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Last major overhaul: 04/22/2016: 6 outdated recommendations removed, 9 new ones added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
The B2 and DBA-02 mkII are similar-sounding, the mkII is just better-made and you’re more likely to be able to get a good fit with it due to its smaller size (fit is very important with both of these BA earphones). The GR07 is better than the VSD1 by a fair margin. With the current $130 pricing it’s hard not to recommend the GR07 mkII over the others. It’s got a good sound for metal (love me some tesseract) and you’re more likely to be satisfied with its bass, especially if it’s your first high-end earphone with a neutral signature.
The RE-400 is definitely comparable but it can sound a little dull compared to the GR07 and even DBA-02. It’s good if you know you like a smoother, more mid-focused sound but if you can afford the GR07 I’d go for that.
Hey joker! what is the difference between brainwaves b2 and dba 02 mk2 and vsd1 and gr07 mk2? is re-400 comparable to any of these? I like details and accurate sound so which one do I go for? I honestly cannot decide since dba 02 mk2 is rated higher than gr07 mk2 in your reviews I feel it is better sounding. I play drums and use daw’s like sonar and cubase, fl studio a lot so and my music genre preference is basically everything, I want details to be presented well in ambiance music and in aggressive metal music in bands like vildhjarta, tesseract and uneven structure I’d like to be able to hear the background ambient tones quite well complimenting the distortions. so what iem will be a good deal for me under the $150-dba 02 mk2 price range?
Happy to help!
The GR02 Bass Edition has a little more bass than higher-end VSonic models such as the VSD1/VSD1S and GR07 BE. If you don’t mind giving up a bit of bass, the VSD1 (which to me is a touch bassier than the VSD1S and has treble intensity similar to the GR02 BE) or GR07 BE would both be good options. The FXT90 is less neutral than these VSonics, though it’s still a very good earphone. I guess my first choice would be the VSD1 followed by the GR07 (at $130) and then the FXT90. However, if you want to maintain bass at the GR02 level or greater, you’d probably want the FXT90 over the other two.
I have switched out the green filters with the black ones. The difference is amazing! I wish I did this a year ago. Thank you for reminding me that I still had the filters. And I think I am going to go ahead and order the VC02. Thank you so much for your opinion!
Hello there, Joker — thanks so much for putting together this great and helpful list! What a godsend it is!
I had a pair of GR02 Bass Edition earphones and liked the sound quite a lot. Unfortunately, I seem to have lost them and am again in the market for a set of earphones — maybe two sets so that I have a backup in case something happens to one! The natural choice would be to get the same earphones again, but I was wondering what might be a step up from the GR02 Bass Edition earphones?
Maybe the VSD1S or GR07 BE or JVC HA-FXT90? What would be your first and second choices — since I might get two sets?
Thanks again!
The VSonic VSD1S I reviewed recently is a pretty good option as well: http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/more-less-vsonic-vsd1-and-vsd1s . It’s a lot like the flux except a touch clearer and more spacious, with slightly more exciting (but also less smooth) treble.
Thank you so much for your time. Really appreciate it! Other than the RE 400 and VC02 which you have helped me narrow down to. Is there any other earphone out there that you might recommend?
The Phonak 022 is quite a nice earphone, but have you thought of switching the filters in it to make it a 122 instead? I thought there was a pretty big difference in sound between the 022 filters and the gray/black ones that come with the 122. If the filters are still available i’d say this is worth a try.
Anyway, the EPH-100 will probably have too much bass for you. It’s certainly bassier than the 022 by a margin. Good if you’re looking for something a lot more impactful, but it doesn’t seem like you are.
The UE600, RE400, and to a lesser extent the BA100 and VC02 are pretty flat down in the bass region. They have less bass than your Phonaks and will provide a different type of sound. The RE-400 and UE600 are smooth and a little mid-centric. They have smooth and refined treble but aren’t the most crisp and sparkly earphones. Still good, though, especially the RE-400, and they fit the requirements for a neutral-to-warm sound.
