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2016 In-Ear Earphone Buyer’s Guide by Sound Signature

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Last major overhaul: 04/22/2016: 6 outdated recommendations removed, 9 new ones added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
JVC HA-FX101

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
Popclik String

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
NarMoo S1

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 Wooduo2
HiSoundAudio Wooduo2

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
Beats Tour 2.0

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
Dunu Trident

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
Sony MH1C

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
Shure SE215

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
RHA MA750

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
Yamaha EPH-100


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.

Philips SHE3590
Philips SHE3590

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
Soundmagic E10

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
JVC HA-FXT90

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
Sennheiser Momentum In-Ear

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
1MORE Triple Driver In-Ear Headphones

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

Dunu DN-1000
Dunu DN-1000

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
DUNU DN-2000

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 Ety-Kids
Etymotic Ety-Kids 3

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
Brainwavz M1

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
HiFiMan RE-400

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
VSonic GR07 Classic

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
Philips Fidelio S2

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 HF3
Etymotic Research HF3

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
Audio-Technica ATH-IM02

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
Ostry KC06

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
DUNU Titan 1

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
FLC Technology FLC8

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.comBuy 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

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ABOUT AUTHOR

ljokerl

ljokerl

Living in the fast-paced city of Los Angeles, ljokerl has been using portable audio gear to deal with lengthy commutes for the better part of a decade. He spends much of his time listening to music and occasionally writes portable audio reviews across several enthusiast sites, focusing mostly on in-ear earphones.

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1,509 Responses

  1. That’s a very complicated question to answer – many of factors go into just how much of a difference you will hear with your first higher-end headset including:

    -your ears – while everyone can be trained to be a discerning listener, it really varies by individual how hard (if at all) you have to work at it
    -starting point – if you’re “upgrading” from a set of very bad headphones you will obviously be more impressed with a higher-end set than someone coming from an Apple EarPod, which is pretty good, or from a Sony MH1C, which is excellent
    -getting the right sound signature match – this is something not everyone gets right with their first upgrade, but with more experience you can figure out the best fit for you. Upgrading from a bad headphone that is a good match for your preferences to a higher-end one with a sound signature that you just don’t like is not the way to be impressed
    -expectations – a lot of time audiophile publications set the expectations higher than they perhaps should be. This is not intentional, but rather a result of more experienced audiophiles being used to minute differences/improvements in audio performance (see also “diminishing returns”)

    Anyway, it’s your call on whether you want to go off the deep end and spend $100 or try a very good $50 set first. If you want the maximum possible difference, something like the super-accurate Etymotic HF5 is your best bet. No guarantee that you will love it (see my point about sound signature matches above) but it will provide the most raw resolution and detail of anything in the price range.

    If it were me, I’d pick the middle road and get a VSonic VSD1S or similar. These have pretty good bass punch and won’t sound totally “off” to you coming from a less hi-fi set, but they still lean towards a more accurate and neutral sound than you are used to and will provide some of the detail you’ve probably been missing.

  2. Hi Ijoker

    Thank you for all the information you have provided. I am looking for a good pair of earphones to use with my ipod classic. I think I still have virgin ears in terms of sound quality. Right now I use sennheiser cx160 ($30), to be honest I don’t know what I have been missing. I have been looking at Shure se215, sennheiser cx300, E10, Klipsch S4 and even etymotic er4. Some of the reviews online are so tempting, people talking about hearing parts of music you don’t normally hear with the cheaper earphones. My question is how far true is this and is it worth the extra cash. Guess am looking for something that will blow my mind away or should I say ears 🙂
    Budget about $120

  3. Less microphonics is obviously better for running, yes. You also have to be careful with sweat – as far as I know none of the ones you’re looking at are sweat-resistant.

    A BA should be good if you want a change in sound. The Astrotec, Rock-It, and Meelec A151 sound almost identical so it’s just a matter of picking the right form factor if you’re okay with balanced sound. They’re all comfortable but the A151 works the best for me in terms of fit. The AM-90 is a little heavier than the other two with those metal housings.

