Recommend Me Some Earphones
Discussion
I've been trying different types of earphones for about a year, and am struggling to get the right ones. First, I must say that by no means am I an audiophile, however I can tell the difference between good and bad sound quality. I may slowly be becoming an audiophile though, as I'm starting to appreciate how good or bad different headphones and speakers are.
Secondly, I don't have huge wads of cash to spend, and I know generally you get what you pay for, so in short I need earphones which give the best possible sound quality for under £100, but I'd be willing to increase that slightly if there is something truly great out there for a little over £100. Ideally, they'll have the iPhone mic/remote, but it's not a deal breaker. I prefer the in ear bud type headphones as opposed to a large studio type, over ear pair, as I already have some for when I'm working on the laptop at my desk, or in the university library.
Now, I'll go through what I've already had. Obviously, I've used the standard Apple earphones I got with my 4S, and they were terrible, as is widely acknowledged. Not sure if the new earpod ones are any better, but I may be intrigued if enough people say they're good.
Next, after being very impressed when my dad got a Bose system in his Audi, I went looking for some Bose earphones. I got them on eBay as a right steal, from a woman who, and I quote from the description "bought them as a gift for son, but the ungrateful s*** doesn't want them". These were brand new, in unopened packaging, the price on Amazon for these is around £90-120, I got them for £30. I thought they were the best thing since sliced bread. Sound quality was much better than almost anything I'd bought before. However, after just 6 months, they packed in, the left earphone has a loose wire and doesn't work any more. I do have the tools to repair them, but not sure if I have the patience, my soldering iron skills aren't up to much.
After this, I bought some Marshall Minors, as I couldn't find another set of Bose earphones for my budget, and being a classic rock fan, I thought Marshall would mean good sound quality. They were OK, sound quality was reasonable but not fantastic; with more bass heavy songs, it sounded like the headphones were underwater, somewhat "wobbly" sound quality if you will. Plus the build quality was appalling, they fell apart after 6 months, and because of the unique way they fit into the ears (a T shaped rubber bit at the top which fits into the contours of the ear), although very secure was quite painful at the gym.
My latest pair are some V-Moda Vibe Duos (yes, the name makes them sound like a sex toy). I bought these based on various websites giving great reviews (cnet, engadget etc), and initially they were great, being headphones you insert into the ear canal, they cancel out unwanted ambient noise very well, and gave a decent sound quality, but now I've given them a chance to "burn in", my opinion is changing. Even from the start, they were very bass heavy, and usually setting the iPhone EQ to bass reduction or treble boost would fix this. But after the burn in phase, they're bass heavy no matter what I do, and the highs sound strained and unnatural.
Here's where the problem lies, what do I get now? Like I said, I can't break the bank too much, £100 is the ballpark top figure, I may go up a bit if the headphones are worth it. Doing some research on the internet, I've come across the quote "anyone who knows anything about sound quality will never buy a Bose product" numerous times. Personally, the Bose products I've experienced have been great, that said I haven't seen too many of their products, mostly their in ear headphones, and car systems. Only thing I had against the Bose IEs I had before was that they broke after 6 months, I liked the sound quality they produced. Also the RRP of Bose products is generally more than I'm willing to spend. I've heard good things about the Klipsch S4s, including a few reviews saying the sound quality rivals much more expensive products, which is pushing me towards them. But seeing as I have a problem with making headphones last, I may need to plump the extra cash for the S5i, which is marketed as a 'rugged' model, but is the sound quality any good? They are under £50, so I wouldn't be expecting the last word in quality, but it needs to be reasonable. Personally I would go for another set of Bose ones if the price was right, but more often than not, it isn't.
As a last thought, I have looked at stuff slightly over the £100 figure I suggested. On the Apple website, they have the Harman Kardon range, and something called Acoustically Enhanced In Ear Headphones. They're around £130, which I'd be willing to stretch to if they are worth it. There are also Bang & Olufsen Earset 3i and Bowers & Wilkins C5 headphones around this higher price point as well, and like I said, if any of them are worth it, I'd be willing to spend the extra on them.
Sorry for the essay, but any PHers care to impart some advice?
