Headphone/Earphone Reviews
Discussion
This thread is now meant for discussion around portable audio gear, the reviews can be found here: Portable audio gear reviews
Edited by Finlandia on Saturday 11th September 15:55
Finlandia, i've got a question for you. Don't know if you know the answer or not, but worth asking if you don't mind.
I bought a set of SE210's about a year ago, fantastic earpieces and also found that nobody else could hear the music when they were in ear.
I have recently upgraded to a pair of SE530's. The sound is awesome but one problem is that people can hear the music when they're playing.
Now, i know it's not a fitment issue but the unit itself is leaking sound, if that makes sense. On the SE210's if i hold them in my hand and cover the end of the earpieces with my fingers, the sound is gone and you can't hear it. However, if i do the same with the SE530's you can still hear the sound.
Just wondering if this is normal or if anyone with a set of SE530's has the same thing? A minor issue, but one i'm curious to find out about.
I bought a set of SE210's about a year ago, fantastic earpieces and also found that nobody else could hear the music when they were in ear.
I have recently upgraded to a pair of SE530's. The sound is awesome but one problem is that people can hear the music when they're playing.
Now, i know it's not a fitment issue but the unit itself is leaking sound, if that makes sense. On the SE210's if i hold them in my hand and cover the end of the earpieces with my fingers, the sound is gone and you can't hear it. However, if i do the same with the SE530's you can still hear the sound.
Just wondering if this is normal or if anyone with a set of SE530's has the same thing? A minor issue, but one i'm curious to find out about.
Good question. I would think it to be the housing of the 530's, it is bigger and has three balanced armatures inside, instead of the one in 210's, this also means the soundpressure is louder, and ultimately to save weight and size the plastic used in the housing needs to be thinner and that makes the sound leak out.
Good idea for a thread 
I've recently bought some SE110's after contemplating all sorts of others such as V-Moda Vibes and some Westone UM2's.
I'll fully agree with your review though, very comfortable. I wear mine for around 3hrs per day and have no problems. The foam tip provides a great, comfortable seal.
The sound is nicely balanced but I would prefer a little more bass.
Is anyone aware of a way to (or shop that will let you) try different headphones without having to buy first? I'd be happy to buy a set of tips to try them with for hygine reasons etc.
I've recently bought some SE110's after contemplating all sorts of others such as V-Moda Vibes and some Westone UM2's.
I'll fully agree with your review though, very comfortable. I wear mine for around 3hrs per day and have no problems. The foam tip provides a great, comfortable seal.
The sound is nicely balanced but I would prefer a little more bass.
Is anyone aware of a way to (or shop that will let you) try different headphones without having to buy first? I'd be happy to buy a set of tips to try them with for hygine reasons etc.
Finlandia said:
Good question. I would think it to be the housing of the 530's, it is bigger and has three balanced armatures inside, instead of the one in 210's, this also means the soundpressure is louder, and ultimately to save weight and size the plastic used in the housing needs to be thinner and that makes the sound leak out.
Thanks, it's not a huge amount of sound but was just curious. Looks like i'll have to live with it. 
Really interesting stuff, thanks!
I too have a hatred of people ruining music with dreadful 'bundled' earphones, and try to get people to purchase new ones if at all possible. Often, they are amazed at the difference afterwards, even though they are just a 'casual' listener.
I went through this process year ago when I got a new iPod, and settled for some Etymotic Er-6i's which are quite frankly amazing! The detail in the music from them is fantastic. You should check them out.
I use the foam ear-plug style tips on them, and they virtually block as much external noise as a good pair of earplugs, which is vital when I wear them on a motorbike journey.
I am a DJ and producer so I'm a bit anal about sound quality and at home I use headphones like the £180 Sennheiser HD25-1 mk2's and the £140 Allen & Heath Xone XD53 (these sound amazing), and I have to say, the tiny Etymotics are right up there with the on ear headphones for quality.
I too have a hatred of people ruining music with dreadful 'bundled' earphones, and try to get people to purchase new ones if at all possible. Often, they are amazed at the difference afterwards, even though they are just a 'casual' listener.
I went through this process year ago when I got a new iPod, and settled for some Etymotic Er-6i's which are quite frankly amazing! The detail in the music from them is fantastic. You should check them out.
I use the foam ear-plug style tips on them, and they virtually block as much external noise as a good pair of earplugs, which is vital when I wear them on a motorbike journey.
