[cougar_hook]

I'm getting the Etimotic HF5. Because I was told it has the cheapest(price) BEST sound isolation.

Now, I also heard that the sleeves/ear tips suck and are super stiff.



How can I get the the softest and most durable and most noise blocking sleeves?

Remember this, I wear earphones 17-20hrs per day, every day.

 

[dragoonf144]

Foams from the packet, double flange tips (made by cutting the end flange of the triple flange tip), or klipsch tips are all pretty comfortable

 

[cougar_hook]

How long do the foam sleeves last?

I mean I'll be using them for more than 17 hours per day. About how many days would I have before they become saggy and squished flat like an old pillow.

 

[ethan961]

Not many. You can wash your foams in hydrogen peroxide to clean them, but you're best off using Shure Olives or trying the silicone tips that come with it first.

 

[cougar_hook]

Youch, I'm spending up to nearly $200 dollars with tax/shipping charges.

I'm thinking of going with a custom set now, the cheapest is $400 but I'll never have to worry about buying $20 dollar sleeves every month, because I use the earphones WAY too much.

Should I add $300 dollars and get the custom ones? Hehe.

Also, the main best custom IEM sellers are JH Audio and Ultimate Ears?

 

[Frequen C]

I swear, whatever tips come with the cheapo $20 JVC Marshmallow earbuds are the longest lasting ever. About 40 hours of use a month for a year (with the same two tips) doesn't lie. Be wary before buying; they only fit selective earbuds, like they won't fit my Klipsch in-ears.

 

[ethan961]

Well, the HF5 isn't really worth that much. You can get better for your money. The HF5 only isolates the most if you use the tri-flange tips that are included, so if you're buying based on that then keep that in mind. For around $200 you can get the Westone 2, which would be a cut above. Heck, you could even get a used ER-4P. There's another IEM that would be better value too, but I can't say as I sell it. There are a few of them that are better value, maybe you'll stumble along that one if the sound sig catches your eye.