Which earphones?

dark.knight · 26th August 2016, 00:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR

Any recommendations on balanced sounding earphones in the 10- 15k range?

1) Sony XBA-H1 - Don't think Sony is a minor player in the league of specialised sound-makers, this one demolished Bose's and B&O's for sound quality, it is a hybrid driver (balanced armature + dynamic bass) which ensure crisp and clear instrumentals, vocals and also decent bass. For a cheaper option XBA-A1 is awesome and its hands down the best earphone I've used. The inputs are gold-plated for pristine quality transfer. Its also DSEE-HX enabled to upscale lower quality bitrate files.

2) Bang & Olufsen H3 - Hey its a Bang & Olufsen, a luxury brand, the number one in snob value, prestige and heritage and its milled out of a single block of aluminium.. can't get a better gift than that. Sound quality won't be as good as XBA-H1 but B&O will surely kill the initial shortlist of yours.

My pick would be the Bang & Olufsen eyes closed.

b_naresh · 26th August 2016, 16:10

I've recently purchased FiiO EX1 IEM for Rs.4,999 from Amazon.in and I'm loving it. I use it with my Moto G2, PowerAmp music player to listen to 320kbps mp3s.

tacho9000 · 27th August 2016, 14:26

Been using a Cowon EM1 since the last 2months and post the burn-in of the IEM they've been sounding rather pleasing. Clean and tight bass, crisp midrange and clear trebles and vocals. Just the way I like it. For the price of Rs. 1100 on Amazon it is an excellent choice for any person who is looking at good SQ on budget prices.

Also use a Senheiser HD180 studio headphones bought for a cheap Rs.900 only. Again an excellent studio monitor headphone for it's price. Clean clear and crisp sound post burn-in. Can recommend it to people who are looking at studio monitors on budget. Use it for casual sound mixing on laptop and boy it has been impressing me a lot.

Regards,
Subhra

bluevolt · 27th August 2016, 22:33

Using Sennheiser CX 275s In the Ear Headphone for past one year and satisfied quite well. Bought them for Rs.2000 last year, now they are retailing for Rs.1750 in most online stores.

JonSnow · 30th August 2016, 14:54

Anyone used the Sennheiser CX 213 ? I have used the CX 180 and they were really good but I seem to have damaged them a bit. Now wondering if I should go for the same or if CX 213 would be better.

Vignesh_N/A · 30th August 2016, 15:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonSnow

Anyone used the Sennheiser CX 213 ? I have used the CX 180 and they were really good but I seem to have damaged them a bit. Now wondering if I should go for the same or if CX 213 would be better.

Senn heisers have very thin, soft wire. The insulation starts cracking after an year or so. I had a CX 180, then a CX 300ii. Both suffered similar issues. Why not consider Audio Technica ? I used to own a ATH CK505. They were not very bassy as senn heisers, but the mids and highs were better. Only issue that i faced with AT is that, they weren't exactly comfortable for my ears.

JonSnow · 30th August 2016, 15:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vignesh_N/A

Senn heisers have very thin, soft wire. The insulation starts cracking after an year or so. I had a CX 180, then a CX 300ii. Both suffered similar issues. Why not consider Audio Technica ? I used to own a ATH CK505. They were not very bassy as senn heisers, but the mids and highs were better. Only issue that i faced with AT is that, they weren't exactly comfortable for my ears.

ATH CK505 doesn't seem to be available. Any others you would recommend?

Vignesh_N/A · 30th August 2016, 17:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonSnow

ATH CK505 doesn't seem to be available. Any others you would recommend?

Sound magic ES18 seems to be getting good reviews around. I haven't tried them yet though.

I use Beyerdynamic DTX 102 iE now. Quite good for 1.8K. Very balanced. Under 1K, Panasonic RP TCM125 Ergo fit would be my choice. They come with mic and look sturdy enough to withstand abuse for daily use.
CX180 for the price, its hard to fault. Cable quality seems to be the only issue. I have witnessed 3 CX 180's fail in a similar fashion as mine.

