[kimvictor]

The rbh ep sb has best sound quality of any Bluetooth. The optima unforced be6 is close behind. They jay bird x2s-- I got these and wondered why everyone loves them? Sounds like a pair of $30 headphones in comparison. Rbh ep sb and relisten player or sound focus and you are in iem heaven. Why don't these get more press? They are fantastic!!!

I suppose because they're rather hard to come across? I have never heard of either of them. Also, the review sources they've listed aren't terribly head-fi.

 

[canali]

i'm also in the market for some good sounding and reliable bluetooth iems
(pref a balanced, detailed sound, slight bass boost is ok) for the gym using my unobtrusive nano
seems newer models coming out this yr are going to have dual batteries for longer life.
http://www.cnet.com/products/monster-adidas-sport-adistar-in-ear-wireless-headphones/
 
Another noteworthy feature is the dual battery design (presumably one in each bud) that boosts
battery life to as much as eight hours, depending on the volume level. And I liked how you charge
the battery through a Micro-USB port in the inline remote, where the electronics live, rather than the bud.
This is a new design feature for wireless in-ear headphones for 2016 and you'll find it in several
models later this year, including the Sol Republic Relays Sport Wireless and Jaybird Freedom.
 
also came across this link reviewing bluetooth iems
thoughts?
http://headphonesaddict.com/best-bluetooth-earbuds/
 
interesting LG model too...but not the best reviews...per QC
http://www.lg.com/us/bluetooth-headsets-headphones/lg-HBS-850-Orange-tone-active
 
any feedback on the other newer sony models vs the sbh 80? 
http://www.sony.ca/en/electronics/in-ear-headphones/mdr-ex750bt
http://www.sony.ca/en/electronics/in-ear-headphones/mdr-as800ap

 

[canali]

any updates to your experiments with other models?
 
i have a feeling that quality bluetooth iems (both sports and non related)
are going to really grow in popularity this next yr or so.
 
Quote:

  I had the RBH EP-SB for about a month, but ultimately returned them.  I will say that they sounded dang good.  They've been on sale off and on recently, but I bought them at list and expected them to sound pretty good.  And, they did.  Sounded extraordinary.  I was completely blown away by the dynamics, bass, all that good stuff.  Kind of reminded me of my Westone 3s, but a little more open if that makes sense.  From a sound perspective, they get 5 out of 5 from me, especially for a workout-focused BT IEM.  However, the fit on them is a little awkward.  They come with a couple different pair of Complys and tried both of them.  They also have some little rubber fins to help stabilize in your ear.  Also provided a few different options for managing cord length.  I could never seem to find the right combination of cord management to where it didn't seem like they were going to fall out.  The rubber fins were IMO too flimsy to fully anchor them in (like the Monster iSport fins).  Also, with the controls being offset to the right side, it made them a little lopsided and that didn't help with the falling out feeling.  They were great in the gym for cardio and lifting and all that good stuff.  But, always a little touch and go when running.  I usually run 4-6 miles per outing.  The second negative for me was that these have a mic.  I had no plans on using these to take / make calls, but that mic hole in the housing would allow sweat to get in and they wouldn't turn on until it aired out after a day or so.  And, that's what ultimately led to me returning them.  RBH was cool about it and gave me a full refund.  They're stand-up guys.  For reference, I've burned through more workout / sport IEMs than I care to admit.  As a side note, take a look at the Atlas Media Ear Buddy on amazon or even the FSL Inertia on there.  Look very similar to the EP-SB for much less.  Toying with the idea of trying one of them out and maybe taping over the mic hole.  BTW, had them paired with my Adidas Smart Run watch that has built-in MP3 BT wireless.  Hope this helps.

 

[davescleveland]

I'm telling you the rbh is the best sounding by out there

 

[kimvictor]

  i'm also in the market for some good sounding and reliable bluetooth iems
(pref a balanced, detailed sound, slight bass boost is ok) for the gym using my unobtrusive nano
seems newer models coming out this yr are going to have dual batteries for longer life.
http://www.cnet.com/products/monster-adidas-sport-adistar-in-ear-wireless-headphones/
 
Another noteworthy feature is the dual battery design (presumably one in each bud) that boosts
battery life to as much as eight hours, depending on the volume level. And I liked how you charge
the battery through a Micro-USB port in the inline remote, where the electronics live, rather than the bud.
This is a new design feature for wireless in-ear headphones for 2016 and you'll find it in several
models later this year, including the Sol Republic Relays Sport Wireless and Jaybird Freedom.
 
also came across this link reviewing bluetooth iems
thoughts?
http://headphonesaddict.com/best-bluetooth-earbuds/
 
interesting LG model too...but not the best reviews...per QC
http://www.lg.com/us/bluetooth-headsets-headphones/lg-HBS-850-Orange-tone-active
 
any feedback on the other newer sony models vs the sbh 80? 
http://www.sony.ca/en/electronics/in-ear-headphones/mdr-ex750bt
http://www.sony.ca/en/electronics/in-ear-headphones/mdr-as800ap

Few notes. I've never been a fan of monster IEMs. Expect them to be more than "slight bass boost". So that should be a no no for you. I would stay away from "sport" oriented IEMs, as they always are really bassy. That's what outdoor IEMs are meant to be like. LG has a new version of the HBS line, with BA drivers. Those are supposed to be amazing. I've tried the as800 and hated it for a strong V shaped tuning, but if the ex750bt sounds similar to ex750, it should be at least decent. 