The BA100 and VC02 are brighter than the previous two and provide a more “analytical” sound. Jury’s still out on where the BA100 will rank but the VC02 to me is about on-par with the 022 in overall sound quality. I wouldn’t classify it as warm, though.
The Flux will be about even with the 022 but it’s not really an upgrade (it’s actually about on-par despite being half the price) and its mids are less prominent. I doubt this one makes sense for you in terms of trying something new. To me, the ones that make the most sense for you are the RE-400 and VC02.
The build of the UE600 is a little cheap and plasticky (same goes for all lower-end UE models) but it hasn’t failed me yet. UE warranty is also pretty good – my UE100 failed at one point and it was easy to get replaced. I’ve heard many horror stories about HiFiMan construction, especially back in the RE0 days, but I’ve owned almost every one of their products – the RE2, RE0, RE252 and I still have the RE-ZERO, RE262, RE272, RE-400, and RE-600 – and never had an issue. A big part of it is always going to be how you treat your earphones. You’re taking a bit of a risk compared to something like a cheap JVC bud, but there’s nothing else for the price that sounds as good as these earphones so to me it’s worth it.
Hi Joker. First of all, thank you for making the most comprehensive and detailed review of IEMs I have ever come across. I find myself reading your review over and over again for days whenever I have spare time.
I am considering getting a new pair of IEMs just because I feel like trying something new and adding to my small collection which comprises a pair of Phonak Audeo 022 and Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro. I prefer something with tight and textured bass, a somewhat neutral or maybe warm mid-range and highs that are detailed and crisp. I listen to hard rock and metal a lot and sometimes I like to listen to two steps from hell which is “epic” music I guess I would say? I am stuck between the Yamaha EPH 100SL, Hisound BA100, VSonic VC02, Steelseries Flux In Ear, UE600, HiFiman RE400 Waterline. I have also read a lot of product reviews on Amazon for the UE600 and RE 400 Waterline that say they have very poor build quality especially the UE600 having complaints about them cutting out in a few weeks or months. Have you had any experiences like that and is the SQ worth the risk to purchase those two models in particular? I would really appreciate your input.
Thank you!
For most Android phones (e.g. HTC, LG, Motorola, and newer Samsung Galaxy ones) any 1-button remote will work fine. You only have to worry about compatibility with older Samsung and some Sony phones. From this guide that means that something like the SteelSeries Flux will be fine, and it’s a great earphone if you’re willing to spend $50.
Radio (if you mean conventional FM) doesn’t need any specific type of earphones – it just uses the earphone wire as the antenna. As long as your earphones have a normal cable, the radio should still work fine.
Thank you, i checked out the vsd1s, might go ahead and pull the trigger on those.Not a bad price at all
Hi,
I wonder if you could advise me on some in-ear earphone with android smartphone control and if it’s possible that they had radio.
Thank you very much, regards.
If you’re going to be tugging on the wires getting detachable cables might not be such as a bad idea. The SE215 isn’t the most balanced-sounding thing (enhanced bass, a little lacking in treble energy) but it’s great if you’re hard on your earphones. It’s also comfortable as long as your ears aren’t small.
If you’d rather have something a little more balanced and just replace it should it go wrong, the VSonic VSD1S might be worth taking a look at (review at http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/more-less-vsonic-vsd1-and-vsd1s) . It sounds at least as good as the SE215 and is a lot cheaper (<$50). No detachable cables, but the entire earphone costs only a little more than a Shure replacement cable.
Hey bud,
Ive checked out your reviews on and off for the past few months now and I see that you have helped out many people.Im hoping you can help me out too.
My job is in the construction field so there is a lot of movement going on all day.I usually stick the wires in between my shirt and undershirt.There is quite sum pulling.Im looking for a 50-110 iem’s that should sound balanced and have a nice durability.I was looking at the shure se215’s.I also want to try out the yamahas.I usually work in quiet areas so the noise isolation isnt a big deal but the comfort is somewhat of a factor.What would you suggest?
