IEM recommendation

Discussion in 'Audiophiles: Headphones, Earphones, etc.' started by cryphakon, Mar 18, 2012.

Page 1 of 3

  1. cryphakon Active Member

    Member Since:
    Mar 18, 2012
    Message Count:
    503
    Device:
    iPad 2 (Black)
    I need some headphones with the following requirements:
    Great build quality none of this dying in within a year stuff, it will be in a school bag raining 4/5 days of the year.
    50-100 USD including shipping to New Zealand lower is better
    Noise cancelling, the little kids on my bus 11-14 havent cracked their voices yet

    I listen to most genres apart from Dubstep, Rap and country, I don't care about the sound quality I am using my still functioning Nokia 3120c for a phone so the lower the better. Noise cancelling and build quality over sound quality by far unless its a really huge gain for a small loss.

    Please and thanks
    cryphakon, Mar 18, 2012
    #1

  2. tinyman392 Super Moderator

    Member Since:
    Jul 10, 2008
    Message Count:
    13,548
    Device:
    5G iPod touch
    Here are some suggestions:
    • ThinkSound TS02 or MS01
    • Brainwavz M3 or M4
    • Dunu Trident
    My top three recommendations of the five above:
    1. ThinkSound MS01
    2. ThinkSound TS02
    3. Brainwavz M3
    I know you said keep the sound quality (SQ) low... I don't believe in that :p All of these have great SQ. If you are after a really bassy sound, get the TS02 and be happy :)

    Also, make sure you use the included case/pouch that is included, otherwise, your IEM will die quickly. Reviews for all of these are available (I'm too lazy to search for them though), except the MS01, you'll have to wait for that review.
    tinyman392, Mar 18, 2012
    #2

  3. cryphakon Active Member

    Member Since:
    Mar 18, 2012
    Message Count:
    503
    Device:
    iPad 2 (Black)
    I prefer headphones without a tendency or skew to any part of the range generally but this is on a bus for an hour hence build quality and noise cancellation somewhere around 15db. My old pair of IEMs lasted 3years beore the plug got damaged (will fix later) without a case, sigh. Thanks for the reply though
    cryphakon, Mar 19, 2012
    #3

  4. tinyman392 Super Moderator

    Member Since:
    Jul 10, 2008
    Message Count:
    13,548
    Device:
    5G iPod touch
    If you want that route, try something like an Etymotic. Both the HF series and EtyKids series are a great choice for what you want. They'll be the flattest in your price range. The Brainwavz M1 and ThinkSound MS01 are also well balanced.
    tinyman392, Mar 19, 2012
    #4

  5. rrroach Well-Known Member

    Member Since:
    Apr 18, 2009
    Message Count:
    3,669
    Device:
    Samsung Galaxy Nexus
    Why not just get a few pairs of skullcandy? You'd save money.
    rrroach, Mar 19, 2012
    #5

  6. cryphakon Active Member

    Member Since:
    Mar 18, 2012
    Message Count:
    503
    Device:
    iPad 2 (Black)
    No never, ever, EVER! Will I purchase anything from skull candy for previously stated reasons.

    The Duni trident you suggested before looked good. Just couldn't find out how much noise they cancel.
    cryphakon, Mar 19, 2012
    #6

  7. qwasedral Banned

    Member Since:
    Jun 28, 2010
    Message Count:
    4,455
    Device:
    4G iPod touch
    Somehow I knew tinyman would be all over this thread
    qwasedral, Mar 19, 2012
    #7
    kona314 and bigjzoo like this.

  8. bigjzoo Banned

    Member Since:
    Jul 25, 2010
    Message Count:
    5,385
    Device:
    iPad 2 (White)
    This section is practically dedicated to him. :p
    bigjzoo, Mar 19, 2012
    #8

  9. qwasedral Banned

    Member Since:
    Jun 28, 2010
    Message Count:
    4,455
    Device:
    4G iPod touch
    I saw IEM in the title and knew instantly
    qwasedral, Mar 19, 2012
    #9

  10. APV Well-Known Member

    Member Since:
    Jan 22, 2009
    Message Count:
    3,041
    There are the EX310's from Sony. They're tuned to Sony's "Studio EQ," so the bass isn't overpowering, (but still present, does have 13.5mm drivers,) and the highs are rather great. I've listened to dubstep using these headphones, and it sounds rather great, but what shines, (as it always does with any headphone,) is real instruments, so country would sound amazing. While they aren't made for cancelling out noise, they still do a decent job at it.

    Here in the US they are $80USD retail, but can be found for less, I got mine for $50USD on Amazon, (which is currently sold out of them now here in the states.) And, they are also extremely comfortable, fit/stay well in the ear, and the look certainly doesn't hurt.




    [IMG]


    As for durability, I bundle them up and throw them in my pocket daily, I always have them on me. I've owned the previous version, (EX300's,) and they lasted more than two years, before I ripped the cable by accident. I've had these EX310's for four or five months and they are still in new condition.

    They are my favorite headphones to date. I just wish Sony's higher-end offerings had the same style/fit, as they are really comfortable.
    APV, Mar 19, 2012
    #10
Page 1 of 3