 

[canali]

kimvictor:
 
sony sbh80
 
if this is being used in a gym...i presume there is thus lots of 'interference'.(treadmills, etc)
..i've been offered a pair shipped for $65:
 
also per your note on LG's newer series, I'm reading mixed reviews on them (at least on amazon).
was there any particular model?
 
Quote:

  OK HBS900 for steady connection. SBH80 uses a bit outdated BT method. It still sounds the same, but it does get interfered with rather easily if there are lots of electronics around.
 
I haven't had any issues with the SBH80 wearing out or range diminishing, and I've had them for slightly over a year now. 

 

[kimvictor]

 

HBS-1100 I believe. I don't trust amazon reviews so much. They even have a mixed review for SBH80. Come on. The beats studios have a 4 star review. Though it is a new product, so do look at more credible reviews before buying it.

 

[canali]

  HBS-1100 I believe. I don't trust amazon reviews so much. They even have a mixed review for SBH80. Come on. The beats studios have a 4 star review. Though it is a new product, so do look at more credible reviews before buying it.

 
ah, that's why...thanks victorkim:
didn't realize it was specifically the 1100 series...thanks for that
not cheap @ US$200ish...of course they're  new...
http://www.cnet.com/products/lg-tone-platinum-hbs-1100/
http://www.soundguys.com/lg-tone-platinum-review-8732/
https://gavinsgadgets.com/tag/reviews/
 
btw: would you still grab the sony sbh 80 for US$65 however, for what they offer?

 

[DJ_JonnyV]

My Sony NWZ-WS615 BT workout headphones are still going strong a year later.  No, not as good sounding as the RBH, but more reliable.  I use them everyday to workout in, run, and cut the yard and have sweated buckets into them.  For me, I'll take reliability for a gym headphone over SQ any day of the week.  It's a little light on bass out of the box, but can be tuned using the app and there's a way to set it to highest SQ setting as well.  It's deep in the Amazon reviews somewhere.  

 

[HeBeCB]

  The cords are very sturdy. I tug it by the cord and throw mine around everywhere. They will last at least a year, and if you do break them, you do have a 2 year warranty. I'm glad you're enjoying them.

 
I also recently came across this review when looking for comparisons against the Jaybird. I picked up the Sonys last week and i've really been enjoying them too so I wanted to stop back and give thanks for your review. I have a pair of 215's that I like a lot but the cable is a PITA when I'm moving around. Ergonomically I really like these... the way it sits behind the neck is greatly preferable to the ear hangers when I'm moving around the office and need to take them out to talk to someone (not to mention no having to worry about a rogue cord).
 
Soundwise I agree they are mildly boomy but in general I'm very happy with the SQ... it's pretty well balanced IMO.
 
Thanks again for the review.

 

[kimvictor]

   
I also recently came across this review when looking for comparisons against the Jaybird. I picked up the Sonys last week and i've really been enjoying them too so I wanted to stop back and give thanks for your review. I have a pair of 215's that I like a lot but the cable is a PITA when I'm moving around. Ergonomically I really like these... the way it sits behind the neck is greatly preferable to the ear hangers when I'm moving around the office and need to take them out to talk to someone (not to mention no having to worry about a rogue cord).
 
Soundwise I agree they are mildly boomy but in general I'm very happy with the SQ... it's pretty well balanced IMO.
 
Thanks again for the review.

No worries! I'm glad you're enjoying them. I really wish Sony made an upgrade version of the SBH80.

 

[elektron]

  The cords are very sturdy. I tug it by the cord and throw mine around everywhere. They will last at least a year, and if you do break them, you do have a 2 year warranty. I'm glad you're enjoying them.

 
Would you mind clarifying about the 2 year warranty?  From what I can see, Sony have 1 year warranty on most of their products in the majority of countries.

 

[kimvictor]

   
Would you mind clarifying about the 2 year warranty?  From what I can see, Sony have 1 year warranty on most of their products in the majority of countries.

My bad. I just checked, and it is a one year warranty.

 

[elektron]

  My bad. I just checked, and it is a one year warranty.

 
Thanks - that's what I expected.  That's a bummer though, as mine are on their last legs since I've also been sleeping in them for a few months after I realised that they work better than purpose-made earplugs.

 

[kimvictor]

   
Thanks - that's what I expected.  That's a bummer though, as mine are on their last legs since I've also been sleeping in them for a few months after I realised that they work better than purpose-made earplugs.

You should buy some decent earplugs. I have one from Alpine hearing and they're super comfy(even more so than SBH80) and doesn't protrude out at all.