Decent pair of in-ears with a decent price

shoei · 05-16-2016, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Tonka

Quote:

Originally Posted by shoei

Sssooooo... I've gone through just about every type of in-ear headphones one can buy... For a multitude of different reasons... Namely, take about 100 flights a year and like you, I want something on the plane... Secondly, gym, I have a set for the gym, and then finally, heavily frowned upon but I need it, another set for under the helmet when I rode the motorcycle so I could cut out some of the exhaust / road noise / listen to tunes... These are the best of the group that I tried out, starting with cheapest..

Senneheiser Momentum (in-ear) the only thing I disliked about these was the shiny red color they came in... These did not last too long, and actually had a couple of pairs fail on me... I didn't mind so much because wear and tear under helmet, it's expected, plus when I purchased them on Amazon, they were discounted to $60...

Bose Quiet Comfort 20 - easily the best noise cancelling but not sure I could justify the $300 sticker... Some cost much less but did not come close to the noise cancelling so I was torn... Enjoyed them but ended up returning them when I realized that I got better sound quality at marginally priced sets...

Xiaomi Piston Version 2 - holy mother, for a super cheap pair, I was expecting crap... How wrong I was... Not the best sound, but no one comes close in their price range... The quality of the unit though is ridiculous... I was super skeptical until someone at the gym recommended them to me, and after much surfing through reviews and all the counterfeits on Amazon, I found an authentic pair... They have a "3" as someone mentioned out but haven't tried... Apparently this brand is huge in china, phenomenal quality at marginal prices... So I've heard but hands down best sub $30 pair of in ears I've ever owned... I like the braided non tangle cords... (Enclosing picture of back of box if you go this route so you know what a legit box sticker should look like)

Jaybird X2 - love these as well... Wireless... Bluetooth... Pretty good noise cancelling... Comfortable (once you find the right sizes with the kit they include in the box... Silicone strap runs along your neck, you won't even notice it's light... Sound quality great, noise cancelling pretty damn good... The wireless portion is fantastic, just as long as you charge them when needed...

There are some cheapo sony and Panasonic ones that for $10 you don't care if they take a beating... Surprisingly they sound decent, just no good features as the others like, non tangle as you can see from the pic...

Last but not least... LG Bluetooth headset - I can't remember the exact one, it's the best of all the ones they offer and not the most expensive, but it's the headset of choice of 85% of tech guys up in SF to wear around the office... My friend is actually borrowing them so I'll have to ask him for the model number, but for the gym / motorcycle not so great, but on an airplane / walking around, they're great, especially again, wireless and Bluetooth...

Is that your carpet in those pictures?

Mmaayybbbeeee, lol... Why do you ask??

Mywifes335 · 05-16-2016, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Will maddox

Skull candy are junk

+1.

I've had moderately priced in-ear phones like Klipsch and Bose ($200), and the Bose were horrible from day 1. Clear but no bass. Klipsch didn't last long - 6 months. Got another pair and they lasted just under a year.

So instead of dropping another $200 on something else, got a pair of skull candy for $20. Cheap and sounded cheap with distorted bass and no high range.

Two years ago, bought a pair of Sony EX ($25-30) extra bass. They lasted a year and change before the wires started to emit crackly static. Replaced them 6 months ago with another pair and they're still going strong.

If you're hard on your phones and use them a lot (esp at the gym), the cheapest, best compromise for me had been the Sony EX series extra bass earbuds.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00JRD...ExL&ref=plSrch

FType22 · 05-16-2016, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wuufer001

I am looking for a decent pair of in-ears, not an audiophile but like to listen to music and watch stuff.
this pair would mostly be on fights, whether with the in-flight entertainment system of listening or watching on my phone/tablet.
i really can't justify spending a few hundred or thousands of dollars on a pair of earphones, am looking for maybe within the $200 range with the best bang for this buck.

i bought a Klipsch on-ear and sound was great, but sometimes it's a problem to carry with the case especially when travelling, and it does get uncomfortable sometimes since i wear eye glasses.

have just started looking at Sennheiser Momentum and the AKG K376

any recommendations?
i think i would prefer wired earphones, so don't need to worry about the battery charging.
don't need the mic or volume controls since i won't be using it for phone calls

I know that you're looking for in ears but the best thing I ever bought for business travel was a gift bought for me in the form of bose over ear noise cancelling headphones. Two flights ago I got a red eye to chicago with a crying baby that kicked my seat half the flight and I was able to cancel the fuck out of that noisy bastard and I didn't even have to throw him in the toilet to do it.

shoei · 05-16-2016, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mywifes335

Quote:

Originally Posted by Will maddox

Skull candy are junk

+1.

