Mobile music IEM query. (Source: CD played from iriver iMP450)

[Canew]

Hello everyone,

I've been reading some threads relating to earphones in CS. And I've also today just revived my iriver iMP450 portable CD player. (read about it here: http://www.canongraphers.org/index.php?topic=994.0)

Currently, my iMP450 is connected to pair of Sennheiser MX 550. The MX 550 does not have noise isolation. After reading the CS threads, I've decided to give IEMs a go. I've set myself a budget of $170. (the price of Creative's ZEN Aurvana) My preferred type of music is Pop/Rock, Adult Contemporary & New Age. I normally listen to my iMP450 during my commuting to/fro from work on bus.

Will CG-ers here be kind enough to recommend me a pair of IEMs that will suit my budget and my listening style? I would welcome all recommendations and comments.

Thanks in advance. 

[doubletaps]

Give the Crossroads Mylarones or X3s a try.

You can get them from Jaben Network at Adelphi.

Well within your budget (below $100) with great sound (IMHO).

You can go down and give it a go before deciding, they also stock Westones (UM1 also in your range), Ultimate Ears, Etymotics, Shure, etc.

[Canew]

doubletaps, welcome to CG.

Thanks for your reply. Yes, Jaben is highly recommended. So it Stereo at Causeway Point.

Do you have any opinions about the Sennheiser PCX 250?

[doubletaps]

Thanks for the welcome.

I recommended Mylars as they are extremely good value for money. They would do you well for your first foray into the world of "high-end" sound.

I don't really like all these headphones with "noise-canceling" technology.

If you want sound isolation IEMs are the way to go, try maybe a double flange or even a triple flange tip! (triple might be a tad uncomfortable for some people thou.) Pure audio bliss ... no more crying babies, gossiping aunties etc.

I have been to Stereo once or twice but for me the service + location of Jaben is an unbeatable combo.

PS: There have been some QC issues arising with the Crossroads (older models i believe), but from what i understand Jaben has a very good warranty policy in effect.

[raptor]

Yes I second the x3 too. I personally use the ck-7's but with your prefered genres the x3 should be a better choice. Cheaper too hehe. CK-7's would have more calrity but bass not so pronounced and mids a little recessed. Also for the ck-7 if you dont get a god seal the bass is almost not there.

Regarding tips you will need to see what suits you best. I personally like foams but my ear wax is non-solid so they get dirty very fast. Ended up using bi-langes instead.

[Canew]

Thanks for the feedbacks doubletaps and raptor. Wow! All these while, I thought that active noise cancellation head phones are the best.

[Denosha]

I'm using the Etymotic ER-6i. Got them cheaper from amazon.com (brought back from the states by the friend). It's using triple flange tip which cuts out up to 30+dB (which i don't doubt). As doubletaps has mentioned, some people will find it uncomfortable although I don't, probably because I've been using Etymotic earplugs for about a year or 2 before i got the IEMs. Anyway, the  sound isolation properties of the earplugs is what convinced me to get the ER-6i (i use the earplugs while jamming in a small room with a full size acoustic drum set <i'm the drummer> and 2 guitar amps <65w+100w> blasting away <we play metal> so i need all the hearing protection i can get).

As for sound properties. You might find it rather lacking in the bass volume if you used to bass-heavy stuff like Sony's in-ear earphones, etc. Nothing some EQ tweaking won't fix. The bass however is nice and tight. Mids and treble are clear and well separated although the sound stage is not very wide. They also seem to add a warmth to guitar strings, wind instruments and especially vocals which make them sound more alive.

[Canew]

OK. Here is my update. Went to Stereo Electronics and talked to Aron.

Tried 3 pairs. (in order):
1. Etymotic Research ER6i - Bro afbug was right! (of course he is right la!) The bass was weak. Can say that as weak as my MX 550 or even weaker than that. (Price: $200+)
2. Westone UM1 - the sound I liked. It has got everything that I wanted. And I like the design. Very flushed and compact. I was planning to get it, but I asked Aron for another set of IEMs for further comparison. (Price: $159)
3. Aron suggested that I try Ultimate Ears Super.Fi 3 Studio. Bass was slightly better than UM1. But I think that the higher pitched sounds were not as good as UM1. (Price: $159)

It was a difficult decision, choosing between Westone and UE. Tried the 2 IEMs many times. Changing between them. Till I am finding it difficult to remember the sound characteristics of each IEM during the swap. In the end, I decided on the Ultimate Ears Super.Fi 3 Studio.