LordMegapants
New Head-Fier
- Joined
- Mar 18, 2013
- Posts
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I recently just got a pair of IE 80s hoping they'd be the perfect fit, unfortunately this is not the case. I've tried all the stock tips and none of them fix the problem entirely: the speaker itself is just too big, a lot bigger than any others I've tried.
The result is that they become very uncomfortable after an hour and my ears get sore. This is if I'm sitting completely still at my computer with no unnecessary head movements as well, if I'm walking around or just nodding it gets worse. The seal is very weird and plugs my ears badly, it's as if I'm on a plane during takeoff. They stay like that long after I've taken them out. It doesn't matter how carefully I put them in, and even then the tips aren't super long so they come out fairly easily (Wouldn't be a problem if I they were otherwise comfortable though). Also, probably due to the seal but the smallest movements/touching of the cord or earphone makes loud, deep rattling sounds that only make my ears sore faster.
And even on the actual sonic characteristics of the earphone I am not entirely pleased. Upon first listening I was not exactly blown away. From what I could gather these are often described as "bassy," but I don't really see how people call it that. After adjusting the little screws there was a subtle but noticeable difference, but I was still hoping for slightly more in the ~100 hz region. The bigger problem however is a spike in the lower treble range, around ~5k hz. My ears seem to be more sensitive than most in that 2-6khz area, and these IEMs do not help at all. I listen to a wide variety of genres, but specifically a lot of metal, which has more than enough guitar hiss to not need those frequencies accentuated further. If I listened exclusively to Jazz, Classical or even Electronica I'd be OK, but this isn't the case. If I want to hear the bass guitar I gotta turn it up some, but then right as I get to where I want it all I can hear now is the "SSSSZZZHSSSZ" of the guitars. Something like this is a "perfect" example of what I'm talking about. This is not poorly produced death metal from the early 90's, but the mix still really accentuates the spike of the headphones when you turn it up. And if you don't turn it up, again you don't have bass.
I'd like to clarify that if it weren't for that one problem area I'd be fine with the sound itself. I like the way the rest of the midrange and treble sits, it's perfect and things like choirs sound great, and the bass is more or less fine too (Though again I'd prefer a bit more subs). But for how much these cost I'm not putting up with a treble spike. And then of course there is the issue that with the way these things fit it makes using 20$ earphones a joyous experience.
So that's that, my token "review" of this poorly designed item. I've been using them a few days hoping that the issues would magically disappear, but nope none so far. I am definitely returning these which is why I come hear asking for some suggestions for something else. So far my research has not come up with anything. Something comfy for people without neanderthal ears that won't fall apart the day the warranty wears out, same or slightly more bass, and more recessed in that specifictreble trouble area I have been talking about. Or, if this magical pair simply doesn't exist, the next best thing.
Thanks.
The result is that they become very uncomfortable after an hour and my ears get sore. This is if I'm sitting completely still at my computer with no unnecessary head movements as well, if I'm walking around or just nodding it gets worse. The seal is very weird and plugs my ears badly, it's as if I'm on a plane during takeoff. They stay like that long after I've taken them out. It doesn't matter how carefully I put them in, and even then the tips aren't super long so they come out fairly easily (Wouldn't be a problem if I they were otherwise comfortable though). Also, probably due to the seal but the smallest movements/touching of the cord or earphone makes loud, deep rattling sounds that only make my ears sore faster.
And even on the actual sonic characteristics of the earphone I am not entirely pleased. Upon first listening I was not exactly blown away. From what I could gather these are often described as "bassy," but I don't really see how people call it that. After adjusting the little screws there was a subtle but noticeable difference, but I was still hoping for slightly more in the ~100 hz region. The bigger problem however is a spike in the lower treble range, around ~5k hz. My ears seem to be more sensitive than most in that 2-6khz area, and these IEMs do not help at all. I listen to a wide variety of genres, but specifically a lot of metal, which has more than enough guitar hiss to not need those frequencies accentuated further. If I listened exclusively to Jazz, Classical or even Electronica I'd be OK, but this isn't the case. If I want to hear the bass guitar I gotta turn it up some, but then right as I get to where I want it all I can hear now is the "SSSSZZZHSSSZ" of the guitars. Something like this is a "perfect" example of what I'm talking about. This is not poorly produced death metal from the early 90's, but the mix still really accentuates the spike of the headphones when you turn it up. And if you don't turn it up, again you don't have bass.
I'd like to clarify that if it weren't for that one problem area I'd be fine with the sound itself. I like the way the rest of the midrange and treble sits, it's perfect and things like choirs sound great, and the bass is more or less fine too (Though again I'd prefer a bit more subs). But for how much these cost I'm not putting up with a treble spike. And then of course there is the issue that with the way these things fit it makes using 20$ earphones a joyous experience.
So that's that, my token "review" of this poorly designed item. I've been using them a few days hoping that the issues would magically disappear, but nope none so far. I am definitely returning these which is why I come hear asking for some suggestions for something else. So far my research has not come up with anything. Something comfy for people without neanderthal ears that won't fall apart the day the warranty wears out, same or slightly more bass, and more recessed in that specific
Thanks.