halcyon
Headphoneus Supremus
- Joined
- Oct 21, 2002
- Posts
- 1,877
- Likes
- 284
Did a search for comments for best IEM for bicycling and came up with sporadic comments mostly. I'm absolutely *not* interested in over/on-the ear headphones. Strictly IEMs only.
What would the hardcore bikers suggest?
Ideally, for me, the combination would be as follows:
For me, hopefully under $400 USD (can also be under 400€, as prices can differ so much across the pond).
I know getting anywhere close to the ideal can be tricky, but I'm interested in hearing what the hardcore bicyclers here have found the best.
And yes, I know about dangers of blocking all traffic noise around me, would not do it and am not planning to wear these when juggling between cars in downtown traffic
IEM's that I've tried and my experiences:
So, the search continues.
What would the hardcore bikers suggest?
Ideally, for me, the combination would be as follows:
- Adjustable outside noise attenuation, perhaps with replaceable tips or adjustments, so that I can tone down traffic noise, but still hear it
- Minimal wind noise, even in very windy environments, and with noise blocking (see 1) not set to it's highest
- A very sturdy, replaceable cable (it does get stuck and gets pulled accidentally) with no self-noise / cord-induced noise
- Very good sound quality, of course
- Very good wearing comfort (for me this excluded all the silicone based tree shaped tips)
- Universal fit (no need for custom molds)
- Waterproof when worn, even in heavy rain
- Easy to drive from non-zero ohm output impedance portable source (no separate amp)
- Don't stick too far out from inside ears
For me, hopefully under $400 USD (can also be under 400€, as prices can differ so much across the pond).
I know getting anywhere close to the ideal can be tricky, but I'm interested in hearing what the hardcore bicyclers here have found the best.
And yes, I know about dangers of blocking all traffic noise around me, would not do it and am not planning to wear these when juggling between cars in downtown traffic
IEM's that I've tried and my experiences:
- Etymotic ER-4P : not the best wearing comfort, best seal for me gives too high attenuation (lose too much traffit), still lots of wind noise, stick out too much
- Westone W3 : better wearing comfort, really like the sound, a hassle to insert, hard to adjust attenuation without losing seal, even more wind noise, don't stick out too much imho
- Sennheiser mm 70i : can't really get proper seal at all (tried all the tips), horrible in wind, not waterproof at all, can hear traffic sounds way too loud
So, the search continues.