Recommend me some new ear buds

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doctormaxim

87 posts

Master Geek
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Topic # 135060 13-Nov-2013 10:55

Im looking at purchasing some new ear buds. I mainly take them to the gym with me but sometimes take them shopping also as they tend to keep the salesmen at bay :) Looking around online there's definitely a lot of choice, but im hoping you guys can point me in the right direction. My basic needs are

Good for Metal/Rock and dubstep music
the In-ear type of ear bud is preferred
Around $50
Good fit (I know this can be a hard one to recommend for)
Good quality

In the past I had some Skull Candy Ink'd which I didn't mind the sound of but got sick of replacing them after they kept breaking. My previous Panasonics were also good but they don't seem to be around anymore. So, does anyone have any recommendations?

Bee

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Reply # 932970 13-Nov-2013 11:32

Step 1: for a better quality purchase increase your budget to at least $80...

If Step 1 isn't possible then have a look at Skull Candy or Seinheiser that are in the budget... I had one pair of Seinheiser IEM that lasted quite a few years - sound and fit is awesome IMHO...

I had to replace them and finally went with a pair of Phillips IEM cos they were on special 1/2 price at DSE...
$14... The sound quality and fit is not as good as Seinheiser for sure but for that price I figured they will do the job short term at least.

Stu

Hammered
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Reply # 933039 13-Nov-2013 12:37

Perhaps, if you can still find a pair, Logitech Ultimate Ears 200, 300 or 400? Any left in stock are probably at clearance prices as they're old models. I have the UE400 and am quite happy with them. I think they'll be fine for what you're after.

doctormaxim

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Reply # 933057 13-Nov-2013 13:00

Thanks guys for your replys. I'll look into these. How has your experience been with Sony buds? I'm looking at the MDR-EX100LP in particular because that's what I saw at my local warehouse.

33coupe

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Reply # 934094 14-Nov-2013 21:08

I used to love my Sennheiser CX300's.

NZtechfreak

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Reply # 934106 14-Nov-2013 21:30

I will just leave this link here for you:

http://www.head-fi.org/t/478568/multi-iem-review-302-iems-compared-1964ears-v6-stage-added-11-12-13-p-806#post_6492056

The end.

(this link is the answer to any question about recommended IEMS, BTW)

Twitter: @nztechfreak
Blogs: HeadphoNZ.org

jtbthatsme

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Reply # 934158 15-Nov-2013 00:15

One person supports this post

I would not recommend the cheaper Logitec Ultimate Ears as I managed to go through about 4 - 6 pair of these in a 18 - 24 month period after getting sick and tired of sound loss in one ear (either a slight loss in one ear or total loss in one of the ears) I gave up and transferred to Senheissers and for in ear that's what I'd recommend.

I have to admit though the price range I was using was $30 - $60 more than the $50 you state you are looking at spending. Honestly I'd at least double your budget unless you're happy with average quality prone to breaking.

Please note the above was after numerous cheap pairs from Sony and Panasonic were gone through as well. It was not until after my 2nd pair of Senheissers that I was told that to actually get a decent pair you're best to look at $200 plus range. I now as my primary I have a pair of Steve Aoki Sol Republic headphones (not in ear) that changed my way of listening to music as right from the first time trying them on I loved them and don't think I've bothered using my Senheissers since. Which prior to actually getting the Sol Republics I didn't think I'd ever go back to full headphones for anything other than gaming. Man I was so wrong and would highly recommend getting a decent pair of headphones (in ear or not) as your ears will truly thank you for it (but budget won't but you get what you pay for).

eXDee

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Reply # 934162 15-Nov-2013 01:30

NZtechfreak: I will just leave this link here for you:

http://www.head-fi.org/t/478568/multi-iem-review-302-iems-compared-1964ears-v6-stage-added-11-12-13-p-806#post_6492056

The end.

(this link is the answer to any question about recommended IEMS, BTW)

This. Definitely.

In fact i'll make it even easier for you, by narrowing it down to three in your price range with some of the best value for money ratings in that thread, all of which i have personally tried and can recommend.
-VSonic GR02 Bass Edition - Has bass punch but still does fairly well in the mids, despite the name. Has a thin cable but doesn't wear out as fast as you think it would, and this reduces the micrphonics of the cord (stethoscope effect). Perfectly fine if you don't abuse your gear and actually lasts longer than your usual off the shelf earphone which has a thicker cable - i assume because this one flexes easily rather than kinking and breaking. A protective bag/case included and heaps of tips included to fit various sized ears and preferences. Excellent value for money.
Purchase from Lendmeurears or MP4Nation. Both iirc have free shipping.

-Brainwavz M2 - A tiny bit more balanced than the GR02's, with a touch less bass yet still bass orientated. Strong braided cable with angled connector combined with aluminium housings makes these durable, but the braided cable results in a lot of microphonics. I wear mine looped over the ear when moving around a lot to reduce the noise.
Purchase from MP4Nation

-AstroTec AM-90 - A more balanced earphone overall, mids sound stunning on these, and bass is still present and accurate but not emphasised, more short and punchy when the song specifically demands it, so bassheads might be disappointed. A nice strong aluminium housing results in good build quality, but its slightly longer and angled shape makes it feel like it sticks out of the ear more, though they stay in firmly even during movement. Cable is transparent and is strongly built overall, yet quite light. Not too much microphonics either.
Purchase from Lendmeurears

All three will beat every pair of sub $100 earphones you can buy in a NZ retail store easily, i've faced these off against ~$90-$150 odd sennheisers and they easily compete if not best them. You're wasting your money if you buy anything in the $50 and below range especially.