I can’t think of any. The Yamaha EPH-100 has a vent. Even barring the vent, it’s not clear what the effect of re-shelling a dynamic-driver IEM will be because the sound chamber size/shape has an effect on the sound – there’s really no guarantee something like the EPH-100 won’t lose a chunk of its performance when reshelled.
Hey Joker
I had a question I was hoping you could answer. I am currently looking to get a dynamic driver IEM reshelled. Problem is that most dynamic driver IEMs are vented or have a bass port. I was wondering if you knew of any bass heavy IEMs that are not vented. The only one I could think of was the Atrio MG7. Does the Yamaha EPH-100 have a bass port?
Thanks
Yep, those are both olives. Old naming scheme and new one.
Typically the mediums are the ones that fit most people in the case of foam tips but yeah, waiting isn’t be a bad idea. You don’t need the Shure tips for isolation with Etys – the stock tips isolate plenty.
Hey, man, thanks. Bought the ETY Kids for USD 32 shipped. Not the best price ever, but seems a great deal.
Olives are these ones (EABKF1)? http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0015PKGH6/ Found PA910 too, any difference? http://www.earphonesolutions.com/shpameblfosl.html
Since I don’t know what size to buy, it’s better to wait the IEM, test the Ety flanges before buying the olives, right?
Technically I would agree that the CKM500 is better – it’s a little clearer and more level through the midrange. However, I personally like the CKM500 less, primarily because the mid-bass is too intrusive and draws too much attention to itself. The GR02 may not have the same level of clarity and may dip down a little in the upper mids, but it’s an easier listen for me and also seems to suit what you’re asking for better (e.g. not a basshead, brighter treble).
I would have to agree that the A151P wouldn’t be for me. However, I am still aching to know whether the CKM500i or GR02 BE.. I’m kind of a newbie to the audiophile world, so if you could briefly explain it for a newbie please. I’ve been reading on the CKM500 fan thread on HF and many have said that the CKM500i’s are better than the GR02. I don’t know if they are being biased because it is the fan thread or it actually is true.
Unfortunately I skipped over the Brainwavz M4 and I don’t think the A151P suits what you’re after.
The CKM500i is very good – there is a little too much mid-bass for me but other than they are solid. However, the GR02 Bass Edition is a little more reasonable in the bass department (despite the name) and has a v-shaped signature with pretty energetic treble. I think it will suit you best.
Isolation is independent of music playback. All IEMs block outside noise if you crank up music, but that’s not isolation.
In that price range the EtyKids isolates far more than any other earphone. The other standout is the dB Logic EP-100 but I’m not sure those are available outside the US. Pair those with a set of Shure Olive eartips and they’re both highly isolating and really comfortable.
Hey joker, I was wondering which IEM to buy and I’ve been looking at your head-fi thread for a long time and I am still stumped. I am wondering whether I should get the Audio Technica CKM500i, VSonic GR02 Bass Edition, Brainwavz M4, or MEElectronics A151P.
I listen mostly to EDM with vocals & some without and also some mainstream music. I want some good isolation with the least sound leakage. I prefer my music to have a little more bass, however I don’t consider myself as a basshead. I also like more treble, highs, brighter sound..
Hi! I’m looking for a headphone to block external noise for watching online classes and listening to music while studying, so what I really need is good isolation.
It seems Etymotic ETY-Kids is a great option, but as I live in Brazil, it’d be out of my price range because of taxes and shipping. Do you suggest another model at up to US$ 40? I don’t really care much about sound quality, my main concern is isolation and comfort, since it’d be my first in-ear headphone.
How good is the isolation of, say, this Etymotic without playback music? Can it block average conversation at a house?
Thank you for your work. It’s great.
Unfortunately since I don’t do this full-time I don’t cover PMPs these days. I am currently using an HM-901 w/balanced card (http://head-direct.com/Products/?act=detail&id=158) and am happy enough with it to not look for alternatives. I think I will add a short list of non-headphone gear I use/recommend later this year, but I don’t plan to start doing full reviews of sources.
You can find theheadphonelist on facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/theheadphonelist 🙂
Thanks for all your help. 🙂
Great to finally get in touch with you.
Do you also review PMPs? Would love to know your take on the best media players out there.
