The earphone market is huge and encompasses everything from dollar-store buds to $2000 custom-fit monitors. Differences between them abound, but neither price nor brand name guarantee that you’re getting the very best performance for your needs.
We’ve tested over 350 earphones from all around the world in order to find the best values for every preference and budget. For this guide we confined our selections to sets currently available in the US through either US-based or global retailers. In addition to sound quality, we considered factors such as construction quality, comfort, and convenience, holding pricier models to a higher standard.
We grouped this guide into 4 basic sound signature types: basshead, warm and smooth, V-shaped, and balanced, plus one miscellaneous group. Keep in mind, however, that even earphones within the same grouping can differ significantly in overall performance. The goal here is not to find the one sound profile that’s universally praised, but to be able to better understand your own sound signature preferences so you can find the best sound for you.
In addition to considering your preferred sound tuning and any other desired functionality such as high noise isolation or an inline microphone for headset use, keep in mind the audio source you plan to use. For instance, some smartphones and computers may not pair well with sensitive or difficult-to-drive earphones. If you have to choose between upgrading your source and headphones, going for the headphones will maximize your sound quality gain per dollar, but keep in mind that higher-end sets will need a decent source to shine.
Lastly, don’t forget the importance of a good fit with your earphones. Most in-ears were designed to maintain a tight seal with the ear canal at all times, and their sound quality will suffer tremendously with a poor fit. Check out our earphone fit guide for info on wearing your in-ear headphones correctly.
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Last major overhaul: 04/22/2016: 6 outdated recommendations removed, 9 new ones added
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Basshead
Earphones for fans of heavy bass who value bass impact, depth, and power above all else. Because heavily enhanced mid-bass often results in bloated, boomy sound, we focused on finding earphones that provide deep, rumbling sub-bass and maintain decent clarity. In addition to the boosted bass, some of these sets emphasize treble for a v-shaped sound.
Below $50
JVC HA-FX101 ($20) – JVC’s enhanced-bass “Xtreme Xplosives” earphones are a bargain find for the bass-obsessed, combining plentiful bass with prominent, somewhat harsh treble. The overall sound is competent, if slightly unrefined compared to pricier sets, but two things are certain – the low end is sure to please bass fans and the sound is excellent for the price. It comes in several colors and a version with a built-in microphone and remote, the FR201, is also available. Read full review
Buy from Amazon.com | Manufacturer’s site
Popclik String ($10 – $25) – For a brand focused on the Latin America headphone market where decent, inexpensive headphones are not too common, Popclik IEMs aim surprisingly high in both performance and design. Even the entry-level String model comes in rather expensive-looking packaging and offers strong performance, nice ergonomics, and integrated headset functionality. Elevated bass and treble provide a lively, energetic sound, and as an overall package there is way more here than I typically expect to see at this price.
Buy from Amazon.com | Manufacturer’s site
NarMoo S1 ($32 – $35) – The S1 is a dual dynamic driver earphone with separate 10- and 6mm dynamic drivers in each earpiece, with the 10mm acting as a subwoofer to deliver powerful bass. The overall sound signature is smooth and full-bodied, avoiding the heavily recessed midrange and rolled-off treble many entry-level bass-heavy earphones suffer from. The earpieces are on the large side, but solidly built and comfortable except in small ears. Read full review
Buy from Amazon.com / Buy from NarMoo.com – use coupon code “THL” | Manufacturer’s site
Retired: RHA MA350, PADACS Aksent PD114, Nuforce NE-600X
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$50-100
HiSoundAudio Wooduo 2 ($60 – $100) – Though HiSoundAudio is better-known for their high-end mp3 players and amplifiers, the company has actually been manufacturing earphones just as long. The Wooduo 2 is HiSound’s idea of a proper basshead earphone, one that produces the lowest frequencies without any drop-off or distortion. In addition to some of the most powerful subbass on the market, the Wooduo 2 offers surprisingly good clarity and prominent, well-extended treble. Complete with a unique – if a bit gaudy – aesthetic, the Wooduo 2 is an all-around competent basshead delight. Read full review
Buy from ebay.com | Manufacturer’s site
Retired: Pump Audio Earphones, Velodyne vPulse
Over $100
Beats Tour 2.0 ($100 – $150) – The latest revision of the Beats Tour in-ears has impressed me with its smoother, more refined sound, improved fit, and more understated design compared to its predecessor. The bass is not as overwhelming as you may expect, either, and while the Tour 2.0 isn’t tops in sound quality per dollar, less pricy competitors also have trouble matching its comfort and features. Read full review on InnerFidelity.com
Buy from Amazon.com | Manufacturer’s site
Retired: Future Sonics Atrio MG7
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Warm and smooth
These earphones are characterized by moderately enhanced bass and level or laid-back treble. Emphasis specifically on the mid-bass region often results in rich, full-bodied sound.
