Model (bold = newly added)
|
Estimated Price
|
SQ (#/5)
|
Value (#/5)
|
$910
|
5
| 4.95 | |
| T-PEOS H-200 |
$256
|
4.95
|
4.9
|
$250
|
4.95
|
4.75
| |
$400
|
4.9
|
4.8
| |
$185
|
4.85
|
4.85
| |
$120
|
4.85
|
4.9
| |
$250
|
4.85
|
4.9
| |
$150
|
4.85
|
4.9
| |
$152
|
4.83
|
4.85
| |
Ultimate Ears’ Triple.fi 10 Pro
|
$200
|
4.8
|
4.75
|
$150
|
4.8
|
4.9
| |
Fischer Audio Eterna *see note 1
|
N/A
|
4.75
|
--
|
$290
|
4.75
|
4.6
| |
| HifiMan RE400 |
$99
| 4.75 | 5 |
$210
|
4.7
|
4.7
| |
| Sony XBA-4 |
$350
|
4.7
|
4.55
|
$320
|
4.7
|
4.65
| |
$199
|
4.7
|
4.7
| |
$150
|
4.7
|
4.5
| |
$250
|
4.7
|
4.65
| |
Shure SE530*
|
$450
|
4.7
|
4
|
$80
|
4.65
|
4.95
| |
$300
|
4.65
|
4.55
| |
$300
|
4.65
|
4.5
| |
$170
|
4.63
|
5
| |
$199
|
4.63
|
4.8
| |
$160
|
4.63
|
4.9
| |
$80
|
4.63
|
4.85
| |
$159
|
4.6
|
5
| |
$150
|
4.6
|
4.8
| |
$200
|
4.6
|
4.75
| |
$85
|
4.6
|
4.85
| |
$175
|
4.6
|
4.85
| |
$70
|
4.6
|
4.85
| |
$99
|
4.6
|
4.9
| |
Head-Direct RE0
|
$79
|
4.6
|
4.95
|
$80
|
4.6
|
5
| |
$160
|
4.6
|
4.75
| |
$300
|
4.6
|
4.5
| |
Westone UM2
|
$250
|
4.6
|
4.0
|
$99
|
4.5
|
4.85
| |
$120
|
4.5
|
4.75
| |
$120
|
4.5
|
4.8
| |
$99
|
4.5
|
4.8
| |
$59
|
4.5
|
4.8
| |
$64
|
4.5
|
4.7
| |
Head-Direct’s RE1* (amp’ed)
|
$79
|
4.5
|
4.5
|
$80
|
4.4
|
4.8
| |
$130
|
4.4
|
4.6
| |
$70
|
4.4
|
4.65
| |
$64
|
4.4
|
4.85
| |
$133
|
4.35
|
4.7
| |
$80
|
4.35
|
4.65
| |
Sleek Audio SA6
|
$150
|
4.35
|
4.3
|
$110
|
4.3
|
4.65
| |
$60
|
4.3
|
4.8
| |
$57
|
4.3
|
4.65
| |
$58
|
4.25
|
4.8
| |
$80
|
4.25
|
4.75
| |
$115
|
4.2
|
4.5
| |
| Brainwavz M4 |
$70
|
4.2
|
4.75
|
| Red Giant A00 Malleus |
$60
|
4.2
|
4.65
|
Sony MDR-EX700SL
|
$185
|
4.2
|
4.3
|
| DUNU Landmine |
$80
|
4.1
|
4.85
|
$45
|
4.1
|
4.9
| |
Future Sonics Atrio M5 rev.2
|
$180
|
4.1
|
4.4
|
$95
|
4.1
|
4.8
| |
$95
|
4.1
|
4.8
| |
$75
|
4.1
|
4.85
| |
$55
|
4.1
|
4.8
| |
| T-PEOS D-200 |
$24
|
4.05
|
4.85
|
$62
|
4.05
|
4.75
| |
$80
|
4.05
|
4.8
| |
$75
|
4.05
|
4.65
| |
$90
|
4.05
|
4.8
| |
JAYS q-JAYS
|
$170
|
4
|
4.3
|
$80
|
4
|
4.6
| |
| beyerdynamic XP2 |
$58
|
4
|
4.8
|
| beyerdynamic XP3 |
$58
|
4
|
4.8
|
$45
|
4
|
4.85
| |
$57
|
4
|
4.8
| |
| Final Audio Design Adagio V |
$150
|
4
|
3.9
|
$55
|
4
|
4.75
| |
$65
|
4
|
4.75
| |
$75
|
4
|
4.85
| |
$79
|
4
|
4.7
| |
$90
|
4
|
4.75
| |
$80
|
4
|
4.80
| |
$50
|
4
|
4.7
| |
$57
|
4
|
4.75
| |
| beyerdynamic XP1 |
$58
|
3.95
|
4.75
|
$50
|
3.95
|
4.75
| |
$79
|
3.95
|
4.6
| |
$60
|
3.8
|
4.7
| |
$40
|
3.75
|
4.85
| |
$70
|
3.75
|
4.3
| |
$95
|
3.7
|
3.8
| |
$95
|
3.7
|
3.8
| |
$60
|
3.7
|
4.75
| |
$97
|
3.7
|
4.65
| |
$41
|
3.7
|
4.7
| |
$40
|
3.7
|
4.75
| |
$82
|
3.7
|
4.2
| |
$79
|
3.7
|
4.7
| |
$64
|
3.7
|
4.4
| |
$78
|
3.7
|
4.2
| |
$35
|
3.7
|
4.9
| |
$42
|
3.6
|
4.5
| |
$85
|
3.6
|
3.9
| |
| DUNU Hawkeye |
$70
|
3.5
|
4.55
|
Altec Lansing iM716*
|
N/A
|
3.5
|
--
|
$45
|
3.45
|
4.7
| |
$57
|
.45
|
4.4
| |
$75
|
.4
|
4.7
| |
$60
|
3.4
|
4.75
| |
$55
|
3.4
|
4.7
| |
$49
|
3.4
|
4.65
| |
$35
|
3.4
|
4.75
| |
$40
|
3.4
|
4.75
| |
$50
|
3.4
|
4.7
| |
$50
|
3.4
|
4.75
| |
$80
|
3.4
|
4
| |
$45
|
3.35
|
4.75
| |
$26
|
3.35
|
4.85
| |
$25
|
3.35
|
4.85
| |
$40
|
3.35
|
4.85
| |
$39
|
3.35
|
4.8
| |
| Samsung EBS64# |
$6
|
3.35
|
4.5
|
| Sony MH750 |
$15
|
3.35
|
4.4
|
| DUNU Detonator |
$45
|
3.3
|
4.65
|
| RHA MA-350 |
$48
|
3.3
|
4.5
|
$79
|
3.3
|
3.9
| |
$50
|
3.3
|
4.35
| |
N/A
|
3.3
|
--
| |
NuForce NE-7M*
|
$50
|
3.3
|
4.35
|
$40
|
3.25
|
4.2
| |
$80
|
3.25
|
3.8
| |
$50
|
3.25
|
4.55
| |
Apple In-Ear Headphones with Remote and Mic
|
$25~79
|
3.2
|
4.7 ~ 3.7
|
Head-Direct’s RE2
|
$40
|
3.2
|
4.6
|
