New phones, but IEM or Over ear?

[jazzy639]

Hello

Im after a new pair of phones mainly for use in public transport and outside. I listen to a wide variety, from indie (The Kooks, Razorlight, Arctic Monkeys) to Dire Straights to The Beatles to Queen. I have to say though, most is modern music.

I'm not looking for loads of bass but would like to hear it at least. A perfect example is "Broken Stones" by Paul Weller. The bass drum is a perfect test IMO. I could make this out on the Bose On Ear headphones very well, and it sounded good and open. Im looking for a transparent and detailed sound. If it helps, I use B&W DM601 S3 speakers in my hifi setup.

However, i'm also considering the Super.fi Studio 5 Pro as these are the same price (£110 GBP). Ive seen good reviews of these.

Should I be considering anything else? What are your opinions on what I should go for? Is spending 120 GBP ish worth it, can I get near enough the same for a lot less, ie the Sennheiser CX 95 at 55 GBP? What about the Sennheiser HD 25?



Ive owned many (but none perticulary great) phones so far and the are mainly sennheiser" Ones include:
Sennheiser MX500 - doesnt fit my ear well, too big and therefore cannot hear bass
Sennheiser CX300 - find it very bassy and sound is quite muddled
Sennheiser PX200 - when I get the seal right they are not bad but again bass is lacking.
Apple iPod (newest earphones) - while many people say they are terrible, I find they fit my ear well and its probably the best sounding earphone ive got, its clearer than the CX300.
Sennheiser RS120 - cordless headphones which have the best sound of any headphones I own.

 

[jazzy639]

bump?

 

[PhoxHound]

between the bose and the UE, you'll be happier with the UE if for no reason other than the poor build quality on the Bose. the super.fi 5 are held in regard as some of the best IEMs you can get for the price.

don't have experience with them myself, but I hear they're rather uncomfortable. if you don't like phones really deep in your ears, might want to go for something else. you might be able to find a used pair of ATH-ESW9 for that price. or you could go for the clipon ATH-EW9 but those apparently have a pretty weak bass. either way the audio technica's give you the extra benefit of super stylin' phones.

 

[jazzy639]

thanks for the response.

the deepest anything has been in my ears is the CX300 - are the IEMs much deeper? Is there anything CHEAP around I could try first?

While the build quality could be an issue i'd buy them from the Apple store near to me so if I had any problems I know I could return/replace them no problem.

And theres no chance im wearing wood on my head - i'm looking for smallish phones/IEMs suitable for outdoor and transport!