Below $50
Dunu Trident ($25 – $35) – This unique-looking earphone showcases great attention to detail – its packaging, build quality, and design are all worthy of a higher price tag. While the other options in this category all sound clearer and more refined, the Trident impresses with a warm and smooth signature that’s easy to enjoy and difficult to dislike. With a conventional cable, the Trident is also easier to live with every day than the MH1C and its packaging makes it a superior gift. Read full review
Buy from eBay.com / Buy from Amazon.com | Manufacturer’s site
Sony MH1C ($25 – $80) – Sony’s diminutive smartphone headset can commonly be found well below its retail price, but even at the full $80 MSRP the MH1C is a good deal solely for its superb audio quality. The earphone provides a warm, enhanced-bass sound with surprisingly good clarity and treble presence. The small size and soft eartips ensure long-term comfort, with the only downsides being the asymmetric flat cable and remote designed for Sony Xperia phones (it still has limited Apple and Android functionality) Read full review
Buy from eBay.com / Buy from Amazon.com | Manufacturer’s site
Retired: Xiaomi Piston 2
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$50-100
Shure SE215 ($99) – Shure has been a serious presence in the professional in-ear monitor market for more than a decade, and it certainly shows in the refinement of their entry-level model. The SE215 is ergonomic, highly-isolating, and boasts a detachable, user-replaceable cable. The sound of the SE215 is smooth, with enhanced bass, strong mids, and relaxed treble. The dynamic microdriver also delivers impressive clarity and detail. It may not be a sonic upgrade to the less expensive Sony MH1C, but with durability and other considerations factored in, the SE215 still comes out on top. An optional mic+remote cable is also available. Read full review
Buy from Amazon.com | Manufacturer’s site
Retired: HiSoundAudio Crystal, SteelSeries Flux In-Ear, Fidue A63
Over $100
RHA MA750 / MA750i ($120) – Scottish audio manufacturer RHA scores yet another hit with the MA750, which combines a warm and lush sound, spacious presentation, and good bass presence. The MA750 is less bassy compared to the pricier Yamaha EPH-100 and has more lower treble for a somewhat v-shaped sound, but otherwise is just as competent. Construction quality is extremely impressive, too, with stainless steel housings and thick cabling. The earphones should be comfortable for most listeners thanks to the over-the-ear fit and molded earhooks, and isolate surprisingly well. The MA750i model adds a mic and 3-button Apple remote. Read full review
Buy from Amazon.com | Manufacturer’s site
Yamaha EPH-100 ($90 – $150) – Yamaha’s flagship earphone provides big sound in a small package, based around a dynamic microdriver wrapped in a compact, comfortable, and well-built aluminum shell. Noise isolation is outstanding and the sound quality is great as well, with strong bass, lush mids, and smooth – albeit slightly docile – treble. Add a dynamic presentation and impressive stereo imaging, and the EPH-100 is easily one of the best-performing earphones in its price class. Read full review
Buy from Amazon.com | Manufacturer’s site
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V-Shaped
Enhanced bass and treble make for an exciting, v-shaped sound, providing a lively sonic experience reminiscent of the “Rock” equalizer setting. Due to the way the human loudness contour works, at lower volumes a mild v-shape can actually present a fairly balanced listening experience.
Below $50
Philips SHE3580 / SHE3590 ($9 – $15) – These bargain-bin miracles may look like average dollar-store in-ears but their sound tells a completely different story. With excellent presence across the frequency spectrum, enhanced bass, and crisp, clean treble, the sound of the Philips is worth much more than what you pay. Small and comfortable, they come in several color combinations and are the perfect small gift for music fans of all ages.
Buy from Amazon.com | Manufacturer’s site
Soundmagic E10 ($35 – $45) – Though not quite as clear and resolving as the Philips SHE3580 or Piston 3, the E10 is a great all-around alternative with less bass emphasis, smoother treble, and a wider and airier sound. A headset version with mic and 3-button remote, the E10M, is also available. Read full review
Buy from Amazon.com | Manufacturer’s site
Retired: VSonic GR02 Bass Edition, VSonic VSD1/VSD1S, VSonic VSD3/VSD3S, Xiaomi Piston 3
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$50-100
JVC HA-FXT90 ($75 – $100) – This Japan import is chock-full of technology, combining two dynamic drivers – a carbon-coated tweeter and a carbon nanotube woofer – in a single housing. The sound of the FXT90 is balanced in an aggressive sort of way, with the intimate midrange giving up only a bit of emphasis to the prominent bass and sparkly treble. The performance is strengthened by good timbre and a nicely layered presentation, making these JVCs one of the best deals in portable audio. Read full review
Buy from Amazon.com / Buy from eBay.com | Manufacturer’s site
Sennheiser Momentum In-Ear ($85 – $100) – The Momentum In-Ear follows in the footsteps of the on- and over-ear Momentum headphones with its stylsh design, comfortable, lightweight construction, and impressive audio performance. Its sound is v-shaped and slightly warm thanks to a generous amount of bass enhancement. The midrange is mildly recessed while the top end carries a high level of energy for a textbook V-shaped sound signature. The Momentum in-ear is available in both iOS and Android versions with full-featured 3-button remotes. Read full review
Buy from Amazon.com / Buy from Amazon.co.uk / Buy from Amazon.ca / Buy from amazon.de / Buy from amazon.fr | Manufacturer’s site
1MORE Triple-Driver In-Ear Headphones ($100) – The flagship in-ear headphones from 1MORE are an excellent value, starting with a hybrid triple-driver setup that’s virtually unheard of in this price range. The punchy, mildly v-shaped sound signature is a compromise between “audiophile” and “consumer”, which is not a bad thing in itself and makes the 1MORE an easy recommendation for many listeners. In addition, the inline remote is universally compatible with both Android and iOS devices.
