I need a set of high-quality earphones...

ElBajista · #1 08-25-2006, 09:10 PM

Anyone have recommendations for a good set of full-range earphones? The set I was using recently broke, but all I could manage to squeak out of them was tinny treble with no midrange or bass response whatsoever.

I usually only wear earphones when doing yardwork, and since this acitivity consists of large amounts of heat, humidity, sweat, and various levels of bodily upright-ness, I can't have earphones that are bulky, fragile, hot, or susceptible to slipping off of my ears.

I don't really want to spend more than $50, and I'd definitely be willing to buy used. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks!

msquared · #2 08-25-2006, 09:14 PM

Check out http://www.headphone.com

lemur821 · #3 08-25-2006, 10:29 PM

How about something in-ear? The really good ones run $100 and up iirc, but Koss (and maybe others) makes some decent ones that make a bass-enabling seal with your ear canal. Not stellar, but they'll produce a full range and powerful bass. Around $20, I think. Maybe less.

cosmicevan · #4 08-25-2006, 10:55 PM

in my quest for new portable headphones, i read a lot of good things about the akg k 26 p but haven't tried them yet. i have a pair of sony's that are just earpieces (not buds) and this really durable wire that i've been using for years and love. i think they can be had for about $30 or less, but they aren't closed ear.

invader3k · #5 08-26-2006, 06:00 AM

Grados are nice, but not exactly heavy duty or anything. Don't know if I'd want to use my pair for yardwork or anything like that. I have the SR-80s.

ElBajista · #6 08-26-2006, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by msquared

Check out http://www.headphone.com

That's a great site! Thanks for the link!

ElBajista · #7 08-26-2006, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lemur821

How about something in-ear? The really good ones run $100 and up iirc, but Koss (and maybe others) makes some decent ones that make a bass-enabling seal with your ear canal. Not stellar, but they'll produce a full range and powerful bass. Around $20, I think. Maybe less.

I think I'm leaning towards this style of earphone. It sounds like what I need for the price I want. I'll definitely check these out. Thanks!

Trevorus · #8 08-26-2006, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lemur821

How about something in-ear? The really good ones run $100 and up iirc, but Koss (and maybe others) makes some decent ones that make a bass-enabling seal with your ear canal. Not stellar, but they'll produce a full range and powerful bass. Around $20, I think. Maybe less.

Koss "The Plug" earphones are fantastic!!! ALso, you can get the RadioShack labeled ones that are just like them (Koss makes radioshack's stuff).

Munjibunga · #9 08-27-2006, 01:13 AM

A standard is the Sony 7506. They're more than $50, but less than $100, and they're very widely used in the recording industry. They're kinda like the SM-58 of headphones.

Cerb · #10 08-27-2006, 01:28 AM

I've tried Sony in-ears, and the only advice I would give is NO! They sound fine, but after a while the cord begins to get gummy and break apart. Even when being extremely careful (I used a case to carry mine and never left them hanging around my neck or in the heat), they start to fall apart right after your ninety days are up. After buying 3 pairs, and getting a couple replacements from Sony I gave up on them.

Now I use Sennheiser in-ears. I think they were $60 on Amazon. They block more outside noise than the Sonys, and they sound 100% better. I've had the same pair for about a year and a half now, and I love 'em.

OrionManMatt · #11 08-27-2006, 01:34 AM

For in-ears and under $200 I'm a big fan of the Etymotic ER-6. I think they're hard to beat for the price.

For cans, Munji is...well right...again. Also look into the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro. Same price. Very balanced.

ElBajista · #12 08-27-2006, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trevorus

Koss "The Plug" earphones are fantastic!!! ALso, you can get the RadioShack labeled ones that are just like them (Koss makes radioshack's stuff).

Do you have a link to the Radioshack earphones you're talking about? I'll stop in my local RadioCrap to see if they have them.

ElBajista · #13 08-27-2006, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cerb

I've tried Sony in-ears, and the only advice I would give is NO! They sound fine, but after a while the cord begins to get gummy and break apart. Even when being extremely careful (I used a case to carry mine and never left them hanging around my neck or in the heat), they start to fall apart right after your ninety days are up. After buying 3 pairs, and getting a couple replacements from Sony I gave up on them.

Now I use Sennheiser in-ears. I think they were $60 on Amazon. They block more outside noise than the Sonys, and they sound 100% better. I've had the same pair for about a year and a half now, and I love 'em.

Do you have a link to the Sennheiser earphones?

Cerb · #14 08-27-2006, 05:12 PM

Sennheisers:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...428119?ie=UTF8
Looks like $54 with the free shipping.

Note: I've also tried Koss' 'The Plug', and while they didn't sound bad, they are a bit too bulky for my liking. The foam sleeves also feel a bit cheap to me.

RWP · #15 08-27-2006, 05:54 PM

If you like the 'over the ear' type, the Sennheiser HD-280's are great. They block out external noise. I have a set and love them. Loud and great bass

Headroom · #16 08-27-2006, 07:59 PM

In-ear phones are probably the best choice for outdoor labor activities- as long as care is taken to protect hearing. I've used a pair of SR-60's for the past 7 years and I've found them to be superb headphones. Here is an alternative for you to consider that likely offers the best sound quality available for under $50:

http://playlistmag.com/news/2006/07/20/grado/index.php

bobbykokinos · #17 08-27-2006, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trevorus

Koss "The Plug" earphones are fantastic!!! ALso, you can get the RadioShack labeled ones that are just like them (Koss makes radioshack's stuff).

+1

These are what he's talking about:

http://www.aerostich.com/product.php?productid=16305

These are GREAT headphones for the money.. I think I bought them at Walmart (or Meijer) for $14.00. I could cut the lawn on the riding mower and listen to my MP3 player with no problems at all and a decent amount of bass response..

For $14.00 you cant go wrong and its worth the try. Just make sure you get the foam in your ear. You have to pinch them like ear plugs and put them in (not too far though).. They do sound wear if they arent sealed in your ear right.

ElBajista · #18 08-28-2006, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobbykokinos

+1

These are what he's talking about:

http://www.aerostich.com/product.php?productid=16305

These are GREAT headphones for the money.. I think I bought them at Walmart (or Meijer) for $14.00. I could cut the lawn on the riding mower and listen to my MP3 player with no problems at all and a decent amount of bass response..

For $14.00 you cant go wrong and its worth the try. Just make sure you get the foam in your ear. You have to pinch them like ear plugs and put them in (not too far though).. They do sound wear if they arent sealed in your ear right.

Wow, Thanks for all of the responses! Looking at my budget (or lack thereof), I'm going to for these $14 Koss earphones. I can't beat that price.

Thanks again!

MagicianMan · #19 08-28-2006, 09:16 AM

Shures are a tad overpriced but certainly some of the best out there. I have the EC2s and it is by far the best pair of in-ears I've tried (ie better then the $50 sony pair that fell apart on me). If you want to you can spend upwards of $500 on their top of the line stuff but that's just a little crazy to me.

Cerb · #20 08-28-2006, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MagicianMan

(ie better then the $50 sony pair that fell apart on me).

The Sonys are definately horrible. I had quite a few fall apart on me before I switched to Sennheiser.