[SparkyXI]

Hi everyone. First post. Huzzah.
 
So - I would consider myself an audiophile: I have been a musician for most of my life and have prior experience in the recording studio (on both sides of the glass, with an AA Degree as a studio engineer). That being said, I've been rocking Skullcandy Ink'd and Riots for the better part of 3 years for my general listening pleasure. I have to say, I've been somewhat happy with them - they fit well and sound alright, but they are definitely cheap. I need an upgrade for everyday use.
 
Could you all suggest something similar that would be a worthwhile upgrade under $75? I tried the UE MetroBlehs and didn't like the fit at all. I would try the Skullcandy Titan, but they have the inline vol control, which is asking for trouble. I wish I could drop the cheddar on some Shures or custom UEs, but I just can't do it.
 
Thoughts? Comments? Flavors?

 

[KLS]

Have a look at my sig

 

[SparkyXI]

And......... thanks for that. 

 

[Hentai11]

Tell me how you like your music to sound. I can recommend either the RE0 or the Hippo VB, but absolutely not both at once.

 

[SparkyXI]

I listen to anything from rock to doo-wop to soul and Motown. I like a good mix of low and high end, without sacrificing mids. More precisely said, I like a good bit of low end in kick drums and bass guitars, with nicely defined highs and guitar tone. Or even better, a well rounded sound with just a touch more low and high than mid, while staying true to the recording. Does that help?

 

[ljokerl]

Yes. You described the ViSang R03.

 

[semisight]

Quote:

Yes. You described the ViSang R03.

Listen to this man, he knows what he's talking about.
 
The RE0, as great as they are, are not a good choice for you.
 
In the future, avoid Shure. They favor a mid forward sound with rolled off treble.

 

[SparkyXI]

Again (joker and semisight), thanks for the input. I started researching the Hippo VB before reading your posts - how would the two (Hippo VB vs ViSang R03) compare, in your opinions? After reading up on the RE0, I think I can agree with your assessment.
 
As well, I have smaller ears. Will this hinder my decision on either of these two models?

 

[ljokerl]

I think only ClieOS has heard both the VB and R03 and he ranks the VB slightly higher overall if I remember correctly. But from what I understand they're different sound signatures. Not sure about the VB but the R03s are pretty easy-going in terms of fit and don't need a deep seal.

 

[SparkyXI]

Joker (or anyone else): on the R03, do you find that the seal is secure? If I wanted to use these on stage, might I have issues with them falling out? As a drummer, I have to think about these things.

 

[SparkyXI]

Update: Based on your suggestions, I decided to pick up a set of Brainwavz M2 under preorder ($49.50 shipped: can't go wrong with that). Let's see how these work out. Hopefully I can use these in the studio/on stage as well... the cables definitely look like they cut the mustard, which is one thing I *loathe* about the cheap Skullcandys...

 

[NinjaCat]

the cable is quite strong I actually I had them on once and I accidently dropped my backpack on them. The impact was strong enough to send my player flying onto the floor

 and no damage was done as far as I noticed. 

 

[ljokerl]

Quote:

Joker (or anyone else): on the R03, do you find that the seal is secure? If I wanted to use these on stage, might I have issues with them falling out? As a drummer, I have to think about these things.

With a good seal you should be okay. The R03 definitely aren't as secure as some of the deeply-inserted monitors out there but you'd have to be moving pretty sporadically for them to fall out. I think the mp4nation version comes with a set of over-the-ear cable guides, which may help further secure them in place.

 

[SparkyXI]

Quote:

Quote:

Joker (or anyone else): on the R03, do you find that the seal is secure? If I wanted to use these on stage, might I have issues with them falling out? As a drummer, I have to think about these things.

With a good seal you should be okay. The R03 definitely aren't as secure as some of the deeply-inserted monitors out there but you'd have to be moving pretty sporadically for them to fall out. I think the mp4nation version comes with a set of over-the-ear cable guides, which may help further secure them in place.

Fair enough. I would assume that I can find deeper foam inserts if I really have issues?
 

 

[SparkyXI]

So... an update. I received my M2's, and have burned them in (full pink noise, maybe 80 hours). They sound excellent - very happy with the audio quality. Definitely true to the music. The cabling is awesome - I'm very anal about my cables being wrapped correctly, and these are wonderful. My one gripe is that wrapping around the ear is damn-near impossible because of the strain relief. I have been contemplating cutting the relief down to see if that will help, but we'll see.
 
All in all, I'm pleased with them as an everyday at the office / home and potential studio use in ear.
 
Thanks again everyone!