In contrast, you won't regret the purchase of any of the three above. Compared to what you've had in the past, they will blow you away, and you'll hear detail in music that you never even knew was there on any other previous set of IEMs.

jonathan18

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Reply # 934207 15-Nov-2013 09:34

eXDee:
NZtechfreak: I will just leave this link here for you:

http://www.head-fi.org/t/478568/multi-iem-review-302-iems-compared-1964ears-v6-stage-added-11-12-13-p-806#post_6492056

The end.

(this link is the answer to any question about recommended IEMS, BTW)

This. Definitely.

In fact i'll make it even easier for you, by narrowing it down to three in your price range...

Not wanting to hijack this thread, so hopefully this is seen as within scope. It seems you've got a good amount of exposure to different headphones - do you have any recommendations for in-ear 'phones (say up to $100sh) that aren't quite so isolating?

I'm looking for a pair with decent sound but that I can wear while exercising; I'm just not happy doing this with a full in-ear model. One of the key problems, of course, is (a lack of decent) bass response, but perhaps you may be able to recommend a pair for this purpose that have a decent sound and bass response, while also sturdy enough for running (and, ideally not to much of the "stethoscope effect" you talk of, as this is very irritiating!).

I've read many, many pages but haven't found consistent recommendations, so would appreciate any advice.

stevenz

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Reply # 937187 19-Nov-2013 10:28

Logitech UE400vi's with the comply buds fitted. Best $1 I ever spent. (I had a $70 voucher...)

Zero microphonics, handy inline play\pause button, good quality sound, tight but not overwhelming bass.

Recommended.

I also recommend the SoundMagic E10's in a similar price range. Better than the price would suggest.

@KnightNZ

vexxxboy

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Reply # 937202 19-Nov-2013 10:58

recommend the Brainwavz , they sound better than most earphones that are double the price, and MP4nation are very reliable, you will get them in 3-4 days

Common sense is not as common as you think.

Asmodeus

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Reply # 938420 21-Nov-2013 11:25

33coupe: I used to love my Sennheiser CX300's.

This, they are good. 300-IIs out now. Can be had cheap on Trademe

Asmodeus

1006 posts

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Reply # 938422 21-Nov-2013 11:28

jonathan18:
eXDee:
NZtechfreak: I will just leave this link here for you:

http://www.head-fi.org/t/478568/multi-iem-review-302-iems-compared-1964ears-v6-stage-added-11-12-13-p-806#post_6492056

The end.

(this link is the answer to any question about recommended IEMS, BTW)

This. Definitely.

In fact i'll make it even easier for you, by narrowing it down to three in your price range...

Not wanting to hijack this thread, so hopefully this is seen as within scope. It seems you've got a good amount of exposure to different headphones - do you have any recommendations for in-ear 'phones (say up to $100sh) that aren't quite so isolating?

I'm looking for a pair with decent sound but that I can wear while exercising; I'm just not happy doing this with a full in-ear model. One of the key problems, of course, is (a lack of decent) bass response, but perhaps you may be able to recommend a pair for this purpose that have a decent sound and bass response, while also sturdy enough for running (and, ideally not to much of the "stethoscope effect" you talk of, as this is very irritiating!).

I've read many, many pages but haven't found consistent recommendations, so would appreciate any advice.

Sennheiser do some Adidas branded ones meant for sport/running that get good reviews like the OMX or PMX 680. Again can be had cheap on Trademe

vexxxboy

2806 posts

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+1 received by user: 742

Reply # 938435 21-Nov-2013 12:16

read this review on the brainwavz M2, for the price the best sounding earphones on the market and he thinks better than the Sennheiser CX300 for nearly half the price.

Common sense is not as common as you think.

jonathan18

3511 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 910

Reply # 938442 21-Nov-2013 12:46

Asmodeus:
jonathan18:
eXDee:
NZtechfreak: I will just leave this link here for you:

http://www.head-fi.org/t/478568/multi-iem-review-302-iems-compared-1964ears-v6-stage-added-11-12-13-p-806#post_6492056

The end.

(this link is the answer to any question about recommended IEMS, BTW)

This. Definitely.

In fact i'll make it even easier for you, by narrowing it down to three in your price range...

Not wanting to hijack this thread, so hopefully this is seen as within scope. It seems you've got a good amount of exposure to different headphones - do you have any recommendations for in-ear 'phones (say up to $100sh) that aren't quite so isolating?

I'm looking for a pair with decent sound but that I can wear while exercising; I'm just not happy doing this with a full in-ear model. One of the key problems, of course, is (a lack of decent) bass response, but perhaps you may be able to recommend a pair for this purpose that have a decent sound and bass response, while also sturdy enough for running (and, ideally not to much of the "stethoscope effect" you talk of, as this is very irritiating!).

I've read many, many pages but haven't found consistent recommendations, so would appreciate any advice.

Sennheiser do some Adidas branded ones meant for sport/running that get good reviews like the OMX or PMX 680. Again can be had cheap on Trademe

Thanks for the suggestion - I had looked at these earlier...

In the end I gave up looking for a non-isolating pair, so earlier this week I ordered a pair of AstroTec AM-90s from MP4Nation, based initially on the suggestion above and then quite a bit more reading of online reviews and comments. I went for a version of them with a built-in microphone (given they'll mainly be used with my phone). Selected these over some others partially based on the low noise generated by the cable, critical for my purposes (and also keen on the colour!). Couldn't find out whether the microphone made any discernable difference to the phones (apart from the obvious, eg weight of the cord), so here's hoping it was an ok call... Then again, for under $60, they won't owe me much.