Buy from Amazon.com / Buy from Amazon.co.uk / Buy from Amazon.de | Manufacturer’s site
Retired: Astrotec AM-800, MOE-SS01, Thinksound MS01, Alpha & Delta AD01
Over $100
DUNU DN-1000 ($160 – $210) – The DN-1000 is a hybrid earphone – that is, it combines a dynamic driver acting as a subwoofer with a dual balanced armature setup handling the mids and highs. It has superb bass – deep and hard-hitting, with almost no bloat – as well as very good clarity. Its V-shaped signature makes it especially great for modern music – EDM, pop, and so on – and the excellent construction and good noise isolation, though typical for DUNU, still stand out among $200 IEMs. Read full review
Buy from Amazon.com / Buy from eBay.com | Manufacturer’s site
DUNU DN-2000 ($260 – $315) – On top of their similar aesthetics and construction, the DN-1000 and DN-2000 are both triple-driver “hybrid” earphones with V-shaped sound tuning. Sonically, the pricier DN-2000 is not a direct upgrade over the DN-1000, but rather a slightly more balanced and refined alternative with a bit less bass, a more spacious and airy soundstage, less recessed mids contributing to better vocal clarity, and treble that is a touch smoother. All in all, I consistently preferred the DN-2000 in my listening, but the differences are subtle enough that some users– hip-hop and EDM listeners, for example – may not see much benefit from the pricier DN-2000 or even find the bassier, slightly more v-shaped DN-1000 preferable. Read full review
Buy from Amazon.com / Buy from eBay.com / Buy from CTC Audio | Manufacturer’s site
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Balanced
Emphasizing no particular area of the frequency spectrum, balanced headphones provide the most clear and accurate sound and can range from slightly warm to slightly bright in tone. Balanced sets can also be mildly mid-centric when the bass and treble both roll off at the limits.
Below $50
Etymotic Research ETY-Kids ($39) – Etymotic’s entry-level model promotes hearing safety with a combination of immense noise isolation and volume-limiting impedance. The earphones are well-built and stay true to the Etymotic brand with sound that is clear, accurate, and neutral, though for some listeners perhaps lacking in desired bass presence. A headset version with microphone and 3-button remote is also available. Volume-limiting design aside, the ETY-Kids are a great option for the budget-minded audiophile. Read full review
Buy from Amazon.com | Manufacturer’s site
Brainwavz M1 ($35 – $45) – Of the many budget earphones offered by Hong Kong-based Brainwavz, the original M1 still stands out many years after its release with its smooth and natural sound. There’s no bass boost here – just a balanced signature with a mild focus on the midrange and very smooth and pleasant treble. The small size, comfortable form factor, and complete accessory kit all make the M1 a user-friendly all-rounder perfect for first-time earphone users. Read full review
Buy from Amazon.com / Buy from mp4nation.net | Manufacturer’s site
Retired: VSonic VC02
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$50-100
HiFiMan RE-400 ($60 – $80) – The folks at HiFiMan have been perfecting the accurate dynamic-driver earphone for the better part of a decade, and the latest iteration offers a very balanced, slightly mid-focused sound with a hint of warmth, providing a noticeable step up in performance from even the best entry-level models. With its comfortable form factor and good noise isolation, the RE-400 is difficult to fault on any front. Versions with microphone and remote for iOS and Android are also available. Read full review
Buy from Amazon.com | Manufacturer’s site
VSonic GR07 Classic ($99) / GR07 Bass Edition ($130) – VSonic’s dynamic-driver flagship has been popular on the portable Hi-Fi scene for four years thanks to its ergonomic design and bio-cellulose dynamic drivers that offer excellent consistency across audio sources and produce sound that’s quite neutral, yet not lean or lacking in bass. There are more of both highs and lows compared to the HiFiMan RE-400 and Etymotic HF5, but the GR07 is still pretty darn balanced, and plenty great-sounding. The latest “Classic” version is available in 3 colors and priced at $99 while those looking for a little more bass will enjoy the equally capable GR07 Bass Edition. Read full review: VSonic GR07 / VSonic GR07 Bass Edition. Read impressions of the GR07 Classic here.