$30
|
3.2
|
4.6
| |
$35
|
3.2
|
4.7
| |
$90
|
3.2
|
4.1
| |
N/A
|
3.2
|
--
| |
| $34 |
3.2
|
4.6
| |
$88
|
3.15
|
3.75
| |
$45
|
3.15
|
4.6
| |
$100
|
3.15
|
3.7
| |
$20
|
3.1
|
4.85
| |
$25
|
3
|
4.6
| |
Shure E3c
|
$100
|
3
|
3.5
|
Etymotic ER6i
|
$70
|
3
|
3.8
|
$31
|
2.8
|
4.5
| |
$16
|
2.75
|
4.5
| |
N/A
|
2.75
|
--
| |
$34
|
2.75
|
4.4
| |
$40
|
2.75
|
4.4
| |
$22
|
2.7
|
4.6
| |
$21
|
2.7
|
4.7
| |
$12
|
2.7
|
4.6
| |
N/A
|
2.7
|
--
| |
$30
|
2.65
|
4
| |
$60
|
2.65
|
4.3
| |
$29
|
2.6
|
4.4
| |
CrossRoads MylarOne X3
|
N/A
|
2.6
|
--
|
$40
|
2.5
|
4.5
| |
| ECCI PG100 |
$18
|
2.5
|
4.5
|
$21
|
2.5
|
4
| |
Hippo Boom
|
$35
|
2.5
|
4
|
CrossRoads MylarOne Bijou 3
|
$57
|
2.5
|
2.9
|
SoundMAGIC PL-30
|
$25
|
2.5
|
4.1
|
Kanon MD-52
|
$10
|
2.5
|
3.2
|
$30
|
2.45
|
4.2
| |
$48
|
2.45
|
3.3
| |
$19
|
2.45
|
4
| |
Astello Radiance+
|
$30~42
|
2.45
|
4.2 ~ 4.0
|
$25
|
2.4
|
4.6
| |
$20
|
2.4
|
4.4
| |
SoundMAGIC PL-11
|
$15
|
2.4
|
4.3
|
$20
|
2.4
|
3.2
| |
$15
|
2.4
|
4
| |
| HTC RC-E190 |
$21
|
2.4
|
3.8
|
$50
|
2.4
|
4.2
| |
$21
|
2.4
|
3.5
| |
SoundMAGIC PL-20
|
$15
|
2.4
|
4.3
|
$16.50
|
2.4
|
4
| |
$27
|
2.3
|
3
| |
Sennheiser CX300
|
$20~30
|
2.2
|
3
|
Sony MDR-EX85SL
|
$40
|
2.2
|
2.9
|
$8
|
2.1
|
3.3
| |
Creative EP-630
|
$40
|
2
|
2.5
|
$16
|
1.4
|
2.2
| |
$6
|
1.3
|
3
|
This list is based upon personal assessment and opinion, and may change or update without any notice. All of these IEM has been reviewed by me one way or another, so check in this blog or Head-fi.org to find out more detailed review. Alternatively, read the Multi-IEM Shootout for a concise comparison.
Bewared, simple numeric ranking is fundamentally flawed as all detail are ignored. As the reader you must understand that sound signature is as important as the sound quality. You will be better off with an IEM of lesser sound quality but fits your taste than an IEM of higher quality but you don't enjoy. Remember, music is for enjoyment and headphone is no more than a instrument to fulfill that goal. An cheap instrument that does what you ask worth a lot more than an expensive instrument that sits on the shelf. Never takes this ranking as it is, there are reasons why these IEM are ranked in such order and you might not agree with the reasoning. So please do your own research as well as read into my past reviews to determine which IEM suits you best.
* Value ranking of 4.85 and over is designated the Sonic Diamond Award™ for outstanding price / performance ratio after considering all aspects of the IEM, including SQ, design, fit, customer service, availability, etc.
Last Update: June.10th, 2013.
Note 1: Due to the reintroduction of the Eterna v1, the original rating is temporally grayed out until I have a chance to confirm that the new v1 will be the same as the original v1.
Bewared, simple numeric ranking is fundamentally flawed as all detail are ignored. As the reader you must understand that sound signature is as important as the sound quality. You will be better off with an IEM of lesser sound quality but fits your taste than an IEM of higher quality but you don't enjoy. Remember, music is for enjoyment and headphone is no more than a instrument to fulfill that goal. An cheap instrument that does what you ask worth a lot more than an expensive instrument that sits on the shelf. Never takes this ranking as it is, there are reasons why these IEM are ranked in such order and you might not agree with the reasoning. So please do your own research as well as read into my past reviews to determine which IEM suits you best.
