yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[General Accessories] vectron:
I can't comment on SE215 ($99 on amazon w/o cable remote, or $148 with remote) since I never tried, but I heard they have a very well balanced low end (bass). Not sure how mids/highs will sound with these. I have tested S4A II ($56 on amazon now) and still use everyday UE 600vi ($69 on amazon now).

I like UE 600vi because of their high frequency response (high details of mids and treble thanks to their unique armature driver). It doesn't have as good low end, but it gets better after you break it in. I personally use it even for my music production and mixing where I need to pay close attention to mid/high details. There are also a few comments with people complaining about cables breaking, but so far I haven't seen any problem myself, The build is solid and 3.5mm connector is angled (very important since that one gets bent in straight connector where the break happens all the time). Also, these have the most comfortable fit I ever had with any earbuds without using Comply Tips or any other tips. I might also get a chance to test UE 900, but those are $399 :)

S4A II has more exaggerated warm bass sound. But they sacrificed a clarity of treble in order to enhance the bass. I liked these when I first got it, but after I a/b it with UE - I set them aside. Plus, I absolutely hated the fit. Some people swear by it, but I wasn't too happy. Perhaps that was because I was wearing it wire down, instead of over the ear? I'm waiting to get x7i for test soon, will see how that one will sound, although it goes for $199 price.

So when it comes to SE215, I like people's comments about natural sounding balanced bass response and removable cables (easier to fix). But I can't comment about mid/high response and if they "sacrificed" it to enhance the bass. If I get a chance to test these out, I will come back and comment on it. Perhaps others in this forum can chime in with their comments about SE215 in more details?
[General Accessories] jRi0T68:
I came to SE215 from S4.

Enormous difference. SE215 beats it in every category. Honestly, SE215 is mid-centric. The bass is good, the highs aren't weak, just not as prevalent by comparison. The mids, though, warm and lush. Just awesome.

-No longer accidental, just Jeremy. F.cfb

[Guide] Headphone/Earphone Buying
[General Accessories] GuyInTheCorner:
--!!URGENT!!--

Guys how do I make a warranty claim? My CKS77'S right bud has stopped working... :( :( :(

Bought them from AccesspryJack in may of that helps?

Full story (long and detailed) :

Basically I had a trip to go from scotland to my home in London. Used the CKS77'S to watch some anime from my tablet, not a biggie at all. After using them I simply left them attached to the tab, curled up SLIGHTLY so they wouldn't slide around.

A few hours later I wanted to listen to some music from my phone. Plugged them into the S3 and the right bud didn't work. Only works if the upper portion of the cable (around 3 finger lengths down from the end of the bud's housing is angled in a certain way. Which is really peeving me off.

Other details:

Bought them from AccessoryJack (China based site, but supposedly very reputable according to my 2 weeks of research). I have the emails in my saved folders and screenies of the order (date and time stamped) saved on my lappy too. Full box along with all extra 'buds in the postal envelope too. Should I send the buds off to Audio Technica here in the UK or should I send them.back to AccessotyJack (as they recommend)?

- Sent from Guy's Super Duper S3
[General Accessories] jRi0T68:
Contact Audio Technica directly.

I had to do that with Shure when my remote cable broke. Fortunately, I just swapped to the stock cable for 2 weeks until they sent me another one.

-No longer accidental, just Jeremy. F.cfb

[Guide] Headphone/Earphone Buying
[General Accessories] GuyInTheCorner:
Thanks Jeremy :)

I sent an email to AccessoryJack and they said that they provide warranty the warranty. I've also sent an email and a few tweets to AudioTechnicaUK on twitter, so I'll have to see what happens.

Gosh, this happens with every pair of in ear 'buds I buy. Might just switch to over head ones instead

- Sent from Guy's Super Duper S3
[General Accessories] jRi0T68:
CKS77 isn't removable cable is it? That's an obvious thing to try if not.

My Shures would be dead if it wasn't for that.

