Best, cheap headphones?

[SAWYER]

I bought a Zune and I want some decent headphones(small ear buds), but I do not want to spend much. What is the best bang for the buck?

 

[Schadenfroh]

Sennheiser CX300 is pretty good (own a pair).

 

[SAWYER]

I did a google and saw these on amazon for 60 or 70. Well I did a search on ebay and saw tons for like 10 bucks, and others for 50 or so. Are the cheapies fakes?

 

[mshan]

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f15/

 

[montypythizzle]

Originally posted by: Sawyer
I did a google and saw these on amazon for 60 or 70. Well I did a search on ebay and saw tons for like 10 bucks, and others for 50 or so. Are the cheapies fakes?

Um, most are teh fake, but some are real. Usually you can tell from the price, or just check Head-Fi for info on fakes.

 

[KeithTalent]

I own the CX300s and I think they are only ok, I miss my old Shure E2Cs.

KT

 

[dwell]

Posted this in Hot Deals too. JVC Marshmallows are $7.99 at Circuit City. I did the E2C mod on them and they sound *nearly* as good as E2C IMO. I bought two pairs just for backup.

http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd...ion=All&go.x=14&go.y=9

 

[Rio Rebel]

I just picked up some of those JVC marshmallows as an extra set. That's a great deal for cheap in-ears.

 

[SAWYER]

I bought them (JVC's )and I am not impressed, I would dare say my 10 dollar Sony's sound as good or better. What mod are you talking about?

 

[Rio Rebel]

The "mod" is getting the replacement pads made for Shure E2C and replacing them. Apparently they fit the JVC's and improve both the comfort and sound quality. I haven't tried them.

I thought the ear buds that come with the Zune were pretty high quality. Did you not like those, or were they not with the Zune you bought?

 

[SAWYER]

Well I just bought the Zune from the FS/T board and it hasn't arrived yet.

 

[Rio Rebel]

oh. Well, if you're talking sub-$20 ear buds, you probably aren't going to improve much over the Zune buds. They are higher quality than I expected (and higher than the ipod buds that replaced my Zune).

If you want higher end solutions, I am not that familiar with buds and canal phones (I assume Shure, Denon, etc. are making good products). I can recommend Koss PortaPros for around $35 for outstanding sound quality and strong bass. I moved from them to Grado 60's (around $70), and I love the Grados. But both of these sets I mentioned are on-ear phones, not in-ear.

 

[SAWYER]

Well I wouldn't mind on ear as long s they are nut real big.

 

[dwell]

Originally posted by: Rio Rebel
The "mod" is getting the replacement pads made for Shure E2C and replacing them. Apparently they fit the JVC's and improve both the comfort and sound quality. I haven't tried them.

There's two mods you can do. The first mod (thanks to CuriousGeorge in Hot Deals) is to pull the grey tubes off the base and stick on E2C tips (silicon or foam) directly on the base. It brings the driver closer to your ear and the Shure tips give a better seal. I did that and they sound much, much better.

The second one is is the "Kramer mod" where you pop the paper diaphragms and stuff foam in the tube. It's supposed to bring out the highs but I'm wary to do it as it seems hit and miss based on comments, not to mention there's no way back from it.

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f4/jvc-fx33-mod-223642/

 

[SAWYER]

Ok I heard some Bose at target and loved them, what can I get that sounds similar. I know I can get cheaper but similar quality than Bose.

 

[Operandi]

I think the Sony MDREX51LP are pretty impressive for the money. Very comfortable, and light weight with a full and clear sound if not particularly accurate.

Just be careful not to break the cable from the ear-bud as it is rather fragile, a trade off of being small and light.

 

[Rio Rebel]

Originally posted by: Sawyer
Ok I heard some Bose at target and loved them, what can I get that sounds similar. I know I can get cheaper but similar quality than Bose.

Oh, God...I'm out.

 

[SAWYER]

I know Bose is overpriced, thats why I am asking what sounds similar for cheaper?

 

[selfy]

Grado SR60 are good for mid-range. For the rock/alternative/metal listener they are gold. (http://www.headphone.com/guide.../ipod/grado-sr-60.php)

I own them for work and have a more expensive pair from Grado for home listening. Both are quality for music with guitars.

P.S. - They are very retro styled.

 

[SAWYER]

I have been looking at those online today, how would those compare to the Bose I heard? And I like rock, classical and mellow stuff.

 

[dwell]

I sucked it up and did the Kramer Mod on my second pair of JVC FX33s (Marshmallow). After tweaking the amount of foam, wow I'm impressed. They no longer have the shrill highs of stock FX33s. Pretty good high/bass balance now. Mids are still lacking, but that's inherent to the 'phones themselves.

 

[Rio Rebel]

I am listening to some Keb' Mo' on my Grado SR60's right now, with a nice little headphone amp:
$35 Headphone Amp

I am so impressed with this setup. For barely over $100 the sound is remarkable.

Your original post said "cheap" so I figured you were talking the under $25 range. If you're willing to go toward $50 or a little more, you can get some real quality.

 

[SAWYER]

Well I am leaning towards the Grado SR60's.

 

[Rio Rebel]

I don't think you can go wrong with them. Here is a thread I started a couple months back after buying them:

Grado SR60's

They really make a difference. Here's a good comment on them from another review site:
Bottom Line

 

[SAWYER]

Should i spend the extra for the 80's?