Yuin PK-3 = Two Years...Now What?

[JosephLara]

So as the title says, I've had my Yuin Pk-3 for about two years and yielding wonderful
results. Best earbuds I've ever had so far. I'm looking forward to take the next step. Take it up a notch as far as audio quality goes. I'm looking for earbuds (non in-ear) I can run un-amped for everyday use with an ipod. Something better than the Yuin PK-3's. So...what do you guys recommend?

 

[mythless]

What is your budget?

 

[JosephLara]

Up to $100 or less! If they go up to $125 I'll think about it! Thanks!

 

[quintron]

May I recommend AKG K319 and Sennheiser MX980?
The latter are rather expensive for earbuds but worth the money I think. 

 

[utkusu]

how about a small amp and sunrise charm. I am not sure if Fiio E5 can drive them properly, but if they can, you are probably getting a pretty good setup with them.

 

[chrisjackson]

The AKG earbuds are apparently hard to find in US for some reason. Not sure they'd necessarily be an upgrade from PK3s though for everyone. In fact FWIR it may take some adjustment going to one of the "technically better" earbuds from the more immediately appealing PK3.

If you don't want to use an amp, the main runners are probably Sennheiser MX880 (MX980 is rather pricey there) and a few miscellanea like the soon to be released 9Wave Studio. Check threads by swbf2cheater for info on these; his "Quick Guide Comparison and Ranks - Top 10 Earbuds" is currently further down this page.

 

[kjk1281]

If you don't mind clip-on earbuds, the Creative Aurvana Air is also one to consider.  I've been very pleased with my pair so far, though I've only had them for about a week.

 

[JosephLara]

I do have a small amp. The FiiO E5 as a matter of fact. But I use it mainly with my pc, not with the iPod. Yes, I'm that lazy! LOL
I usually use the ipod when I'm on the subway or just for random listening. I'm too lazy to carry the amp around (I'ts small i Know).

 

[JxK]

I'll second the sennheiser mx980 recommendation. Probably the most highly regarded earbuds around. They are over budget for you, but are likely worth the extra time it takes to save up for them.

 

[chrisjackson]

I'll second the sennheiser mx980 recommendation. Probably the most highly regarded earbuds around. They are over budget for you, but are likely worth the extra time it takes to save up for them.

$125 in UK and dropping...

 

[mywallethurts]

x3 on mx980
they are special

 

[Selenium]

PK2?

 

[utkusu]

If you are not going to spend all that money on Senn's, it might be a good idea to find someone to compare PK2s and Sunrise Charm (unamped and amped amped with E5). You are saying you don't want to carry E5 around, but if you don't mind that tiny little thin and they are capable of powering the charms, you are probably get much more for your money with Charms as they are told to be on par with PK1, PK2's better brother, even though same price as PK2s. Somebody already suggested swbf2cheater's thread, I remember there is a thread by kostalex that compares a bunch of earphones. Maybe ask those guys?

 

[quintron]

I bought  MX 980 from Amazon.it a few days ago and paid 94 euro for them (127 US$) . I have checked the price on Amazon.com  and it is 199.95 US$ !
   

 

[JosephLara]

utsuku, I'm gonna go check the Sunrise earphones. Either the Charm or the Sunrise ones. I've seen like 2-3 reviews and have been great so far. Thanks for the advice dude!