Scared of becoming an audiophile... Help?

[MisterControversy]

I'm usually not really picky about my music, but I want to try something new. The Yuin PK3's seem really good for the price, but there's a deal on the RE2's right now. Strangely enough, i can't seem to find a comparison between these two.

The PK1's look tempting, but the 160$ price seems outrageous for something so small, especially during the economic downfall. Is the 100$ difference worth it? Would I buy the PK3's / RE2's and then want more, because this seems to be the case with new audiophiles. Apparently, once you listen to a high quality source of sound, you can't go back.

Thanks.

 

[i_don't_know]

Well, what kind of sound do you like? PK3 is bassy. RE2 and PK1 are more balanced.

 

[MisterControversy]

Oops, probably should've mentioned it. I like a bit of classical and rap, so a fun sound would be nice. I do like a more forward bass with a bit of impact, but i will be pairing these up with a Fiio E5, which i believe has a bass boost setting.

 

[i_don't_know]

Classical and rap benefit from way different sound signatures. Classical usually calls for a more balanced, airy sound and rap calls for a ton of bass.

With the E5, the only IEM I can think of that I own would be the PFE. With black filters and the E5, they should have enough bass for rap. I use the gray filters and no amp myself, but I listen to a lot of music that is nothing but acoustic guitar.

What source do you have, though? Certain sources can make the PFE sound too bright, which would probably be okay for classical, but it could make rap less enjoyable.

Someone else needs to get in here. More help will yield better results.

 

[insyte]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MisterControversy /img/forum/go_quote.gif Apparently, once you listen to a high quality source of sound, you can't go back.

This is true, because you already know what's out there. And the upgraditis will not stop with the PK3 or RE2. Anyway good luck with your purchase

 

[MisterControversy]

Would a Zune with the Fiio amp cut it? I understand that the PK1 has an insane OHM.

As for the E5, 500 USD is too much, especially with how little the Canadian dollar is worth compared to it.

 

[i_don't_know]

500 usd? I'm not following this.

 

[toughnut]

Your first mistake is probably by visiting head-fi. There's no turning back

Btw, E5 cost usd20+, not usd500 lol

 

[andyreynold]

Yeah - don't be scared. Embrace it.

 

[PG21]

Lots of bass for rap is more or less preference. Rap consists most of my library and I prefer my PFE(grey filters) and HD555 over DT770 which have a ton more bass. My reason is that I listen to the lyrics more, but the added thump is nice. Don't like too much bass veiling everything else, which is the problem with the black filters.

 

[MisterControversy]

Oops, I read your post wrong, heh. My wallet would hate me for spending so much on audio. I don't want to spend too much on earphones because of the economy right now, I'd rather save the money for a rainy day.

Anyways, I probably listen to more classical than rap, so the bright sound would be nice, although I really do enjoy emphasizing the bass on a piano. Has anyone here tried both the PK3 as well as the RE2 before?

 

[Jajo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MisterControversy /img/forum/go_quote.gif Oops, I read your post wrong, heh. My wallet would hate me for spending so much on audio. I don't want to spend too much on earphones because of the economy right now, I'd rather save the money for a rainy day.

The rainy day is here! Spend money. Help the economy. Take the money from under your mattress!

 

[toxic888]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MisterControversy /img/forum/go_quote.gif once you listen to a high quality source of sound, you can't go back. Thanks.

Hah... that is very true, I now feel very very uncomfortable using cheap earbuds and cheap headphones, the bad sound quality has become irritating. The more you listen to good 'phones, the more you get used to the sound, the more you wish for even better sound, and the less you want to go back to worse sound. It's a quaint experience.

 

[AudioCats]

too late now.

sorry about your ears.

 

[average_joe]

I have the PK3s and have read about the RE2s.
From my experience the PK3s have great bass (good for rap), but are much less detailed than PFEs, IE8s, and slightly less detailed than my NE-7s. They are airy and have a very nice presentation that makes them just plain sound good! I think they are a little dark compared to the NE-7, PFE, and IE8.

From what I have read the RE2 would be more detailed, but lacking the bass of the PK3. I can't really comment more than that as I have not heard them, but they seem like they would probably be better suited for classical.

And IMO getting spending a little more time reviewing to make the right choice for you in a higher price range will save you $ in the long run. If I am listening to my IE8s and go to another IEM/earbud I can't stand it, seriously. I listened to my mom's Sony Walkman with the stock IEMs and daym they sounded bad. Hooking up my PK3s made the sound improve dramatically. Even when I go from my IE8 to my PK3 I can't stand that!

But then when your ears become more refined you need always need to spend more money on your sound! Welcome to Head-fi, sorry for your wallet.