Why so much fuss about IEMs?

[Bunnyears]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Earwax /img/forum/go_quote.gif I don't find them particulay practical, stopping to scrunch down a foam tip before sticking it in my ear and then waiting for it to expand is annoying. Earbuds are just as portable, maybe more so since I can just stuff them in my pocket without a case, the IEM needs a case because of the foamies.

It's true: Earbuds are easier to put in the ear, and just as portable as iems. Too bad that long term use of buds almost inevitably results in tinnitus and eventual hearing loss.

An iem that fits properly isolates you from external sounds which means that when you play your music you can play it at a lower volume level. Earbuds leak sound like crazy forcing you play your music at unsafe, high volume levels to hear it. There is not an otolaryngologist (MD) or audiologist (D.Aud) who approves of the use of earbuds because of this. As far as I am concerned, preserving my hearing is more important than having the convenience of not waiting for the foam tips to expand.

 

[darkninja67]

good sound in a small package. Plus they isolate which is a must for those using public transportation or are in the public in general.

 

[Earwax]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bunnyears /img/forum/go_quote.gif It's true: Earbuds are easier to put in the ear, and just as portable as iems. Too bad that long term use of buds almost inevitably results in tinnitus and eventual hearing loss. An iem that fits properly isolates you from external sounds which means that when you play your music you can play it at a lower volume level. Earbuds leak sound like crazy forcing you play your music at unsafe, high volume levels to hear it.

Huh? you're making a huge assumption there, that I'm automatically going to push up the volume excessively with an earbud. If anything, I think maybe I might turn up the volume with the IEM so I can hear the bass and then everything else is louder. But, in reality, I just don't like loud music, so I don't feel I'm endangering my ears when I listen.

 

[scytheavatar]

Firstly, I never understood what the heck people are worried about when they are walking with IEMs. When you are crossing the road, you have your eyes, don't you? And you will use all the traffic lights instead of being a jaywalking scumbag, wouldn't you? What else are you afraid of? Secondly, the Kramer modded KSC75 has sound quality on par with a JVC FX66, no more. People really overrated the KSC75's sound quality, at the end of the day you are getting a soundstage that's no better than an IEM and its clarity and transparency is no better than a FX66. Thirdly, the KSC75's clip on nature is a complete turn-off, and they become unbearably uncomfortable if you convert them to be a headphone. Also, without isolation they are unusable on the bus/train/plane. So why shouldn't people use IEMs?

 

[Earwax]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taikero /img/forum/go_quote.gif Those people are generally bassheads or people used to more bass from their phones. I'm expecting a neutral sound when mine arrive.

I'm anything but a headbanger. But I do listen to New Age music that sometimes includes drums. One piece I particularly enjoy has a rainstorm and a rolling clap of thunder at the beginning. I miss that thunder when it's not there.

Quote:

I don't use foamies so I don't have that problem. In addition, not all foamies have that requirement (Shure Olives). As well, IEM cases are small enough to fit in your pocket (if the manufacturer wasn't a moron).

I look forward to trying the olives. They may resolve some of my disappointment in IEMs.


Quote:

Although I personally carry them wherever my laptop goes, so I have a laptop bag I'm carrying around anyway. Now that I think of it, what full-size headphone fits in your pocket? Also, stuffing any sensitive audio equipment in your pocket is just.....careless. If you want to do that, buy some Skullcandies or something that actually deserves that kind of treatment.

OK, when you put it that way, I resolve I'll be kinder to my earbuds.

 

[Earwax]

Quote:

Originally Posted by scytheavatar /img/forum/go_quote.gif Firstly, I never understood what the heck people are worried about when they are walking with IEMs. When you are crossing the road, you have your eyes, don't you? And you will use all the traffic lights instead of being a jaywalking scumbag, wouldn't you? What else are you afraid of?

I live in a quiet suburban area, lot's of driveways. I tried walking with IEMs once and nearly got hit by a car quickly backing out of a driveway. I would have heard it if I was wearing headphones. I do noy play music so loud as to overcome all outside noise.

