Earphones / Headphones: Where to try, what to buy?

The sweet spot of the SE line is definitely the 425, not that I am biased. However, they're about as neutral as a pair of earphones can get, even more neutral than 215s in fact, but the treble is sparkly rather than muffled. Putting them on gets easier over time. I've been using 425s for almost four years now and it's like second nature.

Still - HD25s are a classic. Just too hot for my ears. I think that's why I get on so well with 425s. Feels like I'm wearing nothing at all.

I also have the se425s and can confirm all of this. Initially I thought they were just ludicrously expensive but they've lasted so well, all the bits are replacable individually and the sound quality is second to none. When I was a sound engineer I used them as studio monitors as well as just for leisure time.

Yea would have loved to try the more expensive versions of the SE series as well, pricey though..

: ]

I think they're just a brilliant pair of all-rounders. I can literally throw any genre of music at them and they just take it in their stride. Though, as with all listening devices, badly mixed/produced/recorded music will sound shrill and unpleasant. The only thing they don't do is skull thumping bass, but I don't want that in life anyway.

Also like all good audio devices, they benefit from amplification. I use a Dragonfly USB DAC/Amp and it's transformative.

Dragonfly USB DAC/Amp

..just read a bit on what this actually is / does. Sounds interesting!

Was looking at "normal" headphone amps like the Topping and Fiio ones already.

Can I use one of these Dragonfly things connected to my laptop, not for plugging in my headphones directly, but also to use it as a pre-amp for the real amp it will then go into?
Would that make sense?

Also another note on those Sure SE215 / SE425 etc. -

I was worried a lot that I just can't deal with that wire-thing going behind my ears - especially when wearing sunglasses at the same time.
Turns out this didn't bother me, like at all.
The wire thingies are very comfortable and just snug next to the bows no problem.

The most annoying thing was the putting them in and out,
followed by the cheap, big remote that dangles on your neck all the time,
and the cable itself is very thick and stiff and just gets in the way a lot I've found.

.

Yes, the cable on the SE215's is pretty basic compared to the 425's cable. I use the foam olive tips and it takes me less than a second for each ear with one hand. To me 215's are a bit more consumer-y - meant for on the move listening from a phone. The 425's really benefit from amping and are a professional grade earphone.

Yes, you can. I now have DAC/Amp/Streamer all-in-one thing for use with my speakers, but before when I just had an amplifier, I used the Dragonfly from laptop and then a 3.5mm to RCA plugged into the Amp. I was gobsmacked at how much of a difference it made. Drum strikes tighter and more impactful, soundstage opens up, warmer sound. Everything just sounded... better.

Sounds good (no pun intended)!

Which Dragonfly you use?
I keep reading the older (pre-black / red) ones sound more "hi-fi", while the new ones are more "punchy"..
Would like to know how much difference there is to the built-in DAC of iPhones, have to try for myself I guess, as opinions on this seem to vary a lot.
I'm sure it would make quite a difference when using it with my laptop with it's shitty soundcard, haha!

Thanks for your feedback, appreciate it!

Also one more thing I've found while searching for new headphones:
the standard Apple earbuds that come with iPhones since 2012 are pretty fucking good, seriously.

They sound really good!
And I guess I'm lucky as they fit my ears really well - they don't fall out even while running, and are comfortable for hours of wear.
Remote and microphone just work, and cable is super snug and just not as much of an annoyance as with others.
I think even £29.00 at the official stores is seriously good value for money, in case you lost or broke the ones that came for free with your phone.

Actually I really had to convince myself to spend money on other headphones as, frankly, I'm really happy with them.
The one thing they don't do (which has become crucial for me though) is isolate against outside noise well.
If it hadn't been for this I would've just kept using those.

My search for half decent sub £100 in ears has at long last led me to a pair of Audio Technica E40. Impressed so far, sound is quite flat
as they are designed as stage monitors rather than recreational
earphones however a slight tweak on the Spotify equalizer has given me
a touch more bass and a touch less mid.

Compared to the others at ~£100+ they seem pretty decent and can be
had for around £70. Replaceable cable that isn't even a rip off to
replace too.

Would recommend.

Any update on this review? Similarly want a new pair of decent in ears with a budget of around £100. Keen to get real world feedback.

Bollocks to it. Just ordered another pair of these.

https://www.johnlewis.com/sony-mdr-ex650-in-ear-headphones-with-mic-remote-brass/p1525292?sku=233586621&s_kwcid=2dx92700034557270093&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gclid=Cj0KCQjwqPDaBRC6ARIsACAf4hCGD4OO701g86RVQrizGmvPMdlIrYl1jL1rNEqhkBEvRDHQ916B2IYaAn31EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Still going strong after daily commuting use, still sound great, have survived being stood on, getting caught on stuff etc.... send the Sony’s back and get the AT, different league.

Can’t believe it’s been 7 months actually, this is normally when I would be looking to replace due to cable wear.

Thanks man. Will keep the Sony's as I love them anyway. Left my old pair on a train and have been n mourning ever since. Will give the AT's a go as well. Cheers,

I must admit, I did originally use a camera USB adapter/Dragonfly combo with my iPhone. However, I got a bit fed up of all the cable bulk so I don’t bother anymore. I only use it with my laptop now. I use my iPhone for maybe an hour of listening at a time so am not really bothered enough to use the Dragonfly. I also have no comparison to older Dragonfly’s. I have the current Dragonfly black.

If I recall correctly, it didn’t make that much of a difference listening from an iPhone and the additional battery drain was annoying too. However, as above, it is fantastic with a laptop. Another option to look at is the Cyrus USB DAC.

This also an option for phone users with no phone jack

https://www.null-audio.com/collections/iem-headphone-cable/products/capri-usb-c-iem-cable-with-hi-res-dac

https://www.null-audio.com/collections/iem-headphone-cable/products/capri-balanced-digital-earphone-cable-with-hi-res-dac

Thank you very much for the feedback.

Yeah, I can imagine the additional bulk is annoying.
Yet I decided that I would definitely need the tough telephone cable for the HD-25's, that weighs more than the headphones itself and is bulky as fuck, so that little dongle would not make much of a difference, haha..

Maybe I'll get one, also to see how much difference it'll make to the iPhone DAC and return it if there's no much gained.

also an option

Oh wow, this is nice (for IEM's)..
..let's hope that cable doesn't brake too easily though!

Bought my wife the black/grey version of these two years ago as a chrismas prezzie since she was always nicking my in ears. Bought them based on a couple of reviews. Listened to them when I got the chance and have since bought a couple of the regular ones for myself. Just so good to listen to. The brass coloured ones are ugly as sin (to me) but just don’t care.

Yep, had a couple of pairs. They kick arse for the ££. I like the brass!

I've got some Audio Technica ATH-ANC9 noise cancelling headphones for sale- excellent for flying! you can even switch them on and have no music to remove airplane hum
£65 posted to forumgers

T

come with a nifty case

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Audio-Technica-ATH-ANC9-Cancelling-Headphones/dp/B007KWLF5K/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1532940528&sr=8-3&keywords=ATH-ANC9

Your bathroom tiles are very small or that case is the size of my sink.

Looking for some in-ear headphones, anyone have any recommendations?

Max budget ~£100.

This thread seems to suggests;

Shure se215
AT e40

Any others people want to suggest?

Thanks!

Fiio F9 range worth a look too.

ibasso it01