Earbuds/Flathead Discussion

Discussion in 'IEMs and Portable Gear' started by shotgunshane, Oct 18, 2016.

  1. assassin10000

    assassin10000 New

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    Isolation not needed? The only kinda maybe okay'ish one is the Sabbat X12 Pro (or newer X12 ultra).

    If you need isolation like IEM's provide there are a ton of TWS options.


    ________________________________
    Below is related to the original topic.


    I tend towards earbuds instead of IEM's, as most of the time I don't need isolation (or want it for that matter). Like having decent speakers with you, or tiny open backs.


    The ones I've had, have or made. I haven't had any TOTL buds (yet) but I'll group what I've heard below.


    Better:

    Smabat ST-10 - IEM like bass, good extension and not rolled off like the majority of earbuds. Neutral tuning. Very well done.

    Ourart ACG - amazing mids and really good highs. A bit lacking as bass is light and sub-bass rolled off.


    Good:

    Yuin PK2 (original version) - good bass for an older driver, still suffers from sub-bass roll off. Warm but clean and clear mids. Smooth highs, no harshness or sibilance. I can see why they were popular.

    Smabat M1 pro - clean sound with a hint of warmth. Slight sub-bass roll off and slightly forward mids. Decent all rounder.

    Nicehck EBX - good bass, clean sound but too bright and fatiguing for me.

    K's LBB - a warm, mid centric bud that somehow is still clean sounding instead of a muddy bloated mess. Great for rock.


    Not completely terrible:

    Yinyoo BK2 - slightly warm and somewhat mid centric. Has a bit of a muffled or veiled sound to me.

    RY4S ($3) - v-shaped earbud, supposedly better in the UE cable version. Lots of bass, recessed mids and some harshness.

    Vido (sub $2) - good for a dirt cheap earbud. Overly bassy and harsh. Still, less than $2.


    Garbage tier:

    Leagginal 16Ω pk2 (single vent shell) - from chitty's store on AliExpress: garbage, veiled muddy mess.
    https://m.aliexpress.com/item/32922747759.html



    About the drivers for the ones I've made:

    DIY PK1 150Ω (red film) - great driver, excellent bass and sub-bass for a 14.8mm driver. Mids are transparent and highs are smooth. The best of the diy drivers I've used. Supposedly taken from the original Yuin PK1.
    https://m.aliexpress.com/item/2034991204.html

    N55 64Ω N55 - 2nd favorite currently. This is a warmer bud that slopes from the lower mids downwards through the treble, so warm and polite sounding. I EQ the mids & highs back up to my preference for a more balanced sound.
    https://m.aliexpress.com/item/32978993535.html

    ETS 32Ω bass - bassy, warm and dark. Mids and treble are both recessed. Good sleep bud.
    https://m.aliexpress.com/item/32877041035.html

    DIY Sunrise SR2 16Ω - Meh. Don't bother.
    https://m.aliexpress.com/item/1666829407.html

    DIY 32Ω mesh screen - another one for the garbage can.
    https://m.aliexpress.com/item/32230887418.html
     
    Last edited: Jul 14, 2020
  2. Prydz

    Prydz Friend

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    ^
    None of those seem very friendly for running.
    Cant have stuff falling out of my ear
     
  3. assassin10000

    assassin10000 New

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    Below the line is related to this thread, above was to your question.


    In any case, if running in an urban area where you want or need to hear the environment around you, go with the Sabbat X12. (Not the E12 which is IEM style TWS.)


    If it doesn't matter if you can hear around you then there are many more possibilities. I can't make a recommendation unless I know more of your preferences: sound sig, type of fit, battery life needed, is call quality important, what features do you want, etc.
     
  4. Prydz

    Prydz Friend

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    Doesnt matter if I can hear stuff around. Prefer a sound leaning towards bassy, tho I hate sharp highs.
    Only needs to be bluetooth wireless, tho it can have a wire between the buds as long as it doesnt have a heavy dongle on it. Dont need "call" feature.
    Must stay in the ear very well, I dont mind those "hooks" like Powerbeats Pro.
     
  5. Metro

    Metro Friend

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    This thread is devoted to "earbuds", which means the style of earphone that sits loosely outside the ear canal. The other style of earphone is in-ear monitors (IEM) that are inserted into the ear canal and have a more secure fit, better suited for exercise and running.

    For IEM, look in this thread:
    https://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/shotgunshane’s-iem-custom-and-universal-recommendations-favorites-and-classics.2229/
    Several wireless models are discussed (do a search in the thread for "wireless").
     
  6. Cspirou

    Cspirou They call me Sparky

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    So I'm coming to appreciate earphones more since I don't worry as much about earwax management and they feel pretty comfortable.

    I typically go with the Apple earphones included with my iPhone for obvious reasons but wondering if there's some notable audiophile options out there or if this category is always going to be neutered.
     
