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    ANy places to check out and compare earphones?

    Discussion in 'Accessories' started by coriolis, Sep 27, 2005.

  1. coriolis

    coriolis Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    My SONY MDR-EX71SL are looking like its going to die soon(the rubber wire is being exposed....really fast..), so I'm in the market for quality 'in the ear' headphones.

    I was looking at Shure e2c's, but I'm not sure on the comfort level of that, so I was wondering does anyone know where to look at opinions, or even opinions for yourselves?

    I have about $70 USD to spend btw..

    I would much rather get it from eBay, warranty is always a plus!

    Thanks!
     
  2. Delvien

    Delvien Notebook Consultant NBR Reviewer

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    Sony fontopia Ex81's Youcan buy them for just around 49.99, Have great bass, nice sounding headphones... comes in black or white, With a around the ear, and without.. Best headphones i ever bought
     
  3. Eliwood

    Eliwood Notebook Deity

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    You have to ask someone locally for this. You'll probably want to look for an audio shop where they'll let you try them on AND test them with your device of choice (notebook, player, etc.).

    Sony's are decent, but a lot of people have reported brekage problems. I'd go with Shure or Ety for this purchase if possible.
     
  4. qwester

    qwester Notebook Virtuoso

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    I had the ex-71 loved them, but used to slip out of my ears. Got the ex-81, over ear design, simply amazing. comfortable and same great sound like the ex-71. cost was a bit over $30 from buy.com, around 4 months ago.

    But I wasn't searching to pay as much as you are, so maybe you might find something quite better for $70.
     
  5. thephenom

    thephenom Notebook Geek

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    I've had like 3 pairs of ex-71.... hated their build-quality, but loved the sound.
     
  6. drumfu

    drumfu super modfu

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    shure is top quality.

    i use the in-ears for my laptop and for recording sessions where they do a great job blocking out my drums.

    any good pair of in-ears will have multiple fitments that you can interchange to find the best fit for your ear.
     
  7. coriolis

    coriolis Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Yea, the SONY's now are breaking so easily, the rubber-material that covers the wires are peeling off, and it looks kinda nasty heh...

    Anyone want Shure e4c's with free earwax for $169.99?

    http://www.ecost.com/ecost/shop/detail~DPNo~593635.asp

    :eek:

    Ok, I've narrowed it down to the e2c and e3c, $80 and $130 respectively...

    I'd go for the e2c but the e3c seems so much better...

    I need to choose now, since there is a 10% eBay coupon that expires Sept 28th!!!
     
  8. Eliwood

    Eliwood Notebook Deity

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    Take the plunge on the E3C if you really can afford it, because from all the reviews I've read, it's a significantly improved experience.
     
  9. coriolis

    coriolis Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Yea, I'm gonna decide on the e3c, I read alot of reviews, and most of them were happy but with some unhappy heavy bass listeners. I'm not huge into bass so I should be fine..

    Now to find one with a price tag of under $90 USD haha...


    edit:Cheapest I've seen is $140 with shipping...

    I don't want to know the customs tag for that..
     
  10. Charles P. Jefferies

    Charles P. Jefferies Lead Moderator Super Moderator

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    I've got Bose Triport headphones - the sound is....totally awesome!!! :D

    But...they sliced my wallet up, put a $150 hole in there...

    But, if you have the money, by all means, Bose!

    Hm. For $70, you can get a decent pair...although I'm not very good with headphones...at Best Buy you can try some out, they have a few on display. Check there! :p
     
  11. coriolis

    coriolis Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    I'm looking for ear canal ones though...

    I'm not particularly fond of the large ones...
     
  12. Eliwood

    Eliwood Notebook Deity

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    Although everybody has their preferences, full size headphones are actually more comfortable to wear than canal phones (and easier to put on/remove) and generally offer superior sound quality for less (you can get a terrific pair for under $100). Of course, they are terrible for wearing out on the street (that's what earphones are for) and aren't as portable either.

    Edit: BuyDig.com (very reputable retailer) was selling the E3C's for either $120 or $130, forgot which. Either way, shipping is free or something very little. You may want to check em out.
     
  13. coriolis

    coriolis Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    But shipping to Canada often kills it...

    edit: No international orders from buydig :(
     
  14. Eliwood

    Eliwood Notebook Deity

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    How about Amazon? They are also selling it for $129, and you get free shipping on orders over $25 (don't know how this works internationally though).
     
  15. coriolis

    coriolis Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    The Amazon here only sells books dvds and cds... :(
     
  16. Eliwood

    Eliwood Notebook Deity

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    I figured that out after I posted when I tried entering in "Shure" and got non-sensical entries. Try asking this question at Head-Fi.org (or simply searching their vast forums). You'll probably have much better luck there.
     
  17. Eliwood

    Eliwood Notebook Deity

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  18. coriolis

    coriolis Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Mmmm....Thanks, I'll have a look there

    edit: I may be able to get the e3c's for $115 + $17 shipping + $3 insurance, brand new with warranty and all, not a bad price...

    That's in USD btw...

    edit3: Still over my budget...

    And now, the price is 150 USD in total..

    I may end up getting e2c's instead...
     
  19. coriolis

    coriolis Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    MMmmm, proud owner of a pair of e3c's :p

    Finally pulled the trigger, $148 with shipping and insurance, should be here in...oh shoot, its a weekend coming up...Tuesday?
     
  20. Eliwood

    Eliwood Notebook Deity

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    Congrats!

    Not to rain down on your purchase, but I actually found several decent places selling the E4C's for $160-$170 ish. :(

    Looks like your mileage can really vary depending on where you buy from.
     
  21. coriolis

    coriolis Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    I just got then but was disappointed I got the Grey ones...

    I wanted the white ones...

    Emailed the seller yesterday still no reply...

    Hmmm, its unopened, is there any possibility I can trade it for a pair of white ones from a store or someone? lol
     
  22. cheziyi

    cheziyi Notebook Consultant

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    Hey, grey is a nice colour too :) congrats on your shure... its a good one

    EDIT: Remember to let it "burn-in" for better performance, meaning connecting it to a output souce and play at normal listening volume for a few days, or a week if you want.
     
  23. coriolis

    coriolis Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Still not used to putting it on, but so far its been great. Way better then my old EX71SL's.