A little background on myself.. I recently been getting into my music because I have started working out in the gym. Of course as with any amateur, I just start with everyday cheap ear buds. This left me clamoring for more.. So invested in in some Klipsch S4’s to get better quality music while working out. Did not want to go buy $150 IEM’s for working out in fear that I would ruin them with a cable yank or perspiration. However at $50 thought this was a good balance of sound quality and cost if I do happen to ruin them.
Now I am no audiophile, but have recently been researching more and more headphone’s. My experience is limited. I really like the sound of my Klipsch. I certainly do not consider myself a bass head but do like some bass with my music although I am not big on Hip Hop\Rap Music. Mostly listen to all kinds of Rock. I feel the S4 have satisfactory level of base without over taking the mid's and high's and keeping the sounds clear and distinct.
In coming across this thread I decided to buy the Panasonic since they were only $30. What the hell!! If I do not like them no great financial loss.
All I can say is WOW!!!! These things sound great! However in listening to these headphones (Panasonic) I feel that the mid's are a bit more recessed (as some has already mentioned) than my Klipsch, but for the price they are fantastic.
Things I do not like:
1- Plug - As I mentioned most of my listening experience is on an iPhone 4s at the gym. The rest of my listening experience is on my iPad listening to music or watching movies on Netflix. With my iPhone I have a Morphie battery case. This plug does fit.. I have to take the top half of my case off to listen to my panny's on the iPhone.
2- Construction - As others have mentioned.. I do not believe these cans are going to be durable. Quality is not as good as I thought they would be and feel I will have to be very delicate with these.
3- Comfort - Although they are very light in comfortable, I have a thin head and would prefer just a slight more clamp on my head as I feel they are a tad bit loose.
All and All I love the sound signature and sound stage of these Panasonic's. As people have said they are fun to listen to. So here are my question. What would be a good next step up (or two) from these Panasonic's with similar sound signature. Willing to spend around the $150 - $200 range. I am really starting to enjoy quality music...
What I am looking for:
1- Love the bass. Even if it has a little less base I can live with that.
2- Bit more forward mids
3- Clear and distinct all around sound
4- Something with an IEM size jack. Would love not having to take the case off my iPhone when using them. That being said they need to be easy to drive as I do not use an amp.
5- Quality - Something more durable. Something that I would not be afraid of stuffing in a suitcase or bag.
6- Not to concerned about looks but something with a bit of style to use outdoors would be a plus.
Am I just asking for too much? Suggestions?