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Author Topic: IEM suggestions?  (Read 2982 times)

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prtuc2

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IEM suggestions?
« on: February 10, 2015, 07:48:56 PM »
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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Moonhead

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Re: IEM suggestions?
« Reply #1 on: February 10, 2015, 08:33:52 PM »
Consider Nocs ns800 even smaller than RE400 and better, Imo.
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kothganesh

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Re: IEM suggestions?
« Reply #2 on: February 11, 2015, 04:59:34 AM »
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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prtuc2

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Re: IEM suggestions?
« Reply #3 on: February 11, 2015, 11:31:08 AM »
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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Kunlun

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Re: IEM suggestions?
« Reply #4 on: February 12, 2015, 02:24:47 AM »
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Priidik

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Re: IEM suggestions?
« Reply #5 on: February 12, 2015, 07:28:07 AM »
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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prtuc2

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Re: IEM suggestions?
« Reply #6 on: February 12, 2015, 12:45:10 PM »
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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tomscy2000

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Re: IEM suggestions?
« Reply #7 on: February 13, 2015, 01:50:54 PM »
Dark Horse Suggestion: Sony XBA-100

Cheap (<$100), Lightweight, Sound (okay, not bad), Comfortable Tips, Can Isolate if Inserted Deeply.
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Out Of Your Head

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Re: IEM suggestions?
« Reply #8 on: February 13, 2015, 05:51:53 PM »

Quote from: prtuc2 on February 12, 2015, 12:45:10 PM
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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Kunlun

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Re: IEM suggestions?
« Reply #9 on: February 13, 2015, 06:58:14 PM »
The Klipsch x11 I recommended is tiny. And it's $130.
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