Stuck for several months. What else can I do?

[AlmaataKZ]

Since mid last year I am looking for a pair of good in-ear headphones. Requirements:

- excellent sound (possibly multiple balanced drivers)

- either included custom fit or optional custom fit tip that can be ordered separately

- must be very durable, have detachable cable, 3-button ipod control (can be bough separately)

The problem I am facing is lack of possibility to try before buying. As this kind of 'phones start at abt 70 and go all the way to more than a grand, I want to see for myself and be sure of my choice. Which means, it seems obvious, that I want to listen first to at least 2-3 candidates and then chose the one I think has the best cost/sound q ratio. the question is how do I do that?

I have been around many shops in London - no demos found. (Micro Anvika used to have good range of Shure models on demo with disposable foam plugs + wipes - but not any more).

I e-mailed Shure UK several times asking if they have info on who has demo kits. No reply.

Can forum members help with any practical suggestions?

Can WHF help? would this be savvy enough for the 'savvy shopper'?

I may go to the Bristol show to see if there is anything on demo there.

 

[AlmaataKZ]

For example, I want to compare these (or similar):

Apple, 70gbp

Shure, 350gbp

ultimate ears, 1000gbp?

 

[bluebrazil]

I dont know about demo's but i have seen a big increase of quality phones being stocked by selfridges, im sure they must have some sort of try before you buy system for these very expensive items. also i believe john lewis stores are very amicable. Another good stockist i found was an offduty shop at the airport but im guessing no demo's and not very accessable for most.

. I bet dubai airport would be a great place to try them.

 

[AlmaataKZ]

thanks, blue. I will check out selfridges and jl (never thought of looking there). had a go at heathrow duty free a couple of times (they do stock Sure range) but no demos.

 

[AlmaataKZ]

Since it is pretty much impossible for consumers to audition this category of hifi gear (which makes the fundamental and otherwise sensible WHF advice to audition before buying useless) it looks like doing a group test of these would be a really significant help to the readers (as they cannot practically do a comparison themsleves). Are sales of in-ear headphone still growing? If so it would also reflect the market demand.

Does it look like a sure reason for that kind of group test? I mean, what other type of hifi gear is in the same position in terms of difficulty for the consumer to try for themselves?

If WHF would do a group test (consisting of at least 4 'phones that fit the bill of the OP) I can commit to buy the winning test pair from the mag (assuming WHF wants to sell it) for the price that WHF paid for it.

 

[Anonymous]

Hello there,

I use Shure SE315's. They're single driver, not multiple, but for the money I think they're very, very good.

They offer excellent noise isolation, have a very good sound and meet the other criteria you have, ie detachable cable, optional iPhone/iPod control.

I had entry level Shure's before and these are well worth the upgrade. Much, much better build quality too.

I had to take a gamble and go by a lot of online reviews. Luckily, the gamble paid off.

Hope this helps a bit.

 

[bluebrazil]

apple shops usually have their own phones and sometimes bose products available to listen to

 

[georgecostanza]

I can vouch for Shure too, have had Sennheiser and Etymotic in past , but Shure are much better quality, and the comply foam tips are well worth it .

 

[jaxwired]

You make a good point. Some of these earphones are selling for serious money now and that really demands the ability to demo the product prior to purchase. But, I've never heard of any earbud demos ever. Don't think its done.

For what it's worth, I have a pair of Phiaton earbuds that I use with my iPod and I love them. They come with 4 or 5 different sizes of nipples (is that the word, lol). Anyway, I find them very comfortable and I have never been able to wear the cheapo earbuds for long before they hurt my ears. And they sound very detailed. Amazingly good sound for the money I spent.

Here's the link: http://www.amazon.com/Phiaton-PS-210-Sound-Isolating-Earphones/dp/B002X46V36/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1297821073&sr=8-2

 

[AlmaataKZ]

Thanks, gents. All good and useful recommendations, I am sure, but still make me nowhere nearer knowing where any of those are in relation to each other, to any 'shortlisted' 'phones or the 'phones that I currently use! And not an inch nearer finding a way to find out.

I bought the apple dual driver in-ears without listenting and the improvement was very good over the kit ones. With 50 quid or smth the risk is OK (and the chances of improveement from the kit ones is quite high).

But when it gets into hundreds? Buy to find out that they sound great or maybe about the same or just a bit better or a lot worse! And then what? Buy-to-try another pair?... Does not sound like a plan to me...

 

[bluebrazil]

I suppose there's a hygiene and/or theft issue with having buds lying about for demos although i have seen bose over ears on demo in the posh department stores. I would query any prospective purchase for what the returns policies have in the small print, i guess saying, "i just dont like the sound" isnt gonna cut the mustard with some retailers. Add to that that there is a certain burn in time with all these items, it looks like a minefield.