Secondly, I don't have huge wads of cash to spend, and I know generally you get what you pay for, so in short I need earphones which give the best possible sound quality for under £100, but I'd be willing to increase that slightly if there is something truly great out there for a little over £100. Ideally, they'll have the iPhone mic/remote, but it's not a deal breaker. I prefer the in ear bud type headphones as opposed to a large studio type, over ear pair, as I already have some for when I'm working on the laptop at my desk, or in the university library.
Now, I'll go through what I've already had. Obviously, I've used the standard Apple earphones I got with my 4S, and they were terrible, as is widely acknowledged. Not sure if the new earpod ones are any better, but I may be intrigued if enough people say they're good.
Next, after being very impressed when my dad got a Bose system in his Audi, I went looking for some Bose earphones. I got them on eBay as a right steal, from a woman who, and I quote from the description "bought them as a gift for son, but the ungrateful s*** doesn't want them". These were brand new, in unopened packaging, the price on Amazon for these is around £90-120, I got them for £30. I thought they were the best thing since sliced bread. Sound quality was much better than almost anything I'd bought before. However, after just 6 months, they packed in, the left earphone has a loose wire and doesn't work any more. I do have the tools to repair them, but not sure if I have the patience, my soldering iron skills aren't up to much.
After this, I bought some Marshall Minors, as I couldn't find another set of Bose earphones for my budget, and being a classic rock fan, I thought Marshall would mean good sound quality. They were OK, sound quality was reasonable but not fantastic; with more bass heavy songs, it sounded like the headphones were underwater, somewhat "wobbly" sound quality if you will. Plus the build quality was appalling, they fell apart after 6 months, and because of the unique way they fit into the ears (a T shaped rubber bit at the top which fits into the contours of the ear), although very secure was quite painful at the gym.
My latest pair are some V-Moda Vibe Duos (yes, the name makes them sound like a sex toy). I bought these based on various websites giving great reviews (cnet, engadget etc), and initially they were great, being headphones you insert into the ear canal, they cancel out unwanted ambient noise very well, and gave a decent sound quality, but now I've given them a chance to "burn in", my opinion is changing. Even from the start, they were very bass heavy, and usually setting the iPhone EQ to bass reduction or treble boost would fix this. But after the burn in phase, they're bass heavy no matter what I do, and the highs sound strained and unnatural.
Here's where the problem lies, what do I get now? Like I said, I can't break the bank too much, £100 is the ballpark top figure, I may go up a bit if the headphones are worth it. Doing some research on the internet, I've come across the quote "anyone who knows anything about sound quality will never buy a Bose product" numerous times. Personally, the Bose products I've experienced have been great, that said I haven't seen too many of their products, mostly their in ear headphones, and car systems. Only thing I had against the Bose IEs I had before was that they broke after 6 months, I liked the sound quality they produced. Also the RRP of Bose products is generally more than I'm willing to spend. I've heard good things about the Klipsch S4s, including a few reviews saying the sound quality rivals much more expensive products, which is pushing me towards them. But seeing as I have a problem with making headphones last, I may need to plump the extra cash for the S5i, which is marketed as a 'rugged' model, but is the sound quality any good? They are under £50, so I wouldn't be expecting the last word in quality, but it needs to be reasonable. Personally I would go for another set of Bose ones if the price was right, but more often than not, it isn't.
As a last thought, I have looked at stuff slightly over the £100 figure I suggested. On the Apple website, they have the Harman Kardon range, and something called Acoustically Enhanced In Ear Headphones. They're around £130, which I'd be willing to stretch to if they are worth it. There are also Bang & Olufsen Earset 3i and Bowers & Wilkins C5 headphones around this higher price point as well, and like I said, if any of them are worth it, I'd be willing to spend the extra on them.
Sorry for the essay, but any PHers care to impart some advice?
Thanks for the recommendations chaps, I did have some Sennheiser in ears for around the same price when I was at school/college, they had the active noise cancellation where you had to put a AAA battery in there, was quite impressed until, you guessed it, 6 months later, the left earphone stopped working. Also the active noise cancelling didn't really impress me, it just felt like turning it on made everything louder and distorted it a bit, although back in those days I tended to ignore all the warnings about loud music.
