Upgrade from Sennheiser CX300

AnorexiaNervosa · 29-12-2008, 8:40 AM

Recently I broke accidently my CX300's and looking for some replacement - and upgrade by the way. I use iPod classic, favourite albums in lossless format. I listen mainly rock, j-rock, metal, alternative, sometimes classical.
I found CX300 to be quite good, although they were a bit to aggresive and - neither though I like much bass - these have too much of it. Or too less of mid and high freq. Price range is 50-100 quid, however it's just approximately.
I tend to buy some in-ear Sennheisers again, but I will appreciate help of more experienced users.

Thanks in advence,
Paul.

PS. How do you store your phones when not using them? Keeping them in a pocket isn't best idea - is there something like a travel case (obviously something small)?

HiFi Headphones · 29-12-2008, 10:23 PM

Your comments about bloated bass response are a often said of the CX300 - in fact the whole Sennheiser CX range have a tendency towards over powered bass response. It is pleasing on initial listen, but can get a little fatiguing!

Anyway, I can highly recommend the Klipsch Image X5 or Ultimate Ears Super.fi 5 Pro (a little over budget) if you are looking for a good quality upgrade. The Klipsch earphones have more midrange and high end detail than the UE's, but the UE's have a more powerful sound (the result of the additional driver I'm guessing).

mhcq2002 · 29-12-2008, 11:23 PM

I wouldn't spend that much money. I've come from a pair of CX300's and I now using the Goldring GX200's. For the money are are great. Plus there only £25 from Play - Play.com (UK) : Goldring GX200 Hi-Fi Stereo Earphones (Silver) : Electronics - Free Delivery

AnorexiaNervosa · 30-12-2008, 1:12 PM

Ultimate Ears Super.fi 5 Pro's seem to be interesting for me and these have very good reviews too. Unfortunately the price is quite high, I'm not sure if I want to spend that much.
I'm still searching the web for something that will suit me for a little less money, and found AKG K 340. Has anyone been using them?
Or do you have other suggestions? I'm not drawing the line at UEs, but want to make sure I won't waste my money while I could buy something cheaper pleasing equally my non-audiophile hearing (however I really do appreciate superb sound quality).

pandemic · 30-12-2008, 2:18 PM

Similar to the UE Super.fi 5 pro's are the Shure SE310s, I think the se310 are a little cheaper on play.com
If your looking at spending a little less (well quite a bit less) you can go for the etymotic ER-6i @ about £70, my only gripe with them is the cable is a bit thin, the low impedence on them should get you a bit of 'umph' though. Very small too great low profile earphones, sound quality will be great but just a little under that of the UE 5/se310.

AnorexiaNervosa · 30-12-2008, 7:45 PM

Shure's and UE's are unfortunately too expensive. I listen to the music with iPod no more than 1,5h a day (except occasional further travels). However I think I can easily spend quite more than Goldring GX200's (£44) - but etymotic ER-6i's - as I've read are uncomfortable for users with smaller ear canal, that means also for me. My old Senn CX300's even with smallest eartips felt too big.
And what about Ultimate Ears super.fi 3 Studio? They've got quite good reviews, but are lacking in bass - the only weakness that confuses me. Maybe something else in this price range (£70 +/-10)?

pandemic · 31-12-2008, 12:10 AM

You can actually pickup the goldrings for £25 these days.
Alternatives could be the Denon AH-C551 they sound good look great (tiny things), the Shure SE210 or the Klipsch custom 2. The Klipsch are large but come with multiple ear tips.

mhcq2002 · 31-12-2008, 9:01 AM

Yeah you can from Play. See the third post.

The Spaniard · 31-12-2008, 9:46 AM

I would steer clear of the Klipsch if you want any bass response

AnorexiaNervosa · 31-12-2008, 10:12 AM

You've mentioned Denon AH-C551, and what about higher model Denon AH-C751 - these are for £80 from iHeadphones, what is almost half of a retail price! And these have quite good reviews.
I've read reviews of Shure SE210's and Klipsch Custom-2's but these won't be good for me.

pandemic · 31-12-2008, 11:26 AM

I didn't consider the Denon AH-C751 as I knew they were pricey, but they are good set of earphones. Only problem is they can be unconfortable for the smaller eared listner as the earpiece is quite big.

AnorexiaNervosa · 31-12-2008, 4:13 PM

I've written down all the phones I was considering, listed all pros and cons I've been reading about in reviews, lowest prices I found on the web and made a choice.
I just ordered a pair of Ultimate Ears super.fi 3 Studio + extra Comply foam ear tips. I hope I'll be pleased with them.

Thank all of you for invaluable help!
Paul.

MinhDinh · 03-01-2009, 4:58 PM

i bought some cx400 off ebay for 15 odd quid. not sure if it's still the case but they are great. the only downside is that if you lay down it clicks