Headphones for mp3 player...

M

mr.dearthian

Limp Gawd
Joined
Jun 29, 2003
Messages
406
I just recently got a Creative Labs Zen Xtra MP3 player for Christmas. Prior to getting this, I've been using a full-size set of Sennheiser HD500's to listen to MP3's on my computer. The Zen player sounds good through the Sennheisers (which sound a helluva lot better than the Creative ear buds). But obviously I'd look like a dork walking down the street with a full-size set of headphones.:D Could anybody reccomend a good set of smaller headphones or ear buds that sound good. Price isn't a big deal, but quality is. I know they still probably won't sound as good as my Sennheisers (I'm realistic), but I am wanting something that sounds a LOT better than the Creative Ear Buds. I listen to metal, prog rock, classical, and jazz (the latter two are the most demanding). With the ear buds, there is a big loss in the amount of bass and the warmth of sound if that helps to figure out what is lacking in the ear buds.

Thanks,

Mr. Dearthian
 
The HD500's are pretty craptastic and as such many "budget headphones" will kick their ass in the sound quality department. ;)
I suggest you check out the Sennheiser PX200s.
 
For $150, the Bang & Olufsen headphones are nice (no model number; they only sell one).
 
If you wanna go cheap, the Koss KSC-50s (clip on ear) and 55s (behind-the-head band) are around $20 and sound surprisingly good... the 50s are comfy, too (haven't worn the 55s).
 
Originally posted by mr.dearthian
Price isn't a big deal, but quality is. I know they still probably won't sound as good as my Sennheisers (I'm realistic), but I am wanting something that sounds a LOT better than the Creative Ear Buds. I listen to metal, prog rock, classical, and jazz (the latter two are the most demanding). With the ear buds, there is a big loss in the amount of bass and the warmth of sound if that helps to figure out what is lacking in the ear buds.

Click to expand...

For about $200 you can get the Shure E3's, they're ear canal phones, not earbuds. They will blow away the hd 500, they're new and those that have tried them say that they're quite good. Or for 250$, you can get the Etymotic ER-4p, another canal phone, very detailed and great with classical.

There's no loss of bass with canal phones, unless you don't get a good seal, that's critical. The bass is heard and usually not felt, it takes a little time to adjust, but once you do it the amount of detail they allow to show through is amazing.



Comparisons:
http://www4.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=55624

http://www4.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=54331

http://www4.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=37184
 
I may have to check out one of the two Shure sets (I might check the E5's). I work at a music store that is a Shure dealer (can you say employee discount :D Woot Woot!! ). I didn't know Shure had quality ear buds like this. Very cool!!!

Mr. Dearthian
 
Originally posted by BP
For about $200 you can get the Shure E3's, they're ear canal phones, not earbuds. They will blow away the hd 500, they're new and those that have tried them say that they're quite good. Or for 250$, you can get the Etymotic ER-4p, another canal phone, very detailed and great with classical.

There's no loss of bass with canal phones, unless you don't get a good seal, that's critical. The bass is heard and usually not felt, it takes a little time to adjust, but once you do it the amount of detail they allow to show through is amazing.



Comparisons:
http://www4.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=55624

http://www4.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=54331

http://www4.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=37184
Click to expand...

do you find them comfortable, BP? I can't stand how the er4p's feel, but do you find the E3's to be more comfortable? Are the E3's easier to get a seal in? Do you have any problems with microphonics?
 
I don't mind the ER-4's, the foamies are much more comfortable, but they get too warm and wet after 3 or 4 hours straight wearing time at work to keep a good seal, so I use the tri-flange.
Those are alright if I don't have to readjust them a lot, but if I do, they have a tendancy to chafe the canal.

I haven't used the E3's yet(someday:D ), but those that have tried both say that it's soft flex sleve is more comfortable than the Ety's tri-flange.
 
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