Not really "home theater" but about headphones/earphones... (1 Viewer)

[Derek Kan]

SORRY, I know this isn't exactly a home theater question, but I really need some good advice, and I know many of you here are audio experts. Basically, I really want to buy some good headphones/earphones for my new mp3 player (and occasionally my cd discman). These are some of things that I want them to have:

-I don't want them to be too big, actually I prefer earbuds, mainly cuz I'm going to be using them for walking around, NOT for home use. So, basically, not BIG and BULKY phones, I much prefer small and sleek.
-Obviously, very clear/crisp sound, but I really want it to have good bass. I don't know if that's possible with earbuds... but if it is, awesome!
-Price range: nothing more than $150, but if they are REALLY good earphones/headphones, then I am willing to put down a good chunk of money.

Thanks everyone. I appreciate any help.

Derek

 

[Dustin B]

I think this is what you are looking for:
http://www.headphone.com/layout.php?...&subTopicID=15
If you want, splurge for the ER4; otherwise the ER6 is in your stated price range:
Link Removed

 

[keir]

my brother has the er6 and it sounds extremely good. you have to stick them pretty far in the ear, but its not uncomfortable when you get it right.

 

[Derek Kan]

WOW,

I've never heard of these type of earphones, that actaully go into the ear canal! The ER-6 does sound perfect for me, and I'm definitely willing to spend $130 on them.

However, the whole ear-canal thing is king of intimidating. I see it as being pretty uncomfortable, though I'm assuming it has to be somewhat comfortable since they are such expensive earphones? Also, is there any risk of damaging the ear drum by sticking something so far into the ear? And do they fall out easily? And one last qustion, how do they look when someone is wearing them? Does the earbud thingy stick out of the ear at all? Or does it look like there are wires coming out of my ear??!

Just curious, but from reading those articles/reviews/descriptions, I might very well buy the ER-6, but I would like to know some of the things I just asked, before plopping down $100+.

Thanks!

Derek

 

[keir]

they are pretty comfortable and easy to wear after you get it right. they dont fall out until you pull them out because they are sealing the air off from outside almost completely. to others they look like normal earbuds when being worn. they dont touch anything near the eardrum so they wont cause any more damage than anything else. its easier to get damaging volumes with headphones so you have to be careful with any headphone.

 

[Dustin B]

I've never actually seen them so I can't comment on keir's first few comments. But I'll suggest you read his last point again. Very very true.

 

[Fong]

the er6s are supposed to be pretty good. however, some people on the headwize forums say that if you're going to be walking around, you should wrap the wire behind your ear (similar to some phones that attach to your ear) to reduce the noise that you will hear if anything hits the wire. this shouldnt be too big a problem if you're just walking around, but it is if you plan on running with them. i've heard about some people even taping the wire to their clothes/body which apparently helps. this shouldnt deter you from buying them though, just something to be mindful of.

 

[Ned]

Grado SR-80's make great portable headphones. About $90 and will run off anything basically (portable, soundcard, receiver, cd player). I suggest adding the "comfy pad" replacement earpads if you are interested in them. The pads they come with are pretty stiff/rough.

 

[Derek Kan]

Thanks for all the feedback. I checked up on the Grado SR-80's, and I think those are a bit too bulky for my liking (to be walking around with).

However, the ER-6, in terms of the wire hitting my shirt or something when i'm walking/running, I'm not too worried about that. Thanks though. However, what I'm actually nervous about, is that if it blocks out ALL the sound from my ear, I'm thinking it might be kind of dangerous to walk around the city and the UC Campus. And as one of my very concerned female friends said to me last night, "You could get mugged and you won't even know it!"

Is this true, I mean to a certain extent? Should I be worried that I can't hear anything outside of the music? I guess it could be dangerous if I can't hear a car honking at me or something, or not to my advantage if I can't hear a friend calling my name when I'm walking around campus. Should this be any concern of mine? Or can I still faintly hear what's going on outside the earphones?

Thanks for your help! I'm almost done deciding, just need to be sure...

Derek

 

[Stephen Matthew]

i have been very impressed by my sennheiser hd-575 headphones.. not to opricey online and offer incredible sound... great bass. not harsh at all in any aspect.. they are full sized, but they have a lining and design that will make you forget they are on.. lightweight also... and you can easily hear outside sounds as they are open headphones.. great set imo.

 

[Fong]

heh well the er6s do cut out i think 10-20 db of sound (iirc), which is enough to make it hard to hear someone in a normal conversation. so if you're worried about being mugged, just dont wear them at nite : )~ as for using them in the car...i dont know if that's a good idea. kind of like letting a deaf person drive (not to be offensive or anything), its probably possible, just kinda dangerous.

 

[Derek Kan]

>>>as for using them in the car...i dont know if that's a good idea. kind of like letting a deaf person drive (not to be offensive or anything), its probably possible, just kinda dangerous.


Haha. Actaully, what I meant was when I'm walking around the city and stuff (I'm a good ol' college student with no transportation buy my feet), NOT driving with them on... I think that that's illegal too! Hehe. But yeah, decisions decisions...

Derek

 

[Cliff]

Derek,
The Sennheiser HD-495 is said to be an excellent headphone for portable devices. Excellent quality, VERY light weight, low impedance (so it can be driven to adequate volumes by portable players). The earcups are supra-aural, which are less bulky (and therefore perhaps better while on the move) than the larger circum-aural cups of the 500 series. Also, no need to worry about blocking out external sounds. The best part is that these are on sale (perhaps close-out sale?) for under $50 here. I have one on order. If you are interested, I will give you my impressions after I test it when it arrives.
Good luck,
Cliff

 

[Stephen Matthew]

yeah that is the only problem i have found with my 575's, they tend are high impedance headphones, and most portables must be tuned all the way up to reach decent listening levels.

 

[Mark Larson]

You'll want to get your ears professionally cleaned and waxed () before you stick those probes in your ears!