[BrendanS]

I've gone through about 6 pairs of JVC headphones, the marshmallow and in-ear ones. I get them for cheap so thats why I've kept with them. They've all had the same problems, so now I'm looking to find an earbud that looks great and will last. I just need something to cut the noise out of commuting on the bus etc. My maximum price range is about $80USD and I'm willing to order online. I've checked out earphonesolutions.com and I'm not to sure which ones to get. Anyways if you guys have recommendations hit me up!

Brendan

[nabs]

Don't get the marshmallow JVC's, the ones just above it in the price range is a lot better like 100X better. and its just liek 15 dollars more, ive had mine for so long, they have good bass response and treble. Can handle a lot of different frequencies, and with them on, you hardly if any hear any outside noise, they come with two size cushions.

[BrendanS]

I think you're talking about these:
http://www.headphoneworld.com/p/images/big/JVC_HAFX66.jpg
I've had them and the left one is broken

[nabs]

nope not those, these.

http://www.jvceshop.co.uk/content/ebiz/jvcdirect/invt/hafx34/hafx34medium.jpg

I have those exact ones. I sleep with them on, and i move around when i sleep. I've broken iPod earphones, plenty GUMY earphones, and more and more. These seem indestructable so far, ive had em for a year.

and DO NOT buy skull candy, the manufacturing on those ear buds are crap, they break soo easily and u pay almost an arm for them.

[BrendanS]

well now I'm just confused, you said don't get Marshmallows get the ones $15 more than them. You post a picture of marshmallows... I know to stay away from skullcandy etc, just looking for something with decent sound quality that will last. I don't mind shelling out some decent money for some

[Razor Ramon HG]

I recently downgraded from the Shure SE530s to a pair of Apple dual-driver IEMs (ADDIEMs). Coming from arguably one of the top three universal fit IEMs on the market (the other two being the Westone 3/UE Triple.fi), the ADDIEMs are surprisingly excellent bang for your buck.

They fit very comfortably to kicks things off. The bass is punchy, but never muddy, and the mids/highs are exceptionally clear. The highs can be a little harsh at times, and the mids seems slightly lacking in detail, but it's probably because I just came from the SE530s (smoothest mids of all IEMs, and rolled off highs). But for the price I paid ($97 after getting FS to pricematch HMV) which is a fraction of the price of the SE530s, you really can't complain.

The remote control and microphone also helps if you have an iPod. I've been using it with my iPod Touch, and it's really handy to switch songs or to change the volume without having to physically whip out the iPod. Voice control is pretty dope with it too.

Since it sounds like you break your headphones often, the one year limited warranty included should work wonderfully for you too. I'm pretty sure you could just take it straight down to the Apple Store regardless of where you purchased it as long as you have the receipt, which saves considerable time shipping it back and forth.

If you have an American mailbox, you can order them on eBay for cheaper as this seller doesn't ship to Canada. However, they don't come with the box or extra filters, and I doubt Apple will take them for repair. eBay link is below and is a confirmed legit seller as there are tons out there that are fake.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Apple-In-Ear-Headphones-with-remote-and-mic-Genuin_W0QQitemZ160363021674QQihZ006QQcategoryZ112 529QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp4340.m444QQ_trkparmsZa lgo=CRX&its=C%2BS&itu=SI%2BUA%2BLM%2BLA&otn=2&ps=63

More info can be found at the following thread at Head-Fi - http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/apple-iem-most-underrated-iems-market-418220/

Just make sure you get the ones with the plastic shell at the end of the plug. Those are the second revision ones with better durability.

[nabs]

LOL i didn't know they were marshmallows lol, my bad.

SHURE's they are about 90 though, great sound quality, awesome build, awesome warranty too.

Sennheiesers are nice, but they are a bit overpriced. Sound quality is better than the shures, they are pretty solid, and also have a great warranty.

I would go with SHURE's they were gonna be my next choice after these break. But these are still working for me. there are two types, go for the cheaper one, there's not much difference in sound quality from the more expensive one to the cheaper one, but the build is still strong for both.

[Razor Ramon HG]

I wouldn't recommend getting the lower line of Shures. Although I personally haven't tried the SE110, the $90 one nabs is talking about, all the reviews I've read have rated it average at best.

[nabs]

I agree, the sound quality is different. but the build is the same. They won't break easily.