-No longer accidental, just Jeremy. F.cfb

[Guide] Headphone/Earphone Buying
[General Accessories] GuyInTheCorner:
Nah. Unfortunately they aren't :/

Oh well, I just have to send them back to the seller. Too bad I'll have to burn the new ones in

- Sent from Guy's Super Duper S3
[General Accessories] b3bluesman:
I have a pair of AKG K44s that I bought at Guitar Center for $30 and these are some of the best headphones I've owned. I'm a musician and an audio engineer so sound is everything to me. Some of my fellow musicians have a pair of the Beats headphones and having a chance to actually compare the 2 I would have to say that the difference in quality is nominal. For certain styles of music though (Blues being my thing) I think the AKG's sound way better. AKG has always been a big name when it comes to pro-audio specifically when it comes to studio monitoring so these particular set of headphones have been used with hardware that costs ten grand or more. Yes, in most cases when you buy something expensive you are usually paying just for the name but in the case of PRO-audio you pay for the name because that name has performed and earned it's position usually through decades of use. All I can say is do your research and go out and just listen for yourself. Your ears won't lie to you.
[General Accessories] sanitynl:
Best headphones I've had are the Skullcandy SLYR. I used to break my AUX cable but even if I break this one I can just replace it, the sound is awesome and it works perfectly with my pc and playstation aswell. ;)
[General Accessories] amit6351:
which earphone best for micromax canvas 4 device
[General Accessories] jRi0T68:
The ones outlined in the OP would be perfect.

-No longer accidental, just Jeremy. F.cfb

[Guide] Headphone/Earphone Buying
[General Accessories] pixel7474:
Looks like head-fi.org could be my friend! :) Great resource and outline of points for purchasing. Thanks dude!
[General Accessories] blackrebel:
Sony MH-650C is good sound and bass very clear and cheap.
[General Accessories] jRi0T68:
It could also be your wallet's worst enemy. :evil:

-No longer accidental, just Jeremy. F.cfb

[Guide] Headphone/Earphone Buying
[General Accessories] vectron:
Or a source for a huge headache reading through a ton of those audiophile smart arse replies ;)

I like reviews, but they have more meaning with a/b or maybe a/b/c comparison. Every headphone company has their own interpretation of how they think sound should come out from speakers/headphones. Everyone's taste is different. All these reviews are a good starting reference point to narrow it down to 2-3 headphones you think will fit your budget and sound characteristics you are looking for, but the final decision will be done by your ears!
[General Accessories] jRi0T68:
Absolute truth, there. Everybody has their own ideal headphones of the minute. I think the op even touched on that, but personal life and my wife's health has prevented me from even glancing at it often.

Really, though, I think I've managed with only one or two smart ass replies in this thread, and the on the last page was well justified. :D

-No longer accidental, just Jeremy. F.cfb

[Guide] Headphone/Earphone Buying
[General Accessories] Justindail311:
Lg tone+ hbs-730 does the trick for me
[General Accessories] arun_kumar543:
Headphones for Lava Iris 504Q

Hi All,

Please suggest me a good pair of headset for my phone Lava Iris 504Q. Whatever headsets like Sony, Samsung, Nokia that i tried doesnt give a good/rich quality of sound/music. Not sure whether its an issue with this phone by default.

I am an Audiophile. So please advice me on this issue.
[General Accessories] vectron:
It's convenient for everyday use, but sound is horrible ;) If you want to be blown away by a wireless sound, you have to check out Plantronics BackBeat Go 2 (look into my signature link, I have reviewed in details everything from HBS730 to BBX, BBG2, S4A, UE600vi, and others).

---------- Post added at 10:22 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:17 PM ----------

What is your price range? Considering you are audiophile, I can tell you that I just received and will be publishing a review of Meelec M-Duo IEH (in hear headphones) that blue me away with their dual driver performance. I wasn't even considering Meelec until read some comments on head-fi.org. That one is $73 on amazon and has in-line control with multi-function button that works perfectly with Android phones. So, that is my recommendation for under $100.

BUT, if you really have some extra money and truly want to invest into something totally high test for under $500 with quad-driver design, stay tuned :) I'm getting a review sample of Logitech UE900 next week and there is also a possibility I might get a chance to review Westone W40 (which replaces their 4R model). UE900 is $399 and W40 is $499, probably out of reach for a lot of the people, but those who are audiophiles and invest hundreds, if not thousands, into headphones and amps/pre-amps - these will be a bargain considering what they supposed to offer.