I've had moderately priced in-ear phones like Klipsch and Bose ($200), and the Bose were horrible from day 1. Clear but no bass. Klipsch didn't last long - 6 months. Got another pair and they lasted just under a year.

So instead of dropping another $200 on something else, got a pair of skull candy for $20. Cheap and sounded cheap with distorted bass and no high range.

Two years ago, bought a pair of Sony EX ($25-30) extra bass. They lasted a year and change before the wires started to emit crackly static. Replaced them 6 months ago with another pair and they're still going strong.

If you're hard on your phones and use them a lot (esp at the gym), the cheapest, best compromise for me had been the Sony EX series extra bass earbuds.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00JRD...ExL&ref=plSrch

Oouuu I've had these too... Good bass, they stuck out a little too much when I tried to wear them under my helmet... For a cheapo pair they were great though...

zx10guy · 05-16-2016, 03:50 PM

Noise canceling isn't something you want if you care about preserving sound quality. My noise isolating IEMs do a very good job of blocking out external noises even on planes with a screaming baby next to me. My IEMs also don't require any additional power source/batteries.

zx10guy · 05-16-2016, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doogee

You can't go wrong with Shure SE215, they're a steal for $100. Sound quality is impressive.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss...%3Ashure+se215

I concur. I just dug out my old Shures prior to the SE535s I own now. They're the predecessor to the SE215s...the SE210s. And yes, they're quite good for the cost...I actually got them free but the $100 they cost is worth it. I upgraded to the SE535s because I'm anal retentive with sound quality...even on the go.

Mywifes335 · 05-16-2016, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shoei

Oouuu I've had these too... Good bass, they stuck out a little too much when I tried to wear them under my helmet... For a cheapo pair they were great though...

Right? So cheap but so good! Hahaha.

davis449 · 05-16-2016, 04:10 PM

I have a pair of what I am pretty sure are the predecessor to the Sony MDR-XB90EX buds. I bought them for ~$80 back in 2013. Still have them, they're still in great shape because I take care of them and sound excellent. Their noise isolation is killer. Not sure what I will upgrade to in the future.

pz619 · 05-16-2016, 04:57 PM

So I'll go ahead and +1 Bose QC15 for noise cancelling. I use them on airplanes (generally not even connected to anything) so I can sleep. As for actual sound quality, they aren't that good. Honestly, I don't think bose makes a great sounding headphone, but they sure are comfortable.

Agree with some of the other commenters that IEMs are probably the way to go. As others have recommended Shure makes a great IEM as well. I had the 425 and they were pretty good. A little above your target price range though, but I would recommend those as well.

Mr Tonka · 05-16-2016, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shoei

Mmaayybbbeeee, lol... Why do you ask??

It's a curse. As a floor guy, you notice these things. Like watches, floor covering can say a lot about a person.

shoei · 05-16-2016, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Tonka

Quote:

Originally Posted by shoei

Mmaayybbbeeee, lol... Why do you ask??

It's a curse. As a floor guy, you notice these things. Like watches, floor covering can say a lot about a person.

They installed new carpeting when I took this place... Rest of it's amazing, don't care for the carpeting... Not my place so very little I can do about it... It's definitely on the cheaper end of the carpet spectrum and don't like that it can feel damp when the marine layer rolls in... Would very much rather have flooring...

Mr Tonka · 05-16-2016, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shoei

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Tonka

Quote:

Originally Posted by shoei

Mmaayybbbeeee, lol... Why do you ask??

It's a curse. As a floor guy, you notice these things. Like watches, floor covering can say a lot about a person.

They installed new carpeting when I took this place... Rest of it's amazing, don't care for the carpeting... Not my place so very little I can do about it... It's definitely on the cheaper end of the carpet spectrum and don't like that it can feel damp when the marine layer rolls in... Would very much rather have flooring...

Not being your place to do with as you please is what I got from it. Didn't figure "relocation beige" was your style. Unless it was a temp scenario.

hongsc · 05-16-2016, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doogee

You can't go wrong with Shure SE215, they're a steal for $100. Sound quality is impressive.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss...%3Ashure+se215

I use those currently after someone stole my Etymotic HF3. Also recommend getting some Comply foam tips for the OP.

shoei · 05-16-2016, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Tonka

Quote:

Originally Posted by shoei

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Tonka

Quote:

Originally Posted by shoei

Mmaayybbbeeee, lol... Why do you ask??

It's a curse. As a floor guy, you notice these things. Like watches, floor covering can say a lot about a person.

