[wildwildebeest]

I'm after a slightly better set of earphones, ones which will block out unwanted noise, especially from planes & cars.
As I don't want anything too bulky I think I am probably looking at in-ear earphones, especially as they seem to be better than headphones for the same price.

Thinking of spending about £40 sterling on them, so far have considered 'phones like
the Sennheiser CX300 (these are the cheapest)
Shure e2c,
Crossroads Mylarone XB.

Any idea which of these is the best? Especially in terms of sound isolation?

I'm after clarity and bass - obviously - but clarity is prob more important unless it gets tinny...


Also: I haven't yet made any sense of the technical spec that you can find on these: is it essential to match the impedance of the phones with my mp3 player (a zen btw) as closely as possible? Or aim for high impedance?

Any advice much appreciated

 

[tk3]

Of those 3, the Shure will probably isolate best if you use the foam tips, the other two are canalphones and isolate less.

If you want really high isolation, the Etymotic earphones are unbeaten in this regard.
The ER6i is somewhat in your price range, and has a listed isolation of 35+ dB with the foams (reference: other earphones usually have ~25-28 dB of listed isolation).

Edit: also, I've used the ER4S on flights, and it blocks out all the engine noise.

 

[wildwildebeest]

ok thanks a lot, the etymotics certainly look nice but are probably stretching the bidget a little (not to mention the er4s!)
I'll have a browse for some deals...

 

[wildwildebeest]

I could stretch to these sorts of prices, but what do you think about buying from ebay? genuine stuff?

 

[wildwildebeest]

oops meant to link
New ETYMOTIC ER6i ER-6i Isolator Earphones Black on eBay, also Headphones, Apple iPod Accessories, MP3 Player Accessories, Consumer Electronics (end time 15-Feb-08 21:02:17 GMT)

New ETYMOTIC ER6i ER-6i Sound Isolating Earphones Black - eBay (item 120219212393 end time Feb-15-08 13:02:34 PST)

 

[tk3]

I would be careful buying from that guy, just in this month he has 30+ negatives, mostly lack of communication.
On the other hand, he has 900+ positive feedbacks, but should you get a dud, you can't count on getting any helpful after-sale service from him.
Up to you really if you want to risk it.

Personally I would try to buy it used instead from the For Sale boards, you can get really good deals there from people who want a quick sale, or just price their items low.
Or from HeadRoom, it'll be probably a little more expensive than from ebay, but you are guaranteed good after-sale service there at least.

 

[brown274]

I have the ER-i6 and use the shure black foam sleeves. I say it blocks out 98% while listening to music, and about 80% with just the earphones in.

These are the tips I use Shure - Black Foam Sleeves for Earphones

 

[Qosmio]

In my experienced with not custom IEM,Shure will be the best for blocking out noise especially with E500PTH im selling it now if you interests

 

[brown274]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Qosmio /img/forum/go_quote.gif In my experienced with not custom IEM,Shure will be the best for blocking out noise especially with E500PTH im selling it now if you interests

How Much?

 

[wildwildebeest]

yeah unless they're broken I'm guessing they're out of my price range... have found the etys for about £47 might get thewm tomorrow hmmm

 

[diab0lik]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Qosmio /img/forum/go_quote.gif In my experienced with not custom IEM,Shure will be the best for blocking out noise especially with E500PTH im selling it now if you interests

i know the e500 is the same as the se530 but do they come with the black foamies?

 

[ernieBob]

Just a quick note, the e2c are not produced anymore. They were replaced by the Shure SE110. I own these and the CX300. The Shure will give better isolation (and sound better overall I think) , provided that you use the correct tips. The SE100 has a thicker, sturdier cord too.

 

[Amblin]

Something quick and cheap, the JVC FX-33s, AKA the Marshmallows.

 

[fatcat28037]

Here's another retailer who discounts. I've delt with them, very helpful and fast delivery.

Ultimate Ears Earphones, Shure Headphones and Westone Earphones - Earphone Solutions - The Best Earphones for iPod Comparisons and Reviews

 

[greenzee]

I own the CX300, Marshmallows, and Altec 716's (poor man's Ety's) and without question the Altecs/Ety's will give you the best isolation. I've got two kids at home under the age of 8, and with my eyes closed I can't tell they are in the room with me.

Most would tell you, that's only slightly less loud than an aircraft...

IMO, the Altec's/Ety's sound MUCH better than either the Senn's or Marshmallows. Obviously there's a significant price difference, esp. between the JVC's and Altec's, or Ety's, but they are nowhere near the same league.

Good luck in your search.