JVC Riptidz A great $8 IEM

[JK98]

The sound quality is great for the price. I saw this and thought I should try it. It greatly exceeded my expectations. I like the Riptidz better than the JVC FX67 Air cushion which is more than double the price. The Air Cushion has a V shaped sound signature, while the Riptidz imo sounds quite balanced. It has decent bass, however I would describe the bass as being fast rather than deep. Bassheads should consider something like the Panasonic RP-HJE450 if they want more bass slam.

The Riptidz has a very open sound. It has 11mm drivers, while most IEMs under $10 have 9mm or smaller ones. It doesn't isolate so well. It is listed as being water and sweat resistant. This is my favorite IEM under $10. Those who are willing to spend around $15-20 though should imo consider the Panasonic RP-HJE355 or JVC HA-FX40.

[The DarkSide]

I just ordered a set,...

[FreeZ5]

JK98:

Do you know which other ear tips fit the Riptidz?

THanks, Steve

[JK98]

The tips from my CX300 fit nicely. I can stretch some smaller tips to fit, but I think the smaller ones interfere with the sound(when the channel is smaller than the tip).

[The DarkSide]

I'm going to try double flange, but I need a brand name for future orders myself.

[The DarkSide]

I got 'em today, and they KILL my Meelectronics M6 AND M9. The SQ is pretty darn clear, and the bass is quite nice. I used them with my clipzip (original FW) and no eq. They say they're sweat proof, and I'll test that out as the weather gets warmer.

Overall, these are a nice sounding set of low priced IEM's.

Oh, yeah, and the build quality is also good for the price,... Thanks JK98!!!

[JK98]

Glad to hear you like it.

[Jörgemeister]

why not, I ordered a pair. If it doesnt deliver I'm going to come here and rant.

Originally Posted by The DarkSide

I got 'em today, and they KILL my Meelectronics M6 AND M9. The SQ is pretty darn clear, and the bass is quite nice. I used them with my clipzip (original FW) and no eq. They say they're sweat proof, and I'll test that out as the weather gets warmer.

Overall, these are a nice sounding set of low priced IEM's.

Oh, yeah, and the build quality is also good for the price,... Thanks JK98!!!

Never tried the M9 but I never liked the M6, maybe it is an upgrade for ibuds but thats it.

[The DarkSide]

Hey, for $8 you can't beat 'em!!!

PS: I want to say that I hope ppl don't expect world class audiophile sq from these, 'cause they will DEFINATELY be disappointed. These are bassy iem's that have good mids and nice clarity. The highs are a bit clipped, but it's acceptable.

To sum it up, these beat most bundled in a box iem/earbuds that come with most players. The sweat proof classification means they're good for exercising and various other sweat-inducing activities. They DO sound better than my Sennheiser behind the neck workout hp's,...and I paid 4 times as much for those.

All in all, these are a winner IMO!!! \O/

[JK98]

I just noticed it for $5.99 in blue on Amazon with free shipping(for orders over $25).
http://www.amazon.com/JVC-HAFX8A-RIP...3609312&sr=8-2

[The DarkSide]

If you need a workout iem these are what I recommend, especially for such a low price. And they do eq nicely. I think you'll like 'em for a decent throwaway set,...

[WalkGood]

At this price a review of the JVC Riptidz might be interesting, IMO amazon reviews in general are not very inspiring ...

[cnhardwick]

Just curious, has anyone compared this to the Phillips SHE3850 that is the FOTM on head-fi? I just do not believe all the hype they have been getting. Anyone on ABi that can comment? I am looking for a cheap (<$20) IEM for a friend, preferably in purple. Leaning towards the Riptidz based on these impressions, but Amazon is OOS on purple at the moment and it would be a lot easier just to suggest picking up the SHE3850 from Target to my friend.

[JK98]

I thought it was the SHE3580 that everyone on head-fi loves? Best Buy also has the Riptidz, however I think they charge $10.50 for it.

[IDvsEGO]

I have the 3580 so maybe I will pick up the riptides at frys this weekend. I like the philips but the cable is terrible. probably the worst cable I have had the opportunity to use. still well worth the $10 I paid on sale at target.

[The DarkSide]

The Riptides are a good beater iem,...you'll like 'em IMO.

[IDvsEGO]

Cool. I have been searching for a good set to give to my 13 year old. she likes bass but I am not spending decent money on them because she looses, breaks, or gives away stuff to friends. 3580 is the current choice, but I dont trust that cable.

[IDvsEGO]

so my daughter has my philips but I can say the riptides are nice. better cable. nto a great cable but better. From my memory I would have to say the philips have better sub bass but are also prone to distortion if you over EQ them. I like the fit of the rips. Very much like the air cushion. They do look a little bleh. I got red and they look like they were spray painted red as opposed to coming that way. Silly issue considering price. These are my go-to sub $20 set now.

[PeterDLai]

Originally Posted by IDvsEGO

so my daughter has my philips but I can say the riptides are nice. better cable. nto a great cable but better. From my memory I would have to say the philips have better sub bass but are also prone to distortion if you over EQ them. I like the fit of the rips. Very much like the air cushion. They do look a little bleh. I got red and they look like they were spray painted red as opposed to coming that way. Silly issue considering price. These are my go-to sub $20 set now.

Is the midrange/treble/soundstage pretty much the same between the two? I just got a pair of the SHE3580 and it's somewhat shocking to me how good $10 earphones can sound these days, though I have to agree the cable is bothersome.

[IDvsEGO]

Originally Posted by PeterDLai

Is the midrange/treble/soundstage pretty much the same between the two? I just got a pair of the SHE3580 and it's somewhat shocking to me how good $10 earphones can sound these days, though I have to agree the cable is bothersome.

I dont have the she3580 with me to directly compare until probably next week....assuming they survive spring break with a couple of 13 year olds. I don't have an ear for soundstage in IEMs so I won't even try to compare.

Originally Posted by JK98

I just noticed it for $5.99 in blue on Amazon with free shipping(for orders over $25).
http://www.amazon.com/JVC-HAFX8A-RIP...3609312&sr=8-2

fantastic deal..but up to 6.49 again right now.