They installed new carpeting when I took this place... Rest of it's amazing, don't care for the carpeting... Not my place so very little I can do about it... It's definitely on the cheaper end of the carpet spectrum and don't like that it can feel damp when the marine layer rolls in... Would very much rather have flooring...

Not being your place to do with as you please is what I got from it. Didn't figure "relocation beige" was your style. Unless it was a temp scenario.

It doesn't hide the blood stains well, no, this beige fuzz...

The old place had this Italian stone / marble that I loved... However, due to the uneven nature of the floors, if your cell phone or glass or bottle fell, 100% success rate of being smashed to bits...

I've seen this ash / grey wood flooring recently and I loved it...

But I love this place so much I had to overlook the carpet... Just don't wear shoes on it and stays pretty clean... Can't even remember the last time I had carpet to be honest...

miiipilot · 05-16-2016, 07:58 PM

I had a set of Shure's, but they didn't hold up to the sweat (corroded the connectors) and movement of working out.

My go to now are Jaybirds Bluebuds. I will never buy corded headphones again.

I have a pair of Jaybirds X2s on their way too.

bosstones · 05-16-2016, 11:28 PM

Klipsch for me. I have a pair of S4 and R6 in-ear headphones, each w/ memory foam inserts. I've been happy w/ both pairs.

Mywifes335 · 05-16-2016, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shoei

It doesn't hide the blood stains well, no, this beige fuzz...

The old place had this Italian stone / marble that I loved... However, due to the uneven nature of the floors, if your cell phone or glass or bottle fell, 100% success rate of being smashed to bits...

I've seen this ash / grey wood flooring recently and I loved it...

But I love this place so much I had to overlook the carpet... Just don't wear shoes on it and stays pretty clean... Can't even remember the last time I had carpet to be honest...

You work with Sterling Archer?

ashmostro · 05-17-2016, 02:36 AM

Etymotic Research. Been using them for years. The newer "non-audiophile" models with their unique in-ear freq response philosophy put most phones for 2x the price to shame.

wuufer001 · 05-17-2016, 03:03 AM

i have read a few about the Shure detachable cables and have seen that some complain about the quality after a while with those detachable cables.
so far i have read on this thread in general and that i can remember from the top of my head,
Klipsch won't last very long for heavy usage
Sennheiser got above average and great sound quality
Shure good quality
sony/panasonic/skullcandy most suitable for heavy usage since they are throwaways and don't last very long
Xiaomi pistons best bang for buck, but that's if i can find them locally
bose crap quality audio but comfortable with great sound isolation

oh, and Shoei does have a very clean carpet

i used to have corded jaybird until it was destroyed by my daughter, just checked their website now and they only have the X2 wireless. one i had i remember it being above average sound quality with a good thump
AKG or Audio Technica users?

zx10guy · 05-17-2016, 08:58 AM

I've had my Shure SE535 with the new detachable setup for about 2 to 3 years now and haven't had a single problem with it. I've used the SE535 on the go quite a bit.

I only have experience with one AKG product which is the K270 that I own. They're not IEMs and are ridiculously huge. Sound quality was decent. Mids tended to be a bit fuzzy/muted compared to the rest of the sound.

Too bad Grado Labs don't make in IEM. I have one of their old SR100 head phones and use that for a lot of in home listening when I don't feel like having an IEM stuck inside my ear.

pz619 · 05-18-2016, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zx10guy

I've had my Shure SE535 with the new detachable setup for about 2 to 3 years now and haven't had a single problem with it. I've used the SE535 on the go quite a bit.

I only have experience with one AKG product which is the K270 that I own. They're not IEMs and are ridiculously huge. Sound quality was decent. Mids tended to be a bit fuzzy/muted compared to the rest of the sound.

Too bad Grado Labs don't make in IEM. I have one of their old SR100 head phones and use that for a lot of in home listening when I don't feel like having an IEM stuck inside my ear.

I might have to make the 535 plunge here. Heard nothing but good things.

Also anyone ever listen to the 846? I wonder if it's really that much better.

rabman5 · 05-18-2016, 11:13 PM

I tried Klipsch & Bose but finally settled on Shure SE425. LOVE them. Worth the money. I think I paid about $275. Great sound and comfort.

