In-ear Headphones

[admin_exported]

Hi,

I'm looking at buying a quality set of in-ear headphones for use with my ipod. The Klipsch X10s have favour on reading this magazine, but reading around various websites I've seen a few other recommendations.

A number of places I've read have claimed the Sleek Audio SA6s are superior. These headphones were given 5 stars in this mag at £250 with the extra wireless adapter but are available at 160 without it.

The Ultimate ears Triple.fi 10s are a similar price and have also been compared with the Klipsch phones, although these have not been reviewed by WhatHifi (unless I can't find it on the website).

The Shure 530s have been mentioned a few times, although they are more expensive as are the Grado GR8s. (As far as I can see these have not been reviewed either)

Does anyone have experience with these other headphones, or can someone from the magazine tell me if there are any plans to review these in the future?

Thanks very much,

Ben

 

[Anonymous]

Most people of course will only have had experience of one or two pairs of earphones at the price level you're asking about so opinions aren't all that useful - except on another forum dedicated to listening through 'phones - WHF rules means it can't be linked but not tricky to find.

I've the Shure SE530s. There are two common criticisms - a slightly rolled off treble and the robustness of the cable where it meets the phone. I had the cable problem after 23 months (of a two year warranty!) so am now on my second pair. Shure were great about replacing them but if it had been two months later I may have been out of luck I guess. Having said that I just stuff them in my jeans pocket every day whereas some people take more care and use the provided carry case.

I paid ~£220 and had only previously listened on phones which were <£100 (Sonys, Shures, Denons etc) and the 530s were a big improvement on what I'd used before.

If I was buying another pair I'd be tempted to try the Westone's or some UEs - not because I'm in any way disappointed in the 530s - but just to see what kind of differences are out there.

Key to the 530s (& I'm sure most other similar canal phones) is the quality of the fit. It is worth experimenting with the various tips (you get three types with the 530s and a range of sizes). For example I find one tip gives amazing isolation (i.e. I can't hear announcements on a train and aircraft engine noises almost vanish) whereas another tip gives less isolation but a slightly punchier sound (particularly in the bass). When I've read the odd very negative review I've read of the 530s I've assumed the writer had never found a good fit/seal as I can't see how the phones would genuinely dissatisfy fitted properly.

I expect you'd enjoy any of the mid/upper-end phones from Shure/UE/Westone. I'm not familiar with the Grados. To be honest, in your shoes, I'd probably pick a few pairs and try and go for whichever I could find the best deal on at the time.

Rob