* Value ranking of 4.85 and over is designated the Sonic Diamond Award™ for outstanding price / performance ratio after considering all aspects of the IEM, including SQ, design, fit, customer service, availability, etc.
Last Update: June.10th, 2013.
Note 1: Due to the reintroduction of the Eterna v1, the original rating is temporally grayed out until I have a chance to confirm that the new v1 will be the same as the original v1.
Posts
170 comments:
Hi
My friend after she listened to the GR07, she was very excited and loved in ear headphones since then. However, she wanted something that has iphone MIC / volume control on it. We received the Phonak 122 but she didnt like the sound signature so we returned it. Isthere any good headphones with ipod control? We live in UK and budget is about 200 UK pounds :)
Thanks!
And the look of the headphones is quite important to her too :)
Just want to ask, have your friend tried both two type of filters in PFE122 before returning it? The black filter actually sounds closer to GR07 than the more analytical sounding grey filter. She might have missed out on a sound she might like if she haven't tried it out.
Unfortunately there really isn't any GR07's level of IEM with an iPod remote+mic, left alone being stylish. I am just going to suggest she look into the Ultimate Ears 600vi which has been fairly well received by many, though I haven't listened personally.
Oh, she hasn't tried the black filter yet. I will tell her to do that today. We also are looking a the Klipsch X10i, what's your view on it :)
X10 has a mid centric sound, though it probably is not going to be better sounding than PFE with the black filter.
Hi
i had the PL-50 for a few months, but didnt like the sound, very limited. so i tried the A151, it offered a better sound but i couldnt 'like' it, too.
i was thinking about the GR06 for while, should i give it a try?
or even the am-90??
PL50 and A151 are both warm sounding. If you don't really enjoy the kind of sound signature at the first place, I really don't see much point of trying out GR06 or AM-90 since they share a lot of common ground with PL50 and A151. Unless you know what kind of sound you exactly like or dislike, it is hard to recommend anything to you.
Read this (the description on each sound signature) and perhaps it will get you an better idea: http://www.head-fi.org/t/541204/concise-multi-iem-comparison-tdk-eb950-ba100-ba200-added-june-2nd-2012
ok. now after reading them, i know that i dont want Balanced and Bass as the midrange and vocals are recessed. i want some punch and sparkle, but not overwhelming
but also i dont like the too mid-centred like the PL50, which lacks on both ends, very light bass and shy treble.
maybe some middle ground btwn Mid and Analytical?
Seem to me you'll like something more casual and all-around. I'll pick Shure SE215 and Fischer Audio Consonance. If you want something more budget, SoundMAGIC E30 is another good choice but it could also be slightly too neutral for you.
^ thank you very much. those are easy to find too
There's no edit button, so I'll just ask again. :)
I've bought the GR07 based on your review. The sound is good, but I fell asleep often when listening to music with it. I guess I need something that's more fun / musical (whatever the correct term is).
That being said, I'm interested between the TDK BA200 and VSonic GR01. Which one has the better fun / musical factor and compared to the GR07?
BA200. It has a livelier presentation than GR01.
hi clieos
i've read a few good opinions about the Astrotec AM-90.
but what's your opinion about them in sound? worth the money?
how is the fit, comfort, build and isolation?
AM-90 is well worth the money. In fact, it is great for the money. However, it is Knowles Siren based and so the SQ is comparable to other IEM of the same series of BA driver, such as MEElec A151 oir Sherwood SE-777. Detail review will be posted at a later time.
Hello, between gr07 and ba200. Which has a wider soundstage, cleaner seperation, and quantity of bass.
If i'm looking to upgrade to a more nautral sounding iem. Would ba200 be a good choice?
Would also want to know if which of those 2 would be less fatiguing to listen to (:. !
Thank you !
Hi clieos,
The sony XBA-1 is available for $67 at a retailer here which is lowest available price i guess.I'm tempted to buy them.I have the re-zero and a few days back you said XBA-1 are like side stepping in the same SQ levels.with your initial impressions fo XBA-1, do think its worth buying them at this price,are they above A151 and near to TDK BA100 in rating.are they one of the contenders for your Sonic Diamond Award.I know i'm asking too much before the review is posted:-).but kindly try to answer & help me decide to buy or not.
@Phe, GR07 has wider soundstage and quantity of bass, but BA200 has a cleaner separation. I won't call BA200 a neutral sounding IEM. GR07 probably fits that definition closer and yet it is not really neutral when all things considered. If you only are looking for the more neutral of the two, I'll say GR07 is the one. Neither are fatiguing to listen.
@hzant6681, at $67, I'll say it is really a good buy. Yes, I'll put XBA-1 over A151 and BA100 in general.
Thanks clieos im buying them today :-)
i;m trying to decide between the VSonic GR06 and the GR04 Flagship. i guess isolation is the same on both , right? but which is more comfortable ?
and more versatile with music genres?
They are both quite comfortable, but GR04 has to be wore over-the-ear (which might need some getting used to if you never wear IEM such way). Isolation is about the same. As for versatility, GR04 Flagship is better.
you mean the 06 can be worn straight down?
and is the Flagship closer to the 07?
OH no, I was meant to say both GR04 and GR06 needed to be wore over-the-ear. As far as presentation goes - yes, I'll say GR04 Flagship is closer to GR07.
thank you. i can get the Flagship for less than $60, so it seems a good deal
HiI clieos
I am new about all this iem and i dont know what type of iem is fit for me I think about to buy triplefi 10, do you have any other suggest?
If you have no idea what you want, it will be impossible for me to recommend anything tailored to your taste. What I can say is that I always like TF10, and as long as you have read the review about it and it seems to suit you, then I won't mind recommending it as well.
I from indonesia, where can i get tf10?
