Suggestion for Canal Headphones under $35

[ravishi]

I am looking for a pair of in-ear canal headphones under $35. I was all set to buy the sony mdr-ex71's when I read about it's excessive cord length. Next, I was all set to buy the mdr-ex51's when I found out about the deteriorating cord insulation. Now, I'm at a loss. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

thanks!

 

[jagorev]

Sony mdr-ex81? I don't think you have many other options. Maybe Koss "The Plug", but I've heard that's horrible.

 

[kwitel]

I didnt even know there were IEM's (in ear) under $35.
Ive owned the Sony's and theyre OK.
IMO, dont expect anything in-ear of amy quality under $75.
If you must have something small and portable and under $35, go with some buds from AKG (k14p)-$20-terrific sound.
Otherwise, save for the Ety 6i's, ($80) its a whole other level of sound quality.

 

[Spiritboxer]

I kinda liked the Koss SparkPlug for under $20. This was my first canalphone, an inexpensive introduction to IEM's, bought a pair of E3's two weeks later and gave the Sparkies to a friend. Bought another pair recently, just to have 'em as a backup. I might add that I may be the only person on head-fi who likes these cans.

Nothing great but they're okay.

 

[shesmylovernow]

I think it would be well worth it to save up and get either the e2c, er-6i, or um1, all of which can be had for $100 or less.

 

[Turbo7MN]

In that price range you can't go wrong with the Panasonic RP-HJE50, unless they break

.

 

[tradja]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spiritboxer I kinda liked the Koss SparkPlug for under $20. This was my first canalphone, an inexpensive introduction to IEM's, bought a pair of E3's two weeks later and gave the Sparkies to a friend. Bought another pair recently, just to have 'em as a backup. I might add that I may be the only person on head-fi who likes these cans. Nothing great but they're okay.

I've been really curious: how is the isolation of the Sparkplug? It looks like an earbud with a full-sized industrial earplug attached.

 

[Spiritboxer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tradja I've been really curious: how is the isolation of the Sparkplug? It looks like an earbud with a full-sized industrial earplug attached.

I can check it out but they seem to be semi-open. IIRC, I could hear music playing almost as if they were an open can. Not as loud but there seems to be some leakage. When I have time later I'll give 'em a listen and see.
Listened with the tv on and they don't isolate well at all, still sound decent for the price as far as I can hear but YMMV. Back to my UM2's.

 

[Inkmo]

I second the Panny RP-HJE50. It and the Sharp MD33 are the only sub 35 dollar canalphones ('semi-canal' actually. They don't insert as deep as their big brothers over at Etys and Shure) with good reviews around here. The Sony models will run you more than $35, and though I haven't heard them, I hear the bass is muddy and the highs are too harsh.

I have the Panasonic. I find the sound engaging and relatively well balanced for a cheap headphone. Nearly Kossish. Of course, they also have slightly harsh highs, and some folks with more discerning tastes claim the bass is distorted, but I've spent some time with these phones and can say I don't really see anything too damnable about them. Enough that I'm hesitant to upgrade just yet.

Also, I can testify that the Panasonic isolates well enough for enjoyable listening on the train, bus, or in a coffee shop at an 85dB or less listening level. Hope that helps