Also please share your facebook page if you have one 🙂
The VC02 is inherently quicker than the E30 so the bass is faster and tighter. It’s going to be more of a quick and “punchy” type than the slower, more “thumpy” bass of the E30. Overall quantity is not too different through so once you get used to it you probably won’t miss the slower decay of the Soundmagics. The VC02 also sounds thinner overall and has more treble energy, which is not inherently a bad thing.
There’s a handy burn-in loop here: http://www.jlabaudio.com/index/burn-in . I typically give dynamic-drivers 50-100 hours.
Thanks for the reply |joker| 🙂
Actually i did try something new with the e30 itself as had never used an over-the-ear design and it turned out to be mighty comfortable. However, I do not mind deep-insertion earphones and hoping to find pair of tips my size in the VC02 selection (large ears).
Please could you tell me what exactly is different sound-wise between the VC02 and the E30. Especially when you compare the bass. In you review of the e30, you mentioned that it is no bass-monster and that is true as I found the bass pretty well balanced. I would be really happy if the bass in the VC02 is as good if not better than the e30.
Also whats is the typical burn-in period for VC02 and what source should I use? I read somewhere that pink noise works well.
If you were looking for something different from the E30, you did. The VC02 is more analytical and more balanced overall, with a tighter, more precise sound. It’s better than the AM-90, and the GR02 Bass Edition would have been much bassier than you’re used to.
It’s hard to say whether the signature of the VC02 will appeal to you more than the E30 but I think it’s always a good idea to sample a variety of sound signatures. Make sure you get a good seal with them – the VC02 is a deep-insertion earphone, unlike your E30.
I have been using the SoundMagic e30 with my Cowon J3 PMP. I quite like the sound signature of the e30. I like bass but do not want it to overpower anything else.(Listen to Alternative rock and EDM/Dubstep). I recently ordered the Vsonic VC02 and i picked them over the Vsonic GR02 Bass edition and the Astrotec AM 90. Did I make the right choice?
Does the sound come back with the Android phone when you hold down the remote button?
When i use the padacs with my android phone i only get sound in the left ear… but it works for both ears on my ipod. Is there a way to fix this is?
That looks a hell of a lot more durable for sure! Great mod.
On BA burn-in – I don’t think there is any benefit to it. I’ve never noticed a difference with a BA between, say, 5 hours and 50 hours. The A161P especially has no crossover so even proponents of burn-in won’t find anything in there that needs to be broken in.
Don’t want to boring you, but here is the pic of my Meelec A161 (little bit chubby strain relief , but it’s mine baby!) :
http://kepfeltoltes.hu/view/131003/A161_www.kepfeltoltes.hu_.jpg
You just said the truth Sir!
May I know your opinion about the burning in period for BA IEMs?
BTW in meantime made my own A161 , without mic. Two housings with drivers inside , of course + M6 cable (many thanks to Mr. Mike Jones fom Meelec!).
Now I have two pairs of great BAs for less than 140USD 🙂 .
Thanks again , have a nice day!
Aaron
Great, hope you like ’em!
Okay well thanks a lot for your help. I’ll probably pick these up soon then maybe look around more when black Friday comes along.
I think the difference is just color so probably not.
Wouldn’t let me reply again so I had one last question. Is the limited model, (found here(-
http://www.amazon.com/JVC-Headphones-HA-FXT90L2-LIMITED-Japanese/dp/B005XH2N0A/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1380601642&sr=1-2&keywords=JVC+HA-FXT90
worth it over the normal for the $20 extra that it costs?
Makes sense to me. Personally I’d go for the FXT90. It just seems to be more along the lines of what you’re after and it’s rather user-friendly. JVC typically does a good job on that front. The Flux would be my choice if you’d prefer to spend less and want the easy return process of amazon just in case.
