What in-the-ear phones to use with Apple iPhone?

[FinnT]

Dear Audiophiles,

OK I have the iPhone. Yes I love it! - Ouch, the earphones are crap!

So, I need to upgrade to something more decent.

However, there are few compatible solutions (due to the unique connector) and I don't want to go for a solution with a separate cord for the microphone.

I've found only four different in-the-ear phones for the iPhone, but how to decide? - as mentioned before somewhere on this forum - the amazon-style-reviews are not to trust...

My needs: best possible sound on commuter buses and trains, walking through busy streets (hence the need for in-the-ear). AND still OK phone call sound...

Please let me know your thoughts - although I realise this will only be based on previous knowledge on the manufacturers.

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Alternative 1. V-Moda Vibe Duo ($101)
Alternative 2. Skullcandy FMJ ($79.95)
Alternative 3. TuneBuds Mobile (Griffin) ($39.99)
Alternative 4. Maximo (iP-HS2 iMetal™ Isolation Headset)($56.49)
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Details:

Alternative 1: V-Moda Vibe Duo

::: v-moda :::

Maximum mobility, convenience, and comfort
• Hands-free microphone for extreme mobility and convenient communication
• Microphone’s call control button quickly answers phone calls and operates music playback/fast forward features
• Comfortably secure fit with three sizes of ultra-soft silicone fittings (S,M,L)
• Durable and lightweight fabric cable complements the ergonomic design
• Suitable for intense activity or calm relaxation


High-Definition and Noise Isolating Technology
• V-MASQUE dynamic driver for high definition clarity and 3-D soundstage
• Noise-isolating (BLISS) technology to reduce ambient noises and enable deep bass
• BLISS introduces no artificial sound into your music and requires no batteries, unlike bulky active noise cancellation

Pinnacle sound, sight, and touch
• Vibrant bass, vivid mid-range, vivacious highs
• Solid alloy composition creates sculpted sound curve fashioned for discerning music enthusiasts
• Handmade premium metal craftsmanship and sophisticated design accentuates the modern individual

Specifications
• Frequency response: 12Hz-22kHz
• Speaker driver: V-MASQUE dynamic technology, 9mm neodymium rare-earth magnet
• Cable length: 32 in./81.3 cm plug to y-connector; 13.5 in./34.3 cm even-length earphone cables
• Cable diameter: 0.09 in./2.2 mm (optimal for sport)
• Plug: 24k gold-plated, 3.5mm (1/8”) dual standard stereo/iPhone compatible plug
• Weight: 13 g


In the box
• Vibe Duo earphones/headset with microphone
• Black leather pouch
• Six pairs (S,M,L) of clear and two pairs (S) of black silicone ear fittings

Price: $101

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Alternative 2: Skullcandy FMJ

iPhone FMJ [SC-FMJI] : Skullcandy

11mm speaker

Frequency range: 16 Hz 20K Hz

Impedance: 16 ohms

Max input power: 500mW

Cable type: Aluminum foil

Cable length: 1.1 M

Plug type: 3.5mm gold plated

Accessories:

EVA carrying case

COMPLY foam tips

Price: $79,95

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Alternative 3: TuneBuds Mobile (Griffin)

Griffin Technology: TuneBuds Mobile

Slim headphone/mic plug connects to your iPhone headphone jack, allowing you to jump between incoming phone calls and listening to music with a press of a button.
TuneBuds deliver powerful low-end response and crisp, clear treble, and include three sized pairs of cushioned earpads for a custom fit.
High-sensitivity microphone for crystal clear phone conversations.
ControlMic button does it all -- Answer calls to your iPhone or send them to voicemail in Phone mode; play, pause and skip through your tunes in Music mode.
Earphone cable is sheathed in nylon braiding for strength, good looks and durability.

Price: $39.99

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Alternative 4: Maximo (iP-HS2 iMetal™ Isolation Headset)

Maximo Products***||**iPhone Accessories/iP-HS2

features:

• Lightweight aluminum alloy body
• High-fidelity isolation earphones
• High-definition condenser mic
• Soft-touch button for call answer/end and song pause/skip
• 3 pairs/sizes (L,M,S) of eartips
• iPhone-compatible stereo headset plug
• 2-ft extension cable
• Carrying pouch
• Lifetime warranty

Specifications:

• Earphone drivers: 9mm neodymium
• Frequency response: 18Hz-22KHz
• Sensitivity (1KHz, 0.1V): >100dB
• Maximum SPL output :>120dB
• Microphone sensitivity: 44dB +/-3 dB@1KHz
• Microphone Frequency response: 20Hz-16KHz
• Microphone impedance: 2.2K Ohm
• Signal-to-noise ratio: > 58dB
• Headset cable length: 4 feet
• Extension cable length: 2 feet
• Connection: 3.5mm with stereo audio & mono mic

Price: $56.49

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So, let me know your thoughts please!!!