  4. Hi Joker, I need some help choosing an IEM – I need a pair of headphones with a mic so I can take calls on my Android phone, but I also need it to do double duty as a pair for running. What I’m looking at is the SteelSeries Flux, MEElectronics A151P, Rock-It Sounds R-20, Astrotec AM-90-MIC, Xiaomi Piston 2, and T-Peos Tank. Which of those do you think would be best for my purposes? I know you like the Flux, but I was also thinking the twisted cords of the A151P and R-20 would be better for running with less microphonics.

    I used to have the Shure 215 but I think I’ve lost them somewhere recently or I would just buy the mic cable, and I also have the Vsonic GR02 BE, but that doesn’t have a mic. I was/am very happy with those soundwise, but I’d be happy with something more balanced too I think. The 215s were uncomfortable over time since I had to use their triple flange tips to get them to stay in my ears (small ear canals), and the triple flanges were still too big and pushed slightly against my ear, but they went in deep enough that they didn’t just fall out. I recently found some great aftermarket tips for the GR02 BE that fit really well, but never got to try them with the Shure.

    Thanks for the guide and for your advice!

  5. Yep, they are definitely extremes.

    I only tried the CKX9iS at a show and walked away with the less bassy CKX5iS. I don’t have a great feel for how the 9 compares to the CKM500, but the 5 is about on-par, just flatter through the midbass region and a little thinner/less full-bodied overall.

  6. Thanks for the analysis Joker, that is exactly what I needed to hear to help me decide. I think it’s a coin toss between the AT phones vs the Yuins if it comes down to relative extremes between picks here. Either way, since I’ve had the chance to personally demo the SE215, getting a detailed comparison between my choices was perfect.

    Between the CKX9iS and CKM500iS, which would you pick? Based on your reviews and notes here, I think I’d prefer the CKX series, but I’d love to hear your opinion on the two

  7. The Audio-Technica IEMs you have listed don’t sound too much the Audio-Technica headphones that you like – they’re decidedly bassier and more v-shaped. In fact, a large percentage of the ATH in-ears I’ve tried have that type of sound – very robust bass and strong presence in the upper midrange/lower treble leading to an aggressive, mildly v-shaped sound.

    The SE215 still has similarly strong bass but it has more laid-back treble and doesn’t sound very airy. The OK1 is much more balanced and airy but rolls off at the low end compared to these. I like the way it sounds but was never a huge fan of its neither here nor there form factor. At $100 it’s hard to beat for sound, though.

    Honestly, I think sound signature should factor into your decision more than brand. If you think you’ll be okay with one of the bassier Audio-Technicas, by all means go for them because they definitely have a much better form factor than the OK1.

  8. Hey Joker, recently rediscovered your reviews through Headfi, and I was wondering if you could help me tie-break between the following: ATH-CKX9iS, ATH-CKM500(iS), Shure SE215, or Yuin OK1.

    While I’ve owned/tried Grado (SR60i), Stax (just demos), and K701s, what I’ve ultimately ended buying and keeping are Audiotechnica phones (EM7, ESW9A, W1000x). The open air feel, extreme detail and clarity always get me. That being said, my loyalties to AT are making it difficult to give an unbiased decision on which of these to get my IEM journey started.

    My friends swear by the SE215, and they sound damn good. As for the OK1, while not technically IEMs, are considered amazing, and seem to have the sound signature I prefer. Then lastly, I’m almost certain that AT’s signature sound/design will be perfect for me, but now that the CKX series is out, I’m not sure if I should get the CKM500 or go for the new models?

    If you could help me out here through this wall of text, that’d be amazing. If it helps deliberation, I’ve also got the means to get each of these at $100 or less.

  9. Nice article ljokerl!!
    Can you give me an opinion on soundmagic es18? What type of sound signature does it has?
    Out of Philips SHE3580/SHE3590 and soundmagic es18, which one is better?

  10. Hey Joker, awesome stuff. Would like advice if possible. I’m a drummer and use a piar of Shure 315’s as my IEMs, they do the job pretty well. Unfortunately the left bud as died and I haven’t been able to repair it myself. Can’t really afford to replace the bud, but for now are there any fairly cheap alternatives I can use until I can replace the bud? Many thanks

  11. A bigger driver might have the potential to move more air if tuned that way, but it really comes down to implementation. Look at sets like the EPH-100 – big, powerful sound with a very small driver. You can tell that some manufacturers do have the bigger=better philosophy when it comes to dynamics (Sony and Audio-Technica, for example) but there are lots of crappy, low-end earphones with big drivers to serve as a counterpoint.