Buy GR07 Classic from Amazon.com in blue, maroon, or silver / Buy from eBay.com / Buy from LendMeUREars | Buy GR07 Bass Edition from Amazon.com / Buy from eBay.com
Retired: MEElectronics A161P, Philips Fidelio S1
Over $100
Philips Fidelio S2 ($100 – $135) – Philips’ new flagship earphones are well-built, well-accessorized, and reasonably priced. Offering a flat and level signature with a mild bump across the bass range, the S2 also features tangle-resistant cabling and a built-in microphone and remote. The semi-open design makes them great in situations where the higher noise isolation of most other high-end earphones is undesirable and a great choice for those who don’t like the more intrusive fit of most other IEMs. Read full review
Buy from Amazon.com | Buy from eBay.com | Manufacturer’s site
Etymotic Research HF5 ($120) – Etymotic Research invented the universal-fit in-ear headphone back in the 80s, and the company still manufactures some of the most accurate-sounding earphones on the market more than two decades later. The HF5 is a top-tier model with a mid-level price tag, offering an impeccably clear and detailed sound from a tiny balanced armature driver. It also offers outstanding noise isolation – better than pretty much any other universal-fit earphone on the market – all at a very reasonable price. Two headset versions – the single-button HF2 and 3-button HF3 – are also available. Read full review
Buy from Amazon.com | Manufacturer’s site
Audio-Technica ATH-IM02 ($170 – $200) – The Audio-Technica IM02 is priced closer to the single-driver in-ear monitor offerings from Shure and Westone but utilizes a dual-driver setup with performance to match, making it a no-brainer for musicians. It also benefits from a sturdy construction, secure fit, good noise isolation, and detachable, user-replaceable cables, as well as neutral – if just a hair smoothed-out – sound. Audiophiles and other critical listeners will appreciate the clarity and accuracy the IM02 delivers without being overly treble-heavy and harsh. Read full review on InnerFidelity
Buy from Amazon.com | Manufacturer’s site
Retired: Fischer Audio DBA-02 mkII, Aurisonics Rockets
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Other
A catch-all for earphones that don’t strictly fit into the other categories or offer variable sound tuning.
Ostry KC06 ($45 – $65) – The KC06 is a bright, mid-forward earphone that boasts slightly enhanced bass with some sub-bass roll-off, superb clarity, sparkly treble, and a soundstage that’s wide and airy for an in-ear earphone. Next to higher-end sets it lacks some bass extension, soundstage depth, and imaging ability, but for the price it is very hard to fault. The shallow fit is comfortable in the ear, too. One caveat is the high sensitivity, which means hiss can be audible and low volumes can be hard to dial in with sources not designed for sensitive IEMs. Read full review
Buy from Amazon.com / Buy from eBay.com / Buy from LendMeUREars
DUNU Titan 1 ($90 – $110) – The Titan 1 is the next logical step up from the KC06. It is similar to the Ostry unit in many ways – both are shallow-fit, metal earphones; both are worn cable-down and both have only moderate noise isolation; both are comfortable, especially for those who don’t like deep in-ear fit of conventional IEMs. The sound of the Titan 1 maintains the strengths of the Ostry with fewer caveats – the forward upper midrange and wide, airy presentation are retained while clarity, detail resolution, bass depth, and overall balance are all improved. The DUNU unit is also sturdier, and the $120 price tag makes it the IEM to beat for this sort of sound. Read full Review
Buy from Amazon.com | Manufacturer’s site
FLC Technology FLC8 ($320 – $360) – The main draw of the triple-driver FLC8 is the flexible 36-setting sound tuning system. Not all of the possible settings are brilliant and swapping out the ports is an exercise in patience and finesse even with the included tweezers and spare parts, but it’s pretty easy to alter the sound once you get the hang of it. Those who get tired of listening to the same sound signature, have eclectic music tastes, or aren’t yet sure of exactly what sort of sound they want are certain to find extra value here, but it’s not just the tuning system that makes this earphone special – even if limited to the default tuning, the FLC8 is a superb-sounding triple-driver earphone that also happens to be the lightest and most comfortable in its class. Fead full review
Buy from Amazon.com | Buy from LendMeUREars
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That concludes an overview of over two dozen of the most essential earphones for every taste and budget. For more in-depth reviews of these and other sets check out the sortable review list. This guide will be updated whenever we come across new products worth mentioning.
Check out also our Budget Earphone Buyer’s Guide – the Best Earphones Under $50 and our Custom In-ear Monitor Buyer’s Guide
Questions or comments? Leave them below.
Last major overhaul: 12/08/2016: 5 outdated recommendations removed, 2 new ones added
1,509 Responses
I see, and once again, thanks for the quick reply. xD
I forgot to mention that I commute a lot and usually put the wires between my shirt and undershirt so durability / build quality has a little bit of priority over sound quality, but not really that much. With that said, I think the DN-22M / DN-23 would be a good choice, but would it be worth it over the MH1C?
On a side note, I’m getting a SHE5390 as a temporary replacement for my VSD1 since I still can’t find a local seller for the MH1C / DUNU, and I think it would take a few weeks if I buy them from Amazon or eBay.
Thanks!
I’ll keep in mind the Vsonic VC1000 and hopefully you will get to hear the audio technica sometime in the future. Thanks again for your replies, much appreciated!
