JVC HA-FX55's

[Happytab]

Hi - has anyone got - tried these earphones - considering them as a replacement for the stock ipod ones ?

Thanks for your help.

[pbirkett]

I've got some.

They are better than stock headphones.

They are about on par, or maybe very slightly better than Sony MDR-EX71's, but thats subjective.

They dont stay in my ears too well even with the largest tips.

The J-cord is minorly irratating, but you get used to it.

The sound depends on whether you get a good seal. If you can, then the sound should be somewhat dark... that is, quite bassy, and with a recessed mid and slightly more prominent treble. If you dont get a good seal, they sound tinny and lack bass. That is how you know you have a good seal.

They are slightly harsh.

It is very difficult to keep a good seal on the move.

Overall, they are OK, but I'd recommend spending a little more on the Sennheiser CX300 which are only £6 more from some places.

[malheuresement]

I have a pair, and I think they are decent 'phones.

Regarding the "staying in your ears" problem, I thought it was just me who have odd shaped ears, but clearly not.

I have done a couple of simple mods to actually make these 'phones more wearable -- I even use these down the gym on the treadmill on occasions.

Firstly, stopping the cord bouncing around reduces the frequency of falling-ou-of-lugholes, so a couple of judiciously placed knots and a hands-free croc clip allow you to attach the cord to your shirt.

Secondly, I have removed the ball-esque earpieces -- they were good enough at blocking out the external sound but not too firmly fixed in my ears. So I cut up a pair of industrial ear-plugs, put a hole through the middle and put them on in place of the "balls". The benefit of this is that the plug is compressible so you can put it easily into your ear canal. Once in place, the foam gradually expands to fill the void. I find this stays in my ears much better, and with a industrial level of noise reduction!!!

Have a look at a couple of pics [copied from my blog].

mal.

[pbirkett]

Interesting mods.

I just got some Senn CX300's today though and they show how this design SHOULD be done. They actually stay in my ears for starters, and arent anything like as fussy about positioning. And they sound a hell of a lot better as well.