---------- Post added at 10:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:22 PM ----------

Don't sweat it, you had a good reply :) I was referring to some of the head-fi replies where they crucify noobs asking questions or anybody expressing an opinion which some might not agree with. On contrary, here on XDA (or AndroidForums where I also post and Guide) - we have a truly outstanding community with everybody trying to help each other!
[General Accessories] jRi0T68:
I haven't seen much of that over there, but then I keep my trips through the sound science forum brief. Threads there end up like scenes from Braveheart.

-No longer accidental, just Jeremy. F.cfb

[Guide] Headphone/Earphone Buying
[General Accessories] boulder96:
Speaking of which... I wonder how different will the W40 sound from the W4R. Why did Westone even come up wih IEMs that you can change the colour of?
[General Accessories] vectron:
Good questions! Unfortunately I won't be able to answer W40 vs W4R questions, but perhaps I will be able to answer W40 vs UE900 ;) I'm sure more answer will be found on head-fi.org soon, but if I get my hands on these first - I will do my fair review/comparison!
[General Accessories] boulder96:
Please do do a review on the w40!
[General Accessories] boulder96:
I recently bought a new s4, and am unsurprisingly disappointed with the SQ. But who cares anyway, since I use with an ext usb dac.

I'm quite impressed with the stock earphones they provide (they are dual drivers). It's actually quite decent, and one of the best stock earphones I've listened to. The soundstage is there and the clarity is decent. However like most stock iems it's extremely bassy.

Not to mention samsung did a horrendous job in designing the s4. 15 mins of simple web browsing and the cpu temp is up at 60 degrees celsius. And then thermald kicks in, freezing the phone and causing a reboot.
[General Accessories] vectron:
Which ext usb dac do you use? Fiio? ;) I hope to review E17. Regarding Samsung S4 earphones, I assume your got your phone from Singapore, not US or UK? I had S4 for review from Verizon (popular US carrier) and those came with a plain vanilla $5 earbuds that sounds like POS. The only advantage is having in-line volume up/down. Can you take picture of earbuds that came with your S4?

Btw, just got UE900, burning it in on white/pink noise loop. Right out of the box they were boring. Hopefully burn-in will bring them to life. Also, sign a review form with Westone, so will definitely have W40 toward the end of this month for review (had to sign my life away to get these loaners for testing lol!!!). I'm curious to compare it to UE900 and maybe SE535 (I wanted to ask Shure for a sample, but they want credit card deposit and other stuff I didn't feel comfortable with). Just from initial test seems like my Note 2 was able to drive UE900 ok. Will see how it will work with W40.

Btw, also got Meelec M-Duo for review. I know those are budget dual-driver IEH, but after burn-in they sound very impressive with a massive bass. Will do a review in a day or so.
[General Accessories] boulder96:
Yup, from singapore. Its the international version unfortunately. I use the s4 with the d-zero. I"ll take a pic of the earphone when i get home from school

EDIT: Damn, my brother "borrowed" the earphones for his vacation to Germany, so it's not with me now
[General Accessories] jRi0T68:
I've been asked a few times about how I keep my earphones protected, so I thought I'd post pics!

This Pelican 1020 case holds my "cheap" little rig perfectly.

-No longer accidental, just Jeremy. F.cfb

[Guide] Headphone/Earphone Buying
[General Accessories] vectron:
Nice setup! Is that a headphone dac/amp? Which one? I'm looking into Fiio E17 now. Also like their X3 audio player, but can't justify $200 for mp3 player when my Note 2 does it all.
[General Accessories] jRi0T68:
It's a Sansa Clip Zip (Rockbox'ed) feeding a Fiio E11 amp. Under $100 without earphones and sounds very impressive. Had either been available at the time, I probably would have sprung for either a Fiio X3 or Ibasso D50 instead of this combo, but I don't know of any combination that provides analog pause/play, skip controls plus a volume knob (which I live by for small adjustments on the fly) with this SQ for that price. The two level bass boost on the E11 is very useful, particularly when switching between genres.