I am not familiar with your country at all. Jaben Indonesia perhaps?
In jaben it cost about $300 and i think it expensive because i look on amazon it just cost $175 but i dont know if this can be ship to indonesia
Well, you will have to find that out from Amazon.
Hi clie os
I like accoustic music,i think about ue700 or shure215 ,which is more good for me?
UE700 is definitely a better sounding IEM than SE215. However, I personally prefer something more neutral and has better treble extension than those two, say Phonak PFE. owever, if we are talking mainly on guitar and any instrument that focus on mid to lower end frequency, UE700 should be alright.
In other kind of music is ue 700 still better than shure215?
I think it is quite safe to say UE700 is universally better than SE215, unless you rather prefer a more fun and dynamic sound over that of accuracy.
You mean in hip hop or r&b music se215 more good than ue700?
Again, that depends how you like your music to sound like - UE700 for accuracy and SE215 for an more fun and dynamic sound. For hip-hop and R&B, you might prefer a fun sound over accuracy.
So,if ue700 and se215 compare with phonak pfe which is more good?
Hi Tai
i see you got the Rockitsound samples?
i'd like to know about both the R-30 and R-50
how is the build, fit, comfort and isolation.
and what's the sound signature
and also for the R-50 how it stands and compares against other TWFK iems
thank you
@Anonymous, which is good is not (that) important. You need to understand they all sound very different from each other and thus labeling good/bad is just oversimplifying things and won't help you pick the right IEM. I can tell you UE700 is warm and sweet with good texture and detail on the mid and low. SE215 is technically not as good but more fun to listen because it offers bigger impact and more dynamic. Phonak is neutral, very detail and more for reference listening, especially great for classic music or instrumental when detail is crucial to the lister.
@7Heaven. I just got them two days ago and only unboxed them yesterday. It will take me some time to burn-in and listen to them all, so at this point I am not going to say much about them just yet.
i see. sorry for the rush. i'll ask later then
Clieos,
lendmeurears is selling the GR04 Flagship for $50. i dont know how good of a deal it is, but it was originally $100. and now cheaper than the GR06 ?
do you think it´s worth?
how does is stands against the SE215?
I don't think I have heard of the GR04 Flagship. The one I have reviewed, which was called R04 back then, should be the GR04 Classical edition. Thus I really don't know on how it sounds.
Hello tai, more musical, astrotec am-90 or brainwavs m1? I like detail, huge soundstage, and sweet vocal. My budget $60, have a recomendation?
AM-90 is definitely better sounding than M1, but you won't find a lot of detail or huge soundstage on either of them. A sweet vocal will cut down on soundstage, since vocal must be somewhat upfront to be sweet, and being upfront means you can't have a huge soundstage. You will have to pick one, either sweet vocal or soundstage.
Thx a lot tai,
can I take both of them for $100?
You can't have both at any price range. The extreme end of one of them will contradict the other.
Hi ClieOS,
Its time for me to seek for your advice again :-).As you know i recently bought the XBA-1 for a great price of $67 and it has become my 2nd best IEM. Still i need something better than RE-zero.(i hope this will be my last upgrade for a while)The Re-262 are available for $119 with a retailer here.otherwise they cost $149 on head-direct. I was thinking of Sony EX600 on a similar price.Between Sony EX600 & RE-262 which do think is the best & an all rounder for almost all genres (EDM included) i listen to 70%rock & 30% EDM.
sorry forgot to mention one more thing, i have soundmagic A10 amp.how is the synergy between Re-262& A10?
EX600 is a better all-arounder while RE262 is better sounding. A10 will be a bad pair to RE262 actually, since it will make RE262 excessively warm.
Hello tai, I am looking to upgrade my Mee m6p, do you have any suggestions on what might have a similar sound but better? If there is an inline control like m6p the better. Thanks!
Do we have a price range here? Cause the sky is the limit if you are willing to go all out...
Anyway, if you are planning to stick to MEElec, their new A161P is getting really good reviews. If you were like to keep it under $100, there are the SoundMAGIC E10M ($45) and the Brainwavz M4 with mic ($80). If we really are talking about sky's limit here, there are always the UE Triple.fi 10 with mic as well as the Atomic Floyd SuperDarts.
How about the Dunu Trident? I am pretty much going away from Soundmagic, I owned the PL30 and it was quite traumatic for me because of the build quality which sucked. Also what I loved about M6 was the isolataion with the triple flange. I got the newer packaging and the smaller triple flange fit my ears just right and was the best tips I have used (prior to Soundmagic olives). Is thre an IEM which gives such an excellent seal? I really loved M6 however I'm no longer a student and I pretty much have tons of budget so I would like to upgrade to something better. :D
M6 has a balanced sound, Trident is just about the opposite of that kind of sound. But Trident is very well built, so that won't be a concern. If budget isn't a concern anymore, I'll more incline to recommend you something much better - Etymotic hf3 (or hf2, depends on what kind of cellphone you used) or Phonak PFE121. Both are excellent IEM of their own - they are not direct upgrade of M6, but they are certain a very good upgrade nonetheless.
I don't use a phone and unfortunately there are no sellers of both Phonak and Etymotic here in my country. I didn't notice that M6 had a balanced sound, I actually found it to be fun sounding compared to others, much like a v-moda product.
I still have the earguides of PL30, can I use it with the trident so it can be over the ear? Lastly the trident available here in my country has an angled jack, do you know if there are a lot of differences with this compared to the one you reviewed? Thank you very much for all the replies!
A 'balanced' sound is just a description for having a V-shaped frequency response curve. It can be fun sounding as well.
Yes, you can use the earguide on Trident. The angled jack is from a later batch after my review. DUNU changes it due to popular demand.
hi Tai
i'm looking for a well isolating, still comfortable iem. Etymotic, Shure and Westone are very expensive to get here, so i thought about the DBA02 mk2 and the R-50, which can use Olives
what are the differences if any btwn both.
and are there something to consider, maybe at the sub $100 range, even if a bit less isolating?
thanks in advance!
