Earbud suggestions please

Forums › Gadgets, robotics, home automation, electronics (including wearables) › Earbud suggestions please

geekIT

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#240244 28-Aug-2018 19:17

I'm looking for minimum-size, maximum-performance wired earbuds.

The small size is important because I'll be adding moldable silicone to make them into fitted plugs.

I've made these before (but recently lost them) and they solve two problems: Stopping the buds from falling out, and keeping out extraneous noise.

Anyone able to suggest a good brand with good sound?

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Handsomedan

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#2080723 29-Aug-2018 11:31

Price gauge?

Preference on type of sound (i.e. bassy, flat, speech-tuned)?

To be honest, you could get some good IEM's with Comply foam tips for anything from $50.00 to $1500.00

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gehenna

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#2080726 29-Aug-2018 11:38

a-jays are great if you can find them. slim enough that the buds feel light and fit well, and you can sleep with them in, but super powerful.

wratterus

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#2080736 29-Aug-2018 11:56

Shure's range are pretty good value for money, SE215 as a starting point....?

geekIT

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#2080859 29-Aug-2018 15:50

Handsomedan, thanks. Price? Not lots, given that I might screw them up when I'm fitting the silicone :-) $20-$30 maybe.

gehenna: You mean these? https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/HSTJAY8313132/Jays-a-JAYS-One---Black. Good sound, you reckon?

wratterus: The Shure look good but a bit pricey.

Thanks guys, very helpful. There's a zillion of these things out there but you can't try 'em on like track shoes. (Thanks, Rebel Sports)

Only way to find out is to ask...

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mdf

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#2080894 29-Aug-2018 16:32

I'm a fan of the Sennheiser CX range. $50-$100 ish, depending on whether you want a Y or a J cable, and want in-line controls or not. PB tech periodically has them on sale; savings vary but you can sometimes save a decent amount.

I've switched to bluetooth primarily and they certainly seem tiny compared to those!

gehenna

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#2080939 29-Aug-2018 17:00

geekIT:

gehenna: You mean these? https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/HSTJAY8313132/Jays-a-JAYS-One---Black. Good sound, you reckon?

Yep, excellent sound and a flat cord that doesn't get tangled. If you want wired earbuds, tangle-free is the only way to go. I loved these because I could use them comfortably in bed. Usually buds would be comfortable for a few mins with my one ear on a pillow, but after a while they start to dig into my ear. a-JAYS are a small flat bud which doesn't poke into your ear when on a pillow.

I had the a-JAYS Four... had a good remote with multiple functions (volume, skip forward/back, play/pause and mic).

geekIT

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#2081182 30-Aug-2018 08:22

mdf: Sennheiser, yeah. I've always been a fan of their regular headphones, so I'll take a closer look at their buds.

Re Bluetooth, I thought my new MPOW Cheetah BT headset would work with my FiiO media player, but the connection is patchy, so I'm going back to wired.

gehenna: Okay, I'll look closer at the a-JAYS. I'd prefer not to get too complicated a rig, so a remote or even inline controls aren't necessary - just a plain pair of buds. I guess the ONE model would be the simplest?

'Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities.' Voltaire

'A patriot must always be ready to defend his country against his government.' Edward Abbey