In Ear Earphones

Budget is about $165 AUD (about $110 USD)

Am looking at Shure SE210, Sony ex500sl and Ultimate Ears Super Fi 3

Just wondering how these compare or if there is anything better. I listen to mostly rock, pop and r&b but would like a pair that does have some thump.

Mostly going to be running through a Sony A828 walkman

 

Not sure if you can get them on your island, but the Audeo Phonak PFE are getting raving reviews.

 

I have a pair of the SE210's and they are the most comfortable pair of in ear's I've tried. The foam tips that Shure uses isolates sound very well, and as long as you wear them right, the buds give solid bass. The bass isn't incredibly thumpy, but the pair can handle EQ settings very well with little distortion so use bass heavy EQ to add more umph to the bass.

Just wondering, where did you find the 210's for $110 US?

 

I found them on ebay for about $100 US
http://cgi.ebay.com/SHURE-SE210-SE-210-EARPHONES-HEADPHONES-IN-EAR-BLACK-UK_W0QQitemZ350085789142QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_AudioVisualElectronics_HomeAudioHiFi_Headphones?hash=item350085789142

 

I found a pair on ebay US but its $137 US + shipping They look nice though

 

Ugh thats what I get for buying from retail chains . I still vouch for the Shures though, those foam tips are to die for .

 

I'd pay the extra and get them, but I've bought enough sound equipment to realize that spending the extra money is worth not buying things twice.

 

But after the exchange rate is about $250+ AUD. I do like good quality gear but i am only a poor uni student

 

I absolutely love my Sony EX85
Now your choice is a higher number - so they should be better.

I was told the earbuds are too soft on the Sony's - so they are comfortable but don't perform at their best.

You can switch the earbuds yourself though.

Being a Sony fan I'd say Sony - but it may not be the best value for money.

 

u ll become poorer..but u ll also be happier.

money or happiness?



i sell old stuff to raise money for my purchases...have already spent 1000+ on audio equipment....now eyeing the $1400 HD800 when it ll come out....dont have money..but will find a way.

 

I had a pair of sony ex85 but i lost them. They were a nice pair but looking to step up a bit (thats why i am looking at sony ex500sl which is pretty much exact same as ex90)

If i was gonna spend the $137 USD i'd buy the ultimate ears super fi 5 EB over the Audeo Phanak cause it has dual drivers. I could wait but then i have no earphones to use (and i don't want to buy a cheap pair to use for now)

 

Please check this:
http://www.headphone.com/guide/by-application/our-10-best-headphones/
I hope you'll find every thing here.

 

My first 'serious' foray into IEMs was with the Shure E3C. Very comfortable with the triple flange sleeves but somewhat lacking in bass. Then I stepped up to the Ultimate Ears Super.fi 5 Pro which are great for sound quality at that price point. However, comfort wasn't as good as the Shure's and the detachable cables caused more problems than I wanted. So when it was time to see what all the fuss was about in the upper echelon of IEMs I decided on the Shure SE530. Have had them since December and I'll never look back. Stellar sound and comfort.

I guess when it comes down to the two the OP is deciding between I'd have to give the nod to the Shure based on the comfort factor.

 

What do you think of the Shure SLC4? (I think they are just remakes of the Shure e4's)

Is there much of a step from the e3 to se530?

 

Can't comment on those as I've never heard them.

"Step"? More like flights of stairs.


If you really want some good advice on IEMs or headphones in general head on over to head-fi.org.

 

I agree with signal that the SE530's are stellar in comfort and quality. I've listened to my friend's pair and I couldn't believe how amazing they where. But you will not find them at your budget, I say if you can save up the money for the 530's get them because it is well worth the wait.

Also, have you considered any over-the-head cans? They deliver the same, if not better sound for less dough, just without the isolation. Is isolation really a biggie for you?

 

quality + comfort + sound = westone. the best in earphones at 100$ price point. i have used UE 3 and 5, there is chance of getting fit problems with the odler design, not sure about newer one. also try to look at jays

 

i have a pair of red ultimate ears super fi 3 for sale-$50 plus shipping to aus missing all but the small silicon tips tho, but you can buy from ebay for cheap.

 

I'd go with the Audeo Phonak PFE. Here's a great chart comparing IEM's.

Note that this is just one persons personal tastes and their personal usage, you may have different opinions. And I didn't make this chart.

 

KOSS The Plug - amazing sound for as little as 20 quid

 

Thats a great chart!! Couldn't really find any retailers that sold the Audeo Phonak (and i tried ebay US too)

I managed to get the Shure SCL4/e4 for $120 shipped to Australia. Read reviews from hifi forums and they say they perform on par with the Shure SE310.

Since Shures provide good isolation and comfort i think they will provide a good seal and provide me with the bass i am after.

I don't want to create another thread but do any of you guys use headphone amps? Been looking at custom Cmoy and Fiio e5 amps from ebay (under $50 USD)

Just wondering if they really improve mid-range IEM's?

 

Yeah, you can only get the phonaks from their site(might be able to find a few places, but mostly just thier site). With IEM's then you have to be careful with amps, because alot of them create a 'hiss' I know with the SE530's then its a very big problem.

 

I have Shure SE530 and Ultimate Ear TF10 and I have to say, Shure SE530 is a lot more comfortable and better seal. I did get comply tip for Ultimate Ear and the seal / isolation did improve but no where near as comfortable as Shure SE530.

I think you should save up for SE530 and skip the SE210.

At the end of the day, it really depends what you are listening to corujo712. I'm a hip hop dancer so I think Shure SE530 fits perfectly with my life style. I only use Ultimate Ear when I want to listen to Chopin or Yundi Li when I am studying / reading.

Skip the whole headphone amp for now and get a better headphone instead.

 

I mainly listen to Rock, Pop and R&B

The Shure SCL4/e4 is my first step into the high end audiophiles. I have previously had Sony EX85 and Creatives.

If i am happy with the Shure SCL4's i will prob upgrade to the SE510 in the future anyway

 

I just got a pair of skullcandy Ink'd earphones at best buy. They have great frequency range (20Hz to 20KHz), they also block noise very well. They are $20

 

Frequency range pretty much means nothing. I'm yet to see any headphone with a frequency range thats small enough for it to be a problem. Honestly you can't tell how nice headphones will sound from the specs, you'll have to listen to them.

 

Wow these Phonak Audeos are pretty impressive, Im gonna check these babies out.