Glad you’re enjoying your RE-400!
Regarding the cables, there’s really not much you can do short of treating them like the fragile piece of $100 electronics they are. The RE-600 has a thicker cable but also comes with a huge price premium.
There may be ways to repair the cables, re-cable the earphones, or even install detachable connectors (e.g. by http://btg-audio.com) should something go wrong but I’ve never needed to. I still have my HiFiMan RE-ZERO from 2011 or so and it works fine, though I’ve been pretty careful with it.
The DN-23 sounds noticeably better than the DN-12 and DN-22M to me. It’s not quite as good as the MH1C, though. Compared to the VSD1 it won’t have the clarity or treble presence, and it’ll have significantly greater bass quantity but also sound boomier as a result.
Hi ljokerl,
Thanks a lot for all the efforts you have put into into these amazing reviews. I was mostly using IEM that use to come with phones apart from a sennheiser HD200 over the ear and was not satisfied. Googling into some of the indian forums led me to your reviews. I wanted listening pleasure, whether a V or Balanced didn’t matter. Based on your reviews I went for Hifiman RE-400, and true to every word you said its amazing. I am fully satisfied. Now here’s my question/worry:
The headphone cables are pretty slim (upper cords) and I am afraid it might give away sooner than expected. Any suggestions ? or even if they get damaged is it possible to get some after markets
Thanks for the quick reply! I might get the MH1C but from what I’ve read in your reviews and around the web, the Dunu earphones have a pretty good build quality (so that certainly makes me want to try them) and the packaging + accessories are a great plus.
Aside from your review of the DN-22M, what else can you say about them? I’ll be using them for smartphones, aside from plugging them to my PC, so the mic / button is going to get some use.
How would you compare DN-22M, DN-23, DN-12 to the VSD1?
Again, thanks!
Well, the VSD1 that you enjoyed goes in the v-shaped category. The MH1C will have a little more bass (esp. deep bass) and less treble energy and sparkle. From everything I’ve read the Sony is also pretty durable in the long run. The Dunu will be similar but not as clear-sounding or extended.
The Flux is a combination of the MH1C and VSD1 in sound – it has less bass than the MH1C but better subbass extension than the VSonic, with treble quantity that also falls between those two. It’s probably not as durable as the MH1C even though I’ve had no problems with my unit. If you can deal with its rubbery j-cord I think the MH1C is a good option, or maybe the Dunu DN-23 if it’s in your budget. It pretty much is an improved DN-12, just more expensive.
I haven’t had a chance to try the IM02 or IM03. The DN-1000 cranks up the bass compared to the PFE122 (at least with the black and gray filters) which makes it sound a little more mid-recessed. What it does so well is maintain clarity and resolution in the midrange despite this. If you wanted to try something technically similar to the DN-1000 but with stronger mids and less bass, the VSonic VC1000 would be my choice.
(Can’t edit) I forgot to add that I’m really new to this thing so I don’t know much what ‘Warm and Smooth’ or ‘V-Shaped’ means. I think I only understand Balanced and Bass. Haha.
Thanks!
Hi joker, last I read your reviews was last year (Q3 2013) at head-fi.org and after hours of reading and having a ~$50 budget (equivalent to our local currency), I bought the VSD1 and was really satisfied with it. Sad to say that the right ear-piece has been defective recently, probably because of how I handle it.
As a result of that, I’m back here, reading reviews on what to get next, I’m looking at 3 items here: Sony MH1C, Dunu DN-12 and SteelSeries Flux In-Ear.
Do you think you can suggest something else that has a good build (mostly for the wiring) and sound quality? I’m at a budget of ~$50-$80. I listen to almost any genre of music, Game / Movie OSTs, Rock, Alternative, Pop / Pop Rock, Piano, Instrumentals, R&B, etc.
Thank you for your patience and kind reply. As you can easily understand, I’m fairly new to the hi-fi world. I love the PFE 122 and spent a month in 2010 reading around before actually buying them and they still sound amazing. I think I’m looking for an IEM to let me enjoy music, maybe I’m looking for more separation, resolution and clarity.
What do you think about the IM02 or IM03 compared to them? How does the Mids compare between the PFE and DN-1000? Lot of people are suggesting me the DN-1000 but I’m afraid of the V shaped sound. Your opinion is highly appreciated 🙂
Thank you 🙂
This is a question I can ask right back at you – what are you looking to improve in your PFEs? They are pretty much top-tier universals, even by today’s standards. You can get a little more in the way of clarity and resolution with something like a VSonic VC1000 or better bass depth and impact while maintaining similar clarity in the midrange and treble with a Dunu DN-1000. However, if they are working well and you are happy with the sound, I honestly don’t see the need to spend money trying to upgrade.
Hi Joker! I’ve been reading for a while your reviews and I absolutely like the professional way you do this. Thanks! I read most of the answers here but I have a (hope quick) question for you.
I’m waiting for the Fiio X5 (it will be my first DAP after the creative zen vision:M 60gb of 2007!) and i still have my beloved Phonaks PFE 122.