. If you are impressed with CX180 (I was), go for it. It usually fails only after an year or so. Enjoy while it lasts.

.

Audiophiles opinions are welcome.

CrAzY dRiVeR · 13th September 2016, 02:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by dark.knight

My pick would be the Bang & Olufsen eyes closed.

Thanks for the reply buddy. However, I finally decided not to overdo it since the purchase is for wife, and I'm not sure how she would adapt to premium earphones.

So picked up a VFM pair instead.

Quote:

Originally Posted by b_naresh

FiiO EX1 IEM

That's what I've finally ordered as well. Extremely good reviews worldwide both for Titan1 and FiiO EX1, and I think with a bit of EQ, this could be made to sound as sweet as the Titan3 as well which costs double the price.

Exciting times ahead.

Aston Singh · 18th October 2016, 16:01

***Deal alert***

Sennheiser Momentum In-Ear Headphones are available for 4000 on Amazon and order through app using Citibank Credit/Debit card for additional 15% discount, so effective cost would be 3400. They are definitely worth picking up at that price point! Usually price is around 5100 or so for the same pair of IEMs.

I ordered one this morning and they will be delivered tomorrow. These IEMs will join my existing collection of Klipsch R6 and Beyerdyanmic DTX 102ie.

harmon_bro · 23rd April 2017, 23:51

I just bought the MEE 6 Pro earphones after a lot of research and its great.

Hope this review video helps, check it out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DK9RfKXL9LI

rageshgr · 19th June 2018, 00:50

Bought a Sennheiser CX 400 ii in ear headphones for 4500 bucks in 2011. I lost it. Then I bought a Klipsch. It lasted only 6 months. So I again bought the CX 400 ii in 2012. 6 years in and it's as good as new. The sound is still awesome and it has taken a lot of abuse. What a great product!

Satyakart · 19th June 2018, 07:15

Anything in sennheiser CX, barring cx 180, serve as an awesome set!

I have used CX 300ii extensively from 2011 and continuing with a 4th pair of the same,

Call me reckless as It is completely my fault in spoiling them, Still, I could not think of any brand or variant and feel that those are one perfect fit of earphones

JMaruru · 19th June 2018, 07:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Satyakart

Anything in sennheiser CX, barring cx 180, serve as an awesome set!

Do they come along with mic, so that they could be used for mobile conversations?

sharktale · 22nd June 2018, 16:46

My Apple earpods of 3 years is bust with the wire-joints cracked and exposed. Taping them to continue it's usage seems possible only in private, not in my office. :P

I have decided to move into the wireless territory, and by the reddit definition, I'm a Budget_Audiophile.

I have shortlisted the following :

1. Sony CI400 - 20 Hrs battery is a pretty sweet deal. Plus, it's Sony. Our entire house and my life is spent through using Sony. I still am using 23 yr old Music system speakers.
So I am pretty content with it's reliability aspect. I understand that the sony would be a bit boomy. The issue is that it lacks LDAC or AptX, the future codecs.

2. Soundmagic E10BT - I have heard only praises about the Soundmagic wired earphones. The issue is that of reliability. Some of my friends' earphones went off in under the 6 months. The warranty claim process is tedious, as one has to directly contact them, and courier the product.

If anyone has any other recommendation, Please do suggest.

Thanks in advance.

