In-ear recommendations - up to £100

[neilmistry]

My Beyerdynamics DTX100's have died after 16months of daily use - one of the earbuds no longer produces any sound. I have returned them in hope of getting them replaced under warranty, but if they're not repaired/replaced, can anyone recommend a suitable set of in-ear buds? Has anyone tried the new Beyerdynamic DTX101's?

I listen to a variety of music, with a leaning towards electronic. I'm looking for a pair that is detailed and with good bass. I have seen the Shure SE215's but have read reviews saying that the treble is poor. The 315's seem to get good reviews, but are a bit above my budget. Ideally I would like to spend under £100.

The new earphones should have excellent noise isolation and not leak as I travel by train daily.

I'm currently using an old pair of Sony buds that I had with a Walkman (I now use an iPod Classic) and although they lack the bass weight of the Beyers, they are clear and spacious, but unfortunately leak and aren't very comfortable.

Thanks,

Neil.

 

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[Anonymous]

For value, the Shure SE115's are just amazing, can be had online for just over £50 aswell! Very detailed bass, perfect for what you're after I reckon. Noise isolation is excellent with the foam buds and they are silent when they're in your ears. Also very strong, you wont see these splitting apart or shredding wires quickly.

 

[Cold Roses]

I have a pair of Phonak pfe 122s and absolutely love them. They produce a really clear, detailed and balanced sound. Unusually, they come with adjustable audio filters, which you fit yourself using a little tool kit supplied with the headphones. This allows you to tweak the frequency response somewhat to your preference, with the supplied black filters boosting bass and the grey aimed at mid-range. There's also a green filter, which you can buy separately, that apparently boosts the bass response further. Though I haven't tried those. The Phonak's with the black filters are perfect for me. Although, probably wouldn't satisfy real bass fiends.

You can get the pfe 122s for under £100. Though, they come with a remote and microphone, which you probably don't need unless your using an iphone or similar (as I am). I think the pfe 112 are basically the same headphones but without the mic/remote, so may be a little cheaper.

I also have a pair of Shure SE215s, but I personally prefer the Phonaks. Not only on sound, but also because they're more comfortable to wear.

I recently tried a pair of the highly rated B&W P5s (obviously not in ear), which I have to say I wasn't overwhelmed by. Lovely build quality and good sound, though again I preferred the Phonaks.

As an alternative, the Sennheiser CX880i recently came out on top in a mini group test of sub-£100 in-ears in another well known hi fi publication.

 

[Cold Roses]

Totally agree that the Shure se115s are great value. If you don't mind using a pink pair, you can pick them up for as little as £40. Incredible price.

 

[neilmistry]

Thanks for the suggestions.

I'm really hoping my Beyerdynamics will be replaced under warranty, and struggling with a free pair of Sony buds. I've ordered a pair of Shure 115's at the bargain price of £30, with the only downside being that they are in shocking pink! I've said my wife can have them if I end up feeling too self-conscious!

 

[Anonymous]

Aaaw, I am thinking of getting a pair of the SE115s. Where did you manage to get them for £30?

Do tell...

 

[MattSPL]

I recommend a pair of TFT Acoustics 2100-2v1s
I got a pair a few weeks ago to try for a holiday trip.

They are advertised as being as good as or better than some very expensive big name earphones.
They cost £99.99

I also have a pair of Shure se210's, and wanted to compare them to the TFTA's as they are in the same price range.

The Shure's are Balanced armature driver design's, and the TFTA's are Dynamic drivers.

I found the Shure's ok, but a bit dull and lifeless and lacking in bass. You really need to EQ the sound to get some life out of them.

The TFTA's blow the Shures out of the water in ever area.
They have excellent detail and a very realistic and open midrange.
Bass is tight and powerful. They can really kick out a beat if required

For my listening i used the iphone 4 with Apple lossless, and tried them with and without an external amp.
I also compared the Shures, TFTA's, and some 10euro headphones using the new FL Studio Mobile software.

The improvement the Shure's and TFTA's give over the cheap headphones is huge, but the TFTA's are also a leap ahead of the Shure 210's.

 

[MattSPL]

Sorry, double post