[BrendanS]

What do you guys think of these?
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&dm=DEBUG&sku_id=0665000FS10121934&catid=

[Razor Ramon HG]

Those are generally well-liked by many consumers. They are an upgrade over the average iBuds, but I find that they are quite muddy in the bass department and the treble doesn't extend too far. I highly recommend you try them with the intent of returning them just to find out for yourself if the sound signature is right for you. I personally don't like them, but everyone is different.

Another reason I recommend you buy with intent of returning is because they are always on sale randomly throughout the year. They are equivalent to the rebranded Creative EP630, and those usually go on sale for about 20-30 dollars. At that price range, you really get what you pay for, a nice cheap set of buds that don't entirely reek.

If you choose to get them off eBay, be wary as fakes are everywhere for the CX300s & EP630s.

[nabs]

^^^
agreed. But if there's any way you can test them out on your device without buying it first if you are willing to spend that much money, im sure most stores carry samples of the more expensive earbuds to try before buy.

[SkinnyPupp]

I've tried many different earbuds, all different brands, and I now realize that the only brand that is any good is Sony. Almost all Sony earbuds I try sound way better than any other brand, even more expensive ones.

[StylinRed]

the google ad at the top of the page

http://www.zagg.com/audio/zbuds-iphone-earbuds.php?gclid=CPuzs4HFgp0CFRgbawodazmtag

http://www.zagg.com/images/zbuds/ZBUDB-01.jpg



i got some UEs that are good but those arent in ur pr, id get some sonys they're nice i use one for my laptop (but its got a mic jack too)


http://www.sonystyle.com/wcsstore/SonyStyleStorefrontAssetStore/img/718x407/MDREX300BLK.png
mdr-ex300

[Gh0stRider]

i've gone through a few pairs of the marshmallows too. I tired out skullcandy, and they suck! I ordered the Zbuds from Zagg. Hopefully those workout for me. If not, im going to buy the marshmallows in bulk.

[Simplex123]

just get the 40 dollar sony ones. they're not bad. I think its the one with volume control on the earphones.
sony is amazing for the sub $100 price range imo

[Tapioca]

I've tried many different earbuds, all different brands, and I now realize that the only brand that is any good is Sony. Almost all Sony earbuds I try sound way better than any other brand, even more expensive ones.

I have a pair of Sony EX85 earbuds (retail ~80 bucks) and they were the best earbuds (warm sound with soothing highs) I've owned until one of the earbuds stopped working. In fact, I've owned several Sony earbuds over the years and while they sound great initially, they all eventually broke. Sure, I'm not the easiest on my audio equipment, but Sony's construction leaves a lot to be a desired.

To the OP - check out Headfi.org for reviews on headphones. Denon makes earbuds and they seem to be favoured by a lot of the audiophiles on that forum.

[roastpuff]

Brendan, check out Head-fi.org. What I find annoying about Shures is that their cables tend to fray and break, and sometimes if you run out of warranty that makes them un-replaceable. Tapioca, Denon earbuds are relatively new, I haven't heard them yet.

For cheap earbuds that are constructed quite robustly try Yuin: http://head-direct.com/products.php?c=1 They look like your average earbuds, but they're solid and they sound good. Lots of people on Head-fi use them.

http://www.jaben.net/shopping/ These guys also have great deals on headphones... Uncle Wilson is awesome.

[BrendanS]

I'm really liking the ultimate ears right now.
http://www.ultimateears.com/_ultimateears/store/products/metrofi220.php
http://www.ultimateears.com/_ultimateears/store/products/metrofi170.php
Would the metrofi170 be a decent durable pair of earbuds? I don't have a problem spending the extra bit on the 220s, just not sure if I really would notice the difference. I'm not a huge audiophile, I'm actually not an audiophile at all. Just want some damn earbuds that won't keep breaking lol

[underscore]

regardless of what you get, make sure the EQ on whatever you're using it set up at least somehwat properly for what you listen to.

[simsimi1004]

since ur not an audiophile, just get 20$-50$ ones at bestbuy and get warranty. prbbly like 10-20$.
if it breaks u can get new one for free, not once but for like 2 years.
its probbly wayyyy cheaper then buying new ones all the time, even though u can get them cheap

[jsoni]

http://www.jr.com/sennheiser/pe/SEN_CX300_hy_B/

^ I think you were looking at these above.
American site from NY that ships to canada. they will cost around $23 CDN shipped
If your looking for a decent set of buds , this is a good way to go.

