Ear Bud/Head Set poll

[g.711]

It is apparent to me that the type of person who researches and ends up purchasing a J3 is looking for exceptional quality in their audio needs. So although this topic can be found all over the web I would like to ask for updated opinions on the current crop of headset/Ear buds. And maybe a comment on the cost Low-$10-70 medium – 70-150 and High- 150+
I use the Westone UM1 – Cost is High but it provides excellent sound, and the earbuds are foam compose so they are very comfortable. They hang over the top of the ear and the wire line is like Kevlar so I am very happy but I am in need of another set.

[Future Tomorrow]

I'm having a fairly grand time with the Klipsch Image S4 and the ER-6i matched up with the J3. I like each for different reasons and if you listen to music like dubstep, speed garage etc it really helps with the layers of bass but for some the exaggerated bass of the Klipsch S4 Image may be much.

The Klipsch Image S4 were $82.99 at Best Buy so on the low end of mid but they sound insanely awesome and more like a $120 pair of buds. Apparently a lot of other people feel the same as well(check reviews)

The ER-6i's are pretty darn nice with the J3 and ran me $74.72 on Amazon. I just checked today - 09/01/2010 and they're now $64.99. These were once over $150...actually a little surprised how much the price has gone down but they are pretty old. I get a very well balanced, yet distinctly separated sound from these and they are slightly clearer than the Klispch in all the right spots. However I wouldn't get rid of either. It's very easy for me personally to pull apart a tracks arrangement and it's instruments using these and I'm actually buying another pair for my hobbyist endeavours.

I'd check the reviews on both of these and I am looking/open to recommendations and thoughts myself.

[mythe]

I use etymotic research hf5's and ath ad700's with my j3 which I just recently got. Because of the type of music I listen to I usually prefer headphones with a nicer higher end and weaker bass. Hf5's were $130 and the ad700's were $80. I haven't really used my ad700's for all that long yet but I love my hf5's =)

[dfkt]

Originally Posted by g.711

So although this topic can be found all over the web I would like to ask for updated opinions on the current crop of headset/Ear buds. And maybe a comment on the cost Low-$10-70 medium – 70-150 and High- 150+

Lots of info: http://anythingbutipod.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=22

[g.711]

DFKT you are a big help on this site to everyone. Thanks! Could I ask what headsets you are currently using/
And when will you start posting YouTube Reviews of your equipment? I would love to see em.

[lestatar]

Originally Posted by g.711

DFKT you are a big help on this site to everyone. Thanks! When will you start posting YouTube Reviews? I would love to see em.

Indeed! we are quite lucky to have dfkt in out midst...

btw, does this count for you inre: a youtube vid?

You Tube

You Tube

[g.711]

I like the concept, the CLIP+ is a great player, simple, small and works well. I think YouTube is a great platform to allow PPL to see product actually being used. Some of the videos are lame and unorganized but its nice to see products you don’t casually see in stores.

I have a dilemma, I have had the Westone um1 for about six months. I like them very much, feel, design and sound however they are a bit weak on the low end base side even with EQ’ing. So I am in the market for an upgrade and looking at the Weston UM3 or Sennheiser IE 8 anyone have issues with either of these coupled with the J3?

[nikk]

I use the Shure SE535s. While expensive, I love em, both for rock and for classical music. The ear buds are soft flex and those seem to work beat for me. My music is mostly in wav format.

[g.711]

I am no engineer but it is evident to me that there must be a perfect electronic match for the Cowon J3. Maybe someone more knowledgeable will chime in.
Cowon Spec’s
Frequency Range 20Hz~20KHz
Max Output Stereo, 29mW + 29mW (16Ω earphones)
S/N Ratio 95dB
File Format MP3/2, WMA, OGG, FLAC, APE, WAV
Audio Codec MP3 : MPEG 1/2/2.5 Layer 3, ~320Kbps, ~48KHz, Mono/Stereo
WMA : ~320Kbps, ~48KHz, Mono/Stereo
OGG : ~Q10, ~44.1KHz, Mono/Stereo
FLAC : Compression Level 0 ~ 8, ~44.1KHz, Mono/Stereo
APE : Fast,Normal,High16 Bits, Version 3.97 ~3.99
WAV : ~48KHz, 16bit, Mono/Stereo

UM3X Specifications:
• Sensitivity: 124dB/mW
• Frequency response: 20 Hz -18 kHz
• Impedance: 56 ohms
• Driver: Three balanced armature drivers with a passive three-way crossover.
• Features: Padded travel case, ten different eartips, wax loop for cleaning, 1/8 in. to 1/4 in. plug adapter and inline volume control.

SE535 Specs
• Speaker Type: Triple High-Definition MicroDrivers
• Sensitivity (1kHz): 119 dB SPL/mW
• Impedance (1kHz): 36 Ω
• Noise Attenuation: Up to 37 dB
• Frequency Range: 18Hz – 19kHz
• Input Connector: Gold-plated 3.5 mm (1/8")
• Cable: 64" Detachable (at ear) with wireform fit

Of course sound is very subjective and the variables of encoding format, volume level, anatomy of the ear itself and what your preferred listening genera all play into the equation. But I think there is a perfect electronic match vs a Sony or Samsung.
Anyone?

PS - I know there is another entire forum for head gear on this topic, I just want it to focus on the J3 to Head Gear topic.