  7. EagleWings

    EagleWings Friend

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    By earphones, I believe you are referring to earbuds, which is the more common term used in our circle. Most earbuds are based on MX shells, which are larger in size or Yuin shells which are slightly smaller. Larger housing size of the MX shells allow to accommodate larger drivers. The problem with most earbuds is the lack of sub-bass and in some cases, entire low-end due to the lack of seal, because of which, they may not have sufficient weight and body to the notes. Some earbuds are made as high impedance versions so that they can be used on desktop amps and some even scale quite nicely. I find that earbuds, when done right usually have better timbre than IEMs.

    Venture Electronics, Yuin, Shozy, Vido, KBEar, Rose, Smabat, K's Earbuds, Blur Earbuds, Symphonio, Cypherus Audio, Yincrow, Qian, Moondrop and Ourart are some of the popular brands for earbuds.

    Last year, around this time, DQSM released a earbud called the Turandot. I have been suing it for the past one year and I like it very much. I have very limited experience with earbuds so I won't say it is one of the best out there. But some of the earbud veterans on Head-Fi earbuds thread did confirm that it is easily one of the best earbuds they have heard to date. Its midrange and treble tuning are kind of similar to the HD650, with a slightly thicker lower mids, inoffensive upper-mids and small noticeable treble peak but otherwise a smooth treble. It also has a very large soundstage and good separation fo instruments. Where it falls short is in the bass which is lacking, because of which the notes can lack some body and weight. But it is one earbud I would easily recommend.

    For reference I have a Astrotec Lyra Nature that was provided to me as free review sample and I will not recommend that earbud to anyone.
     
  8. Cspirou

    Cspirou They call me Sparky

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    you are correct. I can't change the thread title though so I hope a mod can do it for me.

    i wasn't looking for something to replace my higher end IEMs and headphones for sure. Just something better than Apple earphones.

    All those brands look like a good place to start. Thanks!
     
  9. assassin10000

    assassin10000 New

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    Do you have any sound signature preferences? Budget? Do you want detachable cables?
     
  10. Cspirou

    Cspirou They call me Sparky

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    less than $100. I prefer anything that tends toward neutral but I favor resolution and detail over a flat frequency response. Boosted bass is fine as long as it isn't too distorted. Clear vocals is probably my top priority.

    No detachable cables needed unless it has a lightening connector. In which case I'd like the option to use with other devices.
     
  11. assassin10000

    assassin10000 New

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    K's LB (little bell) is good, it was retuned this year and is now more mainstream. The new is v-shaped but not overly so. It's also the most comfortable shaped bud I've tried. The old tuning was analog'ish; being warm, smooth but still detailed.

    If you can find one, the original Smabat ST-10 is a good bud too, on the slightly cooler side of neutral with very good bass (no bleed). L shaped signature. Slightly better for female vocals than male.
     
  12. Philimon

    Philimon Friend

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    Samsung Galaxy Buds Live first impressions. My measurements are pretty much junk.

    An earbud/iem hybrid; Wireless, ANC, sealed but no canal insertion, extended bass for an earbud, good stability too.
     
  13. assassin10000

    assassin10000 New

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    I had them for a few weeks. Tiny, neat design but wish they didn't use wings, they were uncomfortable for me after 15 minutes or so.

    If they had silicone bumpers or covers around the whole rear and wedged into the concha I think I may have kept them.


    Your bass impressions make me think your experience differs from mine, as you may have more of a seal than others. I found the bass borderline ok to almost light. If I wedged them so they sealed my ear canal the sound became closed in and became bassy/muddy.
     
  14. Philimon

    Philimon Friend

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    They are like IEMs in that they need the right fit to sound right. I dont find the bass muddy. The bass is still special for an “earbud” due to extension. I understand how a traditional foam-cover earbud can make the SGBL sound slow in comparison though. Loved my original PK1. :)
     
  15. Prandoomkiller

    Prandoomkiller New

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    Hey there,

    After from a young age I started listening to audio on a 2009ish hama earphone (omg those were terrible) I realised that due to having a bigger ear, and generally not liking earbuds that isolate you from the enviroment too much I have settled on the design of "classic" earphones. From the hama I have changed to a Sony MH410, but after amortising 2 of those I have started to look for a higher quality. (This was around 2 years ago)

    Googling for some hours I found two top5 comparsion page for the "best classical earbuds" keywords and I though and some friends said to me that this fashion is discontinued as everyone prefers either headphones or spongeless earbuds. So I went with the ones that I could still find and bought these in this order

    Edifier H180 : my favourite so far. There is very very little bass, tremble feels alright, and it is either my ears adapting to it too much but this has the least distortion, and it feels clear from low to high. It also feels the most confortable, the shell is durable however the cables are made from that iphoney not that durable insulation rubber and the two cables are getting separated.

    Edifier H190 : just bleh, bass is bit stronger (still weak) than in H180 but the clarity is not there. I used it for 3 months straight but I immediaetly went back to the H180 when I could and I didnt miss it.

