Which headphones for the train?
Discussion
Having been through the usual suspects :
- Sennheiser cx300 (too much bass, usual cable breakage at the earbud end x 2)
- SoundMagic e10 (nicely balanced sound, lost them at Le Mans 2014)
I then went for a set of MediaDevil Artisanphonics EB-01.
Superb set. Far better build quality than either the Sennheisers or SoundMagic. Bass is midway between the two (I always thought the e10's to be a bit bass light). The integrated microphone and clicker (android and OS compatible) is far more useful than I realised.
Also, they're a British company.
- Sennheiser cx300 (too much bass, usual cable breakage at the earbud end x 2)
- SoundMagic e10 (nicely balanced sound, lost them at Le Mans 2014)
I then went for a set of MediaDevil Artisanphonics EB-01.
Superb set. Far better build quality than either the Sennheisers or SoundMagic. Bass is midway between the two (I always thought the e10's to be a bit bass light). The integrated microphone and clicker (android and OS compatible) is far more useful than I realised.
Also, they're a British company.
On ears isolate the least of all, full size around ears isolate better but IEMS are in a league of their own. There are companies that make custom ear tips for IEMs as well, and then there are of course custom made IEMs, it's just a matter of how much money one wants to spend.
Just to clarify, buds are the sort that rest in the ear (think ipod earbuds), IEMs or in ear monitors are the type that are wedged into the ear.
Just to clarify, buds are the sort that rest in the ear (think ipod earbuds), IEMs or in ear monitors are the type that are wedged into the ear.
Define 'a few quid' and 'decent quality' 
Also, what kind of sound are you after, big low end, natural and neutral or sparkling high end? Is good sound quality more important than good isolation, or vice versa?
As I said, Etymotic is best for isolation, they can be had for not too much monies and they have a really nice neutral sound. Shure and Westone are also good for isolation, and can be had in different price segments all the way up to the range topping SE846 and W60 at around the 1k mark.
A couple of balanced armature IEMs that are my favourites and combine good isolation and sound are the Soundmagic PL50 (single balanced armature) and Audio Technica ATH CK10 (dual balanced armature). Generally speaking, very generally, the more armatures the better sound, and as said, armatures isolate better than 'old school' dynamic drivers.
A couple of dynamic IEMs that have great sound, but fall behind in isolation are the Brainwavz S0 and Rock Jaw Alfa Genus.
There is a sticky on top of the page where someone has reviewed a few earphones, among them the mentioned.
Also, what kind of sound are you after, big low end, natural and neutral or sparkling high end? Is good sound quality more important than good isolation, or vice versa?
As I said, Etymotic is best for isolation, they can be had for not too much monies and they have a really nice neutral sound. Shure and Westone are also good for isolation, and can be had in different price segments all the way up to the range topping SE846 and W60 at around the 1k mark.
A couple of balanced armature IEMs that are my favourites and combine good isolation and sound are the Soundmagic PL50 (single balanced armature) and Audio Technica ATH CK10 (dual balanced armature). Generally speaking, very generally, the more armatures the better sound, and as said, armatures isolate better than 'old school' dynamic drivers.
A couple of dynamic IEMs that have great sound, but fall behind in isolation are the Brainwavz S0 and Rock Jaw Alfa Genus.
There is a sticky on top of the page where someone has reviewed a few earphones, among them the mentioned.
The CK10s are hard to find, they have been discontinued on the world market for a couple of years and it seems like the domestic Japanese market has seized too, but every now and then some pop up for sale.
Etymotic, or 'brain implants' as some prefer to call them due to the very deep in ear fit, take some getting used to, but for an undisturbed and very natural sounding musical getaway they are unrivalled.
Etymotic, or 'brain implants' as some prefer to call them due to the very deep in ear fit, take some getting used to, but for an undisturbed and very natural sounding musical getaway they are unrivalled.
There isn't really that much difference between the insertion of the Jays and Etymotics, and if using the foams then they are comfortable, believe it or not.
When I first started using IEMs, some 6-7 years ago, jeez it was painful, but after a few days my ears got used to them and now I prefer a good set of IEMs to any full sized headphones.
When I first started using IEMs, some 6-7 years ago, jeez it was painful, but after a few days my ears got used to them and now I prefer a good set of IEMs to any full sized headphones.
Finlandia said:
There isn't really that much difference between the insertion of the Jays and Etymotics, and if using the foams then they are comfortable, believe it or not.
When I first started using IEMs, some 6-7 years ago, jeez it was painful, but after a few days my ears got used to them and now I prefer a good set of IEMs to any full sized headphones.
Thanks. I might try some MC3s before goin for the ER-4PTs.When I first started using IEMs, some 6-7 years ago, jeez it was painful, but after a few days my ears got used to them and now I prefer a good set of IEMs to any full sized headphones.
wormus said:
I start a new job on Monday and will be spending a lot of time on the train. Which headphones will shut noise out, not 'leak' noise, be portable/not make me look like a cock and sound great?
Some more specifics needed. What is your budget? Do you mind using in-ear buds as opposed to headphones? Do you want phone controls on the chord? Do you want a bluetooth wireless system?However, ignoring all the stuff I mentioned above, I would settle with a pair of Shure SE215 ear buds. If you can afford a little more, have a look at the 315's and 425's.
I find them incredibly comfortable to wear and they block out all ambient noise. So much so I sometimes just wear them in my office or on the plane to block out the noise around me and since they are earphones, they are more socially acceptable, especially in the office.
The chords are also replaceable and you can purchase a phone control cable with a microphone if you choose to do so.
The quality is also superb with deep, full and detailed sounds, although the 215 does miss a little on the top end however you'll struggle to notice unless your ears are attuned to that amount of detail and you are in a quiet room. I doubt you'd realise on a train.
A quick scan of prices gives the following prices on Amazon:
- SE215 (£85.99)
- SE315 (£199)
- SE425 (£199 <-- Bargain!)
One solution to make your IEMs comfortable is to have custom sleeves/tips made for them.
http://www.hearingprotection.co.uk/index.php?optio...
http://www.hearingprotection.co.uk/index.php?optio...
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