

no shure or anything but maybe klipsch image as nearly as small

 

[unclejr]

q-jays + er-4 3-flange tips.

 

[jsmithepa]

Quote:

Originally Posted by shigzeo /img/forum/go_quote.gif klipsch image as nearly as small

No way... those things are shaped like the er4... have to see but my guess is, they stick out.