I don't like having to see my screen to switch tracks. Nor do I like not having at least a tiny screen. I really enjoy the feeling that I'm locked in the trunk of my old car next to the custom built subwoofer enclosure, but also the spaciousness like I'm standing in the middle of the venue when I'm listening to a live performance. If I feel like I can hear the sweat dripping off the half-naked glowing rave girl next to me in a good mix, it changes my day. That combo along with my SE215's give me that. I'm very satisfied. Right until I think I can afford something better. :-$

-No longer accidental, just Jeremy. F.cfb

[Guide] Headphone/Earphone Buying
[General Accessories] boulder96:
I just got a jdc labs c5 amp and must say its the best amp i've used so far. It's extremely transparent, and reveals all the tiniest details of the music:D
[General Accessories] jRi0T68:
Load up an sd with 128 kbps American pop music!!!! Trollolol

Lately all my hobby budget has been spent on stuff like this:

Spoiler content hidden.

-No longer accidental, just Jeremy. F.cfb

[Guide] Headphone/Earphone Buying
[General Accessories] boulder96:
Too much free time?

They are cool (the figurines) but the opportunity cost of buying them is forgoing audiophile equipment

What are they called? They look very steam-punkish
[General Accessories] jRi0T68:
I've picked up playing Warhammer 40K with my son (after nearly 20 years since I stopped in my youth). Time and money well spent. Besides, it's many small purchases. My next IEMs would be upwards of $400, likewise with my next rig. I can buy, build and paint those for much less at a time. Besides, it gives me something to do while I enjoy music (painting).

-No longer accidental, just Jeremy. F.cfb

[Guide] Headphone/Earphone Buying
[General Accessories] vectron:
So which one do you have in mind, regarding next IEM? Also, what SQ characteristics are you looking for?

Btw, I'm kind of new to this whole audiophile thing, so still trying to figure out all the terminology. Of course, need to look up on head-fi since they got the whole glossary going in there (http://www.head-fi.org/a/describing-sound-a-glossary). I do know the meaning of "flat" and "v-curve" frequency responses, but a lot of people also use "neutral" and "balanced". I think someone mentioned "neutral" refers to boost in midrange while low and high remain unchanged. Is that correct? How about "balanced"? Also would "flat" be the same as "transparent" or does it all mean flat unchanged frequency response while "transparent" also adds another dimension of additional clarity across full frequency range? For example, I'm listening to UE900 and it's unreal in terms of soundstage/dimension and also clarity across the whole flat frequency response. So, would be considered as "transparent"?
[General Accessories] jRi0T68:
I've had my eye on Sennheiser IE80 for a long time, and believe they'd suit my tastes quite well, though what I've read on the ASG-2 also seems like it would fit. Of course, the dream would be UM Merlin, but that's $800+. I like my bass, obviously, but find it's the mid-range warmth that I enjoy the most.

Be careful with audiophile terminology. Everything either refers to subjective opinions based on hearing, which you need to interpret as the feeling that that particular listener gets from the headphones, or it's referring to an objective freq curve. Both of which are valid and provide important information.

Flat is usually synonymous with neutral. A flat freq. curve with no boosts on any range.

V-curve can be both heard and seen, the highs and lows are boosted, the mids are recessed.

Balanced is subjective. The listener is saying that it sounds to them that all ranges are equally adjusted to give everything the same amount of attention during listening. That can vary from one pair of ears to the next.

Warm typically infers detail in the midrange being prominent, almost like the singer is right there in front of you. At least that's how I feel when I hear warmth in headphones.

Bright refers to a lot of detail in the highs.

Transparent is the listener telling you that every nuance of the recording is clear. Flaws included. Hence my joke earlier about 128 kbps 90's pop music. The transparency there could give nightmares.

Soundstage refers to how you can mentally place where sounds are coming from and there distance. When I said I feel like I can place myself at the venue when listening to live dj mixes, it's because the soundstage isn't enormous, but is moderately large. The crowd sounds like it surrounds me.

Due to many things being subjective, others will have a different interpretation of these meanings. Many IEMs that are you bright for me may sound neutral to someone who enjoys brightness.