Yes they are real. J&R has a very good rep. Dont bother ebay-ing , as stated A LOT of fakes

[BrendanS]

http://www.jr.com/sennheiser/pe/SEN_CX300_hy_B/

^ I think you were looking at these above.
American site from NY that ships to canada. they will cost around $23 CDN shipped
If your looking for a decent set of buds , this is a good way to go.

Yes they are real. J&R has a very good rep. Dont bother ebay-ing , as stated A LOT of fakes
thanks man, just ordered a pair. Great pricing!

[Razor Ramon HG]

Was just going to link you to that, but I guess jsoni beat me.

[HonestTea]

http://www.jr.com/sennheiser/pe/SEN_CX300_hy_B/

^ I think you were looking at these above.
American site from NY that ships to canada. they will cost around $23 CDN shipped
If your looking for a decent set of buds , this is a good way to go.

Yes they are real. J&R has a very good rep. Dont bother ebay-ing , as stated A LOT of fakes

ordered!

Thanks!

[Razor Ramon HG]

regardless of what you get, make sure the EQ on whatever you're using it set up at least somehwat properly for what you listen to.

Just a FYI, if you're using the EQ on an iPod, I recommend not using it as most of them distort.

[JulyZerg]

For those that ordered on the JR site, did you get your orders yet?

[Psykopathik]

i ordered mine last night. looking foward to getting them :)

[jsoni]

I placed my order on the 23rd and i'm still waiting.
Hopefully tomorrow ?

[Psykopathik]

min shipped the next day. coming from NY so probably a week or so to arrive.

[Nikeaddict21]

buy the beats by dr dre! they are sharp.

however they are quite pricey.
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10118656&catid=23933

[sas]

I've tried many different earbuds, all different brands, and I now realize that the only brand that is any good is Sony. Almost all Sony earbuds I try sound way better than any other brand, even more expensive ones.

That is the first time I've ever heard that.

Everyone mentioned most either canal or IEM's. Check out the yuin pk3 or ok3 if you want a true ear bud. Decently priced and they'll most likely throw in an amp for free. I'm selling my westone UM1 and Ety ER 6 if you are interested.

[BrendanS]

I still haven't gotten mine

[jsoni]

^ Same here still waiting
after reading some comments on rfd, people are saying it took roughly 2 weeks after order. If that holds true my pair should be arriving soon .

[underscore]

Just a FYI, if you're using the EQ on an iPod, I recommend not using it as most of them distort.

ipods...worry me. the sound quality of their headphones isn't very good, and the EQ's are horrible. I think there's a way to do a custom one tho, which is good.

[kluk]

I've owned the bose in ear, Shure SE 110, and the Sennheiser PX-100 in the past 2 years and i have to say if you're looking for noise cancellation Shure is the way to go. I got mine for about 70$USD on some site. Shure headphones are definitely more well-rounded in terms of sound quality, servicing, etc. The bose are nice+awesome sound quality too but def not worth the money ( cost me about 100bucks CAD ). I bought the sennheiser PX100 on boxing day for 30$. Best deal everrrrrr.

[twitchyzero]

min shipped the next day. coming from NY so probably a week or so to arrive.

fuck how much did you guys pay in total?

i had it sent to my sis in the US for free shipping..but her mailing it to me thru USPS was $10USD

so in the end i paid $30CAD total...penny pinching backfired lol

it's a whole 50 cents cheaper now too..i feel like ordering a 2nd one just in case this one breaks 12 months down the road

[BrendanS]

fuck how much did you guys pay in total?

i had it sent to my sis in the US for free shipping..but her mailing it to me thru USPS was $10USD

so in the end i paid $30CAD total...penny pinching backfired lol

it's a whole 50 cents cheaper now too..i feel like ordering a 2nd one just in case this one breaks 12 months down the road
LOL that sucks, yeah mine came to $23USD. I'm getting annoyed that I still haven't gotten mine. I should have it by now, it shipped on Sept. 24...it's now the 8th business day

[LC21]

Have you guys tried the in-ear BOSE that's going for 129.99 at futureshop?

