[General Accessories] jRi0T68:
Reviews as promised coming posted below. Do note that I'm underscoring everything, because there is always better out there. Case in point is the accessories on the R1, they're superb and most people would rate them a 9 or 10. However, since they don't come with 2 of each size of foams, silicone single flange and double flange silicone ear tips, I just can't give it a 10, because it could be better.

Brainwavz R1 (purchased for $35 shipped, easily worth $60+ IMO)

Ranked from 1-10 in the following categories:

Accessories: 8.5/10

Comes with a nice zipper hard case, airplane adapter, 14" adaptor, and a filthy amount of tips, including a pair of medium double flange silicone tips and a pair of medium Comply foam tips.

Build Quality: 7/10

Nothing really wrong with build quality. Housing could be sturdier. I can hear the vibration/rattle some when the bass kicks in, but that's compared to more expensive iem's which have no such vibration, and I the R1 only appears in extreme bass situations. I wouldn't expect the average mortal to notice this.

Fit/comfort: 9.5/10

They're weightless, the memory wire is easy to adjust over the ear to my ear's shape even after my son has been using them. I don't notice that I'm wearing them.

Isolation: 8/10

With music playing, the outside world cannot be heard. While paused, I find them easier to hear than with other IEMs. I used the included Comply foam tips. No complaints, but they're not a substitute for ear plugs. The balance between isolation while playing vs. paused is an asset, as you don't have to take them out to have s conversation.

Microphonics: 7/10

Cable noise can be heard at low to medium volume. With a shirt clip, it's virtually gone. The slider on the cable can be adjusted which helps minimize this. They're far better than my Klipsch S4 in that respect.

Soundstage: 7/10

Fairly good soundstage. I feel like I'm there at the performance on live recordings, but the sound feels much narrower than high quality on-ear headphones or my Shure SE215 (almost triple the cost of the R1, mind you).

Instrument separation: 6.5/10

This could be better, certainly. I think this is a result of the slight V-shape to the sound (Bass and highs more prominent than mids). The instruments sound more bunched up than I'm used to. They're not as clear as more expensive options.

Bass: 8.5/10

Bass quantity is rather large, yet a little loose and "slappy". Detail in the bass is moderately good. It would be perfect for bass lovers (rap, hip-hop, EDM) looking for choices in the under $70 range, but possibly annoying to those who prefer bass detail over quantity.

Mids: 5/10

Maybe I'm spoiled by being accustomed to a mid-centric sound, but vocals don't pop, mids are more distant and lifeless than I'm used to. This truly is the only down side at all in this otherwise spectacular valued IEM. However, easily rectified with use of an EQ app. It's not the bass bloating in over the mids, they're just more distant and lack some warmth.

Highs: 7/10

Shockingly nice. Detail in highs is quite clear. They roll off before becoming sibilant or harsh. Can be a little noisy/staticy, but not noticeable or bothersome with most songs. Most songs have their highs highlighted nicely in contrast to the bass.

Value: 9.5/10

I know, I didn't score these high in many categories. They're not midrange or better IEMs. They're FANTASTIC entry level/budget IEMs for everyone who doesn't need more warmth in their music. Of you listen mostly to instrumentals, vocals, classical, big-band, or any similar genre, these might not be for you. Rock, alternative, hip-hop, EDM, etc., I prefer them over as Klipsch S4, which cost upwards of $60 typically. Seriously an impressive buy. I'd even recommend seasoned audiophiles keep these in their stable as loaners, gym headphones, for doing yardwork, etc. Can't go wrong for most people at this cost.

Klipsch Image S4i (bought in 2010 for $100, can now be found frequently at $60.

(NOT THE II MODEL RECENTLY RELEASED)

Accessories: 6.5/10

Came with a nice metal case, a modest selection of silicone tips and a shirt clip. Nothing impressive or lacking.

Build Quality: 6/10

Plastic on the Mic/remote cracks easily, strain reliefs on the cable are insultingly small, virtually useless and tear easily. The jack is puny and not at all sturdy. These should be treated carefully if you want them to last.

Fit/comfort: 7/10

Silicone tips make my ears itch. That aside, they fit just fine. I do find that worn with the cable straight down, they will pop out of my ears sometimes while jogging, which is a major pet peeve for me. You can wear them with the cable over the ear by switching ears, and that helps some, as does the included shirt clip.

Isolation: 7/10

Isolation improves a lot with foam tips, but without keeps the music in your head and outside noises out. This would easily by a 9 if Klipsch included foams.

Microphonics: 6.5/10

The cable is thin, flimsy and noise is quite noticeable. Without the shirt clip, this would be a 4.

Soundstage: 6/10

Soundstage lies entirely inside your head. Imaging isn't bad, but you don't get the "concert hall feel", more of an intimate private session sound.

Instrument separation: 7/10

If you factor out bass bloat over the mids, it's not bad at keeping instruments separate. For rock, you can lose the guitar behind the bass, though.

Bass: 7.5/10

Quantity is fairly high, low on detail and drowns the mids some. Very impressive to those unfamiliar with higher quality bass, but lacking when compared with IEMs that truly shine at equal or lesser price range.

Mids: 6/10

When bass isn't prominent, mids are warm, have decent detail, exciting. When the bass kicks in, they are cut in half.

Highs: 7/10

Not sibilant or fatiguing, rolled off at the upper end, could be more detailed, but not disappointing for me.

Value: 5/10

They're not unenjoyable or bad sounding, buy they do not shine next to many alternatives. Quite honestly, I'd skip these. They were my every day IEM for a year, then I learned more. They'll stomp all over Beats that cost twice as much, but if you do your research, you'll find much better choices.

Shure SE215 (Paid $100 at a local store, almost always found at that price.

Accessories: 8/10

Soft zipper case, no shirt clip, but HOLY TIPS BATMAN! Small, medium and large in both single flange and Shure "olive" foams. I'd like a better case and the optional mic/remote cable included by default.

Build Quality: 8/10

Strain reliefs on the cable, the jack are all beefy. Housing is solid. The only mild down mark here is the type of connection used for the removable cable. A more solid connection could be used, but in 10 months of use, it's never been a problem, and there is a 2 year warranty.

Fit/comfort: 9/10

Worn over the ear, they're great, even after a highly active and physical 8 hour work shift. The memory wire on the stock cable could be a little more maliable.

Isolation: 9/10

I'd love to have customs molded to my ears to compare this with, but even with music paused I can't hear my wife unless she really yells. At normal listening volume, you cannot be disturbed by the outside world. This is strictly with using the supplied foams.

Microphonics: 9/10

None. At all.

Soundstage: 8.5/10

Very wide. Sounds like you're on-stage at a performance.

Instrument separation: 7/10

Highs could be clearer with better detail, and that would help. Not disappointing, but an area for improvement.

Bass: 8/10

Excellent quantity, quality and speed. For real bassheads, quantity could be more. For those more info detail, texture could be more. However, they do both quite well.

Mids: 9/10

This is definitely the biggest area where these shine. Luscious, warm, detailed. Perhaps shocking to those not used to it, they respond well to eq'ing the mids down some.

Highs: 7/10

Rolled off at the top and not as detailed as many IEMs near this price point. Highs aren't lacking, but they do not really sparkle. Poor choice for classical music, otherwise the highs are a perfect compliment to the rest of the sound signature.

Value: 9.5/10

Don't buy these for classical or instrumental. They're very good at everything else. Can be made to suit almost any genre with EQ and are good at most without EQ. Plenty of room to get deeper bass, clearer highs as you climb up the audiophile ladder, but they are a great v all around IEM at that price.

-Accidental Asshole aka Jeremy

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