    VE Monk : when I tried it out I was shocked how clearly can I hear the instruments in the track, the bass was pretty present. They sound clear, kinda completely the opposite of the H180 by frequency response. The vocals and cynbals are dwarfed by the prev mentioned instruments. The desing feels too rough for me, its not sitting stable in my ear, but the cables feel quality. I only have it for 1,5 week, I feel like that it would be useful for a specific kind of mixing or music but I don't think I would use it daily.

    Sennheiser MX 375 : Only used It for 2 days (I kinda only realized that burn in-s are a thing by 11pm today, 4 hours ago so it may change) the articles praised for its sound but I was just disappointed. It feels very distorted although the frequency response feels flat? This is the first Sennheiser thing that I own but it makes me feel like that they're only a thing if you spend +250usd. The design feels weird and putting in is unconfortable.

    I have also ordered a Superlux HD681, since I started to edit a podcast, as they say it has a decently flat response. (Maybe it could be a reference? )

    Also, after digging out in the internet and founding head-fi.org, and forums, I was relieved that this design is not dead and they indeed produce some great products. So I ordered a Remax 305M, anf found that MrZ's Ting, Shozy BK, and DQSM turadot are interesting candidates as well (althou the latest two would need a serious certainity before commiting to buy) .

    So I came here to ask you : what would you suggest to me? I am not entirely sure what I am looking for but I value distortion-less sound reproduction more than bass, and if it has dynamics and details in all frequencies I think my ear can adapt to unequal frequency response.

    Some reference songs that I feel might be a good guidenance :

    Wake me - Kiss from a rose (seal cover)
    Ofenbach - head shoulder knees and toes
    KSHMR - no regrets
    Daya - insomnia
    Martin Garrix - burn out
    Agnes Obel - riverside
     
  16. Ronion

    Ronion New

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    You just have to get shark fin-looking ear hooks and they’ll stay in during normal sex. I’d post images but I don’t have a site host. I’m a lazy internet junky. Just scroll through here though and you’ll see my post.https://www.head-fi.org/threads/earbuds-round-up.441400/page-3735
     
  17. Stuff Jones

    Stuff Jones Friend

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    I got the Moondrop Chaconne since I'm moving away from headphones but still want that open sound when home. Frankly I am blown away by how good they sound with a lot of my music. They have exceptional mids - even, revealing, the right amount of body, realistic timbre. The mids are among the very best I've heard among IEMs and HPs.

    Tuning wise, other than the natural sub-bass limitation of earbuds, the only possible issue I hear may be in the lower treble - poorly mixed cymbals can get a bit hot. It doesn't show up much and usually cymbals sound good, so it may be a case of simply not being forgiving of poorly recorded tracks. The bass is tight and textured and works really well with upright or electric bass alike. As earbuds, they are wider/bigger sounding than IEMs and they also image quite accurately/not diffusely which is not always the case with earbuds. Separation is better than other single driver IEMs I've heard.

    One instrument they do really well with is piano. Not only does their even mids tuning help here, but they are able to convey the microdynamics (?) of the modulation of the keys in a very convincing way.

    Overall, they are very very good for acoustic music and more broadly any music that doesn't require much sub-bass (i.e. they work well for rock and blues too). Oh, and too me they look cool too - kind of a steam punk look going on. Fit is fine for me using thicker foams than stock.

    This is a track I use to test mids and vocals, and it sounds really really good with the Chaconne. The crescendos and vocal runs are lively, but smooth and never harsh. The vibrato of the voice is lifelike (those macrodynamics again) and you can clearly pick out the different layered voices, guitar and orchestra parts.



    Anyway, apologies for perhaps annoying giddiness - I'm a bit smitten. All impressions via my RU6.
     
    Last edited: Jun 11, 2022
  18. EagleWings

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    Very nice. Have been meaning to pick one up. But I fear it is MX sized and won’t fit me comfortably. Do you happen to know if it is more MX sized or Yuin sized?

    Also yea, I think a good earbud will walk all over even the best IEMs, when it comes to timbre and openness in the midrange. The DQSM Turqndot I owned, used to give me goosebumps with, how well it did timbre of certain instruments, which even the LCDi4 didn’t pull off. And I found the i4 to be considerably better in timbre than any BA IEMs.

    I am more interested in the Simphonio Dragon 3 as it uses Yuin sized shells. But I fear it might be a bit bright.
     
  19. Stuff Jones

    Stuff Jones Friend

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    I don't know about that size comparison. Even though they are a bit heavy, they fit me well and stay in place when standing/sitting and lying down too.
     
  20. WoodyLuvr

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    The Flathead Sanctuary is a community-driven neutral zone where all things earbud related can be openly and freely discussed sans censorship. No hidden agendas. No cults. No banned manufacturer names. No in-your-face advertising. A place where everyone's opinions, thoughts, and experiences are shared through civil discourse. A sanctuary where all earbud types, ranging from branded to custom-made to do-it-yourself, are most welcome.

    Discord server: https://discord.gg/zCBhhynjRk
     

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