26th August 2016, 16:10	#212
b_naresh BHPian Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Mumbai/Pune Posts: 25 Thanked: 13 Times	Re: Which earphones? I've recently purchased FiiO EX1 IEM for Rs.4,999 from Amazon.in and I'm loving it. I use it with my Moto G2, PowerAmp music player to listen to 320kbps mp3s.
	() Thanks

27th August 2016, 14:26	#213
tacho9000 BHPian Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Kolkata Posts: 210 Thanked: 406 Times	Re: Which earphones? Been using a Cowon EM1 since the last 2months and post the burn-in of the IEM they've been sounding rather pleasing. Clean and tight bass, crisp midrange and clear trebles and vocals. Just the way I like it. For the price of Rs. 1100 on Amazon it is an excellent choice for any person who is looking at good SQ on budget prices. Also use a Senheiser HD180 studio headphones bought for a cheap Rs.900 only. Again an excellent studio monitor headphone for it's price. Clean clear and crisp sound post burn-in. Can recommend it to people who are looking at studio monitors on budget. Use it for casual sound mixing on laptop and boy it has been impressing me a lot. Regards, Subhra
	() Thanks

27th August 2016, 22:33	#214
bluevolt Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: New Delhi Posts: 3,274 Thanked: 3,474 Times View My Garage	Re: Which earphones? Using Sennheiser CX 275s In the Ear Headphone for past one year and satisfied quite well. Bought them for Rs.2000 last year, now they are retailing for Rs.1750 in most online stores.
	() Thanks

30th August 2016, 14:54	#215
JonSnow BHPian Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 165 Thanked: 164 Times	Re: Which earphones? Anyone used the Sennheiser CX 213 ? I have used the CX 180 and they were really good but I seem to have damaged them a bit. Now wondering if I should go for the same or if CX 213 would be better.
	() Thanks

18th October 2016, 16:01	#220
Aston Singh BHPian Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Down Under Posts: 356 Thanked: 171 Times	Re: Which earphones? *Deal alert* Sennheiser Momentum In-Ear Headphones are available for 4000 on Amazon and order through app using Citibank Credit/Debit card for additional 15% discount, so effective cost would be 3400. They are definitely worth picking up at that price point! Usually price is around 5100 or so for the same pair of IEMs. I ordered one this morning and they will be delivered tomorrow. These IEMs will join my existing collection of Klipsch R6 and Beyerdyanmic DTX 102ie.
	() Thanks

19th June 2018, 00:50	#222
rageshgr BHPian Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Chennai/Vaikom Posts: 549 Thanked: 551 Times View My Garage	Re: Which earphones? Bought a Sennheiser CX 400 ii in ear headphones for 4500 bucks in 2011. I lost it. Then I bought a Klipsch. It lasted only 6 months. So I again bought the CX 400 ii in 2012. 6 years in and it's as good as new. The sound is still awesome and it has taken a lot of abuse. What a great product!
	() Thanks

19th June 2018, 07:15	#223
Satyakart Newbie Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: BENGALURU Posts: 10 Thanked: 15 Times	Anything in sennheiser CX, barring cx 180, serve as an awesome set! I have used CX 300ii extensively from 2011 and continuing with a 4th pair of the same, Call me reckless as It is completely my fault in spoiling them, Still, I could not think of any brand or variant and feel that those are one perfect fit of earphones
	() Thanks

22nd June 2018, 16:46	#225
sharktale BHPian Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: SG / CCU Posts: 391 Thanked: 795 Times View My Garage	Re: Which earphones? My Apple earpods of 3 years is bust with the wire-joints cracked and exposed. Taping them to continue it's usage seems possible only in private, not in my office. :P I have decided to move into the wireless territory, and by the reddit definition, I'm a Budget_Audiophile. I have shortlisted the following : 1. Sony CI400 - 20 Hrs battery is a pretty sweet deal. Plus, it's Sony. Our entire house and my life is spent through using Sony. I still am using 23 yr old Music system speakers. So I am pretty content with it's reliability aspect. I understand that the sony would be a bit boomy. The issue is that it lacks LDAC or AptX, the future codecs. 2. Soundmagic E10BT - I have heard only praises about the Soundmagic wired earphones. The issue is that of reliability. Some of my friends' earphones went off in under the 6 months. The warranty claim process is tedious, as one has to directly contact them, and courier the product. If anyone has any other recommendation, Please do suggest. Thanks in advance.
	() Thanks