So the B&W C5s are very good then? I do like the B&W range of speakers, and if I had the money and space I'd have a Zeppelin on my desk right now. The thing about hearing the cable bounce won't be too much of an issue, I tend to tuck the cable on the inside of my t shirt to keep everything tidy.
And those JVCs, I did look at them as a budget replacement. What put me off was the number of reviews saying they were similar to the Beats headphones, which I've always thought were too focussed on bass and nothing else, but for that price I guess they are a bargain, and I'd not have to worry about using them at the gym. I'd be quite concerned using something as expensive as the B&Ws when exercising.
So the B&W C5s are very good then? I do like the B&W range of speakers, and if I had the money and space I'd have a Zeppelin on my desk right now. The thing about hearing the cable bounce won't be too much of an issue, I tend to tuck the cable on the inside of my t shirt to keep everything tidy.
And those JVCs, I did look at them as a budget replacement. What put me off was the number of reviews saying they were similar to the Beats headphones, which I've always thought were too focussed on bass and nothing else, but for that price I guess they are a bargain, and I'd not have to worry about using them at the gym. I'd be quite concerned using something as expensive as the B&Ws when exercising.
Looks like Sennheiser may have won it. I did look at the B&O model, are they really that bad? I always got the impression B&O only made ultra high quality stuff, or are they a bit like Bose, all mouth and no trousers?
The CX300s are very reasonably priced, may grab a pair when payday arrives. But looking at Amazon, the CX400s you mentioned appear to be almost the same, just with the active noise cancellation switch?
As I use IEMs for the gym as well, I've been looking at sports models. What sort of sound quality can I expect from these Sennheisers?
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sennheiser-CX-680i-Noise-I...
If I can find a good set of IEMs designed for sport, then maybe they'll be my only pair, but if not, I should have the funds for a good IEM for 99% of things, and a reasonably good set of sport IEMs.
And regarding sending the Bose set back under warranty; although bought in an unopened box brand new, I don't know how long ago the seller had bought them, so that could have proved a bit difficult, and besides, I'd binned all the packaging etc. I may get in touch with Bose and see if they can do anything, failing that I might even break out the soldering iron so I have a decent backup pair, maybe even use them as a gym set.
The CX300s are very reasonably priced, may grab a pair when payday arrives. But looking at Amazon, the CX400s you mentioned appear to be almost the same, just with the active noise cancellation switch?
As I use IEMs for the gym as well, I've been looking at sports models. What sort of sound quality can I expect from these Sennheisers?
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sennheiser-CX-680i-Noise-I...
If I can find a good set of IEMs designed for sport, then maybe they'll be my only pair, but if not, I should have the funds for a good IEM for 99% of things, and a reasonably good set of sport IEMs.
And regarding sending the Bose set back under warranty; although bought in an unopened box brand new, I don't know how long ago the seller had bought them, so that could have proved a bit difficult, and besides, I'd binned all the packaging etc. I may get in touch with Bose and see if they can do anything, failing that I might even break out the soldering iron so I have a decent backup pair, maybe even use them as a gym set.
It's decided then, come Friday, a set of Sennheisers will be on order. Only thing is, which set? The CX300 or CX400? There isn't much price difference between them, which ones would be better?
I'll be seeing how I get on with them to start with, later on I may get some sport IEMs, probably one of the Sennheiser/Adidas collaborations, but do I go for a "normal" IEM style or the neckband? Tend to do a lot of running and cycling at the gym, which is pushing me towards the neck band model, however I have started doing the weights, and reading reviews, the neck band model can be a PITA while doing weights.
I'll be seeing how I get on with them to start with, later on I may get some sport IEMs, probably one of the Sennheiser/Adidas collaborations, but do I go for a "normal" IEM style or the neckband? Tend to do a lot of running and cycling at the gym, which is pushing me towards the neck band model, however I have started doing the weights, and reading reviews, the neck band model can be a PITA while doing weights.
Funk said:
As per my post, the only real difference seems to be the inline volume control. I reckon you'll be happy with either pair to be honest.
