Earphone recommendations.

[spr33]

So, today after 3 years of heavy use, my Sony EX71's gave in.

After having a brief look around, I've seen a few sets of 'phones that look really nice. I'm just undecided about which to get.

Shure E2c
Sennheiser CX300
Etymotic ER4 (not sure which is the best model)
Etymotic ER-6
Some more Sony's (either the EX71's again or the NX1's).

Budget of around £50, I don't mind about spending a bit extra if they're going to last me a good amount of time like the Sony's did.

What I liked about the Sony's is the punchy bass, decent highs, noise isolation (not great, but better than none) and how comfy they were (I liked the silicon).

Thanks in advance.

(Just as a note, I have TINY ears. I had to use the smallest fitting with the Sony's. So if this makes the difference, let me know).

[rupbert]

CX300 for best price/performance.

[spr33]

I must say, I've not read one bad review about them. Almost all the reviews have compared to the EX71's too, which can't be a bad thing.

Now, to ordering. I've read about 'fakes' floating about. I've looked around a little and found (thus far) that electronics-online is the cheapest place @£28.99 inc. delivery. I've not heard about this place before, so I can't vouch for them being any good.

Recommendations for online stores?

EDIT: I ordered them from electronics-online, I'll post back to how they are with delivery.

Thanks for the recommendation rupbert.

[rupbert]

Originally Posted by spr33

I must say, I've not read one bad review about them. Almost all the reviews have compared to the EX71's too, which can't be a bad thing.

Now, to ordering. I've read about 'fakes' floating about. I've looked around a little and found (thus far) that electronics-online is the cheapest place @£28.99 inc. delivery. I've not heard about this place before, so I can't vouch for them being any good.

Recommendations for online stores?

EDIT: I ordered them from electronics-online, I'll post back to how they are with delivery.

Thanks for the recommendation rupbert.

No problem.

Let us know what you think of them.

rupbert

[daniel_owen_uk]

Shures, not cheap, but are superb.

And based on what you like about the sony's you will love them.

Only con is a strange fitting process (you have to wear the wire up your back really).

[rupbert]

Originally Posted by daniel_owen_uk

Only con is a strange fitting process (you have to wear the wire up your back really).

That sounds strange, any reason why?

[spr33]

Originally Posted by rupbert

No problem.

Let us know what you think of them.

rupbert

After two days of use, I can say that I'm stunned by these earphones.

I'm using the old buds from the Sony's (just because I'm used to them, although the Sennheiers are *almost* identical).

First off, outside sound. Don't ask me why, but these block sound out better than the Sony's. If only marginally, now I find myself completely deaf to the outside world when I have something playing.

Sound quality.
As you all know from my first post, I liked the EX71's sound. The CX300's have a more refined sound. The bass is not has warm and cloudy as the EX71's. The mids pack more punch and the highs are not as tinny sounding.

All in all, a very enjoyable listening experience for sub £30 earphones.

[kph103]

cx300 for me.Had mine a week now and very impressed.3 different ear bud sizes and they really fit comfortably,never too keen on in-ear headphones before but these are so comfortable.Superb sound too..really showed how average the Sony ones i had been using were.
I got mine off Amazon Marketplace through 'directdisc' they were very quick(2 day delivery) and these came in genuine packaging.They were £25 inc delivery.A couple of other retailers were offering them cheaper but had no customer rating so thought best to avoid them.
So highly recommended..one other thing they are very powerful,was able to turn down volume by 1/3.
hope this helps