05-16-2016, 03:50 PM	#27
zx10guy Brigadier General 5519 Rep 3,326 Posts Drives: 2013 135i Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: DC iTrader: (0)	Noise canceling isn't something you want if you care about preserving sound quality. My noise isolating IEMs do a very good job of blocking out external noises even on planes with a screaming baby next to me. My IEMs also don't require any additional power source/batteries.
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05-16-2016, 04:10 PM	#30
davis449 Captain 426 Rep 887 Posts Drives: 2014 Audi SQ5 Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: San Antonio, TX iTrader: (0)	I have a pair of what I am pretty sure are the predecessor to the Sony MDR-XB90EX buds. I bought them for ~$80 back in 2013. Still have them, they're still in great shape because I take care of them and sound excellent. Their noise isolation is killer. Not sure what I will upgrade to in the future.
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05-16-2016, 04:57 PM	#31
pz619 Brigadier General 3334 Rep 3,275 Posts Drives: F87 M2C 6MT, Tesla Highland 3P Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: San Diego iTrader: (1)	So I'll go ahead and +1 Bose QC15 for noise cancelling. I use them on airplanes (generally not even connected to anything) so I can sleep. As for actual sound quality, they aren't that good. Honestly, I don't think bose makes a great sounding headphone, but they sure are comfortable. Agree with some of the other commenters that IEMs are probably the way to go. As others have recommended Shure makes a great IEM as well. I had the 425 and they were pretty good. A little above your target price range though, but I would recommend those as well.
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05-16-2016, 07:58 PM	#37
miiipilot Lieutenant Colonel 530 Rep 1,503 Posts Drives: 2024 M2 Brooklyn Grey 6mt Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Cleveland, OH iTrader: (0)	I had a set of Shure's, but they didn't hold up to the sweat (corroded the connectors) and movement of working out. My go to now are Jaybirds Bluebuds. I will never buy corded headphones again. I have a pair of Jaybirds X2s on their way too. __________________ miiipilot '24 M2 Brooklyn Grey, 6mt, Bi-Color, Black M-Color seats, '16 MG M2, DCT, Exec. Took Delivery 4/30/16 (Sold)
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05-16-2016, 11:28 PM	#38
bosstones Lieutenant Colonel 1245 Rep 1,596 Posts Drives: o_0 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Suburbia iTrader: (0)	Klipsch for me. I have a pair of S4 and R6 in-ear headphones, each w/ memory foam inserts. I've been happy w/ both pairs. __________________ - Jeff bosstones' flickr
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05-17-2016, 02:36 AM	#40
ashmostro Brigadier General 1304 Rep 4,180 Posts Drives: 2020 M4cs \| 2022 M550i Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Falls Church, VA iTrader: (28)	Etymotic Research. Been using them for years. The newer "non-audiophile" models with their unique in-ear freq response philosophy put most phones for 2x the price to shame. Last edited by ashmostro; 05-17-2016 at 06:39 AM..
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05-17-2016, 03:03 AM	#41
wuufer001 Colonel 403 Rep 2,348 Posts Drives: 2006 E90 M/T Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: DFW, TX//Taiwan//South Africa iTrader: (5) Garage List 2006 325i [9.34]	i have read a few about the Shure detachable cables and have seen that some complain about the quality after a while with those detachable cables. so far i have read on this thread in general and that i can remember from the top of my head, Klipsch won't last very long for heavy usage Sennheiser got above average and great sound quality Shure good quality sony/panasonic/skullcandy most suitable for heavy usage since they are throwaways and don't last very long Xiaomi pistons best bang for buck, but that's if i can find them locally bose crap quality audio but comfortable with great sound isolation oh, and Shoei does have a very clean carpet i used to have corded jaybird until it was destroyed by my daughter, just checked their website now and they only have the X2 wireless. one i had i remember it being above average sound quality with a good thump AKG or Audio Technica users? __________________
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05-17-2016, 08:58 AM	#42
zx10guy Brigadier General 5519 Rep 3,326 Posts Drives: 2013 135i Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: DC iTrader: (0)	I've had my Shure SE535 with the new detachable setup for about 2 to 3 years now and haven't had a single problem with it. I've used the SE535 on the go quite a bit. I only have experience with one AKG product which is the K270 that I own. They're not IEMs and are ridiculously huge. Sound quality was decent. Mids tended to be a bit fuzzy/muted compared to the rest of the sound. Too bad Grado Labs don't make in IEM. I have one of their old SR100 head phones and use that for a lot of in home listening when I don't feel like having an IEM stuck inside my ear.
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05-18-2016, 11:13 PM	#44
rabman5 Captain 114 Rep 686 Posts Drives: none Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: USA iTrader: (6) Garage List 2015 BMW M4 [0.00]	I tried Klipsch & Bose but finally settled on Shure SE425. LOVE them. Worth the money. I think I paid about $275. Great sound and comfort.
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