How to tell the difference between real and fake Sennheiser CX300/500

[Teklord]

@mbamg What do you suggest then for sub $50 IEMs then?

I'll see about uploading pics, but I have looked at other websites and they pass EVERY visual inspection for the authentic Sennheiser CX300s but sound like knock offs. I have no idea how they could have packaged imitation CX300s in 100% legit looking Sennheiser packaging. Not to mention the sound goes out in one of the ears already and that started right out of the box.

[W_reck]

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Genuine-Senn...63893972529407
is this fake or genuine ?
thanks for any help

[lestatar]

Hmmm, impossible to know for sure until in your hands. But consider the seller source [HK/China] as well as the old adage:

If its too good to be true, it prolly is...

Folks here on ABi will chime in I am sure, but also have a gander here:
http://fakeheadphones.com/

And at this informative thread with pics from that other site:
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/...iser-cx-400-ii



Caveat emptor

[WalkGood]

What do you think, did you find the holy grail sales price for an iem that normally sells between $39 to $70 + + for $16.99? It could be but I doubt it and the shipper is from Hong Kong. I have nothing against ebay or Hong Kong sellers and I do purchase items there as much as the next guy but not headphones, I’d look to a reputable dealer so you don’t get burned, good luck.

[lestatar]

^well, WG, in the poster's defense, the ebay seller does have a perfect 100% rating [for all that is worth...]

[WalkGood]

Originally Posted by lestatar

^well, WG, in the poster's defense, the ebay seller does have a perfect 100% rating [for all that is worth...]

Order and enjoy

[sideways]

What you mean you can't trust ebay seller ratings?

[mbamg]

Pretty much. It's not a matter of how high his ratings are, it's a matter of how much stuff the person has sold on ebay. Normally I'd go for a seller if he's sold over a few thousand items on ebay, but I wouldn't even buy CX300s from a Hong Kong/Mainland source, let alone CX400s.

[mbamg]

Look here: http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/...21-added-03-27

Like I said, they invest money in making fakes look genuine. Also, since CX300s are made in China now the same factories that make them could be stuffing cheap drivers into genuine casings and packaging and selling them.

What are your priorities when looking for an IEM? Mine has never been bass (IMO many sub-$50 IEMs these days have way too much of that), but instead as little microphonics as possible and clarity in the treble and mids.

[W_reck]

http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-CX4...1509290&sr=8-1

any idea on this ?

[WalkGood]

Originally Posted by W_reck

http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-CX4...1509290&sr=8-1

any idea on this ?

I doubt you'll find fakes on amazon other than the market place or via used vendors but if they are, they should easily replace or refund your money, amazon is solid IMO.

[W_reck]

okay then i will go for amazon thanks for u r help
to mbamg :- i like balance ones , i use the ep630 on my sony s545 they have bit 2much bass so thinking of replacement, are this sennheiser's good ?

[mbamg]

Originally Posted by W_reck

okay then i will go for amazon thanks for u r help
to mbamg :- i like balance ones , i use the ep630 on my sony s545 they have bit 2much bass so thinking of replacement, are this sennheiser's good ?

The bass on the CX300s overpowers the trebles and mids IMO. I'm leaning towards the MEE M6 and SoundMagic PL50 after reading the review that I posted above, but since you may have other priorities when buying IEMs, I suggest that you look through the entire review before making a decision.

My budget max is $50, but if you're willing to go up to $70 you can buy some pretty amazing IEMs for the price.

[Teklord]

Originally Posted by WalkGood

What do you think, did you find the holy grail sales price for an iem that normally sells between $39 to $70 + + for $16.99? It could be but I doubt it and the shipper is from Hong Kong. I have nothing against ebay or Hong Kong sellers and I do purchase items there as much as the next guy but not headphones, I’d look to a reputable dealer so you don’t get burned, good luck.

I got TWO pair of CX-300s from Hong Kong/China in the past, dirt cheap and they were both legit. So yes, you can get the real deal dirt cheap.

The pair of CX-300s I recently got off eBay are fakes in 100% authentic Sennheiser earphone construction and packaging. The sound is jacked way up to compensate for the poor quality, there is barely any positional sound, and no bass to speak off.

I got another pair of CX-300s on Amazon that are legit with appropriate sound decibel levels, excellent positional sound and appreciable bass. You get what you pay for with CX-300s. Great for the money but more expensive earphones/buds will produce great quality sound.

[imrx]

I have found CX-300 II for ~20$ on eBay. The seller is from UK and it's the eco package. Do they even fake eco packages?
So, by now the price could have gone down to 20$, right?

Oh, and he has 100% positive feedback. Al thought he has sold only 21 earphones, yet. Everyone said that they are great and whatnot.

Should I risk it?

[skip252]

Why bother? This thread was relevant when it first started but there have been significant changes in what a decent quality IEM costs. And the CX 300 are just marginally decent.

I'd put my search effort and money into finding a set that is more in line with today's value per dollar rather than looking at possible fakes. And yes, Senn CX models are still widely faked.

[jelkinsmith]

Hello,
At this present competitive market buying a genuine electronic product is becoming tough.
Identifying the original from the fakes ones are not an easy task
Thanks to all above for highlighting important points.
It helped me a lot.