I mainly listen to Rock (Muse, Beatles, Pink Floyd, Flaming Lips, CCR etc.) and Jazz (Pat Metheny Group, EST and other ACT artists) and i’m not a basshead, just like a good amount of it.
What should I be looking for to be an improvement from my PFEs? Price range is up to $250. Should I really change them?
Thanks again!
Great, I hope you find something that works better for you!
Thank you so much! I think I might like the sound of the MH1Cs, but they just will.not.stay set in my ears (which is not a problem I have with any of the other ones), making it hard to judge.
I’ll order a couple of these using the amazon affiliate links and let you know.
It seems like what you’re after is a bass-heavy sound with a lot of upper bass presence resulting in a warm midrange, or what is sometimes referred t as “bloom”. At the same time you want very smooth treble. I’m surprised the MH1C didn’t work for you – it has more bass than most sets. Also, the requirement to have a remote is somewhat limiting but here are some you might consider:
-Monster Turbine w/ControlTalk – can be found pretty cheap from Monster Outlet, has a warm sound with deep bass. Not more bassy than MH1C, though, unless you weren’t getting a good seal with the Sony.
-Padacs Aksent – very cheap, lots of bass, and rich sound at the expense of very large drivers and housings. Seems to be out of production. You may be able to find a used one though.
-Nuforce NE-700M – like the MH1C but with even more bass. Tubby housings aren’t the most comfortable, but not bad with the right tips
-Dunu DN-22M – warm and bassy with a very rich sound but somewhat muddy overall compared to something like the Flux or MH1C
I’m not 100% sure any of them are what you’re after but they’re definitely closer than anything else I’ve tried.
Hi ljokerl! First: thank you so much for all of your reviews! They have been so helpful for me and I have been pouring over them and making my own spreadsheets and notes for over 2 years now. However, I have still yet to find a pair that I really love.
I listen to indie rock and pop/hiphop/dancey stuff (VBR 0 files). Especially when I listen at higher volumes, most headphones often sound “sharp” to me and I wince at certain songs. The kind of sound that I want is warm with plenty of bass; generally the lowest of low notes seem okay, but especially in the two I have now, I long for more fullness in the warm low parts (I am sorry I lack the fluency to describe this). I have owned/tried:
Klipsch S4i – major meh, broke often
Sony MDREX36V/BLK EX – okay for the price
Logitech Ultimate Ears 600vi – okay
MEElectronics A161P – okay
Velodyne vPulse – did not like at all
and the FiiO E1 Portable Headphone Amplifier – didn’t notice a difference in sound
and since you posted this sound signature guide, I have:
SteelSeries Flux – not bad, still “sharp” to me and I’d like a little more bass; broke after 3 months
Sony MH1C – okay sound but not enough bass, very uncomfortable and constantly rotating out of my ears because of the stiff cord
Can you recommend the next pair I should try? I want to spend $50-100, though will spend up to $200 for the perfect pair, and need at least a 1 button remote for an iphone.
Thanks a lot for the input….helped me decide which one to buy !!!
The RE-400 has a midrange emphasis but it sounds softer than any Grado headphone I’ve heard, with smoother upper mids/treble and more tactful bass. It doesn’t have the energy or the grit of a Grado headphone. The GR07 has more energy but no mid-range emphasis – in fact it leans a bit the opposite the way, towards a very mildly v-shaped signature. Other than the lack of in-your-face mids and slightly more sibilance-prone treble compared to Grados I think the GR07 is the better option of those two.
Thanks for the recommendation. Actually I had re-400 and vsonic gr-07 in mind. How would you rate the sound signature of these two vis a vis the grados….like clarity and midrange emphasis. I can live with a little less bass if thats the tradeoff.
You might like it as is (I do) – no way to know until you try it.
Thank you for the reply.
So if i reduce a little bit the highs is it going to be ok ?
They’re both very good but if you can afford it and don’t mind the slightly brighter top end, I’d go for the DN-1000 for that extra bit of clarity and detail retrieval, and the tighter bass.
Hello
I mainly listen to rap,r&b and sometimes rock.
Which iem is better , rha ma-750i or dunu dn-1000 ?
Vsonic gr07 BE is a very good option, but i think the build quality(cable) is not good enough.
This gets asked quite a bit and truth is the Grado signature is pretty unique and doesn’t really translate well into IEMs. Depending on what you’re prioritizing you can come pretty close but there will be tradeoffs. I used to recommend the Maximo iM-590 but it’s really showing its age these days. The MEElec A161P would be a good one if you wanted the clarity and strong midrange presence and were willing to give up a bit of treble reach, soundstage width, and bass body.
Your in depth knowledge of such a wide variety of iems is really amazing to say the least.
Can you recommend something for me ? I recently purchased a Grado SR80i and really like the sound coming out of these and now I am looking for an iem with similar sound signature…sort of iem equivalent of the SR80i.
Budget is around 100 bucks but can be stretched further if needed.
