Earphones for gaming/movies on laptop. What do you use?

Hey guys,

I've been scouring audiophile forums in my search, then I realized this is probably a better place to ask since the priority here is not music but games and movies. Plus, they would be intended for use with a laptop, so...

Well, I've searched long and hard the accessories section here, but found that most of you use headphones, not earbuds. That's why I'm opening a new thread.

So, any suggestions? I'm looking for something in the $10-$70 range because I don't have a lot of money, but keep in mind that it would be a crucial accessory for me - basically the only way I'd experience sound on the laptop.

I don't like headphones on my head, they're uncomfortable after a while. I do have a pair of Sennheiser with mic, though.
As for earphones, I'm currently using JVC HAFX101 but I'd like something better.

I'll probably use these earphones with a Clevo P170EM (yet to be bought, I'm on the fence, I know audio sucks) + some kind of cheap DAC (Fiio D5 maybe?)

I'm reasonably open to a higher budget, I mean I know you have to spend more for good IEMs. But still, what could give me a good level of audio for gaming and movies (a lot of them)?

I'd prefer them to be not the in-ear type, but I know they're fewer and fewer. I'll have to go with in-ear, I think.
I've considered Brainwawz M4, Klipstch S4, VSonic, Soundmagic and others... but I don't know which one is good for gaming and movies rather than just music.

Thanks for any suggestions.

 

Astro makes a gaming great earphone. My one friend has them so I've had the opportunity to try them. I must say the quality is certainly what you pay for. Crisp sound for both gaming and music. They're a little pricey though. I believe Razer also makes gaming earbuds, but I've never heard much about them.

 

Yuin PK3 or PK2
Amazon.com: yuin

You will thank me later.

Can get them cheaper on ebay.

 

The VSonic GR06 sounds very good for the price. Great for movies and I guess good for gaming as far as earbuds go. The tips that come with the GR06 are very comfortable too. I had the Soundmagic PL50 but the housing fell apart with light use.

 

Thanks guys.

@beanwolf: can't find the Astro anywhere (I'm in Europe). Razer earphones are on Amazon UK, though.

@ViciousXUSMC: Yeah, I know the Yuin PK, even though I've never actually tried them. But it's usually the default n.1 pick as far as quality earphones go (not many of those left). They're difficult to find, though. Not sure I can trust any seller on ebay, I recall a while back there were some fakes going around.

@spandexninja: I read good things about the VSonic GR06, the problem is - once again - they're not easy to find.

So, in terms of audio quality do the Yuin beat out the more consumer-oriented (I presume) Astro and Razer? And are they still better than the VSonic?

 

OMG YES Razer and Astro both are boutique brands they mark up price by an extreme amount based on name alone.

$80 stuff from them is equal to $40 stuff from a brand like say Audio Technica, Plantronics, Sony, Senn, ETC

Yuin being Chinese is actually quite the opposite they sell things the cheapest and have basically no brand mark up. It is also the reason you can feel safe buying on Ebay because the people that make fakes are going to make fakes of the big name stuff like say Dre Beats and Bose, they would basically never rip off there own smaller name Chinese branded companions.

 

Yeah, that's what I figured. Thank you.

Well, since there aren't any specific recommendations for gaming/movies (it's always music everywhere, damnit ) I might go back and reconsider the Yuin. Have you bought from any ebay sellers in particular?

 

I'd check this out:

Custom Fit Earbuds

It's pretty much a way to get custom fit earbuds on a low budget. I have a pair and they work great. The stuff costs about $10 on amazon. The mold is supposed to be for earplugs, but you just place any pair of earbuds in while they're drying (it's better explained in the link).

I personally use a pair of scosche HP153MD, but you could really use any pair.

Best part is that since the mold is uniquely yours, they'll have a great fit that will give you nice noise isolation.

 

SoundMagic E10M

Amazon.com: SoundMAGIC E10M In-Ear Headset for iPhone, iPad, Ipod (Black/Red): Cell Phones & Accessories

/thread

 

I've used my SE215's a few times when on the go for movies and light gaming. It wasn't bad but there was audible noise from my old laptops headphone out (an old Toshiba something).

Now I know you stated that you don't like wearing headphones, so I'm curious what headphones you own/have owned in the past. In my experience, full sized/circumaural have always been more comfortable. I imagine if you are used to on-ear, or headphones with rubbish stock pads, then you might have some prejudice against them.

My Shure's are the least comfortable of the lot, mainly due to how it needs to be positioned (which would be problematic for people with smaller ears). I can usually only wear them for an hour or so at a time before I start feeling discomfort in my pinna. This is one of the reasons that I completely avoid earbuds as they rest firmly on the pinna (I think this is the correct term).

Anyways sorry for the rant. The Yuins that Vicious recommended are apparently pretty decent (no experience with any of their products). Alternatively if you want to try an IEM, the JVC HAFX40 has been getting some rave reviews as well (they have a new carbon nanotube diaphragms). Not sure how much of an improvement they are over the FX101's (might not be any at all). $16 on Amazon, I actually just purchased one to see how it sounds (I hate slow days at work). LINK

EDIT: Apparently JVC also makes some higher end nanotube models, the FXD70 and FXD80. Not sure if they are meant to be a considerable improvement in terms of sound quality. They are only selling in Japan at the moment but you can find imports on Amazon:

FX80D LINK
FX70D LINK

 

I use Sennheiser Mx680

2yr Warranty Bonus Sennheiser Sennheiser MX 680 Earphone Kit MX680 615104173514 | eBay

Great fit, shuts out other noises (having them in ear with no music, will still muffel sounds a lot), great bass (i am normaly a headphone guy, so believe me, they are an alternative).

I have often used them in hotel rooms and planes (for movies and games), when headphones are to big to have on the go.

 

For surprisingly high quality IEM's you should consider these.

They may be cheap but they hit well above their belt and the people of Head-Fi love them.