[jsoni]

Have you guys tried the in-ear BOSE that's going for 129.99 at futureshop?

Yup, i'm currently using those right now. The sound quality is really good, but the headphones have little to no isolation. And yes they are over-priced. Nice amount of bass, the reason i'm still using them is because I love the way they fit. I've tried the sennheiser's and I ordered them as a backup, for 25~$ you cant go wrong. By all means if you want the bose IEM's give them a shot. They usually go for $99 every week or so at either Futureshop or BestBuy

[twitchyzero]

^ do you like boss or the seinnheisers better?

[kluk]

Bose sound quality is amazing. If you're the person that doesn't break/lose their headphones often, go for the bose in ear. Otherwise get the cheaper sennheiser.

[Unkno]

I have the EP630 and the sound quality is awesome. Just purchased a pair of CX300 from JR in case my 630s break

[syee]

I've owned the bose in ear, Shure SE 110, and the Sennheiser PX-100 in the past 2 years and i have to say if you're looking for noise cancellation Shure is the way to go. I got mine for about 70$USD on some site. Shure headphones are definitely more well-rounded in terms of sound quality, servicing, etc. The bose are nice+awesome sound quality too but def not worth the money ( cost me about 100bucks CAD ). I bought the sennheiser PX100 on boxing day for 30$. Best deal everrrrrr.

Shures have noise isolation, not cancellation. ;)

I have the e2c's (now discontinued) and they're pretty good for the price. Paid about $60 about 4-5 years ago and still going strong. Their after sales support is excellent too. My brother (who wears his for 10-14 hours a day) has had the cable plastic crack on his has sent his back 3 times (it seems to crack when exposed to long periods of cold which harden the plastic) and each time, they've sent him back a new pair - even though it's been probably 5 years since he's bough the original pair.

The only thing I didn't like about the Shures - the standard ear foams they provide didn't fit me as well. I ended up buying a seperate set of silicone ear foam pieces (that's not part of the standard set they provide) to get a good fit.

Also, for those who like booming bass on their music - the Shures are a lot more neutral so you're not going to get the boomy pounding bass some other headphones provide.

As for OP - shipping from US usually takes 10-15 business days in my experience. Give it a few more days and it should get here. :)

[jsoni]

^ do you like boss or the seinnheisers better?

I like my Bose ones better. To me they sound a bit better and they fit my ears well.

[sas]

Bose is atrocious for the price you pay but someone has to pay for the marketing. Comply foam tips>bose fit

The ep630 is an affordable solution as are the marsh

[jsoni]

^ I love the "bose fit". The foam tips dont seem to want to fit my ears.
100% agree on the pricing, its ridiculously over inflated.

for $100+ you can get far better sound quality.
Monster Turbine IEM's are amazing if anybody is looking for a good pair of buds.

... and yes I know monster may make overpriced cables but these earbuds are pretty solid. Check out reviews @ head-fi or cnet.

[HonestTea]

The fuck are my ear buds!

[BrendanS]

wow...finally got mine today after it shipped on the 24th. Definitely good quality and for $23 you can't go wrong

[twitchyzero]

got mine last night..ended up payign $30 CAD total..damn lol
sound quality is great, but the fit and finish is mediocre...i would not pay more than $40-50 for this set that's for sure

[Psykopathik]

fuck how much did you guys pay in total?

i had it sent to my sis in the US for free shipping..but her mailing it to me thru USPS was $10USD

so in the end i paid $30CAD total...penny pinching backfired lol

it's a whole 50 cents cheaper now too..i feel like ordering a 2nd one just in case this one breaks 12 months down the road

paid about $24.

NOTE: Dealextreme has some "knockoffs" that are supposedly B grade Sennheiasers cx 300's most people are reporting them as awesome and real. $10 and free shipping

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.24913

http://www1.dealextreme.com/productimages/sku_24913_1.jpg
note the awesome photoshopping lol

[JulyZerg]

Still waiting for mine.. :(

[JulyZerg]

Bump! Finally got mine!

They're pretty nice and good for $22(total) :) surprised I didn't have to pay more for duty/customs or whatever BS charges they usually put in

[LC21]

the cx300 have no base whatsoever though, only good isolation. Damn..
Paid around $80 for the bose in-ear, with 2yr extended warranty. =D

[roastpuff]

If you really want isolation, incredible sound quality and bass... could always go for one of these:

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a8/roastpuff/P1040075.jpg

[maxxxboost]

I just ordered my Sennheiser Cx300II-b
Just got to wait 2 weeks now for shipping!
Woot, hope it was worth it.