    And don’t forget about BAs and moving armatures, most of which are fairly small.

  12. hi joker what is effect of size of driver of an iem on the sound.is bigger the better?because there will be more power produced i think.

  13. I would trust Yamaha’s build quality over those of Velodyne and Wooduo. Since the EPH-100 has dropped down to $100ish on amazon I find it hard to recommend anything else for good bass. It might not be as bassy as the FX101 in the traditional sense, but the quality is excellent.

  14. Since you have a higher budget, you can also consider Etymotic MC5 instead of Etykids, or the HF5 if you’re lucky and can find one at $100 😛

  15. Hey joker great reviews as always. Ive been looking around for headphones that would be a nice upgrade from the JVC HA-Fx101 which I instantly loved. All the choices seem good on hear but was wondering which ones offer the best durability. I have been looking at the vpulse, wooduo 2s, and yamaha eph 100s. Thanks.

  16. My XBA-1 just gone with no sound in right ear. Tried to warm it up with hairdryer and disassemble, but no luck there. Can you recommend something similar below 100$ with same or better clarity in sound? Not interested in basses cause current Sony XB-40EX sounds terrible. So much noize.

  17. I’ve only heard the XBA1 once or twice and I thought it sounded pretty good so that’s a little tough. Two that come to mind are the Etymotic EtyKids (volume-limited a little analytical but overall very balanced and clear) and T-Peos D200R (the least v-shaped of the entry-level T-Peos earphones, but still a little bassy).

  18. Thank you for the recommendations! Im still undecided because the UE600vi seems the best of the bunch in terms of audio quality, but from the reviews it seems that the cable gets torn appart really quickly, so that worries me quite (im always on the go), the LG F420 seem AMAZING! But the comfort and isolation is subpar with the IEM that currently is my daily driver (XBA 1), which one or what IEM with good build quality, decent isolation and good fit/comfort would you recommend at 35-40$? That is somewhat balanced and comes near or surpasses the sound quality of the XBA 1? The headphones will be the panasonic HTF600, they seem amazing :D, and again lJokerl thank you for all the effort in answering! 😀

  19. The HT-21 isn’t noise-isolating but it’s a good option at that price for sure. This way you’re spending most of your budget on the IEM. For even better balance and clarity, you can replace the M1 with the higher-end UE600vi, which is currently retailing for $45 on amazon: amzn.to/1yA92E8

    If you’d rather spend more on the headphone, a good combination might be the Panasonic HTF600 + Philips SHE3580 (darker/bassier) or LG F420 (clearer/brighter). Dollar for dollar the Panasonic + LG combination is probably the best deal in audio, if it can be shipped to your country.

  20. Hi! Im interested in buying my first pair of headphones and a backup IEM, but im on a REALLY tight budget (both of them for $60) im actually interested in the Brainwavz M1 ($40 on amazon) , im a huge sucker for balanced sound, and unfortunately amazon doesn’t offer the astrotec AM90 internationally :c, and the Meelectronics HT21 (on sale right now for about $14), so i don’t know if you could please recommend a pair of headphones and IEM that don’t go beyond my tight budget :c, i really like balanced sound, analitical with a bit of bass (also comfortable and isolating IEM and headphone speaking), so i hope you can help me ljokerl! Thanks again and please keep these type of threads going! Thanks for all the time and effort in putting all of this! 😀

  21. The GR06 and GR07 are quite similar in terms of sibilance. If you want to cut down, you may consider the Sony MDR-7550, which looks freaky but can be worn shallowly and is nicely balanced in terms of sound, maybe just a touch laid-back up top. The same goes for the Brainwavz R3, but it’s a little harder to fit.

    A bassier option is the JVC FXT90. It’s not as compact as the GR06 but it sounds fine with a shallow fit and the treble is bright, but not sibilant.

