CHANGSTAR: Audiophile Headphone Reviews and Early 90s Style BBS
Lobby => Headphone, IEM, and Other Audio Related Discussion => Topic started by: prtuc2 on February 10, 2015, 07:48:56 PM
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Hello Pirates,
I am facing some dilemma about which IEM for my intended use. A few years ago I tried the Fischer DBA-02 and it didn't fit inside my ear at all even with replacement tips. My ear canal or ear for that manner is small, is hard to find an IEM that actually fit. My plan was to use the IEM to block the noise from the subway.
Budget: $300 Max, lower is preferred
Purpose: Isolation and music, doesn't have to be the best sound but still want something decent since the noise from the subway going to be interfering.
What I have been looking at is the Hifiman RE-400, the Sennheiser IE80, and the ER4S
I think my hearing was getting damage after all those years riding the subway that is why I plan to get an IEM. Ear plug just too large and uncomfortable for a 90 minutes commute. Thanks for any suggestions.
Edit: The IEM is going straight in the phone no external amp or dac.
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Consider Nocs ns800 even smaller than RE400 and better, Imo.
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I got the RE 400 yesterday. My daughter plugged it straight into her Sony Vaio laptop and every song had a scratchy sound to it. I plugged it into my IP6 and no issues. Is it the sensitivity of the IEM, noise in the laptop or just bad recordings?
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Wouldn't surprised me, laptop is very compact. All the fans and power supply noise can easily interfere with the IEM, not the expert on this topic but that is my guess on this.
Thanks, Moonhead the Nocs actually quite fit the bill and my usage.
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Another option for small ears and good isolation
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00H8EW1LM/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?qid=1423705248&sr=8-7&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70&keywords=klipsch&dpPl=1&dpID=41RJYzvYjbL&ref=plSrch
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If isolation is priority, its hard to beat Etymotic offerings.
RE400 is good, but not great for isolating noise, while IE8 (IE80 is similar, i guess?!) was weak in this.
RE400 needs next to zero output impedance to have good, tight bass. Even Clip+ isn't good enough, let alone most mobile-phones.
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What worries me is that Etymotic won't fit inside my ear or cause discomfort. I might have to find a local store to test out the fit.
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Dark Horse Suggestion: Sony XBA-100
Cheap (<$100), Lightweight, Sound (okay, not bad), Comfortable Tips, Can Isolate if Inserted Deeply.
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What worries me is that Etymotic won't fit inside my ear or cause discomfort. I might have to find a local store to test out the fit.
I have had the Ety ER-4S's for a LONG time. They were my first "good" headphones/IEM's. For me, they really need a very good seal and must be inserted deep. Otherwise they have no bass. Even then, they are pretty bass light.
Comfort can definitely be an issue since they require a deep, tight seal. If you have small ear canals, I don't think they will work for you.
But, if you can't find anywhere to try them, I could loan you mine. They're 20 years old, but still work well. I have replaced the filters and have some new foam and tri-flange tips lying around.
-Darin
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The Klipsch x11 I recommended is tiny. And it's $130.
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Thanks for suggestions everyone, I have a local b&h store to audition some of the products mentions. Once again thanks for everyone's suggestion and input.
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I love B&H they a lot of headphones to demo.
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So, just to give a update for everyone. I demo the Etymotic ER4P and the fittings were too large to fit and the Sennheiser IE 80 wasn't available for demo, so I make the purchase. End up doing for a refund for the IE80, since the isolation was pretty bad. Probably just not getting any IEM and get myself some earplug perhaps.
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So, just to give a update for everyone. I demo the Etymotic ER4P and the fittings were too large to fit and the Sennheiser IE 80 wasn't available for demo, so I make the purchase. End up doing for a refund for the IE80, since the isolation was pretty bad. Probably just not getting any IEM and get myself some earplug perhaps.
I know a custom IEM is going to be over your budget, but it may be worth it to get a perfect fit and good isolation. My Noble customs are super comfy and there's no fuss getting a good seal. Isolation is also great.
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So, just to give a update for everyone. I demo the Etymotic ER4P and the fittings were too large to fit and the Sennheiser IE 80 wasn't available for demo, so I make the purchase. End up doing for a refund for the IE80, since the isolation was pretty bad. Probably just not getting any IEM and get myself some earplug perhaps.
Klipsch x11
Aurisonics Rockets
A ciem from Noble or elsewhere.
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I was looking at https://cleartunemonitors.com/products/ear-plugs/ website for some custom-Earplug. But, probably won't have the time until early April. So far, thanks everyone for the suggestion. I thought about the Klipsch x11 but I doubt it works well in the subway, I will continue to explore more options.
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I was looking at https://cleartunemonitors.com/products/ear-plugs/ website for some custom-Earplug. But, probably won't have the time until early April. So far, thanks everyone for the suggestion. I thought about the Klipsch x11 but I doubt it works well in the subway, I will continue to explore more options.
I'm not sure why you'd think that about the Klipsch, but I hope you find something that works for you.
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(http://i828.photobucket.com/albums/zz208/prtuc2/P1000387_zpsnkg71ggp.jpg)
Just want to make a update and finally got the Klipsch X11 yesterday. However, upon arrival is DOA the right channel is malfunction and the left channel has a static issue. Not going to comment on the sound, but the isolation is on par with the Sennheiser IE80 which is pretty average. Perhaps, the fittings didn't seal properly inside my ear. My ear canal just too small for the X11 to get a good seal. Next move is the Custom ear plug.
Just want to thanks everyone for their input, will continue to explore.
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Ah man, sorry to recommend the x11, only for a lemon to arrive. Hope the ciem option works out.
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I was looking at https://cleartunemonitors.com/products/ear-plugs/ website for some custom-Earplug. But, probably won't have the time until early April. So far, thanks everyone for the suggestion. I thought about the Klipsch x11 but I doubt it works well in the subway, I will continue to explore more options.
CTM didn't really impress me, but of course I'm just one data point. Best of luck with your search!
Edit: Oh nvm, not for sound just for custom earplugs. No experience in that realm.
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I have some custom tips made from clear vinyl by Westone which could be another option. I think ACS maks some silicone units as well. One thing to note is how your chosen IEM will react if shifted further away from your ideal reference plane if you go that route. This will impact your perceived tonal balance largely by reducing bass and low end the further you push the IEM form said plane.
www.westoneaudio.com/index.php/products/custom-series/um56.html
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Ah man, sorry to recommend the x11, only for a lemon to arrive. Hope the ciem option works out.
Don't worry about it, everyone's ear anatomy is different to begin with. Surprisingly, very hard to drive for my phone at max volume barely enough juice to get it to normal listen level 70-80dBA. Thanks for your input.
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Got my Nocs today, left channel had some really wierd distortion...yaay facepalm
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I guess shure or westone series should fit.
You can also try custom art or cosmic ears for entry level customs.
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Kunlun,
what's your opinion on the DUNU Titan1 and on DUNU in general? I am a noob to IEMs but my daughters are pestering me (in spite of having access to my HPs but in all fairness, none are portable).