[Entropism]

I tried using the search, so bear with me here... I need a set of headphones for my ipod, no amp. As far as music is concerned, I can toss on anything from Social Distortion to Pagiani, so there's a need for a good all around set of cans. I'd prefer them as portable as possible, as I'll be lugging them around campus. Right now I'm using the PX200, and while I don't use headphones much at all, I can tell there's something...lacking about them.

Anyways, I know car stereos, I don't know headphones. I was looking at the E6i's, but I'm hesitant about canal phones. I also looked at the MS-1'ss, ATH-E9d's and the ATH-EC7s. If there's a HUGE difference in sound, I could be convinced to stretch my budget a bit, but like everyone else, I'd like to keep costs down. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Jahn]

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls....oni&1102691125

if you can live with the funky cord on the right can. not my sale!

 

[Entropism]

Hell of a price, and who care's about the misfit cord, right? I'm a bit hesitant about the lack of feedback he's got though, and some of the reviews of the 325's saying they need an amp to work well. Looks like a hell of a deal though.

 

[commando]

I'd get either the ER6-i's or the MD33s from audiocubes.com myself.

 

[HiGHFLYiN9]

So the seller says they came back from the factory like that? I've heard of a twist or two on Grados but thats rediculous. If you're handy with a soldering iron you could rewire them, just be careful as the drivers can easily be burned.

 

[Entropism]

Nah, I'd rather not mess around with a soldering iron, my skills are a bit rusty, and I like to KNOW what I'm working on before I take it apart. I think I'm leaning towards the E6i's right now, which means I have to wait a few weeks for v2 of them.

As far as canals go, how's the soundstage and actual sound compared to normal headphones?

 

[DevilDog]

I'd go with the MS1s. I'd definitely stay away from the 325s, way too bright for me.

 

[Entropism]

After looking at the MS-1s some more, I think the portablility is a main concern. If you folks had to choose between the MD33's, the E6i's, the ATH-E9d's and the ATH-EC7's, what would be the consensus?

 

[Entropism]

Stupid question, but... If I'm doing some walking around while listening (wandering mostly, 1 hour breaks between each class) will there be any noise transferred through the canal phones? I've been doing a little browsing, and I hear people talking about hearing your own footsteps (occlusion?), and "microphone" effect, but I haven't been able to get a clear answer on if it's present in all models.

As far as choices go, I found a very reputable dealer who's selling the ER-6i's for $119 and free shipping, so I think I'm going to go for those IF I'm not going to get any external noise while listening and walking.

 

[450]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Entropism Stupid question, but... If I'm doing some walking around while listening (wandering mostly, 1 hour breaks between each class) will there be any noise transferred through the canal phones? I've been doing a little browsing, and I hear people talking about hearing your own footsteps (occlusion?), and "microphone" effect, but I haven't been able to get a clear answer on if it's present in all models. As far as choices go, I found a very reputable dealer who's selling the ER-6i's for $119 and free shipping, so I think I'm going to go for those IF I'm not going to get any external noise while listening and walking.

All deep canalphones have the issue of hearing your steps. Get something like EX51/71 or MD33s for walking.

 

[ayt999]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jahn http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls....oni&1102691125

pretty sure someone told me they bought that can through the ad already... the seller hasn't updated the listing yet?

in any case, I'm sure grado can help you out and put a better looking cord on it if it hasn't sold yet.

 

[Lorn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 450 All deep canalphones have the issue of hearing your steps. Get something like EX51/71 or MD33s for walking.

I read about the MD33 or at least about a phone using the same technic that to get the best sound you really need to push them strongly into the ear, so not canaphone but still "really in" ear phone and then good isolation.

Despite that, there is no walking problem? On a review I read for one of these model but not on other using the same technic that there was sound problem because of the cable. I'm not sure that for this model you don't get the walking problem. I think that for this review the tests hadn't been done in real extensive portable usage.

 

[Entropism]

Well.... I just jumped on a set of HD-25-1s from zzounds.com for $145 shipped. I should have them tuesday, as they're only an hour or so away. I WAS going to go with the MS-1, especially since I could pick them up from Alessandro's, but the fact that I'll have these on in an urban, outdoor setting.... I figure I'll lose too much music to make them shine.

Anyways, I'll report back with a review. =)

 

[Yukster]

Hows about the Audio Technica CM7? They are in your price range, and since they are earphones, very portable.

 

[cannedheat]

I only see a price of $179.95 at zzsounds. What must I do to get the price down to $145?

I think your selection is good - although a bit above the original $125 target.