I am a DJ and producer so I'm a bit anal about sound quality and at home I use headphones like the £180 Sennheiser HD25-1 mk2's and the £140 Allen & Heath Xone XD53 (these sound amazing), and I have to say, the tiny Etymotics are right up there with the on ear headphones for quality.
_ian_ said:
Finlandia, i've got a question for you. Don't know if you know the answer or not, but worth asking if you don't mind.
I bought a set of SE210's about a year ago, fantastic earpieces and also found that nobody else could hear the music when they were in ear.
I have recently upgraded to a pair of SE530's. The sound is awesome but one problem is that people can hear the music when they're playing.
Now, i know it's not a fitment issue but the unit itself is leaking sound, if that makes sense. On the SE210's if i hold them in my hand and cover the end of the earpieces with my fingers, the sound is gone and you can't hear it. However, if i do the same with the SE530's you can still hear the sound.
Just wondering if this is normal or if anyone with a set of SE530's has the same thing? A minor issue, but one i'm curious to find out about.
I've got a pair of SE5350s and always assumed that nobody could hear what I was playing! Do you ever use the microphone gadget that allows you to flip between the earphones and hearing other sounds? I never bother, which seems a shame as I've obviuosly paid for it when I bought the headphones. I bought a set of SE210's about a year ago, fantastic earpieces and also found that nobody else could hear the music when they were in ear.
I have recently upgraded to a pair of SE530's. The sound is awesome but one problem is that people can hear the music when they're playing.
Now, i know it's not a fitment issue but the unit itself is leaking sound, if that makes sense. On the SE210's if i hold them in my hand and cover the end of the earpieces with my fingers, the sound is gone and you can't hear it. However, if i do the same with the SE530's you can still hear the sound.
Just wondering if this is normal or if anyone with a set of SE530's has the same thing? A minor issue, but one i'm curious to find out about.
Lovely sound though, and considering how much I use them, very much worth the expense. The in-ear nature of them also allows you to play them so much quieter which must be good for the ears.
NinjaPower said:
I went through this process year ago when I got a new iPod, and settled for some Etymotic Er-6i's which are quite frankly amazing! The detail in the music from them is fantastic. You should check them out.
I use the foam ear-plug style tips on them, and they virtually block as much external noise as a good pair of earplugs, which is vital when I wear them on a motorbike journey.
The etymotics are indeed fantastic, but they're still let down by the iPod having a truly dire headphone stage. Connected my iPod via a pair of Stax Lambda Pros, and the sound quality ... well, it was just competent, or possibly bland. Not bad, just not particularly good.I use the foam ear-plug style tips on them, and they virtually block as much external noise as a good pair of earplugs, which is vital when I wear them on a motorbike journey.
clonmult said:
The etymotics are indeed fantastic, but they're still let down by the iPod having a truly dire headphone stage. Connected my iPod via a pair of Stax Lambda Pros, and the sound quality ... well, it was just competent, or possibly bland. Not bad, just not particularly good.
110% agree with that statement, sir.My missus bought me a pair of Etymotic HF2 earphones for my iphone. They sound pretty good and the mic is v useful if you take a call whilst listening to something.
But...I also own a Cowon D2. Plugged in to this, with a decent FLAC music source, then these earphones take on a whole new guise. The sound is incredible, with the bottom end finally taking shape and presence, something sorely lacking on the iphone.
Thought I'd help flesh out the budget end of the spectrum by doing a quick review of the headphones I'm using currently, the Sony MDR-E829V's.
Sound Quality - I found these to be a massive step up over the free ones that came with my SonyEricson Xperia X1. Bass is fully rounded and drops with aplomb, whilst the treble is perfectly clear (if a tad shrill at times). I listen to a large variety of music through them, and nothing has proved unlistenable as yet. I have still yet to hear anything bottom out on them, and I'm not exactly known for listening to bass-light music For the price, they'd get 9/10 for me in this category.
Comfort - also excellent, can barely tell they're there at times. Drown out noises from the outside world more than acceptably, letting you be totally absorbed in the tune being played. Come with a set of fuzzy ear buds if you're that way inclined (I'm not), and have two wires of identical length going to the earbuds, so no need to drapse one wire round the back of the neck. 9/10 in this one too.
Value - They were £12.99 from HMV, price including the classic Sony wind up headphone holder. Keeps the wires mercifuly knot free, and protects the earbuds when not being used. They also have a volume control halfway down the cord - mercifully static free. For 13 quid, you can't really ask for much more. I'd give them the full 10 for this one.