Quote:

Originally Posted by scytheavatar /img/forum/go_quote.gif Secondly, the Kramer modded KSC75 has sound quality on par with a JVC FX66, no more. People really overrated the KSC75's sound quality, at the end of the day you are getting a soundstage that's no better than an IEM and its clarity and transparency is no better than a FX66. Thirdly, the KSC75's clip on nature is a complete turn-off, and they become unbearably uncomfortable if you convert them to be a headphone. Also, without isolation they are unusable on the bus/train/plane. So why shouldn't people use IEMs?

The comfort issue is why I use KSC35 more often than the 75, I find them quite comfortable, I just mention the 75 more often because more people are familiar with them. The sound is very similar.

With an IEM (like Shure) is it really clarity, or is it just thinness maskarading as clarity? I think they are on the thin side. The soundstage and air of the modded 75 is something I have yet to come close to in an IEM. Even though I hated the FX33, I'd still be willing to try FX66, if someone who actually likes the 75 were to back up your recommendation.

I certainly see why people use IEM on public transportation. What I'm questioning is why they seem to be so popular for more general use. Perhaps you're all just urban dwellers surrounded by more outside noise than I have to put up with normally?

 

[billybob_jcv]

I'm one of the public transportation users - isolation and comfort with good SQ are my primary requirements. Outside of planes & trains, my secondary environment is my office - I *could* use on-ear or even full-size cans there - but I still prefer IEMs there too - primarily because it means fewer people will give me grief about wearing cans.

 

[synaesthetic]

I don't really need the isolation provided by my HF5s, but earbuds have never fit me comfortably.

I want to retire them in favor of ESW9, but I'm still on the fence about those, even after an audition, after hearing about the swivel breaking issues.

 

[Jerry Wang]

Why arguing what's the good and bad about IEMs?
Just look at how much more IEMs you see along the street and that proves all.. Plus, look at how the high-end IEM industry grows, just in years..

 

[ZoNtO]

Reason why IEMs are talked about so much is people can't find an IEM they like enough to shut up and stick with that one forever and ever like they can with headphones IMO. There's too many factors: isolation, looks, comfort, sound sig, price, sales, etc...

I think I may just stick with the ER4p forever cuz I'm tired of always being tempted to spend 300-400 bucks for things that go in my ears and travel with me everywhere... I really don't know if there is an upgrade that is worth it when I consider it from the cost-benefit ratio. More comfort, sure, but the olives are nice. Better cable? Sure, but if I don't think about it I don't notice the microphonics. So why spend more money if I'm content now? Same thing for the OP with the Kramer-modded Koss phones. If you're happy, why spend more?

 

[Taikero]

Why spend more?

Because there might be something you like better!

I'm definitely investigating full-size headphones and DACs and amps now since I've pretty much got my IEM fix squared away. Just means more money I'm going to end up spending. =/

 

[forsberg]

I'm not really understanding the point of this thread here.

If the OP is so happy with his KSC75s, why make a thread to talk bad about IEMs, something that he obviously doesn't use?

Confused...

 

[Feather225]

I mean...I invest most of my money in full size headphone, home studio...etc of course...but IEM is just necessary to me, too. They are the most portable music!
people talk more about it because more people use it~and I find useful information from their posts.

 

[krmathis]

Probably because they are more suitable than full size headphone in some situations.

Like traveling by public transportation (train, subway, tram, bus, ..). Since they fit in a pocket, looks neutral when you wear them, easily driven by portable gear, and provide great noise isolation.

But to each their own i guess!

 

[Feather225]

Quote:

Originally Posted by krmathis /img/forum/go_quote.gif Probably because they are more suitable than full size headphone in some situations. Like traveling by public transportation (train, subway, tram, bus, ..). Since they fit in a pocket, looks neutral when you wear them, easily driven by portable gear, and provide great noise isolation. But to each their own i guess!

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