SQ wise, I'll say DBA-02 MK2 and R-50 is actually quite close. If anything, DBA-02 MK2 sounds just a tiny bit brighter while R-50 is a tad warmer. Beyond that, I'll say they are pretty much at the same level.
Anything under $100 that isn't Etymotic or Shure will not likely to have a lot of isolation, not the SQ to match DBA-02 MK2 or R-50. But if you are interested in Rockit Sounds and don't want to spend that much money, their lower end models are excellent as well. R-30 will be something to be considered.
what's the R-30 sound? is it like the SBA-03?
and is the fit/comfort like the Eterna? because they look big
R-30 is smoother than SBA-03 and not quite as detail. But consider SBA-03 is a more expensive, I think that should be expected.
Eterna fits me just fine, though I won't recommend to anyone with small ears.
the Eterna also fit me very good. a bit tight maybe, but still very comfy
so, is the R-30 bigger?
Yes, R-30 is bigger than Eterna. But if you have no problem with Eterna, then likely R-30 will fit you as well.
Ended up buying Feels Pro 900. Dunu trident was so microphonic and it felt heavy for my ears. It's a great sounding IEM but I wasn't comfortable with it. Feels was available cheaper than the a151 and it was more bassy which I kinda liked.
Hi been meaning to ask what IEM under $50 would you recommend. I'm a basshead, has a m31 and i loved it. Trying to look for something with the same amount of bass, would the VSONIC GR02 Bass Edition be something you would recommend?
I won't exactly call BR02 Bass Edition a bass monster, but it does have a good amount of bass and overall an improvement over M31, so why not?
You got any recommendation for bass monster's within my budget? Soundmagic PL-11? NuForce NE-7M?
If you are already considering GR02 Bass Edition, then either PL-11 or NE-7M will be like going backward. VSONIC is the smarter choice here.
Dude, I suggest you to try out the Superlux HD381 series. I have the F version and I prefer it over the RE0. I'll see if it can improve much after some burn in (just got it about an hour earlier).
I've been reading reviews on the vsonic gr01 and they are often compared to the gr07. I was thinking which one would be better for in most aspects.
"...While GR01 does sound better than most TWFK based IEM, it doesn’t surpass GR07 by much – more polite and more balance technically, GR01 represent another highly tuned IEM from VSONIC that can sit face to face with GR07 without coming short. Where GR07 excels in texture, bass and soundstage, GR01 excels in detail, control and linearity in frequency response."
They are so incredible close technically it can really be argued on which is ultimately 'better'.
Hey Clieos!
D'u plan to review Rockit sounds R-50 anytime??
How does it sound compared to GR01 and BA200?
Sorry for the delay, but as you can see there are quite a few IEM and gears waiting for review so it will takes some time. However, if you are only looking for some fast fact, I think I can help. Sound signature wise, I think R-50 shares pretty much the same sound as GR01, and most of its SQ too. That being said, R-50 is right up there with the big boys and the relatively low price is a big plus.
I know :-) I own them. I am eagerly waiting for your review of the R-50.
hi Tai.
any short comparisions between the triple BA:
TF10, XBA-3 and W3? from what i read they all got a V-shaped sound, but that;s all
I have heard all three but only own TF10, so take this with a big grain of salt. I'll place XBA-3 around the same level as TF10, and probably just a bit higher. It has a slightly V-shaped sound, but not as much as TF10. I'll place W3 below UM2, which means it is much further down from TF10. It has a very deep V sound, treble is rough and bass is uncontrolled. Personally, I find it almost a failure within Westone's line-up.
hi Tai
can you suggest an alternative to the RE-0, but more durable?
thank you
Phonak PFE1xx and Etymotic ER4S are what in my mind. RE272 will work as well, assuming you don't mind the same brand.
i see you got the FXD80 ?
they're being well-praised in head-fi. but i'd like to know your (at least early) opinion.
cheers
Yes, I just got the FXD80. As far as early impression goes, I'll say I can totally understand why it has received so much praise. It is indeed quite an impressive IEM for the price, through I won't go as far as calling it a top-tier just yet.
need help. Can you guys help me compare soundmagic e10 and meelec m31 and meelec sp51. Which has the best bass and overall sound.
SP51 has the best sound of the three. E10 has the biggest bass. M31 isn't nearly as good as the other two. For overall sound, I'll recommend SP51 first.
is m31 bass or sp51 bass better?quantity and quality.
rate on a scale of 1 to 10. 10 being the best
The SQ of the two are so far apart, comparison really makes not much sense. Unless you can't afford the SP51 (in which it doesn't matter how good it is), I really see no point of getting the M31.
i just saw the AudioFly AF45 in your list.
could you share some impressions?
Excellent build quality and pretty good sound quality. Too early to make any real conclusion at this point since I only just received it.
Ive been looking for a new more high-end IEM and some that I'm considering are the GR07, e-Q5, RE262 and R-50 I don't want to spend over 200 dollars. Of thoughs which would be the best for music like hip hop, pop, electronic and some classical/ambient type music.
Thanks,
Andy
Hi can you help, can you scale the vsonic gr02 bass edition, sp51 bass quantity and sound with m31. i need a rough estimate as i had m31 before.
@Andy
R-50 will best fit what you are looking for, followed by GR07. e-Q5 won't be the best for Classical, and RE262 just isn't what you'll want.
@Haiimin78
Bass quantity wise:
M31: 5/5 | SP51: 5/5 | GR02Bass: 3/5
Bass quality wise:
M31: 2/5 | SP51: 4/5 | GR02Bass: 3/5
thx just got sp51, didn't regret at all. definitely a good upgrade from m31
Hello Tai
I’m reading your reviews for 2 weeks and learned alot from them.