Ah right, I thought there was some major difference, but if that's it, I may as well got for the 300s, not fussed about an inline volume control if it's not got the mic and remote on it as well. Seeing as it's looking like I'll be having a sports pair as well for my money, which would you recommend, both Sennheiser/Adidas models, the CX680 and PMX680, the only apparent difference to me is that one is a neckband, the other is a more traditional IEM. From what I've read, I think that the speakers used are the same, but I'm not 100% on that.
PMX 680 http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sennheiser-PMX-680-High-Pe...
CX 680 http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sennheiser-680-High-Perfor...
The sports pair are not in need of the mic/remote, as I find the iPhone too big to lug around the gym, instead I've got a 6th gen iPod Nano for that (the one about the size of the iPod Shuffle, but with touchscreen), obviously no need for the mic there.
Edit: just spotted these MM30i IEMs, to me they look like CX300s with an Apple remote attached; is that basically what they are?
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sennheiser-MM-30i-Ear-Cana...
Edited by DanB7290 on Saturday 29th September 22:53
Something that's been bugging me today, I'd gone back last night and read some reviews of the V-Moda earphones that I have not long bought, and a few of them recommend swapping out the bundled silicon tips for some Comply Foam tips. I've also seen these Comply tips mentioned in reviews of other IEMs, and they claim to increase the sound quality; is this true? If so I may try getting some to use with the V-Modas before making the switch to Sennheiser, just to see the difference, and if they're good I'll put some on the Sennheisers I will eventually get. Still going to get new ones, as the OH is complaining her headphones no longer work, so she's going to inherit a pair of mine, probably the V-Modas. She is the complete opposite of an audiophile, and isn't able to tell too much difference between my Bose ones (when they worked), which I would describe as the best IEM I have ever owned until they broke, and my old JVC Gumy IEMs, which were bought in the pound shop and sound more tinny than banging two bean cans together.
Fair do, shan't waste £15 on some bits of foam, was just curious as many reviews seem to recommend getting them.
Those ACS IEMs are very nice, may be tempted to save up. There's just one thing that bugs me. Under "Endorsees" on their website, it has One Direction. Seeing as I used the free 1D poster in today's Sun as air rifle target practice, it's no surprise that this puts me off slightly. However, also under Endorsees are Black Sabbath, pretty much makes up for it
In all seriousness, they are pretty nice looking, and the T15s seem quite reasonable for £150, however are they that much better than say, the Bowers & Wilkins C5s, which retail for the same amount? I'm beginning to think it's worth me saving up extra money for some really good IEMs, although even I think that £200 for Atomic Floyd Darts from the Apple Store is overkill. I'm sure that they can be found for less than what Apple charge, and if they are THAT amazing I'll consider them.
Also, in the higher priced (£120+) sector are Harman Kardon AE in ears, I'm intrigued by them, anyone got a pair?
There's also the Bose MIE2i, and given that I had the original Bose IE and really liked the sound quality, the new ones can only be an improvement surely? At the very least, I'd hope the build quality is improved, although friends who've had the different Bose IEMs have all had issues with build quality.
My current favourites if money was no object are the B&W C5s, unless anyone can recommend something better?
Those ACS IEMs are very nice, may be tempted to save up. There's just one thing that bugs me. Under "Endorsees" on their website, it has One Direction. Seeing as I used the free 1D poster in today's Sun as air rifle target practice, it's no surprise that this puts me off slightly. However, also under Endorsees are Black Sabbath, pretty much makes up for it
In all seriousness, they are pretty nice looking, and the T15s seem quite reasonable for £150, however are they that much better than say, the Bowers & Wilkins C5s, which retail for the same amount? I'm beginning to think it's worth me saving up extra money for some really good IEMs, although even I think that £200 for Atomic Floyd Darts from the Apple Store is overkill. I'm sure that they can be found for less than what Apple charge, and if they are THAT amazing I'll consider them.
Also, in the higher priced (£120+) sector are Harman Kardon AE in ears, I'm intrigued by them, anyone got a pair?
There's also the Bose MIE2i, and given that I had the original Bose IE and really liked the sound quality, the new ones can only be an improvement surely? At the very least, I'd hope the build quality is improved, although friends who've had the different Bose IEMs have all had issues with build quality.
