Even though further practical testing, the Edifier H185 has persisted. It was the only current production unit in comparison and did mange to best all of its peers (a collection of high end). It was like an AKG with the pleasant tone, except for higher resolution and easier to use. Sennheiser got close, but not practically close enough, because Sennheiser discontinued high resolution earbuds.
You could count the number of times I've posted a rave on one hand, mainly because it is more fun and more useful to complain.
Mark it up by one.
I'm using the Edifier now.
So late to the party that they might be the last; however, Edifier apparently knows what the party ought to sound like. Please post your comments on what classic earbud does better than this.
You could count the number of times I've posted a rave on one hand, mainly because it is more fun and more useful to complain.
Mark it up by one.
I'm using the Edifier now.
So late to the party that they might be the last; however, Edifier apparently knows what the party ought to sound like. Please post your comments on what classic earbud does better than this.
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Unfortunately their lack of seal and leakage around the driver also is what gives earbuds such an atrocious low-end performance. Especially when used without foam pads - don't ever do that.
AFAIK, Yuin PK1 >> everything else (and even that is not much absolutely speaking). Same goes for pricing though.
Measurements at InnerFidelity include a handful of earbuds.
The best "earbuds" ever might be the "baby STAX", SR-001 to SR-003. Yes, miniature electrostatics.
AFAIK, Yuin PK1 >> everything else (and even that is not much absolutely speaking). Same goes for pricing though.
Measurements at InnerFidelity include a handful of earbuds.
The best "earbuds" ever might be the "baby STAX", SR-001 to SR-003. Yes, miniature electrostatics.
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The full/ordinary pads work well with the metallic output grids; however, if the output is a plastic grid, then the doughnut pads are necessary for comparable HF performance.
That might be the biggest differences amongst reasonable quality earbuds and high end examples as well.
P.S.
Other differences in produced units may include some performance aspects done better at cost to other performance aspects. The matter seems to be linear.
As for me, I just don't like blocked ears feeling. So, what I need is real earbuds.
Sennheiser's higher end models, probably discontinued, and their OEM, which is Hi-Sound, and available, require extensive EQ but do achieve the resolution. Also, there might be a power handling caveat when you EQ force the Sennheiser to to what you wanted to hear; but, the lack isn't much.
AKG might work okay if your ears are huge enough? The level response is convenient for the few humans they'd fit. Although AKG's frequency response is so level it is pretty, the resolution is so uninteresting, I'd rather avoid it. They're not the worst, but you didn't want third place at that price.
Edifier is the surprise newcomer on earbuds and managed a rather level response along with fairly good resolution and good power handling. The combination of those features might not be penultimate but it is convenient.
Serious contenders in the classic earbud market, might be in short supply.
If you've got a fantastically competent eq, then you might want Sennheiser/Hi-Sound, or if not then you might want Edifier H185.
I can't decide which approach is better, because source equipment does differ considerably.
Have you looked at the stuff these guys have? I'm not into earbuds, but the premise seems plausible. The tips change when your body heat warms up the tips, and supposedly makes a better seal.
Comply? Foam Tips - Replacement Earphone Tips
Comply? Foam Tips - Replacement Earphone Tips
daniel,
i also don't often like the "blocked ears" feeling.
i've been very happy with old palm pre ear buds. used to be able to buy them in bulk for less than $1 each (!!) when the palm pre died out. unfortunately, i'm down to my last pair after all these years and looks like they're not available anymore. neither is a good replacement. using the headphone eq tweaking app in my old samsung and current htc phones required minimal adjustments for good sound for "me". i also like having a switch with my earbuds (i do a LOT of audio-books) and that feature makes them really scarce!
mlloyd1
ps: i found a link to the last ones I bought way back in 2010. the price has REALLY gone up!
https://www.amazon.com/Palm-Stereo-Headset-Pixi-Pre/dp/B002CMEIW0/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1474213509&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=palm+pre+earbuds
i also don't often like the "blocked ears" feeling.
i've been very happy with old palm pre ear buds. used to be able to buy them in bulk for less than $1 each (!!) when the palm pre died out. unfortunately, i'm down to my last pair after all these years and looks like they're not available anymore. neither is a good replacement. using the headphone eq tweaking app in my old samsung and current htc phones required minimal adjustments for good sound for "me". i also like having a switch with my earbuds (i do a LOT of audio-books) and that feature makes them really scarce!
mlloyd1
ps: i found a link to the last ones I bought way back in 2010. the price has REALLY gone up!
https://www.amazon.com/Palm-Stereo-Headset-Pixi-Pre/dp/B002CMEIW0/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1474213509&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=palm+pre+earbuds
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yeah!
Back in the day, they were standard equipment with IRiver's higher end hard drive based MP3 players (a whole tiny pocket computer with a Wolfson DAC). Those earbuds were in the box.
Also, today there's a lot of fakes in that same earbud casing--You can tell if you got a fake, because fakes have no bass. On all reports, VE Monk Plus is the real thing. The most recognizable brand name that was applied to that, in the past, was Sennheiser. Basically Sennheiser for $5~$10 range.
Smart shopping! Kudos!
It is possible to order direct from the manufacturer: https://www.veclan.com/engappliance_sel_one?eng_ApplianceVo.eac_id=4
To get the best sound you need doughnut pads. Because, plastic screen.
You can diy that pad with a one-hole paper punch, to make the included pads into doughnut (hole on both sides) pads. Put the diy hole on first so it contacts the back of the driver (the stretch will cover up the imperfections in diy-ing that second hole), leaving the factory perfect hole at the driver screen surface (output). The exposed screen at the center allows for better treble resolution and imaging (relevant to plastic screen earbuds).
The manufacturer also has the EX-Pac (expansion pack) that ships with a really wide variety of pads, including doughnut pads (both foam and rubber versions).
This classic earbud (if the real thing), has good high resolution, Sennheiser MX500 design and a tamer frequency response that is easier to eq than the newer Sennheiser MX365 style.
P.S.
You may prefer a little EQ with the VE Monk Plus. It isn't very needy, so the basic bass-n-treble will do it. However, if you have no EQ/tone controls whatsoever (most modern PC have omitted the EQ), then it is possible that you'd prefer the Edifier H185. Either way, thanks for adding to the short list of good earbuds.
The Edifier H185 gets a little closer to AKG's rose colored glasses, but not close enough to suffer the resolution loss. That Edifier H185 did acceptably without an EQ. Even though it didn't particularly need it, it was a little more fun with a slight EQ going on. Much unlike the other models, it was quite a bit easier to use. I hadn't even considered if different size pads had mattered. My experience was rather more straightforward.
I really like my Aurvana 3's. Balanced armature dual driver - very compact and fit in the ear without dangling out. 114dB/mW so can play loudly from any source. Good seal to keep out noise when commuting on bus/train. I use mine daily for 3 years now. Good balanced sound - nice mids and non fatiguing highs. Not overly emphasized bass like some brands.
Latest model has mic built into cord and price drop from $100 3 yrs ago.
https://www.amazon.com/Creative-High-end-Noise-isolating-Earphones-Microphone/dp/B00U0WUGXO
Latest model has mic built into cord and price drop from $100 3 yrs ago.
https://www.amazon.com/Creative-High-end-Noise-isolating-Earphones-Microphone/dp/B00U0WUGXO
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