    If you want something more balanced and less expensive, the UE600 and especially (as far as shallow insertion goes) the SteelSeries Flux Pro might be good options. The Flux Pro is a little warmer but both are nicely balanced BA earphones that are also comfortable.

  22. Hey Joker,
    I hope you can help me. I really love the comfort the Vsonic GR06 because its light and sounds great with shallow insertion (my ear canals can’t handle bi flanges and really long single flanges). I want something less mid centric and it would seem like the GR07 is a no-brainer (fit wise), but if I already find the GR06 sibilant I don’t know that the GR07 is right for me. Are there any other IEMs you could recommend that have a similar ergonomic fit, sound great with shallow insertion and not quite so sibilant (everything is relative I know but any recommendation from you would be helpful nonetheless). Thanks!

  23. i am intrested in soundmagic e10 but i heard that es 18 has almost same driver at less than half the price of e10?please review es 18.

  24. I’ve been away at a festival this weekend, only just got back online. I’m going to have a look at those you’ve suggested and maybe save a few ££s. I’ll try and get back with what I decided to buy. Thank you for your reply.

  25. Review coming soon; but yes, it is sensitive enough. I know the specs say 93dB/mW but it’s more sensitive than the MH1C.

  26. Thanks! Do u have a review of pistons 2.0? Is it sensitive enough to go loud on most smartphones?

  27. The GR07 BE does tend to expose sibilance and it’s not all that warm, not like the MH1C (earphones with decently strong treble generally aren’t very warm). The Xiaomi Pistons 2.0 remind me of an MH1C with more crisp treble and a more open presentation, though they also have slightly more bloated bass. The LG Quadbeat is another good option for a wide soundstage, but you’ll have to equalize the bass if you need as much as the MH1C has. Both are cheap enough to try and see if they work for you before risking something pricy like the GR07 BE.

  28. hi joker,

    hi hopefully this thread is still active 🙂 i just received my mh1c, the bass and detail was great but i just felt that the soundstage is too narrow for my taste and treble was not crispy enough (which i miss from my now broken soundmagic e30) so im looking for an upgrade

    my priority would be an open and airy sound with above average to WIDE SOUNDSTAGE, WARM sound signature, with CRISPY but non sibilant treble, and LOUD enough for smartphone listening. bass should be moderate to a bit bassy but not necessarily basshead as long as theres a good mid-bass hump, as long as it responds to my android phone equalizer. iem doesnt have to be polite and neutral and accurate as long as sound is very clear and detailed. btw isolation, comfortability and microphonics arent exactly my priority, just sound quality

    i listen mostly to EDM and contemporary pop.

    how bout vsonic gr07 BE? (i know where i can get a used one for around $110)
    my budget is around $70-120

    thanks a lot!

  29. I haven’t tried those particular ones but in my experience entry-level Sennheiser products are generally quite good, but fall short of amazing. They’ll do the job, but don’t quite have the value-for-money of some of the more niche products.

  30. Yes, you are correct. I’ll be using it mostly for my iPhone and iPad.
    Nice recommendations, i’ll look up to it.
    Btw, i’ve heard Sennheisers have in-ear phones made for iPhone. Do you recommend it? I think it’s the mm30i and mm70i correct me if im wrong as i dont clearly remember what my friend said to me. And if possible could you please give me a brief overview about Sennheisers products, are they durable, sound quality wise? Cos i’ve heard a lot from my friend about it being that and this and i was just curious if what he’s saying is true. TIA!

  31. If you’re willing to give up a little bit of bass quantity of the A161P, you can get the Etymotic HF5 for only a little more. It uses a similar driver (Knowles ED) with ~equivalent technical performance but is tuned for a slightly more flat/reference sound. The Etys have pretty good cabling, Kevlar-reinforced if I remember correctly. On the pricier end, the TDK BA200 is quite good – somewhat warmer and more smooth than the A161P, but still very accurate. Not sure how good the headphone jack of the S3 is but if it’s not great, a single-driver, crossover-less earphone might be the safer option for audio quality.

