[malibuboats91]

Hi everyone! Long time reader, first time poster here. I currently have V-Moda M100 headphones that I use at home and am looking for something more portable. I tried the RHA-MA750i and determined that I don't like the earbud style that has the wire behind your ear. The styles similar to the Apple EarPods etc. don't seem to have that good of ratings. Are there any like that you could recommend? I typically listen to hip hop, RnB and alternative music. Thanks!

 

[malibuboats91]

Anyone?

 

[k4rstar]

Whats your budget? Soundmagic E10/S are good for the genres listed and are worn cable down.

 

[JK1]

What is your budget? Is this for a phone? Do you want something that sounds neutral or something with extra bass?

 

[malibuboats91]

Thanks for the replies! My budget is $100 or less and I want something with good bass.

 

[Raketen]

my recs - sony xb90ex. zero audio carbo tenore (or basso, haven't tried, similar 'bass' version).
 
see also http://www.head-fi.org/t/761433/the-best-iems-for-bass-are-the-iem-bass-club (on this list, pump audio pump, ad01, eph m200, wooduo 2, onkyo 300, xb40ex, one of the pioneers in budget, can also search/ask on the thread about other stuff)
 
Not all earbuds are bad (a lot even like earpods).  http://www.head-fi.org/products/venture-electronics-ve-monk

 

[kookoo]

Hifiman RE400

 

[JK1]

Thanks for the replies! My budget is $100 or less and I want something with good bass.

What do you mean by good bass, natural sounding or exaggerated?

 

[JK1]

  my recs - sony xb90ex. zero audio carbo tenore (or basso, haven't tried, similar 'bass' version).
 
see also http://www.head-fi.org/t/761433/the-best-iems-for-bass-are-the-iem-bass-club (on this list, pump audio pump, ad01, eph m200, wooduo 2, onkyo 300, xb40ex, one of the pioneers in budget, can also search/ask on the thread about other stuff)
 
Not all earbuds are bad (a lot even like earpods).  http://www.head-fi.org/products/venture-electronics-ve-monk

The XB90EX is loved by bassheads, but not so much by those who want strong bass, but who want it to sound natural and in proportion. 

 

[Raketen]

Have you used them? I am not a basshead. I like the xb90ex. They lift bass some at the very low end, but they do not bloat or boom so much and it is very well controlled.
The basshead thread loves them so much because they can take a lot of power for pushing them to basshead levels with EQ.
According to the thread consensus the other xb models (like xb40 xb50) offer more bass unamped (one of the reasons there is an 'unamped bass' list there).
They are good versatile headphones and a very good value imo. Downsides are the flat cable and large size, possibly.
 
Anyway, I am not trying to sell them for Sony, just mention as an option.

 

[JK1]

  Have you used them? I am not a basshead. I like the xb90ex. They lift bass some at the very low end, but they do not bloat or boom so much and it is very well controlled.
The basshead thread loves them so much because they can take a lot of power for pushing them to basshead levels with EQ.
According to the thread consensus the other xb models (like xb40 xb50) offer more bass unamped (one of the reasons there is an 'unamped bass' list there).
They are good versatile headphones and a very good value imo. Downsides are the flat cable and large size, possibly.
 
Anyway, I am not trying to sell them for Sony, just mention as an option.

This review of the XB90EX talking about a lack of clarity is pretty much what I expected. I guess some people are very preoccupied with the bass, and for them the XB90Ex is fine.  Imo the Sony MDREX earphones with 13.5mm or larger drivers have a better balance overall, and still provide good bass. I love my EX210. I also love my XBA-1, which some  describe as bass deficient but I find is just right.
 
http://www.head-fi.org/products/sony-mdr-xb90ex-in-ear-extra-bass-headphones-japanese-import/reviews/12124

 

[malibuboats91]

I'd like good bass, but also want them to be clear. The MA750i seemed to be low pitched and I still like to have good mids/treble

 

[Raketen]

It's somewhat source & song dependant imo but yeah they can sound a little lacking in clarity especially at lower volume and in direct comparisons.
One of their strengths is being flexible with EQ without losing coherence, and I find this correctable even with 5-band walkman EQ (I add a bit of a v starting at 400hz and don't have to fuss with it after that )
 
If uninterested in EQ, Tenore/Basso and other people's suggestions are probably better.

 

[thejammonster]

Alpha & Delta AD01 for the money and without the need for an amp. They sound great straight from a smartphone. I recommend the upgraded cable. The Sony XB90EX is highly regarded but require an amp ($$$) and possibly EQ.

 

[malibuboats91]

Thanks for the replies! What do you think about the V-Modas that are below $100?