Are higher end IEMs - In Ear Monitors - like Etymotics worth it?

[nevets88]

I have a pair of cheap Skullcandy and mid priced Sony in-ear canal earphones. The Sony is noticeably better. The quality of sound is warmer and cleaner although for the price, the Skullcandy's aren't bad.

What do you think brands like Etymotics, Monster Turbine, etc... Is the better sound quality worth the extra cost?

What do you think of these? They're not outrageously priced.

http://www.amazon.com/Etymotic-Research-Noise-Isolating-Earphones/dp/B003S3RFJA/ref=pd_sim_e_3

Then you have this:

http://www.headphone.com/headphones/monster-turbinepro-gold.php

[Fraser]

Surely it depends on how much of an audiophile you are. Only you can really answer that question.

[Zeph]

I got two sets of higher end plugs. One set of Shure E3C and one set Shure SE530. Been using both mostly with my Cowon D2 mp3-player. I don't know if I can call myself an audiophile, but I do value good sound. I've never regretted buying them, nor my stereo. There is no doubt that higher end plugs play better than cheap ones, but if it's worth the price is something each have to figure out. I've had the E3C since April 2007 and the SE530 since December 2008. Both are still working perfectly. I currently use the E3C when working out and the SE530 whenever I'm on the run with my Cowon or a laptop. If you are interested, I would recommend Shure and Ultimate Ears. Head-fi.org is always a good place to find reviews.

[Stretch]

If you enjoy music and want to hear something resembling the sound that was originally recorded, then yes they certainly are.

Have a look here for some opinion, the author knows of what he speaks.

http://www.innerfidelity.com/category/ear-monitor-headphone-reviews

[jamo]

Whether it's because of bad ears, ignorance, or just the music I listen to (or the fact that I have to compress my songs to get them to fit on my iPod), I simply can't tell the difference between expensive and cheap earbuds. I use $10 Sonys. Whatever the opposite of an audiophile is, that's me. So I'll stop talking now... ;-)

[rustyredcab]

The kind that go inside your ear are great for sound (like the top one in the OP) but I can only wear them for an hour or two before they are uncomfortable. And, I need to be care about putting them in and taking them out. I once left the little piece in my ear while on a plane. After an hour of freaking out, I got it out with tweezers. I have not used mine for a few years and find my iPhone buds are very inferior for sound but having the mic for the phone so I don't need to carry a listening only set of buds.

[iacas]

I just use the ones that came with my iPods/iPhones.

But, a big part of that is that they have a mic and the buttons for volume/pausing/skipping built right in.

[nevets88]

Most of the high end in ear headphones come with a mic now, many have volume controls.

I found the difference between earbuds and in ear is huge, but can't really say about mid-end to high-end as I can't find a place to demo them as they go inside the ear, thus hygiene issues, but the difference between a $10 in ear and a $35 in ear to big too, but not the same jump from earbud to in ear.

I guess I'll buy a pair from B&H; - they have no questions asked no fee return policy for these.

http://www.headphone.com/headphones/in-ear.php  is also a good site for getting info. Check out the thousand dollar pair at the bottom.

[iacas]

Originally Posted by nevets88

Most of the high end in ear headphones come with a mic now, many have volume controls.

And pause/skip controls too? That work with an iPhone?

I'd like to replace the iPhone ones eventually simply because they're a little less comfortable than I think I could get. And they can sometimes slip a little when I'm jogging.

[nevets88]

Originally Posted by iacas

And pause/skip controls too? That work with an iPhone?

I'd like to replace the iPhone ones eventually simply because they're a little less comfortable than I think I could get. And they can sometimes slip a little when I'm jogging.

Sure, something like this

The thing about running with in ear earphones is that you hear everything. The noise from your breathing, the movement of the cord, etc... It all transfers to your ears and some people hate it. I don't mind it but it took getting used to. They are great for cycling - I use one ear so I can hear the outside. You might want to do a test run with cheapie in ear headphones first.

I like in ears for running for listening to audiobooks or podcasts. I don't miss the occasional phrase like I did with the old earbuds.

[newtogolf]

iPhone is a bit large and heavy to jog with but I do take it when I run outside on an armband.  I really prefer the Shuffle for running, weighs nothing and neoprene jacket keeps it safe from sweat and rain.  Plus it's a lot cheaper if it breaks outside of warranty.

As for headsets, I have tried most of them with mixed results.  If you sweat a lot or run in the rain you will want to take that into consideration as I've ruined a few expensive headsets not meant for sports activity.  I've found PowerBeats from Dr. Dre provide best balance of sound with sweat / UV protection that work with the iPhone.  PowerBeats includes the voice control and button to fully control the iPhone.  If you're running a lot in the rain or don't want to spend the $150 on PowerBeats, the Sennheiser Adidas PMX 680i is a decent alternative at around $60 and also includes all the iPhone controls.

Originally Posted by iacas

And pause/skip controls too? That work with an iPhone?

I'd like to replace the iPhone ones eventually simply because they're a little less comfortable than I think I could get. And they can sometimes slip a little when I'm jogging.

[nevets88]

Yeah, I agree, I use the $10 cheapies when I see bad weather.

[dtb300]

Originally Posted by nevets88

I have a pair of cheap Skullcandy and mid priced Sony in-ear canal earphones. The Sony is noticeably better. The quality of sound is warmer and cleaner although for the price, the Skullcandy's aren't bad.

What do you think brands like Etymotics, Monster Turbine, etc... Is the better sound quality worth the extra cost?