Thanks a lot.
cheers
swash
One more thing to be said for the RE-400s is that they are very stable, so even if your source was interacting poorly with the B2, the RE-400 won’t have the same problem :).
Glad you’re enjoying them!
Wow, now that’s what I call a comprehensive and all-encompassing reply. Thank you so much! Even more so, as it also answers several other questions I was interested in – seems like you also command the powers of divination. 🙂
I followed your advice and took another round-trip through the assorted eartips that came with the B2s and noticed that the Comply foam tips did indeed significantly reduce the sibilance. But still, not enough for my taste, which is why I decided to give the RE-400 a try. And voilà, here we go. With everything else unchanged, and used with the same source as before, they are indeed much more tolerant towards sibilance, which is almost completely gone now without losing too much of the B2’s clarity.
I found that for me, the RE-400 have two additional advantages: one, they’re much more comfortable to wear due to their smaller size, and two, their metal housings do seal the sound much better so that almost nothing is audible on the outside.
So let me thank you again for your advice and the time you took helping me educate myself on this topic, it’s really very much appreciated. At the moment it seems that I’ll be very happy with my choice. 🙂
Cheers, Arathorn.
In my experience there are quite a few factors that go into how much sibilance is reproduced.
In order of decreasing consequence in my experience they are:
IEM in question – the B2 is an unforgiving earphone, clearly, though it’s not necessarily the only factor in play here. Some earphones have cutouts in the frequency response designed specifically to reduce the occurrence of sibilance and some just work better because they have less overall treble energy or peaks centered on different frequencies. On rare occasion earphone A will sound more sibilant than earphone B on one track, only for the opposite to happen on a different track.
Recording – very often albums are mastered with sibilance (including the cymbal artifacts you’re describing) already on the track. This is not just limited to 80s metal records – see for example many classic Simon & Garfunkel recordings or the Django Unchained soundtrack. Of course it’s not fair blame the recording for all cases of sibilance but if you only hear it occasionally this can be a strong consideration.
Fit/ear tip choice – yes, eartips do make a difference – a poor seal is likely to exaggerate sibilance and some eartips can “soak” up a little bit of treble energy for an additional improvement. Definitely try as many as you can. Case in point – the Rock-It Sounds R-50 has a bit too much treble energy for me with all of the stock tips but works very well with triple-flanges.
Source – some sources do tend to put across a little more energy than others but sources makes an especially big difference with armature IEMs like the B2 due to many of them having non-linear impedance. For example the treble of the Rock-It Sounds R-50, which has a similar driver to the B2, sounds better to me with an inline impedance adapter than in stock configuration. Recently someone commented that the Klipsch X10 sounds very different from a high-output impedance source than from a reference source: https://theheadphonelist.com/headphone_review/klipsch-image-x10-x10i/#comment-885 . In the case of TWFK-based earphones like the B2 my experience is that they don’t react positively to sources with non-negligible (above 2 Ohms or so) output impedance.
Ear canal shape/size/residual volume – all other things equal there is still often disagreement on how much sibilance an IEM has. We know that insertion depth can affect frequency response in the upper mid/treble region, so it’s fair to say that the same IEM may have different amounts of sibilance for different listeners depending on how the IEM fits in their ears and how much residual ear canal volume is left.
My suggestion – swapping them out for a more forgiving set like the RE-400 or TDK BA200 is the easiest solution but as an alternative see if you can eliminate any of the above variables with the B2 by experimenting with fit/source/recording.
Thank you very much, Joker, for this overview and all the work you put into the individual reviews. I believe that it saved me a lot of time searching for reliable information on IEMs, even though it definitely doesn’t feel like it at the moment. 😉
Unfortunately, I am a bit confused with my brand new pair of Brainwavz B2 – do these _really_ expose even the slightest amount of sibilance on a recording as mercilessly as I seem to hear it, or is it just me in combination with my perhaps crappy audio hardware? Certain recordings are rather uncomfortable to listen to, whereas others sound just perfect. I’m particularly unhappy with the fact that not only vocal sibilants (s, t, ch, st) stand out, but also certain cymbals of drum kits. I already consider returning the B2s and to exchange them for a pair of RE-400s…
If you don’t mind, I’d like to ask for your opinion on my B2 “problem” (if it is one at all) and if you see any chance at mitigating it by technical means (different eartips [currently medium-sized stock oval single-flange], with/without amp, changing cabling, equalizing, whatever), because I like the overall sound of the earphones very much. It could be a tad bassier for my taste, but otherwise everything’s fine. If from the above you feel like I should replace them, but with something else, I’m open for any suggestion as long as it is available here in Germany.
Thanks in advance for your time. 🙂
The RE-400 is quite a lot more balanced/accurate than the EP1. If your son has had a previous introduction to balanced/accurate sound (and enjoyed it), the RE-400 is a great option. Otherwise something more bassy and exciting – something that will easily beat Beats (just as an example) on a level playing field – would do better. The EP1 is not one of my top picks but it’s a solid earphone with powerful bass, strong mids, and crisp, if slightly harsh, treble.
