Spec me some sexy earphones

WantoN · 27 Dec 2009 at 18:17

Hallo chappies,
I've a new ipod touch, which is lovely. I'd like to in invest in some new earphones, circa £100 to listen to them in.

Requirements:
Heavy bass response
Noise Reduction
Good for the gym

Max budget is £110. I'd like to spend £80-90 unless the further expense is really worth it. Just so you know, the terrible gestation of 'if you can stretch' suggestions will have to be resisted

Current shortlisters are:

Sennheiser IE6 - £93
Sennheiser CX6 - £96
Shure SE210 - £97
Jays q-JAYS - £108
Etymotic hf5 - £80
Westone UM1 True-Fit - £109
Audeo PFE 112 - £120

Ultimate Ears Super.fi 5 EB Extended Bass - £120. These ARE over budget, but they seem to be exactly what I'm after. So I COULD stretch, but only if they'll be significantly better.

So what do you chappies think?

Kenai · 27 Dec 2009 at 19:25

SE210 - £97?!?!

I paid £65 almost 2 years ago!!! :eek:

For the £100 mark you should be able to get hold of 310s really i'd have thought.

Anyway, if 'heavy bass' response if what you are after, the 210s are no good to you - they are good earphones but heavy bass is not their strong point.

WantoN · 27 Dec 2009 at 19:40

Kenai said:
SE210 - £97?!?!

I paid £65 almost 2 years ago!!!

For the £100 mark you should be able to get hold of 310s really i'd have thought.

Anyway, if 'heavy bass' response if what you are after, the 210s are no good to you - they are good earphones but heavy bass is not their strong point.

Thanks for the pointer chap. It seems brands increase in prize along with popularity. Seinnheiser's doing the same :/

Ant :cool:

EDIT: Moved to sound city? Doesn't this really belong in Hi-Fidelity alongside all the other headphone posts? Will RTM to a kind-hearted Don

Kenai · 27 Dec 2009 at 19:43

I just had a look and the SE210s are available for £69.99, and the 310s for £109.99 at the moment, perhaps not where you would initially think to look for earphones though. I'm sure you can find them playing around with google.

Big Kev · 27 Dec 2009 at 21:01

WantoN said:
EDIT: Moved to sound city? Doesn't this really belong in Hi-Fidelity alongside all the other headphone posts? Will RTM to a kind-hearted Don

Nope, all the other earphone posts are in here mate, hence the forum description "Discuss sound cards, speakers, headphones and MP3 players".

Kenai · 27 Dec 2009 at 21:04

Big Kev said:
Nope, all the other earphone posts are in here mate, hence the forum description "Discuss sound cards, speakers, headphones and MP3 players".

There are 2 other headphone threads on the front page of that section and countless more beyond that :confused:

I think I have personally posted 2 headphone related threads in there that haven't been touched. Definitely at least 1.

Big Kev · 27 Dec 2009 at 21:18

Kenai said:
There are 2 other headphone threads on the front page of that section and countless more beyond that

I think I have personally posted 2 headphone related threads in there that haven't been touched. Definitely at least 1.

Some may have slipped through, but most people do seem to put such threads in the correct place.

daz · 27 Dec 2009 at 21:34

Watch out for cable microphonics with IEMs, it may be a bit annoying if you're on the treadmill in the gym.

WantoN · 28 Dec 2009 at 13:12

Big Kev said:
Nope, all the other earphone posts are in here mate, hence the forum description "Discuss sound cards, speakers, headphones and MP3 players".

My bad Kev, should've read the sections instead of being a sheep

daz said:
Watch out for cable microphonics with IEMs, it may be a bit annoying if you're on the treadmill in the gym.

Never even thought about it, cheers Daz.

Kenai said:
I just had a look and the SE210s are available for £69.99, and the 310s for £109.99 at the moment, perhaps not where you would initially think to look for earphones though. I'm sure you can find them playing around with google.

Legend Kenai! Do you know much about the 310s?

Still seriously edging towards the Ultimate Ears Superfi.

Ant :cool:

Big Kev · 28 Dec 2009 at 13:19

If I were you, I'd go over to Head-fi, where there are thousands of experts on the subject mate, who have probably heard all of the phones you've quoted, for a more informed opinion.

One thing though, once you go there, it can be costly, as you'll realise that the more money you spend, you really can notice the difference.

daz · 28 Dec 2009 at 13:48

A large online retailer recently had Ultimate Ears Triple Fi 10s for $99. These were all snapped by buyers in the USA (wouldn't ship anywhere else). Most were seemingly buying to resell, rather than to use - so you may find lots of unused 10s on ebay if you look for a good price.

They're not particularly sexy, but they're a class about the Super Fi 5EB, apparently.

Big Kev · 28 Dec 2009 at 14:49

daz said:
A large online retailer recently had Ultimate Ears Triple Fi 10s for $99. These were all snapped by buyers in the USA (wouldn't ship anywhere else). Most were seemingly buying to resell, rather than to use - so you may find lots of unused 10s on ebay if you look for a good price.

They're not particularly sexy, but they're a class about the Super Fi 5EB, apparently.

I used to have the triple's and they're superb, lots of clarity, a superb high end and decent bass, but they may not be as bassy as you're after. Having said that, they're way above the standard that you've been looking at so far, so worth a look.

WantoN · 30 Dec 2009 at 12:39

Daz, Kev, cheers lads.

I'll have a snoop for the 10s, and head on over to head-fi. Appreciate the help.

Ant :cool:

$h@d0w · 30 Dec 2009 at 23:36

I would thin about something cheap and easy to replace if you're going to the gym with them. I've accidentally ripped a few pairs apart in my time.

Sennheiser CX300 I and II can be had for 11 to 16 quid and they are pretty decent. obviously not in the same class as the phones mentioned in this thread but easy to replace and certainly better than the set packed in