I was set on getting a pair of V-Moda Vibe headphones for about $90, until I did some research on headfi.org. I'm being thrifty lately so I embraced what seems to be the best deal in canalphones right now - the JVC FX33 (Marshmallows). They're easily obtainable at most chains (Circuit City and Best Buy had them in stock) and, without burn in, they sound amazing.
Comparing them to my $120 old pair of Etynomic er4ps, they're far more "fun" - less clinical sounding with a great amount of bass. Not overpowering, like the sony ex71s, yet very powerful and great for electronic music. The treble is a there but not as dynamic, but a mod replacing the inserts with those from the Shure line is supposed to help with that dramatically. Out of the box, they're an amazing value and surely worth checking out. My last pair of phones, the Seinheisser CX300s, offered a slightly better sound stage but these headphones just rock for the price. I've read that they rival $200 shures after some modding and burning in, so i'll keep you guys updated if anyone cares.
Shure tips can be found at J&R for $14.99 ($5 plus shipping after the $10 google checkout discount). I ordered them and should have them by mid-week.
Update Head-Fi thread that convinced me to try these
Update
I did the previously mentioned Kramer mod and was indifferent about the result. The highs were improved but a bit too shrill for my tastes. With 2 days of burn in, the highs are being tamed and I'm very happy with the $20 investment so far. Since these phones can be found for $10 online, I'd get 2 pairs - mod one, see how you like it and return the other set if you're happy with the sound. The shure mod seem tricky. I've received the buds but they base is far from the right size - I have to figure out a way to make the hole on the shure pads much, much bigger.
All in all, I continue to be impressed by the JVCs - surely worth the money and potentially worth far more, once they break in and the trebles and mids mature.
Comparing them to my $120 old pair of Etynomic er4ps, they're far more "fun" - less clinical sounding with a great amount of bass. Not overpowering, like the sony ex71s, yet very powerful and great for electronic music. The treble is a there but not as dynamic, but a mod replacing the inserts with those from the Shure line is supposed to help with that dramatically. Out of the box, they're an amazing value and surely worth checking out. My last pair of phones, the Seinheisser CX300s, offered a slightly better sound stage but these headphones just rock for the price. I've read that they rival $200 shures after some modding and burning in, so i'll keep you guys updated if anyone cares.
Shure tips can be found at J&R for $14.99 ($5 plus shipping after the $10 google checkout discount). I ordered them and should have them by mid-week.
Update Head-Fi thread that convinced me to try these
Update
I did the previously mentioned Kramer mod and was indifferent about the result. The highs were improved but a bit too shrill for my tastes. With 2 days of burn in, the highs are being tamed and I'm very happy with the $20 investment so far. Since these phones can be found for $10 online, I'd get 2 pairs - mod one, see how you like it and return the other set if you're happy with the sound. The shure mod seem tricky. I've received the buds but they base is far from the right size - I have to figure out a way to make the hole on the shure pads much, much bigger.
All in all, I continue to be impressed by the JVCs - surely worth the money and potentially worth far more, once they break in and the trebles and mids mature.
Facebook
Twitter