Build - had them 6 months without an issue. Don;t feel like they'l last forever, but then for the purchase price I wouldn't expect that. Still, they are put together like your typical Sony headphone, and feel like I should get a good couple of years out of them. I'd give them 8/10 here, on account of me having to rebuild the windy thing twice. This could well have been my fault however
Overall. Excellent budget contender, well worth the extra over bundled earbuds. Sound quality is superb considering the price, build is not too shabby at all. 9/10 Highly Recommended.
Sound Quality - I found these to be a massive step up over the free ones that came with my SonyEricson Xperia X1. Bass is fully rounded and drops with aplomb, whilst the treble is perfectly clear (if a tad shrill at times). I listen to a large variety of music through them, and nothing has proved unlistenable as yet. I have still yet to hear anything bottom out on them, and I'm not exactly known for listening to bass-light music
For the price, they'd get 9/10 for me in this category.Comfort - also excellent, can barely tell they're there at times. Drown out noises from the outside world more than acceptably, letting you be totally absorbed in the tune being played. Come with a set of fuzzy ear buds if you're that way inclined (I'm not), and have two wires of identical length going to the earbuds, so no need to drapse one wire round the back of the neck. 9/10 in this one too.
Value - They were £12.99 from HMV, price including the classic Sony wind up headphone holder. Keeps the wires mercifuly knot free, and protects the earbuds when not being used. They also have a volume control halfway down the cord - mercifully static free. For 13 quid, you can't really ask for much more. I'd give them the full 10 for this one.
Build - had them 6 months without an issue. Don;t feel like they'l last forever, but then for the purchase price I wouldn't expect that. Still, they are put together like your typical Sony headphone, and feel like I should get a good couple of years out of them. I'd give them 8/10 here, on account of me having to rebuild the windy thing twice. This could well have been my fault however
Overall. Excellent budget contender, well worth the extra over bundled earbuds. Sound quality is superb considering the price, build is not too shabby at all. 9/10 Highly Recommended.
clonmult said:
I'm getting interested in the MylarOne Quattros - can't see anywhere selling them?
Jaben.net are legit, they are the manufacturer of the Quattro's. - eta* found them for sale - Jaben.net, but unsure about the company.
Edited by clonmult on Monday 27th July 14:53
If you buy from them, mention my review from pistonheads to Wilson and say hi from Carl, he will be most happy I'm sure.
I have a pair of what I think are shure E2c or possibly next model up they where about £75 when I got them witch was the lowest price I could find on line. The sound quality is great but I have been less than impressed with how they have lasted.
The cable that runs back over your ears has split witch for a pare of head phones at this price is fairly pore in my mind.
The cable that runs back over your ears has split witch for a pare of head phones at this price is fairly pore in my mind.
Shure......accept no substitutes (although Klipsch are rather good too).
I've had my SE 530 PTH kit for quite a while now and swear by them. Never experienced an in-ear set of plugs like em. I bought the SE-210's for my good lady and they are a super set as well.
The new 115's are getting good reviews and can be had for less than £60 on i-headphones. The best way to improve your i-pod/mp3 experience bar none.
I've had my SE 530 PTH kit for quite a while now and swear by them. Never experienced an in-ear set of plugs like em. I bought the SE-210's for my good lady and they are a super set as well.
The new 115's are getting good reviews and can be had for less than £60 on i-headphones. The best way to improve your i-pod/mp3 experience bar none.
Bought a pair of Shure E5c last year, and for such pricey headphones I've been really disappointed by them.
They are comfortable enough, but I find it difficult to get a decent seal in my ear with the supplied bungs, which came in three sizes. Only once they've been in for a few minuets and the rubber warmed up will they make a decent seal, and even then I don't find the sound great. Bass is severely lacking - so much so that I have wondered if they are a duff set. I haven't compared them to many other headphones, but curious to know if anyone else has had similar experience?
Have nice Senheisers at home, but use the Shures when out and about. Noise rejection is good, just sound no where near as good as I was expecting.
They are comfortable enough, but I find it difficult to get a decent seal in my ear with the supplied bungs, which came in three sizes. Only once they've been in for a few minuets and the rubber warmed up will they make a decent seal, and even then I don't find the sound great. Bass is severely lacking - so much so that I have wondered if they are a duff set. I haven't compared them to many other headphones, but curious to know if anyone else has had similar experience?
Have nice Senheisers at home, but use the Shures when out and about. Noise rejection is good, just sound no where near as good as I was expecting.
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