Hi mactalkers,

Im looking at buying some in-ear phones for my iPod classic/iPhone.
I dont know a thing about earphones at all, other than white generally = ipod...
I dont want to spend more than $100, but I am looking at a pair of Etymotic Research ER-6i earphones.
So, has anyone used them, and if so, are they good?
Also, what are some good earphones in this price range?

Regards,
Beau

I have a pair of Ultimate Ears Super.Fi 4vis and love them! Haven't used Etymotics, sorry!

For a specific headphones forum, look here: Headphonic - Australian Headphone Forums :: Index

Or you can use the search button. I'm sure headphones have been covered a lot.....

They have Etys now too.

Etymotic: hf2 | Headphonic: Australian Headphone Specialists: Buy Etymotic, Alessandro, Audio Technica, Ultimate Ears, Talisman, Meier Audio and more

Sennheiser CX300's... awesome... I recommend these all the time..

$89 or so for an awesome set of ear-phones.

Why can't this be tidied up and merged with the iPhone / Earphone thread. Same subject matter?

Having iPhone stuff disabled in the sidebar meant I didn't realise there was already a thread on this, but it sounds like what you propose is a very sensible idea!

Are you new to canalphones? If so, there's a sort of 'learning curve' that comes with them. You also may find the Ety's to be very flat and balanced compared to the 'fun' sounds of most other headphones in lower price ranges, and you may be disappointed because it's not what you're expecting.

I suggest to do a bit of research regarding canalphones before taking the plunge. Also depends on the kind of music you listen to primarily, where you'll be listening, how much isolation you want, how often you'll be putting them in and taking them out of your ears, etc.

Hi,

I have had a couple of sets, including apples in-ear (tinny as hell), and a couple others along the way.

Only using them maybe 1-3 times a week, for some screamo/rock music...
listening on the street, not that busy, but a street nonetheless.
But yeah, will these be right?

Regards,
Beau

Well, seems no-one else ever agrees with me, but I don't find it to be a good idea to use isolating earphones when out and about. Not being able to hear what's going on around you is pretty dangerous. But yeah, that's just me.

Also remember canalphones require a good fit to make them sound good. Since it's heavy music you like to listen to, I'm assuming you like it to be a little bit bass-heavy? Not having the right fit will cause the bass to disappear. So you may need to do a bit of experimenting with different tips to see which works best for you.

For the type of music you listen to, I'd probably look at the Super Fi range before the Etymotic, as the Ety's aren't the greatest for rock music. Then again, I'd probably recommend going for something relatively cheap but still good as your first pair of canalphones.

Try the Vsonic R02-Pro (you can find these from Headphonic | Australian Headphone Specialists: Buy Etymotic, Alessandro, Audio Technica, Ultimate Ears, Talisman, Meier Audio and more and they do free shipping across Australia)

The CX300's, as mentioned above, might also be fine for you. I wouldn't say they have the greatest sound, especially not for the price, but they have the advantage of being very comfortable as they don't sit in your ear canal too deep.

However, above all others, I still recommend the Yuin PK3 and PK2 earbuds (PK1's require an amp). Yep. Good old earbuds, except they have amazing sound for the price. I use the PK3's every day, best $50 you can spend. Best earbuds you can buy.

I have Sony EX-85.

Two driver design, unusual angled eartip fits my ears fine.

Nice sound-always use it with my players.

I had a pair of the ER-6i and thought they were awesome. Sadly they were stolen along with my iPod from a hotel room. I replaced them with the Bose (supposed in-ear) phones. These are more of a hybrid, not fully in the ear canal but not quite buds either. I have issues with buds not fitting my overly large ears and the Bose give me the same problem. If anyone wants to buy the Bose phones then make me an offer... I have not really used them and they come with 3 sets of interchangeable silicon end pieces. I still have the box.

Bose® Australia

You won't be disappointed if you buy the ER-6i.

JVC make a $30 in-ear with moldable foam earbuds that make a better fitting.

They're called "Marshmallows".
$29.95-just as good as my EX85, better than Apple's in-ears.

I got the VSonics myself and they are excellent. Well balanced bass with sparkly treble. For rock music (which is the majority of my mp3 collection) they are very nice. They aren't built as well as soon but they are white and are $89 from Headphonic.

http://www.headphones.com.au/psingle?productID=321

The only other option I'd recommend are the CX300 if you can get them in silver or if you can spend a little more, the SuperFi3's from Ultimate Ears are apparently the bomb.