What do you think of these? They're not outrageously priced.

http://www.amazon.com/Etymotic-Research-Noise-Isolating-Earphones/dp/B003S3RFJA/ref=pd_sim_e_3

Better sound quality is a very subjective thing.  Some like more treble (highs) some like more bass (lows).

Entymotics are some of the best Ear Buds available for sound quality and exterior sound rejection.  If you think the ones above are expensive for $60, they have two other HIGHER models above the MC5.   FWIW, the MC5 has some very good sound for the price.

Here is how you should buy audio hardware.  Set a price point, try to listen to AS MANY models as you can.  Decide which YOU like best, and buy them.

Monster?  Would not even consider them....

[iacas]

Originally Posted by newtogolf

iPhone is a bit large and heavy to jog with but I do take it when I run outside on an armband.  I really prefer the Shuffle for running, weighs nothing and neoprene jacket keeps it safe from sweat and rain.  Plus it's a lot cheaper if it breaks outside of warranty.

I wear the iPhone on my upper arm on a band. I don't notice the weight, really. It's enclosed too so it can't really get wet. Plus, the Couch to 5K app doesn't run on a Shuffle. ;-)

Originally Posted by newtogolf

As for headsets, I have tried most of them with mixed results.  If you sweat a lot or run in the rain you will want to take that into consideration as I've ruined a few expensive headsets not meant for sports activity.  I've found PowerBeats from Dr. Dre provide best balance of sound with sweat / UV protection that work with the iPhone.  PowerBeats includes the voice control and button to fully control the iPhone.  If you're running a lot in the rain or don't want to spend the $150 on PowerBeats, the Sennheiser Adidas PMX 680i is a decent alternative at around $60 and also includes all the iPhone controls.

Someone recommended the Sony MDR-EX38iP to me on Twitter. They look good. They're in my Amazon.com cart. I'll probably buy them. Etymotics are $99 or higher. I'm not sure I see the point. I don't care about my music THAT much. Hell, I'm running. It's just background noise to keep me going. :-)

The Sonys are about $30.

[newtogolf]

Sony's are good, I used the non-iPhone version of their Sports version for a year before they stopped working.  I was going to buy another pair and found out that Sony discontinued them and the replacements didn't fit or sound as good.  I never tried Etymotics but will give them a listen next time I'm shopping.  I do my best thinking while running with music in the background, so you're right about the sound quality not being critical.

You should try some runs without music too as it's a bit different experience.  I have been forced to since get used to both since some races (mostly 1/2 and full marathons) won't allow you to run with headphones on.

Originally Posted by iacas

Someone recommended the Sony MDR-EX38iP to me on Twitter. They look good. They're in my Amazon.com cart. I'll probably buy them. Etymotics are $99 or higher. I'm not sure I see the point. I don't care about my music THAT much. Hell, I'm running. It's just background noise to keep me going. :-)

The Sonys are about $30.

[nevets88]

Originally Posted by newtogolf

You should try some runs without music too as it's a bit different experience.  I have been forced to since get used to both since some races (mostly 1/2 and full marathons) won't allow you to run with headphones on.

Wow, no headphones. I see alot headphones in races here, but I am in "lawless" NYC. The rules discourage it, but, hey, it's New Yawk. One guy usually runs with Christmas bells. I kid you not. Rudolph the running reindeer I call him.

http://www.nyrr.org/races/procedures/rules_of_competition.asp

[Zeph]

Whether it's because of bad ears, ignorance, or just the music I listen to (or the fact that I have to compress my songs to get them to fit on my iPod), I simply can't tell the difference between expensive and cheap earbuds.

Then you can't have heard a decent pair. Or your ears don't work. :-P [quote name="nevets88" url="/t/54253/are-higher-end-iems-in-ear-monitors-like-etymotics-worth-it#post_660752"] The thing about running with in ear earphones is that you hear everything. The noise from your breathing, the movement of the cord, etc... It all transfers to your ears and some people hate it. I don't mind it but it took getting used to. They are great for cycling - I use one ear so I can hear the outside. You might want to do a test run with cheapie in ear headphones first. [/quote] That depends what brand and model you buy. Some got pretty bad microphonics, others are pretty good. I can hear mine if they scratch across a zipper, but I have no issues apart from that with noise. The fact that they isolate from a lot of the background noise greatly overrides the microphonics. That is one of the good reasons for using IEMs, that they isolate background noise, which in turn means you can play with a lower volume and protect your ears. They don't isolate as well as ear plugs, except for noise cancelling ones perhaps, but enough that once you get some music on, most of the background noise is gone. Plugs that you compress and which expands inside your ear does the best job here. [quote name="iacas" url="/t/54253/are-higher-end-iems-in-ear-monitors-like-etymotics-worth-it#post_660766"] Someone recommended the Sony MDR-EX38iP to me on Twitter. They look good. They're in my Amazon.com cart. I'll probably buy them. Etymotics are $99 or higher. I'm not sure I see the point. I don't care about my music THAT much. Hell, I'm running. It's just background noise to keep me going. :-) The Sonys are about $30. [/quote] I've got a couple of the Sony MDR series, they're pretty good for the price. Comparable to the Sennheiser CX series, which is also cheap, but with decent sound quality. Anything is a huge step up from the generic stuff (crap) that comes with most players.

[rustyredcab]

For the gym I use a cheap ($25 on eBay) pair of over the ear buds and they stay in place. They are all plastic, and good enough sound to listen to the TV in front of the treadmill. Really good sound is more important to me if I'm on a plane or sitting by a pool (been too long since I tested that). At the gym, I'm afraid to tune out the rest of the world completely even if I'm just jogging on a treadmill. Even more afraid if mowing the lawn.