A Comparison of Basshead IEMs: Denon AH-C551/ Hippo VB/ Klipsch S4

[dfkt]

He mentions cable lengths right in the first post.

[Confispect]

Nice review.

[Relyt]

Originally Posted by dfkt

He mentions cable lengths right in the first post.

Oh yeah, totally missed that. Sorry.

[dfkt]

Originally Posted by illusion

@dfkt: thanks for the FP and funny you should mention the JVCs, I've had my eye on them for quite a while, but wallet says no-no ..

Maybe you can find them in the Head-Fi classifieds forum for cheap or something. They're worth it for the bass aficionado on the go, in my opinion (I loaned them from a friend for a few weeks). Their only major flaw is basically that they don't really isolate - but since they're vented so much, they deliver a bass that might be even slightly better than the VB, and the rest of the frequency range is a bit more refined as well. But yeah: as always with audio stuff, a $100-200 increase in price brings you a 10% increase in performance, if at all.

[illusion]

Originally Posted by dfkt

as always with audio stuff, a $100-200 increase in price brings you a 10% increase in performance, if at all.

true...once you go past the $200 barrier, all you pay for IMO is the sound signature rather than any actual sonic improvements

[rohit3192]

I have dropped plans of owning Klipsch.
@illusion: use Sony hybrids(it will reduce sibilance).
I only wish that Uncle wilson will improve cable quality and provide good quality earbuds in future(though received belated email from Jaben confirming warranty to be 1 year but one needs to send back defective unit to Jaben).
The good thing about Hippo is that clarity is along spectrum and vocals are clear.
Also I have heard very good views of Panasonic HJE900(Lestatar also owns this pair),so,illusion you can consider that well.
In the end nice comparative (re)view.

[illusion]

@rohit: I tried the hybrids with the VBs but didnt really like how they sounded (kinda veiled) to me, so I went back to the stock ones :P.. Panas not really high on my list ATM but might consider them if i get them cheap online.. what i'm after next is the Phonak PFEs to try something relatively new with regards to sonic variety..

[Adub]

The hybrids did nothing to change sibilance for my VBs.

[dfkt]

Contrary to various silicone tips, stuffing foam down their nozzle sure works well for sibilance.

[IDvsEGO]

Originally Posted by illusion

@rohit: I tried the hybrids with the VBs but didnt really like how they sounded (kinda veiled) to me, so I went back to the stock ones :P.. Panas not really high on my list ATM but might consider them if i get them cheap online.. what i'm after next is the Phonak PFEs to try something relatively new with regards to sonic variety..

let me know how that goes because I have had a very similar thought. I feel like between the VBs I have now and the eternas that are on the way to me as we speak, I have the bassy sound covered. I am curious to go for one of the more balanced sets, just to have an alternative.

[rohit3192]

I want to quote something from dfkt's review of Phonak Audeo PFE:

Conclusion

Bassheads have perhaps stopped reading this review already a few paragraphs above – but to reiterate: these phones are probably not for you. The PFE are the right phones for people who appreciate the sound signature of, say, the q-Jays, Etymotic ER-4, or the AKG K701. They do have a certain quantity of bass, with better quality than many other earphones, though.

Full Review:http://anythingbutipod.com/2008/11/p...rphone-review/

[dfkt]

What does that have to do with the thread?

[IDvsEGO]

exactly why I am interested. I am curious if the bass filters and BBE effects can help get a bit more out of them and give me a different, yet enjoyable, sound signature.

[rohit3192]

That they(Phonak PFE) may not be for bassheads.

[Adub]

Originally Posted by idvsego

i have the bassy sound covered. I am curious to go for one of the more balanced sets, just to have an alternative.

Rohit do you even read before you reply to something? Seriously.

[rohit3192]

^ I have not replied to IDvsEgo(you assumed).
I have replied to illusion and considering the context of this thread which relates to basshead earphones.
quote from 1st post of illusion

I am a basshead and like to have a thumping bass-line pervading my music and so, I got 3 of the better thought of 'bass heavy' IEMs....

Edit: Just because my post is next to someone's post doesn't mean that I am replying to that person(because while I am typing the other member has posted his comment).Unless I use^ or quote.

[IDvsEGO]

just a tip...if you are replying to someone other than the post immediately above yours, you should quote the post you are replying to. reduces confusion.

[dfkt]

I see now how that current discussion started, my bad for not reading up.

Yeah, the PFE, or the RE0 (for a lower price, and slightly less quality) should cover one's foray into the analytic fields quite well.

[Adub]

Originally Posted by rohit3192

^ I have not replied to IDvsEgo(you assumed).
I have replied to illusion and considering the context of this thread which relates to basshead earphones.
quote from 1st post of illusion


Edit: Just because my post is next to someone's post doesn't mean that I am replying to that person(because while I am typing the other member has posted his comment).Unless I use^ or quote.

Oh so you mean this?

Originally Posted by illusion

what i'm after next is the Phonak PFEs to try something relatively new with regards to sonic variety..

Read before you post, you have a bad habit or posting nonsensical garbage.

[lestatar]

Originally Posted by rohit3192

I have dropped plans of owning Klipsch.
@illusion: use Sony hybrids(it will reduce sibilance).
I only wish that Uncle wilson will improve cable quality and provide good quality earbuds in future(though received belated email from Jaben confirming warranty to be 1 year but one needs to send back defective unit to Jaben).
The good thing about Hippo is that clarity is along spectrum and vocals are clear.
Also I have heard very good views of Panasonic HJE900(Lestatar also owns this pair),so,illusion you can consider that well.
In the end nice comparative (re)view.

Yes, everyone knows I absolutely love my Panas. In the bass department, they are no slouch at all for me. Very fast, punchy, clean and capable of getting quite low to my non-expert ears.

Still, if one considers stuff like VBs as being true basshead IEMs, I would not say the Panas are ideal basshead IEMs.

Which is why I generally don't suggest them for bass thumpers

But if one can only own 1 pair of good-high quality dynamic IEMs that sound great across the board, yes IMO the Panas are a top pick.