-No longer accidental, just Jeremy. F.cfb

[Guide] Headphone/Earphone Buying
[General Accessories] vectron:
Indeed, very subjective and confusing because people describing sound characteristics use different vocabulary. I would assume neutral and flat would be the same, but read from someone else otherwise. I do agree with your explanation of Balanced and Transparent - it makes sense to me! From my music production background, I would only suggest that "warm" usually refers to a slight distortion associated with early analog tube amps. All the digital distortion is usually "cold" because its too precise without saturation, where warm tube distortion had analog saturation factor due to voltage/current. But that is interpretation from my perspective ;) Its absolutely true how you mentioned it in content of vocals/singer since it's always a great trick to keep vocals warm and clear.
[General Accessories] boulder96:
Also have to take into account brain burn in. When I got my Westone 4Rs at first i thought they lacked bass. But a couple of listening sessions later they seemed too bassy, which i then EQed it. Then when i decided to not use equalizers, they obviously sounded very bassy at first, but it soon became my preference and I enjoy its sound signature.
[General Accessories] vectron:
Good point about "brain" burn-in, or perhaps "brain adjustment" ;) You get used to the sound after awhile of listening on the same pair of headphones, but as soon as you switch to another pair - then you have to re-learn again :D

Btw, got today SYNC by 50 wireless headphones, brand new model they just released. After about 3 hours of burn-in - these sound soooo sweet!!! Nicely balanced sound with a bass bump, definitely blows Beats Studio out of the water (imho). Plus, these could be used as wireless and wired. I was so against on-/over-ear headphones, focusing more on IEH - that I didn't realize about all the progress in actual wireless headphones and how much better they got (Meelec stuff, and these SYNC by 50). I also heard a lot of great stuff about V-Moda M-80.

But anyway, will write a more detailed review about New SYNC by 50 wireless early in the week.
[General Accessories] GuyInTheCorner:
Just like to give a small nod to AccesoryJack's customer support. Been in contact with them RE my sadly broken CKS77's and they've been incredibly helpful. Replies withing a day or two and pretty clear instructions!

Now I'm just waiting to go to a post office so I can get my warranty claimed!

- Sent from Guy's Phone (GT I9300)
[General Accessories] jRi0T68:
Great to hear. Hopefully they send s replacement quickly. Then, get yourself a nice case and use it. :P Gotta protect that cable. I learned the hard way with my Klipsch S4i to pull on the earpieces and jack themselves, keeping strain off the stain reliefs.

-No longer accidental, just Jeremy. F.cfb

[Guide] Headphone/Earphone Buying
[General Accessories] GuyInTheCorner:
Case? Hmm, I'll have to look into that.. I've been using the supplied pouch that comes with it.

Yeah, a good few of my IEMs broke like that (Sennheiser CX 300 & JVC HAFX1X). Shane though. Oh well, lesson learnt eh? :thumbup:

- Sent from Guy's Phone

-"I chose to be smart. I chose an Android device" - Guy
[General Accessories] jRi0T68:
Check the pics I posted earlier of my rig/case. REI carries many suitably sized Pelican cases in store, if you hate having stuff shipped.

-No longer accidental, just Jeremy. F.cfb

[Guide] Headphone/Earphone Buying
[General Accessories] boulder96:
My brother just bought a DX50, and after a day with it, I must say the bugs are really as bad as the people on headfi say. Sometimes its not even usable as a music player. Inserting any sd card causes the dx50 to freeze, and if it works then some songs don't show up in the player :mad:
[General Accessories] jRi0T68:
Holy hell that's bad. I wish someone would just make a good DAP with an analog volume knob, all button controls, actual line out, accept sd/micro sd, 20 hours battery, full EQ, a high grade DAC and high grade amp.

Edit: Or maybe they shouldn't. I'm reasonably content with what I've got and don't need to crave something better.

-No longer accidental, just Jeremy. F.cfb

[Guide] Headphone/Earphone Buying
[General Accessories] vectron:
DX50 is iBasso stuff, right? But either way, I heard a lot of good things about Fiio X3 - that one might a solution for you ;)
[General Accessories] jRi0T68:
I'm aware of x3, perhaps next year holds the upcoming Fiio X5 and a UM Merlin or 3DD or even Sennheiser IE80.

-No longer accidental, just Jeremy. F.cfb

[Guide] Headphone/Earphone Buying
[General Accessories] blackfire12:
great guide!