IEM for a female friend

[ezzo 0]

Hi,

 

I am looking for a pair of canal phones for my female friend, with a budget of ~$100, MAX of $150.

She is currently using a pair of Sony EX71 and feels that the bass is fine. (WTH, even I find them a little too much)

The reason is probably cause she listens at REALLY LOW volumes. Volumes which I can barely hear the vocals and my hearing is pretty fine ( I listen at ~50% volume on a iPod with IEMs).

 

So, the criteria is:

 

1) Sounds good even at low volumes

2) Good Bass Quality & Quantity

3) Suitable for small ears & ear-holes - Comfortable

 

So far, I have zoomed in on AT ATH-CK7 and Creative EP-630, but I have no idea how they sounds at low volumes or whether the EP-630 are worthed the "upgrade".

Btw, I am not considering the Mylars due to their build quality, not a good candidate as a gift..

 

Anyone have any/other suggestions?

Thanks!

Edited November 21, 2007 by ezzo

[Lil' Knight 0]

Both EP630 and Mylars fit your 3rd requirement.

EP630 has bass quantity, but a bit muddy, low-detailed. The Mylar has good sound at low volume, nice details but lacks bass.

 

My recommendation is UE Super.fi 3 Studio. Just wonder if your friend likes its design or not.

[ezzo 0]

EP630 vs Ex71, I really dont think there will be much improvement.. Have anyone heard them both?

 

Mylars, not considering - build quality, bass..

Plus my friend likes bass

 

I will check out the Super.fi 3, see if they how they fit, I have read alot of issues with it.

[sHaRkKaE 0]

The CK 7 will be a really good buy. The bass is sufficient and still clear in the mids.

Her hearing must be superbly good or you are going deaf.

[sputnik00 0]

hi, what sort of music does she listen to? i've been using CK7s for more than a year and love them lots. also listen to them at mid-low volumes except on bus or MRT.

[WatCult 0]

A female colleague of mine also bought the CK7 after comparing them against the Mylars, Sony and the DTX50.

[yslee 0]

No no, not the Super.fi 3s. Those have great mids and a really good treble extension, but are absolutely deviod in the bass department.

 

CK7s are very well rounded phones. I think those are a better bet.

[beckywjl 0]

um1? I use the um1 with the ipod and the volume below 1/4 still loud enough.

[sHaRkKaE 0]

um1? I use the um1 with the ipod and the volume below 1/4 still loud enough.

Don't think the Um1 will provide sufficient bass for the user, but who knows, maybe she'll find enough bass with the UM1.

[ezzo 0]

Thanks for all the replies!

 

My friend really has superb hearing. Mine is probably average, definately not deaf yet. Haha. She listens at ~25% with an iPod, on a bus with only 1side, I can barely the vocals...

 

She listens mostly to Rock, Pop and sometimes Jazz, seldom genres like Classical, Hip-Hop/Rap.

 

I doubt the Um1 will do for her, considering she thinks the Ex71s are OKAY in the bass area. Haha.

 

I think the CK7 will probably be the best bet for her.

Another question, have anyone had any issues with the treble of CK7? Too bright/shrills?

[sputnik00 0]

hi ezzo, at high volumes, the treble can get a bit shrill for me. but since your friend likes low volumes, should be alright.

 

that said, i find the sound brighter on my mp3 player than on my md player. source could matter too.

[ezzo 0]

Hey sputnik,

I see. It should be alright for my friend.

 

Thanks btw!

[mamboman 0]

CK7 should be alright in this case