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[ZarakiSan]

Ultimate Ears 4.vi or something?
Scrap the SkullCandys, the Griffins, abd probably the Mamimos right now.

 

[glac1er]

I bought a pair of Griffin Tunebuds (not the mobile version but looks similar) for its silicon sleeves. They were absolute crap, $10 JVC Marshmallows sounds better.

Ultimate Ears generally makes decent sounding IEMs.

 

[intoflatlines]

UE SF4vi.

 

[russya]

I use a pair of superfreq's with my iPhone and I can guarantee that they are a far superior sounding option to those others. They are $189 but completely worth it, if you want to save some money you could always go for the dual or single armature driver models instead. They will isolate better than those other options and since they are custom they will also be a lot more comfortable. The only downside is that you do have to sacrafice a working pair of the stock iPhone headphones. They cut the stock ibuds off and replace them with the custom made IEM's. Since they use the stock apple cable everything works exactly like it suppose to. Here's a link to my thread that has pictures of my pair

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f4/freqs-iphone-295719/

My second choice after the FreQ's would be the etymotic HF2 which are $179 if you can get a pair, and the sound to my ears isn't quite up to the same standard as the FreQ's.

 

[FinnT]

Thank you guys!

Russya - how's the phone call fealing/working with the Freq's?

btw, perhaps I should include both your options in the main document for future readers?

 

[russya]

Using them is just the same as using the stock buds except that they seal out noise so well you don't hear yourself as well, so you may find that you talk a little louder than you normally would. If you worry about being to loud you can always just pop the left earphone out so you can hear your voice a bit better. I've gotten use to it now so that it's not an issue, but my wife said that at first I was always talking like I was deaf.

Also, I forgot to mention, the FreQ's are very efficient so you won't have to turn the volume up in half of what you usually do with the stock ibuds to get the same volume. So your battery lasts a bit longer.

 

[bitWrangler]

Quote:

Originally Posted by russya /img/forum/go_quote.gif My second choice after the FreQ's would be the etymotic HF2 which are $179 if you can get a pair, and the sound to my ears isn't quite up to the same standard as the FreQ's.

russya, how would you compare the HF2 to the Ety 4s/p? What type of music do you listen to? I do mainly classical so I'm a bit concerned about what I hear about the bass and mids on the freqs. Also, any issue with the build quality on the freqs? I usually keep my iphone buds in my pocket so I'm a bit concerned about their ability to stand up to such abuse (this is why I've not tried the UE, due to others reporting about it's build issues). I'm trying to decide if I want to go the HF2 route or the freqs route or the franken iphone buds+ety 4s route.

 

[vhobhstr]

How about the UB7 Ultimate Buds Apple / Etymotic ER6i?

Ultimate Buds*::*Products*::*iPhone Headsets*::*UB7 Ultimate Buds Apple / Etymotic ER6i

 

[FinnT]

The UB7s look really nice, and they would still let me hear some of the outside noise. (I've found I get really paranoid when walking through busy streets without hearing the oncoming trafic...)

good advise! (too bad about the international shipping cost though...)

/FinnT

 

[vhobhstr]

You're welcome!

 

[grawk]

The Apple Store (U.S.) - Shure Music Phone Adapter for iPhone

That plus any iems you like.

 

[russya]

I've done the shure route, and I wouldn't recommend it. Way too much cord to deal with and the button is so far away that you have to keep the whole cord out to be able to use it. Go custom and you won't regret it, except maybe the bill.

 

[gregorio]

I use Ultimate Ears triple-fi IEMs. Running my iPhone at about 60% output level is plenty loud enough. I even trimmed the plastic back so they plug straight into my iphone without the need for an adapter. They are expensive IEMs but they sound great!!

 

[LeeMark]

Etymotic just released an iphone version for $179. Etymotic Research, Inc. - hf2â„¢ Earphones

They say the sonics are close to the ER4. I used the UE4vi and the cord is extremely flimsy, sound is OK, not great. The ER4p with an adapter is much better.
Lee