I was torn between the Altec Lansing UHP206 and the Sennheiser CX30II

Any opinions?

[Ulic Qel-Droma]

If you really want isolation, incredible sound quality and bass... could always go for one of these:

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a8/roastpuff/P1040075.jpg

info? $?

[roastpuff]

info? $?

http://www.ultimateears.com/_ultimateears/products/custom/ue11pro_description.php

After shipping and tax and ear molds at the audiologist... probably $1400. :thumbsup:

Still the best audio purchase I have ever made.

[woob]

the cx300 have no base whatsoever

are you shitting me????

http://graphs.headphone.com/graphCompare.php?graphType=0&graphID[]=1893



Right now I'm rockin the Sennheiser CX 400 with Marshmallow foam tips instead of the silicon ones that come with the Senns. I'm thinking of upgrading to Hippo VBs or Jays d-jays soon...

[twitchyzero]

I'm pretty sure UE's are out of most people's budget haha...only professionals in the industry uses them

[Razor Ramon HG]

There are custom headphones in the 200-300 dollar range, e.g. Livewires, Sleek Customs, etc.

[mx100]

the cx300 have no base whatsoever though, only good isolation. Damn..
Paid around $80 for the bose in-ear, with 2yr extended warranty. =D

IMO, the CX300 had way too much bass

I ended up going with Klipsch Image S4.

Amazing headphone and super comfortable.

I'm surprised no one has mentioned it here.

[JHuJHu]

the google ad at the top of the page

http://www.zagg.com/audio/zbuds-iphone-earbuds.php?gclid=CPuzs4HFgp0CFRgbawodazmtag

http://www.zagg.com/images/zbuds/ZBUDB-01.jpg



i got some UEs that are good but those arent in ur pr, id get some sonys they're nice i use one for my laptop (but its got a mic jack too)


http://www.sonystyle.com/wcsstore/SonyStyleStorefrontAssetStore/img/718x407/MDREX300BLK.png
mdr-ex300
i have those zagg ones. They are amazing. Can handle all types of music. noise canceling. except the buds fall off too easily.

[maxxxboost]

I just received my Sennheiser CX300II and love them!
The last couple of years i have been purchasing cheap-O buds. But damn. I am glad i did some research!

I can't hear any noise from the outer environment
Very stylish
Came with a pouch that fits my MP3 unit

I picked them up for $25 CAD all in.

[twitchyzero]

^where at?

[Ulic Qel-Droma]

http://www.ultimateears.com/_ultimateears/products/custom/ue11pro_description.php

After shipping and tax and ear molds at the audiologist... probably $1400. :thumbsup:

Still the best audio purchase I have ever made.

lol shit.. one day.. one day.

[achiam]

I went from Sony Fontopias, to their top of the line earbud with noise cancellation, and am now using a $100 pair of V-Moda Vibe. If you look at the CNET review of high end ear buds, the V-Modas are best bang for the buck. I've heard Bose earbuds before (the 2nd top model) and the bass was excessive and clouded the sound of vocals/classical.
I've never listened to Shure earbuds, but they are usually ranked up there.
With regards to the high end Sony ear buds (even the newer model with the round driver), there is a flaw that is discussed on either cnet or some other site. I can't find this source as it was at least a year ago when I purchased/researched earbuds.

[maxxxboost]

^where at?

I picked it up on Ebay from "hrdistribution"
An Open-box distributor. But the CX300II that the person was selling was Brand new in box and grantees authenticity.

Very happy non-the-less.

[LC21]

the Monster turbines sooooooo sickkk

[Okami]

If you really want isolation, incredible sound quality and bass... could always go for one of these:

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a8/roastpuff/P1040075.jpg

this kind of looks like chewed bubble gum..

hmm.. thats giving me an idea :haha:

[BoneThug]

I wouldn't recommend getting the lower line of Shures. Although I personally haven't tried the SE110, the $90 one nabs is talking about, all the reviews I've read have rated it average at best.

I agree, the sound quality is different. but the build is the same. They won't break easily.

mine lasted me less than a year. Loved them when they worked though