I haven’t posted in a while because somehow the lastest scribefire no longer likes to post to my WordPress. So I’m back to using the web interface.
Anyway, since I lost my Etymotic ER-4Ss, I seem to have ended up with two sets of Shure SE-210 (lost one of these!), bought a $40 pair of Bridgestone’s that I just hate. So what’s the state of the art now, so recommendations from <a href=”http://headphones.com”>headphones.com</a>, <a href=”http://ilounge.com”>iLounge.com</a> and <a href=”http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/”>Head-fi.org</a>.
The highlight, is there are two categories of in-ear designs at $100-150 which are Shure SE210, E2c and E3c, Etymotic ER6i, Ultra-ears Super.fi 5 pro and JVC Marshmallow/JVC aircushion. Then at $180-200 have the Etymotic Er-4P, Klipsch Image X-10, Denon C700, JAYS q-JAYS, Shure SE310 and E4c. Here are the recommendations:
Etymotic ER-4P. These are still viewed as the best single driver headphones. About $180 street these days. I found them super comfortable, but reviews say they are a little lacking. If you want throwaways, or near throwaways, the $80 ER-6i is a good choice.
Ultimate Ears 700. These are what are called dual driver so are smaller and easier to make sound good. They have a $230 street, so if you can find the Jays Q-Jays which are also dual driver, get them.
Jays Q-Jays launched in 2007 were the first really affordable and great sounding headphones. Better than the Etymotic ER-4P. They are just hard to find. They are truly small. Amazon Z-shops has them for $189, but they are hard to find.
Shure SE530. These are triple drivers and probably the best sounding period these days. But cost is $250 street, so don’t lose them! They are $330 street, so expensive.
The forums are buzzing about “<a href=”http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/review-nuforce-ne-7m-iphone-iem-vs-denon-c700-klipsch-image-x10-ne-8-impressions-added-1-15-09-a-383617/”>Nuforce NE 7m</a> which cost $50 and sound great. Amazing! You need different tips to fit it in and the comply 400. The Nuforce Ne-8 is just $60 and also have lousy tips, so need something else. Wow. <a href=”http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/nuforce-ne-8-arrived-short-review-updated-pg1-389811/”>Head-fi.org</a> says the NE-8 seems to be more Etymotic-like with better treble and midrange while maintaining a decent soundstage while on the other hand, the NE-7M is more Shure-like with good bass and a warm sound.