There are a couple of options in between as well – earphones that somewhat enhanced bass punch but can still be considered balanced or near-reference, such as the VSonic VSD1/VSD1S, Philips Fidelio S1/S2, and the VSonic GR07 with its bass-heavy counterpart, the GR07 Bass Edition.
Fantastic review Joker. Looking to get my son a new pair of IEM’s below the 200.00 mark. His tastes are truly all encompassing. From Eric Clapton to the Dubliners, to Starbomb, to Metalocalypse, to CCR, to Nuclear Bubble Wrap. I have been leaning towards either the RBH EP-1 or the RE-400. Basically looking for a good earphone that works for all genre of music. The music will be played from a smartphone. Thanks in advance for your reccomendations.
Very different sound between those four – the DN-1000 is pretty bassy while the DBA-02 and ER4 and neutral and lean. If you’re not sure exactly what type of signature you’re after, I always consider the GR07 or GR07 Bass Edition to be a nice compromise – a clear, Hi-Fi sound that’s not analytical but still far from bass-heavy.
hey thanks for all the awesome reviews, really helps everyone out. i’m thinking of spending 200-250$ on an earphone, mainly listen to rock and metal. what do you think sounds better for those genres: gr07, dba-02, or dunu dn-1000? i’m also considering the er4. thanks again
The Comply T-200 fits super tight, the T-400 fits a touch loose. Both are usable on the DN-1000 though I’d rather use the T-400.
I haven’t head the H-200 or the KEF IEMs.
How to the KEF M200’s sound compared to The Dn-1k
Are there any comply foam tips that work with this IEM? I was unable to find any online unless you’d recommend any other tips. Also how do you think the h-200 compares to this? If I was looking for something with a removable cable. (assuming they are worth it)
sorry for all the questions and thanks for your help
I like it but it’s not as bassy as the W3/DN-1000 and I rank it a little bit lower in overall SQ.
Isolation is good – pretty similar to W3. They are a bit heavy because of the metal (stainless steel?) housings. They can be worn over-the-ear though to alleviate that problem and even come with some cable guides. I’d pick the W3 for wearing comfort but for sound I’d be tempted to go for the DN-1000 for your genres.
Also what do you think of the triple fi 10?
They seem to be perfect for what I want but I saw people said they are quite heavy. Are they uncomfortably heavy? Also is the isolation on them good?
The W3 is quite good – it’s a bit picky with fit but as long as you don’t mind its slightly v-shaped sound it’s a good value at current pricing. I can also recommend the Dunu DN-1000 hybrid for an even more lively sound at $200 (review coming soon). Tons of deep bass and bright, crisp treble on that. I expect it’ll make this guide as a recommended set 🙂
Hi let me start off by thanking you SO much for all you do. About 2 years ago I picked up some sennheiser CX300 II’s and absolutely loved them as they were my first decent pair of IEM’s. But sadly they are starting to lose sound in the left side so I decided it was time to upgrade (it’s also my birthday so its my present to myself) after a couple of days of research I found that the IEM that fit my price range of $200 to $300 and the genre’s of music I listen to (Pop and EDM) is the Westone w3.
If you have any suggestions or comments they would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Andrew
The Padacs Aksent has been retired from this Buyer’s Guide due to being out of stock for several weeks. The RHA MA750 (https://theheadphonelist.com/headphone_review/rha-ma750-ma750i/) was added earlier this week in the “Warm and smooth” category over $100.
Awesome, I’m very glad to hear that 🙂
Enjoy!
Thank you so much for the recommendation! I’m loving the Landmines! The build quality is fantastic, and the sound is exactly what I was hoping for!
Budget is going to be an important consideration. Since you like the sound of the M50s the VSonic GR07 Bass Edition would be a nice versatile all-rounder to try (or you could get the cheaper VSonic VSD1S first to see if you like their sound or if the GR07 is above your budget). Isolation is pretty good with these VSonic sets and they have bass that’s neither excessive nor lacking in presence for most listeners (sort of like the M50) as well as good clarity and plenty of treble energy. Great place to start if you don’t have very specific sound signature preferences.
Hey love the reviews. I’ve been pouring over a bunch of them trying to decide, but I figured why not ask. So the only decent headphones I’ve ever used are the ATH-M50’s. I like them a lot, but I would be open to something a little more refined. Whatever I choose I plan on using on the go as I do a lot of walking. Isolation is a little important, but I usually like to listen to music loudly, so as long as it’s not something open. I’ll be using an mp3 player, so something easy to drive. Lastly, I listen to a lot of different genres of music (Mainly indie, alt rock, edm, electronica, pop, equal parts male and female vocalists), so something that can be versatile is important to me. Look forward to any words of wisdom you can impart.
Thanks,
Devin
thanks ljoker
and yes, GR02 is a very warm one — and the soundstage is so huge it’s like listening in a dome lol
I’ll order GR07 right away, hoping the product is still around
Well, the GR07BE definitely has more bass than the RE-400 and certainly less than the EPH-100.