In-Ear Headphones <$80

After 3-years, my Sony in-ear headphones (MDR-EX51) finally crapped out on me. I'm looking to get something a bit better with more bass and low-end frequency response that the Sony's seemed to lack. I was looking at the Sure E2C's but don't know of any others in my price range.

The headphones will be thrown around a lot in my pocket and bookbag so I don't want to spend a bundle on them.

 

I have a pair of E2C's and love the thick cabling that Shure used, definitely one of the more durable earphones that I've used. However I really hate how large the actual earphones are so i only use them for working out so I don't need to worry about sweat or the frequent motion damaging the cables in some way.

For general use I use a pair of Ultimate Ears Superfi 4 which have slightly better sound quality and smaller earphone size. However the cabling is thinner than the shure's and I worry about them being damaged easily. That's not saying that they're fragile or anything, they are probably the same as every other earphone cabling. A good comparison would be the difference between the cord from the Razer Copperhead and the braided cord from the Logitech G series.

 

On the real cheap (sub $30) sennheiser CX300, Razer m100/moray, or Creative EP-630 (basically all the same).

You just missed out on the Ultimate Ears Superfi 5vi's for $60 at Amazon though.

 

The Sennheiser CX550 style IIs are a good pair (bought them recently, sound great after run-in). However, I reckon you could get a similar pair for less money.

 

You should look at the Hippo VB if you want bass. They are 79$ from jaben.net which is the manufacturers website. IMO they are the best value in IEMs today.

 

The V-Moda vibe has great bass.
Amazon.com: V-MODA Vibe Earbuds: Electronics

 

Check out:
ZaggBuds by zagg.com
Radium Atomic Bass
Skullcandy Titans or Ink'd
Klipsch Image S4
iFrogz

 

Another vote for the Razer Moray+. I previously used a set of V-moda vibes and the Morays have better bass response and overall SQ. Plus for $50 you get a nice case, and adapters for use with a PSP, DS & PC (separate mic/audio adapter).

 

I've had a lot of expensive and not so expensive IEM's (UE Triple Fi 10, Weststone 3, V-moda Vibe, Sony MDR EX81, Fisher Audio Eterna..) but if you are looking for clarity with a lot of BASS the MEElectronic M9 is your only choice.

M9 Series earphones

This is the only IEM I've heard thats been close to BeyerDynamic DT770/990 / Denon D2000 quality and quantity of BASS. The latter 3 are headphones known as the best in their field (Studio headphones for bassloving mixers)

The M9 is 29$, you'll get 4 pairs of different size silicone tips and a carry case.Also, check the MEElec sub-forum on Head-Fi.org - Headphone forums and reviews for audiophiles for a discount coupon.
MEElec's service is great, shipping rates are low and the product quality is one of the best I've laid my hands on.

Btw; speaker/driver housing is made of metal, and both plug and housings have proper stress reliefs on the cable.

 

i have this combo and i think it sounds pretty nice

Head-Direct.com | YUIN

 

Interesting.... MEElectronics M9-BK $19.99 free shipping, i might just try them out. Btw how are they more expensive line, really never heard about this brand.

 

i've had good luck w/ the J-3 series from Jbud. worth a look and available cheap on Amazon.

 

I agree with these - I find them a bit colored (bass) but that may be exactly what you're looking for. Normally $80 but go on sale for $60. I haven't seen them on sale for over a month.

 

Thanks for all the suggestions guys, I tried out the Klipsch S4's but I didn't think they were very comfortable. I guess I don't like the deep in-ear kind much.

I'm still looking around though.

 

I don't like mine since they deliver an apparent colored sound but they are comfortable in my ears until they fall out. I have problems getting them to stay in, no matter which gel I use. I don't wrap the cord around my ear though, like others do. They do offer detail that rivals that of my Sennheiser HD650 headphones though. I'm not fond of in-ear in any case.

The comfort thing could be that you weren't using them right? The Klipsch do not go in the same way as pretty much any other earphone on the market. With the right gel and inserted properly, you shouldn't really be able to feel them.

 

The M9 are fun, not analytic. The reviews on Amazon are quite accurate to my opinion about these. MEE has a IEM for each "sound signature" M6 is the neutral, M9 bassy etc. In other words; going up in price won't get you a "better" M9, as there is only the one and only M9. So if you're up in the "bassheavy-yet-clear-sounding-alley" I would strongly recommend you these.

I bought two set's when they were on sale, just in case I should lose or break one. Been using it everyday for 3 months though, still feels as new. Very good product is all I can say!

 

I recently ordered some ety er6i's, they haven't arrived yet so I can't give you a personal review