Zune Boards - View Single Post - Sound Isolating Earphones

jpzsports · 09-15-2007, 07:22 AM

Hi, (if you're in a rush, at least just read my rundown at the bottom)

I just bought a Microsoft Zune. Lately I've been hearing about Sound Isolating Earphones (Canalphones) and how they sound so much better than regular earphones. I'm not a picky audiophile so I'm not looking for anything amazing or expensive. But I do have a few questions that hopefully some of you could help me out with. First off, are the earbuds that come with the Zune bad? - I haven't really had much experience with earphones so I don't know if I'm missing out by using these earphones. If they are bad compared to most other earphones or canalphones (which I assume), then I'd like to buy a cheap set of Canalphones. Now since I'm not a audiophile, I'm looking for canalphones that cost less than $20 or so, but at least sound better than my current ones. lol - I know that some canalphones go up in the $500 range, but I don't need nor can afford that. So, with my budget options, what are my best choices? I'm looking for the best canalphones I can get for under $20. I like Bass, so maybe super bass canalphones would be best. While comfort is important, audio sound and quality is what I'm looking for the most. I've been looking around on the web, and I've come across a few options. But these probably aren't all of them, so you may know of something better.
First off, I've seen JBuds for <$20. I've also seen JVC Marshmellows for less than 20. Next I've seen Philips. And lastly I've seen Coby. Now, I'm leaning towards the Coby ones cause they are only $5 on Amazon and they've got good reviews. But, what do you recommend? Feel free to recommend something I didn't mention. Lastly, I've noticed that Coby and Philips make many models of sound isolating earphones - how do they differ between different model numbers? (they look similar)

So, quick Rundown:
1. I have a Zune - do the standard earphones stink compared to others?
2. Are canalphones the best choice?
3. What's the best CanalPhones I can buy for less than $20?

So, it looks like my options are as follows:
1. Jbuds
2. Coby
3. Philips
4. Creative
5. JVC
6. Skull Candy
(no particular order)

ok, so first off - Is there any of these that I should definitely not get and remove from my list of options? Has anyone tried the Coby ones? ($5 on Amazon - so tempting)

Thanks

EDIT: Ok, I've been doing some research, mainly on Amazon.

1. Coby - got 4 and 1/2 star reviews by 21 people and only costs around $9
(only drawback is that it's white, and I have a black Zune)

I'm leaning towards the coby, but what are your thoughts?

The JVC, Creative, and JBuds all get around 4 star reviews and cost around 20.
The philips got bad reviews

Skull Candy - $17 and good reviews - but it has a 9 mm driver instead of the usual 15 - hmmm

I'm at a STANDSTILL!!!!

09-15-2007, 07:22 AM	#1 (permalink)
jpzsports Jr. Zuner Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 30 Reputation: 10	Sound Isolating Earphones - please help me decide!! Hi, (if you're in a rush, at least just read my rundown at the bottom) I just bought a Microsoft Zune. Lately I've been hearing about Sound Isolating Earphones (Canalphones) and how they sound so much better than regular earphones. I'm not a picky audiophile so I'm not looking for anything amazing or expensive. But I do have a few questions that hopefully some of you could help me out with. First off, are the earbuds that come with the Zune bad? - I haven't really had much experience with earphones so I don't know if I'm missing out by using these earphones. If they are bad compared to most other earphones or canalphones (which I assume), then I'd like to buy a cheap set of Canalphones. Now since I'm not a audiophile, I'm looking for canalphones that cost less than $20 or so, but at least sound better than my current ones. lol - I know that some canalphones go up in the $500 range, but I don't need nor can afford that. So, with my budget options, what are my best choices? I'm looking for the best canalphones I can get for under $20. I like Bass, so maybe super bass canalphones would be best. While comfort is important, audio sound and quality is what I'm looking for the most. I've been looking around on the web, and I've come across a few options. But these probably aren't all of them, so you may know of something better. First off, I've seen JBuds for <$20. I've also seen JVC Marshmellows for less than 20. Next I've seen Philips. And lastly I've seen Coby. Now, I'm leaning towards the Coby ones cause they are only $5 on Amazon and they've got good reviews. But, what do you recommend? Feel free to recommend something I didn't mention. Lastly, I've noticed that Coby and Philips make many models of sound isolating earphones - how do they differ between different model numbers? (they look similar) So, quick Rundown: 1. I have a Zune - do the standard earphones stink compared to others? 2. Are canalphones the best choice? 3. What's the best CanalPhones I can buy for less than $20? So, it looks like my options are as follows: 1. Jbuds 2. Coby 3. Philips 4. Creative 5. JVC 6. Skull Candy (no particular order) ok, so first off - Is there any of these that I should definitely not get and remove from my list of options? Has anyone tried the Coby ones? ($5 on Amazon - so tempting) Thanks EDIT: Ok, I've been doing some research, mainly on Amazon. 1. Coby - got 4 and 1/2 star reviews by 21 people and only costs around $9 (only drawback is that it's white, and I have a black Zune) I'm leaning towards the coby, but what are your thoughts? The JVC, Creative, and JBuds all get around 4 star reviews and cost around 20. The philips got bad reviews Skull Candy - $17 and good reviews - but it has a 9 mm driver instead of the usual 15 - hmmm I'm at a STANDSTILL!!!!