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Earphones
Meiteron
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
I've worn through what must be my 5th pair of apple earbuds and I'm looking for something with a bit higher quality to replace them. I don't know much about different models, so I thought I'd collect some opinions.
In terms of what I'm looking for, I don't really want large headphones but earbuds, or something that fits under a hat or earmuffs. Generally I wear through a pair of Apple earbuds in around 6 months; dunno if that's a comment on how much I use them or Apple's manufacturing policy. In any event, decent durability would be good.
Cost generally isn't a problem so long as they don't cost something obscene, like over $500. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
In terms of what I'm looking for, I don't really want large headphones but earbuds, or something that fits under a hat or earmuffs. Generally I wear through a pair of Apple earbuds in around 6 months; dunno if that's a comment on how much I use them or Apple's manufacturing policy. In any event, decent durability would be good.
Cost generally isn't a problem so long as they don't cost something obscene, like over $500. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Meiteron on
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You must be pretty rough on your earbuds, 6 months is pretty quick for them to wear out, even for the crappy Apple ones. I'd keep getting the cheap ones, it's not like the really expensive ones have super-soldering that's going to keep the wires from ripping out or whatever it is you're doing to them.
And yes, how are you destroying headphones in six months? I have a several cheap headphones/headsets/etc, and only one has met an untimely death.
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Exactly these.
i prefer in-ear to regular buds because of the improved quality and the ability to appreaciate music at lower volumes, without having the entire room hear my music...
My advice is to just go to a huge tech store and check out the various models.. What you want to be looking out for is the frequency response. eg " freq. 20Hz - 20000 khz".
20-20000 is standard for earbuds. even dirty cheap ones will do 20-20000. (i think the ipod ones also are 20-20000)
the first number is how deep they can go (imho i don't need to go lower than 20 or 18.. just too much thumping base..). the second number is the one i mind the most. For me, the high range is what really makes your songs shine.. Most of the little nuances in just about any music are hidden in the higher ranges (because the baselines and such are easily picked up by just about any earphone). my current ones go up to 22000 or 24000 i think.
Good earphones don't need to be expensive. Do some blind testing and be surprised! $25 should get you some great in-ear buds... you don't need "pro/studio"-stuff (since we all listen to mp3's... there is little more to be heard than that which a decent consumer earbud has to offer).
edit: also, if you're buying any model that has a clip around your ears or wraps around the back of your ears, be sure they're returnable/refundable (pref. from a non-online store). Everybody's ears and head are different, and some models can hurt like hell after a full day's use!
I'm in the same situation, except I just wore out my first pair. Carrying them around in my pocket with keys, tossing them in my bag, etc. I was also looking to replace mine (request a replacement for xmas really) and was also wondering if higher quality earbuds (not in-ear) were available.
I was looking at Sennheisers online, but it's frustrating that they don't say how long the cords are. I don't want to have to ball up 4 feet of wire in my pocket when I'm listening to my ipod, and to deal with it every time I want to play another album.
I have two pairs of these, and the model which they seem to be based off (Sennheiser CX300)
I prefer the Sennheisers, but if you're on a budget, these creative ones are excellent
Shure E2c or whatever their current version is
Bit pricier: Westone UM-1 (i have and love these for sound + comfort)
Also: Ultimate Ears Super.Fi 5 pro are pretty decent
You can pretty much ignore whats on the box in stores and I'd also recommend ordering online to save a fair bit. Check our www.earphonesolutions.com (it's where i get mine) for some good deals.
Also http://head-fi.org is a great headphone resource
If you want something cheap that also sound pretty good, try Koss' Sparkplugs or The Plug. They go for around $15 and are pretty easy to find.