suggest earphones
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esanthosh
Herald
RE0 does need an amp to shine.
RE-ZERO can be considered, but it's different from RE0 - slightly better bass texture, but not different in terms of quantity, smoother and relatively forward mid range, relatively laid-back but still sparkling treble. I also found RE-ZERO's layering and presentation to be better than RE0. RE-ZERO can sound a tad dry and RE0 can sound a bit thin, vocals could be unsatisfying. They should be more in the mold of PL30 than M2. Of the two, you are slightly better off with RE0 + Amp for Rock.
You can also take a look at Etymotic HF2/3/5, whichever can be had for less - new or used. They essentially are the same, except for mic variations. HF2 I have is better built than the RE0 I had, though the later versions of RE0/ZERO had thicker cables. Looks wise, I prefer HF2 too. There are a few issues with HF2 namely the requirement of deeper insertion with tri-flanges (which takes a bit of time to adjust and even then could scare you every now and then by bring out bits of ear wax you never thought you had out with it
). The sound stage and bass quantity on the Ety are almost non-existent. Yet, once you get past all that, it's an enjoyable IEM for it's mid range, detail and treble presentation and of course, isolation once you get the fit right.
TF10 would be more fun sounding than any of the three I've mentioned.
RE-ZERO can be considered, but it's different from RE0 - slightly better bass texture, but not different in terms of quantity, smoother and relatively forward mid range, relatively laid-back but still sparkling treble. I also found RE-ZERO's layering and presentation to be better than RE0. RE-ZERO can sound a tad dry and RE0 can sound a bit thin, vocals could be unsatisfying. They should be more in the mold of PL30 than M2. Of the two, you are slightly better off with RE0 + Amp for Rock.
You can also take a look at Etymotic HF2/3/5, whichever can be had for less - new or used. They essentially are the same, except for mic variations. HF2 I have is better built than the RE0 I had, though the later versions of RE0/ZERO had thicker cables. Looks wise, I prefer HF2 too. There are a few issues with HF2 namely the requirement of deeper insertion with tri-flanges (which takes a bit of time to adjust and even then could scare you every now and then by bring out bits of ear wax you never thought you had out with it
TF10 would be more fun sounding than any of the three I've mentioned.
ravin
Discoverer
thats quite an info..thank you esanthosh.. i'm not saying its better but i like pl30 better than m2 in terms of soundstage and treble..anyway..guess i'll save up some money and go for tf10..thanks for the feedback ya'll..oh btw..probly a noob question but how are these iems compared to grado/ath entry-mid level headphones?
esanthosh
Herald
If you like both sound stage and treble, then better get TF10. There are a few other choices as well for $100-150 like JVC FXT90, but I think TF10 would be better for you if you choose to wait that long.
IEMs and headphones are different experiences altogether. One necessarily isn't better than the other, just different.
Grado, based on my experience with MS1i, is somewhat like Ety in that it's sound has both fans as well as detractors. They are not known for their sound stage and they leak sound more. They could act like a mini speaker at lower volume inside a small room. Their stock pads heat up too soon for my comfort too. But the sound - in your face, bright with not so much focus on bass - is something I like. I have not heard any of the entry level ATs, so no comment.
Just for a comparison, MS1i scored 8/10 in Joker's portable headphone (does not include full size headphones) shootout whereas RE0 scored 8.3, RE-ZERO 8.4 and Ety HF5 (/HF/HF3) scored 8.7 (in a shootout that includes customs). That roughly equates to how I like them personally as well.
If you are asking which one would be more value for money, I think IEMs offer great value for money at the lower price range and headphones at the higher end. That depends on a lot of factors like which IEM and headphone you compare and whether you already have the setup required to drive the headphone.
IEMs and headphones are different experiences altogether. One necessarily isn't better than the other, just different.
Grado, based on my experience with MS1i, is somewhat like Ety in that it's sound has both fans as well as detractors. They are not known for their sound stage and they leak sound more. They could act like a mini speaker at lower volume inside a small room. Their stock pads heat up too soon for my comfort too. But the sound - in your face, bright with not so much focus on bass - is something I like. I have not heard any of the entry level ATs, so no comment.
Just for a comparison, MS1i scored 8/10 in Joker's portable headphone (does not include full size headphones) shootout whereas RE0 scored 8.3, RE-ZERO 8.4 and Ety HF5 (/HF/HF3) scored 8.7 (in a shootout that includes customs). That roughly equates to how I like them personally as well.
If you are asking which one would be more value for money, I think IEMs offer great value for money at the lower price range and headphones at the higher end. That depends on a lot of factors like which IEM and headphone you compare and whether you already have the setup required to drive the headphone.
ravin
Discoverer
Code:
[url="http://www.amazon.com/Acoustic-Natural-Fusion-Earphones-Titanium/dp/B005VP9O38/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1332238771&sr=8-6"]http://www.amazon.com/Acoustic-Natural-Fusion-Earphones-Titanium/dp/B005VP9O38/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1332238771&sr=8-6[/url]after reading some good reviews about this earphone..i finally decided and went for this one..(tf10 can wait until i get enough bucks
order arrived today..
now burning them..
the product package is horrible;
will post about my impression once the burn-in is over
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