  32. Assuming the volume control you want is for an Apple (iPod/iPhone/iPad) device, you have a couple of decent options. The UE600 (https://theheadphonelist.com/headphone_review/ultimate-ears-ue-600-600vi/) is a personal favorite for balanced sound but doesn’t have the greatest durability. The Etymotic MC3 has a more “intrusive” fit but still sounds very balanced and should be more durable in the long run compared to the UE. Both have 3-button remotes.

  33. Hi there, I’m looking for a new set of IEMs. I’ve had two pairs of the Meelec A161P, both returned. I really did like the sound of these, but the build quality let them down. Both sets developed splits in the wiring at the strain relief. Review here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R1W3DRMQ0D4GFN/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm

    I’ve currently got a set of the Meelec DD53P-BK M Duo Dual. Why I bought another Meelec set of IEMs, I do not know, I guess I like them and I think I was in a hurry when I bought them. The build quality is better, but is somewhat let down by the sound. I have a budget of around £100 – £150 GBP, but would like to spend a bit less.

    I usually listen to rock, metal, death metal, soumetimes house, trance.. etc, and I’ll be mainly using them with my Galaxy S3 phone, although I do also own a Cowon J3 which has been unfortunately relegated to the drawer as an extra gadget I don’t really need to carry around.

    I would appreciate some informed suggestions. Thanks, ZetanBloodline

  34. Hi sir, i’m not a person who has deep knowledge about how good an in-ear headphone is but i really love listening to music. I can say that i am a heavy user since i always use it for commuting, when i take a walk, ride my bike and even when i am sleeping.
    What i’m looking for an in-ear headphones are of course good quality of sound and i dont want those heavy bass, durable for my heavy everyday use and i am also looking for those with microphone and volume controls with those options of having to next a track/back from 1 track/pause/play etc.
    I’m willing to spend up to $100
    TIA! 😀

  35. Hey!!

    Finally got my Yamahas today… and boy they look so premium! About the sound quality its very very good, and i’m sure 50 odd hours of burn-in will make them sound even better. The only sad thing is that I overlooked the “Nozzle-mounted driver” which is terrible for my ears as apparently I have narrow ear canals. because of the this the isolation is almost non-existent (unless i push and hold it there with my hands). Haven’t opened the rest of the package yet to find if they have smaller tips that may help.

    Or else i’ll have to buy replacement tips that can fit smaller ear canals. Please help me with some links if possible as to where i can find the tips that fit into the EPH-100.

    Thanks!

  36. My go-to recommendation for EDM is the Yamaha EPH-100. It just has an awesome blend of deep, impactful bass, smoothness, spaciousness, and all-around good sound quality for EDM. It’s definitely still a “fun”-sounding earphone, but coming from a Wooduo2 I’m not sure if going with a balanced set is the right move for an EDM listener.

    That said, if you want to take a step in the accuracy direction without getting something with a flat response or losing the fun factor completely, go for the Dunu DN-1000. While more expensive and less bassy than the EPH-100, it brings clarity and treble energy that the Yamahas can’t quite offer.

  37. With a budget of say $200-250, what would be a good IEM for someone who primarily listens to EDM and J-pop?
    Had a Wooduo 2 which i loved, but unfortunately it got misplaced.
    Thinking of trying something new, the Wooduos had this really “fun” sounding feel, maybe something with a balanced signature?

  38. Depends on what you want in terms of sound signature. The CX300 is a warm and bass-heavy earphone with somewhat laid-back treble. I’ve arranged my four suggestions below in order from most similar to most dissimilar. The most similar earphone I’d recommend is the Dunu DN-23 Landmine. It doesn’t have the best clarity, but it has a bassy and smooth sound that’s very forgiving. The ATH-CKM500 also boasts very good bass but has more treble presence for a more energetic sound overall. I quite liked it for EDM and it’s a great value at $50-60.

    Next are two more hi-fi sets – the JVC HA-FXT90 and JVC HA-FXD80. The FXT90 has good bass presence and bright, crisp treble, still with a warm overall tone. It has better soundstaging and midrange quality than the CKM500. It runs on the expensive side at about $100, though. The FXD80 is brighter and clearer, but has less mid-bass than the other sets mentioned and is overall more treble-tilted. It still has good bass depth, however, and I enjoyed it quite a bit with EDM.

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