I’m looking for an IEM around 50 $.I listen wide range of music from New Wave and Post-Punk to Electroclash and Synth-Pop.But I listen only female vocal.Except female vocal, I’d like to have decent bass and decent instrument seperation if it’possible(only decent).
Due to this wide range .I’m thinking to buy a versatile IEM with lack of any particular weakness (except soundstage since I want a midbased IEM) and without excels in anything (except upper mid/lower treble) like you put it on your Vsonic GR02 Bass edition and GR99 review.
I was thinking to buy MEElectronics A151 but i read somewhere else that female vocal doesn't sound good since the upper mid and treble is rather smooth.Though I dont know for sure if it’s true.
I can’t decide between MEElectronics A151, Brainwavz M5, VSonic GR99, GR02 Bass Edition, GR06 and Soundmagic EH11.And I’m looking for Beyerdynamic XP Series.Also I’m open to any other suggestions around 50 $.
Thanks
Ruby
Out of what you have listed, I'll say M5 is closer to what you'll probably want. I'll be reviewing the XP series, but unfortunately I have not received them yet and thus don't know whether they will be better choice or not.
Hello Tai
Thanks.I'll wait your XP review to be sure.Thanks again for the suggestion.
Ruby
Hi ClieOS,
have you received the Hier 4.ai world tour package? if yes do they top your list in terms of SQ coz now i'm looking for an upgrade on my DBA MKII. swimsonny from head-fi says they are like DBAs on Steriods :-)
I won't receive them till the mid~end of next month.
Hi.
Could you tell me some info about fischer audio eterna v.1? Does it come back to shops? I'm really confused after read reviews few pairs of headphones. I'm looking for a pair for a bass lover (east coast 90s, also like a new album Nelly Furtado) Can you recommend me something?
I think all the Eterna in sale now should be the v.1, but I can't confirm it. You will have to ask the seller to be 100% sure.
If you are looking for quality bass and good all-around technical performance, I think Future Sonics Atrio M5 (MG7) will be the IEM I'll look for myself. For a more budget choice, the new Brainwavz M5 is a good as well.
My GR07 just broke so I'm looking into either the R-50, Etymotic HF5, or the the Atrio M5 (MG7). I like a balanced, maybe slightly warm leaning sound signature and I listen to everything from classical, rock, pop, hip-hop, electronic etc.
I'm leaning towards the R-50 but I need something with strong build quality and I am unsure of how the R-50 wire will handle stresses of travel.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
R-50 has good build quality, but it isn't the best for taking stress and you do need to be slightly careful with it. I would think M5 is probably better if you need something more durable, even though it might not be as good sounding as R-50 (but still pretty good on its own).
Beyerdynamic XP review has been canceled?
Err, please read the whole list more carefully?
Well I did and I also used the search option.I still can't see the Beyerdynamic XP.It was on possible review section till 2 days ago.That's why I asked
So you didn't notice they have been moved upward in the list?
Any chance you'll be reviewing the new BrainWavz R1 ($32) or so shipped? Looks like an interesting dual-driver design and I'm trying to decide between that an the GR-02
Tai, may i ask about both Astrotec AS*00HD ? i have no experience about headphones, just iems
I'll be reviewing R1, but I need to receive it first before giving any impression.
The ASx00HD series are entry level portable headphone. So far, I'll say both models have excellent good build quality and good sound quality for the asking price. I'll have to spend a bit more time on them first before I can give you any more in-depth impression.
Since you rated the gr07 a 4.8/5, how would u rate the gr07 mkII?
I rma-ed the older gr07 and got the mkII's for a replacement and i think they sound way better then the old gr07s. Do u think it deserves a higher sq rating and price rating? Would love to see you rate it.
I have not heard the MKII or the newer Bass edition of GR07.
Hi Tai
SQ aside as i'm sure the FXT90 has overall better quality, right?
which has better vocals, the M5 or FXT90?
The final rating isn't set till I review FXT90, but I won't call FXT90 far ahead from M5 (MG7). At most they are around the same level. Vocal wise, FXT90 is better overall, but it is also grainier.
sorry, i was refering to the Brainwavz M5
FXT90 does sound better than M5, but the mid isn't as good since FXT90 vocal is grainy.
is it because the more treble on the FXT90 ?
No, it is because FXT90 has sharper treble.
Hey Tai,
I already had a Vsonic GR07 and now I want to seek for a different kind of IEM (around $170 ~ $220), wonder if it is suitable with my iPod Touch Gen 1 + Fiio E17.
I listened to almost kind of music, but metal (Kamelot, Nightwish, Within Temptation) + classical + acoustic the most.
Thank you
If you want something that contrast the GR07, try T-PEOS H-100. It is a hybrid (dynamic bass + BA treble) IEM and has a U-shaped, 'balanced' sound signature, which should go quite well for most of your music. It is available eBay for around $180, I think. Search for 'hybrid earphone'.
Need Help to pair new Google Nexus 4 Smartphone with <30 IEM with inline mic. Request recommendation ?
thanks
Nexus 4, AFAIK, is made by LG, which historically doesn't make any very good sounding Android smarphone (correct me if this is wrong, as I don't usually pay too much attention to LG's smartphone). You can either go for the Samsung EHS64# variance, or better yet, get a Sony MH1C.
Yes. You are correct Google Nexus 4 is made by LG. I could find following related tech specs:
1. Microphone: Dual Mics for Noise Cancellation
2. Digital-to-Analogue Converter (DAC) - WCD9310
Manufacturer: Qualcomm
Frequency response: +0.13, -0.11
Noise level: -82.5
Dynamic range: 82.5
THD: 0.0092
IMD+ Noise: 0.022
Stereo crosstalk: -81.6
3. Headphone Jack - FSA8008
Manufacturer: Fairchild Semiconductor
Detection: Accessory Plug-In; 3- or 4-Pole Audio; Send/End Key Presses
Functionality: FSA8008A-Decreased Timing for Sensitive Send/End Keys
Switch Type: MIC
VDD: 2.5v to 4.4v
VIO: 1.6v to VDD
THD (MIC): 0.03% Typical at 2.5 VDD
ESD (Air Gap): 15kV
Let me know if this helps you refine your suggestion or should I go with your suggestion made above.
thanks.
