IEM or full sized headphones?

[lisagorbin]

im considering soundmagic e10 and superlux hd330/660..and even superlux HD668B i guess..they say full sized headphones have better sound quality than iems of the same price..so what would you recommend between these headphones? im just considering sound quality and lifespan..i only listen to music when im in my room..obviously im tight on budget i know someone in this forum have both experienced both products ..thanks

[WalkGood]

Both IEMs and full size cans have their uses. While traveling or out on the go, I prefer IEMs. At home I prefer speakers first and when I can’t use them because of others being around I use my full size cans. While I’ve not tested either of the ones you mention, if you only use headphones in your room then I’d only be looking for the best full size cans you can afford.

[BruceBanner]

I'd go with the E10's everytime. I annoy my wife to no end when playing Counter Strike: Source using my superlux hd's as the sound still leaks out quite a fair bit (and of course you know bruce likes his shotguns LOUD)
My ear lugs are also rather large, meaning the cups of the cans still sit a little on the ear lug and therefore after 1hr of playing start to ache.
I use my e10's for 6-8hrs constant use at work and never have any aches whatsover.

The only real advantage i think cans have over IEMs is that they slip on alot quicker, so if im doing something that's quick i'll use cans, otherwise IEMs win imo.

Soundwise i find the e10's superior to the aforementioned cans also.

[lisagorbin]

Originally Posted by WalkGood

Both IEMs and full size cans have their uses. While traveling or out on the go, I prefer IEMs. At home I prefer speakers first and when I can’t use them because of others being around I use my full size cans. While I’ve not tested either of the ones you mention, if you only use headphones in your room then I’d only be looking for the best full size cans you can afford.

Originally Posted by BruceBanner

I'd go with the E10's everytime. I annoy my wife to no end when playing Counter Strike: Source using my superlux hd's as the sound still leaks out quite a fair bit (and of course you know bruce likes his shotguns LOUD)
My ear lugs are also rather large, meaning the cups of the cans still sit a little on the ear lug and therefore after 1hr of playing start to ache.
I use my e10's for 6-8hrs constant use at work and never have any aches whatsover.

The only real advantage i think cans have over IEMs is that they slip on alot quicker, so if im doing something that's quick i'll use cans, otherwise IEMs win imo.

Soundwise i find the e10's superior to the aforementioned cans also.

thankyou for the replies..i had trouble deciding because there are very few superlux reviews available..plus the idea concerning full cans vs iems..mr. brucebanner said e10 has the better sound quality..so that made my mind up..again thank you..

[JK98]

Full size isolating headphones will make your ears hot with extended use. Full sized open headphones give the best sounstage and are the most comfortable. They aren't good when you need isolation though. I use traditional earbuds, IEMs, and open and closed headphones. They each have their place. Sometimes isolation is great, but other times(such as when walking through traffic intersections) isolation can be dangerous.

Headphones do typically last much longer than IEMs. Some people(including myself) are using their Sony MDR-V6 for more than 20 years.

Full sized closed headphones generally give the best bass. IEMs are best for getting isolation without hot ears. Full sized closed headphones can be nice outdoors in the cold weather though(instead of earmuffs).

[BruceBanner]

Originally Posted by JK98

Sometimes isolation is great, but other times(such as when walking through traffic intersections) isolation can be dangerous.

I would argue that this may not be true. I have been listening to walkmans loud with various headphones since i was doing paper rounds as a young lad. I have trained myself to NEVER use sound as a guidance when out and about, be it cycling, walking busy streets or even driving a car. I would place money that those in accidents didn't hear a car and thought it was safe to cross i.e. they relied too heavily on their hearing, could not hear the cars comng (as cars are very quiet these days) and so did not use their eyes, step out and BAM!
The trouble comes when you have people not used to using isolating headphones (or listening loud volumes enough to drown traffic) and not using sight enough.
But i feel VERY safe driving, cycling and walking using isolating IEMs as i have been doing so for years and am solely using sight as a judgement for conditions.
Some might argue the safest is using a combination of sight and hearing when out and about, but what im proposing is perhaps they're wrong, that this is one of those times that using sight and only sight is safer.

[The DarkSide]

BruceBanner, we luv you bro - but you are STONE COLD DEEF!!!

[BruceBanner]

Ahhh well ears are for listening arn't they, no use to you when yer dead ehhehhehe

[Marvin the Martian]

Originally Posted by The DarkSide

BruceBanner, we luv you bro - but you are STONE COLD DEEF!!!

He'll have to get a hearing aid by the time he's our age.....lol

[BruceBanner]

what?

[The DarkSide]

Damn!!!! I hope not!!!

[BruceBanner]

im 34, how old r u two old farts?

[Marvin the Martian]

Originally Posted by BruceBanner

im 34, how old r u two old farts?

I'm 41....and TDS is older than me....lol

[BruceBanner]

ach young pups....

[The DarkSide]

I'm 45,...and I feel a LOT younger!!!

[BruceBanner]

There's the spirit!

[Marvin the Martian]

I'm 41 and I act a lot younger....lol. Mentally, I'm about 25.....physically, a lot more than 25....

[BruceBanner]

im 34 going on 15. My main hobbies are pwning nubs on Counterstrike:Source (i have low self esteem issues). I feel a shame for my 2 and 6 yr old having a teenage dad

[The DarkSide]

PFFT!!! I have a 25, 24, 19, and 8 yo. I'm more of a putz than they are. But I can still beat their azzes!!!

[Syndrome]

Originally Posted by BruceBanner

I would argue that this may not be true. I have been listening to walkmans loud with various headphones since i was doing paper rounds as a young lad. I have trained myself to NEVER use sound as a guidance when out and about, be it cycling, walking busy streets or even driving a car. I would place money that those in accidents didn't hear a car and thought it was safe to cross i.e. they relied too heavily on their hearing, could not hear the cars comng (as cars are very quiet these days) and so did not use their eyes, step out and BAM!
The trouble comes when you have people not used to using isolating headphones (or listening loud volumes enough to drown traffic) and not using sight enough.
But i feel VERY safe driving, cycling and walking using isolating IEMs as i have been doing so for years and am solely using sight as a judgement for conditions.
Some might argue the safest is using a combination of sight and hearing when out and about, but what im proposing is perhaps they're wrong, that this is one of those times that using sight and only sight is safer.

I've been very very shocked how much I use my ears for knowing what is going on around me, I don't depend on it, but when I hear something then I realize it and account for it.

One of the places I noticed that I used my ears more substantially than I ever knew was when I was playing Foosball. We used to do local competitions and I was at the top, one day I decided I would 'get in the zone' and play with my music, boy did that impair me. It cut my skillz down by at least 35%.

And also working on the job, at some points there are at least 8-10 pieces of large machinery moving in all directions around me, having my ears open keeps me alive.