My current favourites if money was no object are the B&W C5s, unless anyone can recommend something better?
Right, quick update. The V Modas I had have broken, the left earbud keeps cutting out, so it was the excuse I needed to actually buy a new set. Decided first off to get the sports model I was looking at, due to massively increasing my gym time (gone from virtually f
k all time spent in the gym to 2 hours a night every night), and shelled out £28 for some Sennheiser MX680i IEMs.
So far very impressed, I wasn't expecting much sound quality wise from a sports model, but it's much better than the V Modas I had, the bass is there but doesn't overpower everything, mids and highs much clearer as well, and for £15 less!
I'm in two minds about what to do next. I still want a much better quality regular IEM (not designed for sports), as the JVC OEMs I have, while great, are a little on the larger side.
Many people were recommending the Sennheiser CX-300s, and I was ready to splash out on a pair. Only thing is there isn't a remote/mic on them, however looking at a pair of CX300s next to the MM30i pair I saw in the shop the other day, they appear to be almost aesthetically identical (save for the Apple Remote on the MM30i), am I right in thinking that the two are the same on the insides as well? i.e. the MM30i is just the CX300 with an iRemote?
k all time spent in the gym to 2 hours a night every night), and shelled out £28 for some Sennheiser MX680i IEMs. So far very impressed, I wasn't expecting much sound quality wise from a sports model, but it's much better than the V Modas I had, the bass is there but doesn't overpower everything, mids and highs much clearer as well, and for £15 less!
I'm in two minds about what to do next. I still want a much better quality regular IEM (not designed for sports), as the JVC OEMs I have, while great, are a little on the larger side.
Many people were recommending the Sennheiser CX-300s, and I was ready to splash out on a pair. Only thing is there isn't a remote/mic on them, however looking at a pair of CX300s next to the MM30i pair I saw in the shop the other day, they appear to be almost aesthetically identical (save for the Apple Remote on the MM30i), am I right in thinking that the two are the same on the insides as well? i.e. the MM30i is just the CX300 with an iRemote?
OK chaps, been doing some thinking, and I'm not 100% sure that I need another non sports IEM. For the gym, running and cycling, the Sennheiser/Adidas MX680i I bought is more than good enough, but now I'm thinking of some on ear headphones, and to up the budget slightly. Again, an iPhone remote is a must. The main use these will get is walking around the University campus, working in the library (so no open backs), more relaxed commuting (i.e. walking in, or on the bus rather than cycling), and probably some light use at home.
Currently my favourites are the Bowers & Wilkins P3s. As much as I like the P5s (tested both models at the Apple Store), I just can't justify £250 for a pair of headphones; £180 is just about the limit, and that's with a lot of saving up. I've narrowed my choice down to the B&W P3, the Bose OE2i, and Harman Kardon Classic On Ear. The Bose ones are slightly cheaper, at £149 compared to the other 2 at £169, however after my old Bose IEs decided to break reasonably quickly, I'm not so sure about Bose in general, plus reading through different web articles it's not recommended to buy Bose.
I've tried the B&W P3 in the Apple Store, and was very impressed, they're just about perfect for what I want. And if the cable was to break, it is very easily swapped.
The Harman Kardons are an unknown to me, if anyone is able to advise on them I'd be grateful.
Or are there any more I should be looking at for this kind of money (sub £180)?
Currently my favourites are the Bowers & Wilkins P3s. As much as I like the P5s (tested both models at the Apple Store), I just can't justify £250 for a pair of headphones; £180 is just about the limit, and that's with a lot of saving up. I've narrowed my choice down to the B&W P3, the Bose OE2i, and Harman Kardon Classic On Ear. The Bose ones are slightly cheaper, at £149 compared to the other 2 at £169, however after my old Bose IEs decided to break reasonably quickly, I'm not so sure about Bose in general, plus reading through different web articles it's not recommended to buy Bose.
I've tried the B&W P3 in the Apple Store, and was very impressed, they're just about perfect for what I want. And if the cable was to break, it is very easily swapped.
The Harman Kardons are an unknown to me, if anyone is able to advise on them I'd be grateful.
Or are there any more I should be looking at for this kind of money (sub £180)?
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