Those info doesn't help much, but this might interest you: http://www.head-fi.org/t/635075/new-lg-nexus-4-phone-sound-quality
Output impedance is reported at around 2~3ohm, not bad but could be better. Any IEM over 16ohm should be relatively fine. However, the RMAA result doesn't look to be great. It seems to only work fine on volume 13 (which is very odd) and really bad on low volume. After seeing that RMAA result, I really do recommend you to get an small amp - set the Nexus 4 to volume 13 and control the volume using the amp, that should give you the best SQ.
I may not use the amp for now.
In that case what would you recommend from the following besides MH1C :
1. Meelec M9P
2. Brainwavz beta
3. Soundlogic MP21
Understand all are with mic. Hope they are compatible and work with Android smartphone.
thanks for your help and prompt replies.
Amp is only there to make the smartphone sounds better, but it will actually take away the function of the mic. Anyway, I'll still recommend MH1C since it is vastly better than any of the three you are listed. Otherwise, look for the Samsung EHS64# instead. If you really only want one of those three, there answer is already posted up there in the list.
Hi Clieos,
Are the Brainwavz Re1 SQ better than SonoCore COA-805 Cindy & BrookStone Clear Dual Drive Earbuds?
No
tai, your description of the Samsung EHS64 sounds like something i´d like.
are there some options with a very similar sound but better ? on different price ranges
tnx
Fischer Audio Consonance or Silver Bullet are both good choices.
Hi Tai
Will am90 will be a great choice for rock under 50 ?
Hi ClieOS,
I have heard that the TDK BA200s can have build quality issues such as one side cutting out after a few weeks. Can you comment on their overall durability?
You can find report of breaking down with just about every IEM ever made - sometime it is indeed build quality issue, but it can just as well resulted from mishandling by the user (and almost all of them will claim they have treat their IEM right, whether that's the case or not).
As far as TDK goes, it has excellent build quality and on par with most brand name out there.
Hi
Am interested in your views on the bass of DBA-02 Mk2 vs re272 vs GR-01. Am familiar with the DBA which I find punchy and accurate and with just enough quantity for me. How do the others compare please.
Many thanks..
You won't find big different in quantity on bass on all these models - GR01 will give you a better textured bass, where RE272 will be somewhere between GR01 and the leaner DBA-02 MK2.
Hi Clieos,
My best wishes for the new year to you. As again I need your advice.Which IEMs do you think is the best BA or Dynamic upgrade for DBA-02 Mk2 & Atrio MG7. I love both as their sound signature complement each other very well.
The DBA upgrade should have the same or better midrange & bass clarity,better positioning & seperation & i can compromise on the treble sparkle but not less clarity & extension.
Would Sony MDR -7550(Ex-800st) be a good upgrade to MG7 or what else.
Please advice.
I have heard EX600 and EX1000, but not the 7550/800. To be frank, I am not particularly impressed by EX1000 and thought it is at most on / around the same level as GR07 with different pros and cons. I'll assume 7550 will be more or less that same. If you want similar clarity as DBA-02 and bass hit closer to MG7, then T-PEOS H-100 will be the closest thing I know. Unfortunately, no mid improvement there.
thanks for the advice. My bad english i'm sorry. actually i needed advice on upgrade for both separately i'm not looking at a single IEM upgrade for both sound signature combined.
As per your advice i guess the T-PEOS H100 would be a good upgrade to MG7 right? but what about DBA-02 Mk2? Keeping in mind my requirements i.e (same or better midrange & bass clarity,better positioning & seperation & i can compromise on the treble sparkle but not less clarity & extension.)Please advice,
R-50 should be able to offer you better mid and lower end texture while maintaining the same level of clarity, but not as much on imaging.
Is RE-272 or W4 better in imaging? I've been researching a lot, reading a lot of reviews but unable to find an IEM which takes the SQ of DBA's to the another level.Customs are out of my reach currently :-(
Both of them has excellent imaging, but W4 is closer to a stage monitor like UM3X and it won't have the same kind of clarity as DBA-02 MK2. RE272 will be a better match.
I love you very much Tai! :*>
Clieos thanks for the reply.Is there any other IEM which you think is a suitable upgrade to DBA-02 MK2.the RE-272s are off the product list on Head-Direct's webpage.
You can still find RE272 over at eBay being sold by Head-Direct. It is however getting ready for discontinuation and to be replaced by the upcoming RE600. As far as analytical IEM goes, I really don't have another to recommend, unless you want to get an Etymotic ER4S with an portable amp.
And what about ATH CK100Pro ( as an upgrade to DBA-02 ), which you had suggested me few months ago? Have you listened them personally?
I have listened to CK100 Pro briefly - enough to make an impression or suggest as a more general recommendation, but not enough to recommend as a upgrade over specific model, especially since audio memory has degraded over time.
Hi Clieos,
Are the UE700 similar in SQ to DBA-02MkII. According to you how do they compare with each other.Thank you.
I can't really compare things that I don't own, and I don't own DBA-02 MK2. As far as my memory goes (with a big grain of salt), is that DBA-02 MK2 is a little above UE700.
hi Tai
Which gear do you think is the best sport in-ear?
Sport in-ear are really out of my field of interest. Those that are built for sport generally ain't that great in sound, but those that are serious in sound tend not to do with with any stress. My opinion is that you should really have two set of IEM if you are living an active lifestyle. However, I don't have a specific sport model I can recommend you.
That's a nice list you've got.
Have you ever heard of Teufel's Aureol Fidelity?
They're €100 but it doesn't seem to be popular (can't find any info about it) on head fi.
