[jazzyb1]

Like the title says which one is better, these both have iPhone controls however the m9p's are cheaper.
What are your thoughts on sound quality in comparison to each other. I've read numerous reviews on each and have both recieved high praise.

I'm looking for IEM's with bass to compensate for the iPhones lack of it.

Vote for which one you think is better, I would like to hear some thoughts on sound quality aswell.

 

[KLS]

In case you overlooked this thread.
Original from: http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/478568/multi-iem-review-63-iems-compared-yuin-ok1-added-05-03
 
They are reviewed by the same person, @joker, a very experienced head-fier.
 
Quote:

(3B1) MEElectronics Ai-M9 / M9

Photo of the old version can be found here

Details: Meelec’s high bang/buck contender in the $20 range
Current Price: $17 from Overstock.com (MSRP: $24.99); $23 for M9P with microphone
Specs: Driver: Dynamic | Imp: 16 Ω | Freq: 18-20k Hz | Cord: 4’ 45-degree plug
Nozzle Size: 5.5mm | Preferred tips: Stock single-flanges
Wear Style: Straight down or over-the-ear

Accessories (4.5/5) – Hard clamshell case, cord wrap, airplane adapter, shirt clip, single-(3 sizes) and bi-flange silicone tips
Build Quality (4.5/5) – While the old version had known build issues, the new M9s are very solidly constructed out of metal using the same cables as rest of the range – striped silver on the silver version; dark grey on the black version
Isolation (3/5) – Longer housings and included bi-flange help achieve deeper insertion and greater isolation despite the vented design
Microphonics (4.5/5) – Very low
Comfort (4/5)– Shallow insertion and fairly light weight make these quite comfortable for long term use. The sound is very sensitive to insertion depth so all of the tips are worth trying

Sound (5.5/10) – The M9 share their general signature with the Meelec M6, which happen to be my favorites from the entire Meelectronics lineup. The soundstage is fairly wide and they sound quite airy – much more so than the top-of-the-range M11. They have great extension at the top end and very strong bass. The bass is sometimes excessive in quantity and tends towards ‘boomy’. The mids are slightly recessed and a bit dry, just like the M6. Though clarity is great all-around, they can be overwhelmed a tiny bit by busy tracks and there is some upper-end harshness. Treble is strong and sparkly, boasting surprising detail and extension for a $20 earphone. Of note, the sound they put out is very fit-dependent; experimentation with different tips may be necessary to get the best out of them.

Value (9/10) – The sound of these is easily worth the price of admission. Clarity and detail are superb and the sound is more airy than any of Meelec’s other models. It’s very hard to compete with the detail these are capable of producing at such a low price point. Meelectroncs’ excellent customer service deserves a nod here too.

Pros: Excellent accessory pack, excellent sound at the price point, good build quality, very low microphonics
Cons: Can be difficult to wear over-the-ear, bass may be too strong/boomy for some
 

 
Quote:

(3A3) Nuforce NE-7M / NE-6

Details: Long-time head-fi favorite budget dynamic earphone
Current Price: $49 from the Nuforce store at Amazon.com (MSRP: $49); $39 for NE-6 (without microphone)
Specs: Driver: Dynamic | Imp: 12 Ω | Sens: 100 dB | Freq: 20-22k Hz | Cord: 3.9’ L-plug
Nozzle Size: 5.5mm | Preferred tips: Comply T400, Soundmagic Bi-flanges
Wear Style: Straight down or over-the-ear

Accessories (2.5/5) – Pleather carrying pouch and silicone single-flange tips (three sizes)
Build Quality (3/5) – Shell is made out of plastic with a metal insert. It feels fairly solid but there are numerous reports of shell splitting at the metal/plastic interface, which happened to my set as well
Isolation (4/5) – Fairly deep fit for solid isolation. Comply tips help further
Microphonics (4/5) – Very low when worn over-the-ear, but still not too bad otherwise
Comfort (4/5) – Straight-barrel IEM with a fairly long body. Stemless design very conducive to over-the-ear fit

Sound (6/10) – Not always pitch-perfect but still lots of fun, the NE-7M is smooth, with slight treble roll-off and a voluminous bottom end. Despite the good overall balance, somewhat long decay times at the bottom end give the impression of greater bass quantity. The low end does extend quite deep, though with a noticeable mid-bass emphasis. The midrange is smooth and enjoyable, boasting good clarity and realistic tone. The highs are not too detailed but also not at all fatiguing, rolling off gently near the very top. Overall the sound is a little too colored for my liking but I am sure there are many head-fiers who will find their perfect budget earphone in the NE-6.

Value (8.5/10) – Though not in a field of its own like it was a year ago, the Nuforce NE-6 and NE-7M are still safe choices in the $50 range. They do nearly everything right and manage to retain the fun factor without significant sacrifices to SQ. And let’s not forget Nuforce’s excellent customer service.

Pros: Comfortable, low microphonics, very solid sound characteristics
Cons: May be too colored for some, not too strong in the highs, common build issues

 

[Jazzyb2791]

oh thanks, im was just about to get the nuforce but i read that it doesnt work with the iphone 3gs, is this true, also is there anywhere to get it in the UK, i dont want to pay for import duties etc...

 

[dfrost]

I just posted my comparison of NE-7M and M9P in joker's thread (post #307), referenced above.
 
Bottom line: If I had to pick one, it would be the NE-7M.

 

[robjrock]

I've owned the ne-7m and just got my ai-m9p's (about 25 hours on em) here's my quick sum:



ne-7m - veiled, pleasant, plenty of bass, nice tones, great fit



ai-m9 - punchy, vibrant, balanced bass, tonally a tad agressive, a good fit very important (not as good as ne-7m)



I prefer the ai-m9p : it's cheaper and the sound is punchy and quite balanced. It is a more fatiguing sound, a little like a Grado. I find it a very engaging sound which I much prefer over the veiled sound of the ne7m. I don't agree with joker about slightly recessed mids- to me they are quite forward but it may be our sources that differ.



If u prefer a more pleasant, non fatiguing, bassy sound, the ne-7m might be ur bet. They just weren't my cup of tea.

 

[dfrost]

Whichever you get, there are better tips for them (same size fits on NE-7M and M9P). The supplied MEElec biflanges are OK, but their single flanges didn't do it for me at all.
 
I've liked Shure E2c silicones and now use the large Head Direct biflanges on both. Both are a secure fit on the nozzles.

 

[robjrock]

I found the stock biflanges good enough (for the overall price) but I couldn't really get the single flanges deep enough to get a really good seal.

Incidently I modified a pair of shure olives I had lying around. Wow! The sound is thicker and meatier, less harshness in the upper midrange too. Very nice!