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

[The DarkSide]

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

[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 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.

[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/

[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]

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.

[Jörgemeister]

I got 2 pairs and will try mine further later, so far my gf says she loves hers, but she said she loved the sansa earbuds before, on the good side she left the earbuds behind after trying these JVCs.

My first impression is "Fun" without having too much bass and not muddy or veiled. its nice. better than the Meelec M6 and much better than the JVC FX51, my previous Gym IEM (and about 15 extra usd)

[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