I was looking at the Re-400 and TDK BA200, but it seems those aren't available here, and I'll have to import them.
No, never heard of Teufel before.
hi, i am looking to get an upgrade to my SM-e30. i like its open n airy sound. would Vsonic gr06 would be a good upgrade? i am open to try different signature but the soundstage has to be better than my e30s & kind of out of the head feel with better clarity. i cant go above $70-80 & i am getting gr06 for $75. any other options?
much Thanks!!
GR06 will be the wrong upgrade if you are looking for open and airy sound. The stage monitor-ish sound of the E30 isn't exactly very common in the sub-$100 price and really wide soundstage is rare as well (being out of head is just something close to impossible for IEM). I can recommend a few but most of them will have a more V-shaped FR curve that are generally a love-or-hate choice. If you are willing to take the risk, Brainwavz M4 is having a sale now and you can get it for cheap. If you rather be on the safe side, Sony XBA-10 is a good all-arounder though not necessary have everything that you are looking for.
Hi Tai
First of all, just have to say your site is fantastic!!
I was just wondering if you can help narrow down my options. I'm looking for an IEM around $100 and am confused on what sound signatures and models i should be considering. I listen to a fairly wide range of music from Rock/Alternative/Indie (maybe 40% of my collection) to R&B/Hip-hop (25%) to Electronica (15%) and Pop (10%). Any suggestions on sound signatures and models to research further would be much appreciated!!
Thanks,
Rob
Most of your music will benefit from a good mid range and a decent bass, so I'll recommend RE400.
I love my old SR80 n vc02 sound. If I want upgrade my vc02, Im looking for upgrade. What about Phonak 112 or 022 should I choose??
If you like VC02 type of sound, PFE112 will be a better match than PFE022.
I mostly listen to EDM and mainstream pop, jazz, and hip hop music. I'm no bass head but I like a bit of bass in my IEM. Alhtough clarity I think is the main thing I want to hear.
My budget is ~$100. Which IEM should I get?
Currently I'm looking at either HiFiMan RE400 or TDK IE800. Or is Shure SE215 a better match for me? (I used to own them until I lost it, kinda blah to buy another one that is exactly the same)
Hi koflok, I thought we have the same discussion on Head-fi already? My recommendation is still the IE800. SE215 is a fine IEM but it isn't as good as RE400 or IE800.
Hi, I'm looking for IEMs with j-cord cable. What would you recommend?
In addition, how would you compare between Sony MH1 and Sennheiser CX 300-II?
J-cord is dropping out of fashion, so finding a really good one will not be the most easiest of thing. Anyway, you have mentioned the MH1, which is a good option. The other option will be the Sony XBA series - but not the newer XBA-10, XBA-20, XBA-30 and XBA-40 which all have Y-cord. Instead the older XBA-1, XBA-2, XBA-3 and XBA-4 are J-cord.
Never listen to CX300-II before.
Hi, could you please recommend some IEMs for me?
I'm looking for a $50-100 IEM with pretty good noise isolation and build quality(one that will last without special care)
I mostly listen to classical, soundtracks (no vocal) and some pop music
Thanks
Under $100, good isolation and build quality, and suitable for Classic leaves just one choice, the Etymotic MC5.
Thanks, that's what I've been looking at myself too.
What if genre isn't to be put into consideration, would you recommend something else?
Or if you were to compare this one with the RE-400?
If you look at the List above, you should know that RE400 is better sound by a big margin. However, it doesn't have a lot of isolation not particular fit into the music you listen to. If you are willing to put those aside, RE400 is easily the best IEM you can get under $100.
Hi, I'm confused on which IEM to buy.
Which one should I get Sony MDR-EX510 or Meelectronics A161P or Shure 215 ?
The local store near me sell them at the price point for:
Sony MDR-EX510($115)
Meelectronics A161P($109)
Shure 215($150)
I love rock, pop, R&B, and instrumental(Violin, piano, and cello with bass) songs. Before that, I've been using PX100 and PSvita-iem and I'm looking for a better one now. (I'm not a basshead, and I'm looking for the best SQ between the 3 of them)
Song example :
Mission Impossible - Lindsey Stirling and the Piano Guys
Radioactive - Lindsey Stirling and Pentatonix (Imagine Dragons Cover)
Demi Lovato - Heart Attack
Ne-Yo - Forever Now
Chris Brown - Yeah 3x
So which one is worth the money?
Sorry, I forget to add. I don't like Klipsch S4 because the treble is too harsh and Bass was too boomy, also I've tried Fischer Consonance and still it felt too boomy for me.
But I once have tried Sony MDR-EX500 and Beyerdynamic XP3 and I like their bass sound.
(Sorry for my poor English)
Have not heard the EX510, but I don't think A161 or SE215 are particularly fitting to your preference. XP3 is kind of analytical sounding but there simply isn't a lot of really good sub$100 choice out there. If you like XP3, I do think it is an rather good buy for the price. Otherwise, you can try Apple dual driver IEM with some aftermarket eartips (Sony Hybrid is a good option).
How's Fischer Audio Consonance compare to Beyerdynamic XP3?
Which one is more worth it?
Neither is a bad buy, but Consonance is the better sounding of the two. Review of XP series will be posted soon.
Guess, I'll wait for you to post about the review on XP series
hi tai
i currently own a sennheiser cx 280 & plan on getting a new iem soon & was wondering if you can help me narrow it down
i am looking for something below 50 or 60$
i generally listen to alternative/rock/metal
any suggestions on the sound signatures & models to consider would be greatly helpful
also would something like the vsonic gr06 or vc02 do good for my preferences?
regards
kartikk
Those are music that needs vocal and bass, which means warm+sweet is likely better fit your need. In that sense GR06 is better than VC02.
thank you for the quick reply :D
also can you give me a few more recommendations in the price range?
Brainwavz M5, Astrotec AM90, and If you are in Asia, beyerdynamic XP2.
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