I liked the shures specifically because of that over the ear factor and yeah the build quality did look nice. I’m sort of an “audio virgin” if you could call it that? Never had awesome headphones and like I said the Klipsch just started to get annoying IMO and not sound quality wise, just everything else and the fact I lost them didn’t help. Had horrible headphones the past year or so, so basically any head set better than the earbuds that come with the iPhone (most any of them) should do that has at least some sort of good bass and treble. And as for the 1964’s, I’m way out of that price range at the moment. So I guess it is just up to the FXT90 and the SE215’s…
Thanks, I am glad to hear that the reviews have been helpful!
I guess a question to ask would be whether the S4i had a good audio balance for your taste. If it did, the RE-400, HF5, and especially R-50 might be a little too far in the neutral/analytical direction You have to know what you’re getting into with these – they don’t really emphasize anything in the recording. For some listeners, especially coming from a set like the S4, they will simply sound dull (especially at first). If you really want to give a balanced-sounding earphone a try, the RE-400 would be my choice.
My thought on something that is “emphasized all around” would actually be a forward-sounding set with a slightly v-shaped balance. In the custom-fit realm this would be the 1964EARS V3. In the lower price bracket, the JVC FXT90. It has plenty of everything without significant sacrifices. Coming from the S4, unlike the sets mentioned above, it won’t sound too bass-light, or overly bright, or dull. The SteelSeries is mostly a cheaper, slightly more balanced version of the same with less warmth and a smaller soundstage. The SE215 is tougher to justify with the FXT90 at a similar price point and the Flux at $50, unless you put great value on the build quality, isolation, and over-the-ea form factor of the Shures.
Awesome reviews and really appreciate the time you put into what you obviously love. I have a quick question for you. I previously owned a pair of Klipsch S4i’s which were “meh” to say the least and came with an annoying cable to go along with it. I lost them unfortunately and am looking to move on to better things. I have a budget of around $100 give or take a few bucks here and there. I like a sort of emphasized all around, but not so much as to drown out one or the other, kind of balanced in a way I guess… So yeah, we can go with balanced. I was looking at the HiFiMAN RE-400 as well as the new Steel Series, Shure 215, Etymotic HF5’s and the Rock-It Sounds R-50’s. That being such a wide variety and way too many for me to be able to figure out which would be the best buy, what ones do you think would fit best for someone just getting into high quality IEM’s hoping to make it to the top and enjoy the ride. I appreciate any input!
Thanks a lot!!
This guide has been updated. The HiSound Crystal has been retired and the SteelSeries Flux In-Ear (full review at https://theheadphonelist.com/headphone_review/steelseries-flux-in-ear/) was added instead.
There are some add-on microphones you can buy but they are a messy solution. See example here: http://www.amazon.com/Monster-Headphones-iSoniTalk-Microphone-Headphone/dp/B0022TO5WG . You may be better off just having a slightly lower-end headset to use specifically with your phone (e.g. an LG Quadbeat or SteelSeries Flux).
Thanks, the EPH-100 it is then :).
I am also thinking to get an earphones with a microphone, to work with my iphone 5. Any thing out there is that gets close to the EPH-100 and has a microphone? or is there a way to add a microphone to the EPH-100? I know this sounds silly, but I thought I should ask any way.
Thanks man!
Rami
Hmm.. if you like bass in any capacity, a balanced armature-based and neutral-sounding earphone like the VC1000 wouldn’t be my first choice. The EPH-100 has lots more bass but is far from muddy-sounding. For bass fans there’s not many better compromises out there for the price.
P.S. glad you like the table!
Hi ljokerl,
First, I really can’t say enough to thank you for this great effort, and that interactive table comparing earphones is damn brilliant so THANK YOU!!!
Now :), my question to you sir, I just ordered the VC1000 and then visited this page, to find out that the Yamaha EPH-100 is rated the best for worm and smooth yet bassy ones, which kinda of what I am looking for. I really like Bass, but I don’t like it to be very over powering and I listen to a big variety of music including middle easter.
So do you think the VC1000 would do it for me? or shall I cancel/return the order and buy the Yamaha EPH-100? and the price difference is not factor cause the difference is like 20 to 30 bucks.
Thanks in advance!
Rami
Every bit helps – I’m sure you’re not alone in picking between the VC1000 and A161P!