Sound Isolating Earphones - please help me decide!!

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!!!!

Dragod · 09-15-2007, 07:34 AM

I've heard good thing about Skull Candy.. but I don't know anything about them. And I don't know any of those earphones, I just use the Zune ones.

CameleonMK · 09-15-2007, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dragod

I've heard good thing about Skull Candy.. but I don't know anything about them. And I don't know any of those earphones, I just use the Zune ones.

I was going to say the same thing.

jpzsports · 09-15-2007, 07:41 AM

Is the more mm size the magnet, the better?

Cause most have 10 mm or less, but the Coby have 15 - so it that make it the best?

jpzsports · 09-15-2007, 11:59 AM

ok - after doing more research, I've come down to 2.

The Coby
http://www.cobyusa.com/_en/prod_item...hone&ps cat2=

or the Griffin

http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/tunebuds/

The Coby got better reviews, but I like the black color of the griffin.
They're both around $10 on Amazon.

Any advice??

jpzsports · 09-15-2007, 09:40 PM

anyone?

JERICH · 09-15-2007, 09:46 PM

i have the skullcandy ones... and i love them

jpzsports · 09-16-2007, 07:35 AM

How do you ppl like the Koss SparkPlug?

Trogdor · 09-16-2007, 10:37 AM

i got these for about 10 bucks and they are the best headphones i have ever gotten by far
edit- almost forgot they are Philips SHS3200

ghostz · 09-16-2007, 12:50 PM

well i got some philips she5920 these are really good hthey cost 20 bucks they come in white and black ther are in ear and has virtual surround sound even a little pouch to carry them in

MajerPayne · 09-16-2007, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpzsports

http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/tunebuds/

The Coby got better reviews, but I like the black color of the griffin.
They're both around $10 on Amazon.

Any advice??

Ok GET THE GRIFFIN.
Coby has turned into a generic K-Mart brand.
They suck, they break easy.
Griffin has good quality headphones.

jpzsports · 09-16-2007, 07:06 PM

ok I've changed my mind lately after doing a lot more research
- I'm pretty much positive about the JVC Marshmallows now.
Just got a few last questions:
So, what's the difference between the Marshmallows and the FX-55s?
And, the new marshmallows that are coming soon - will they be a big change; big enough to wait for? - I doubt/hope not.

Dizzy · 09-16-2007, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ghostz

well i got some philips she5920 these are really good hthey cost 20 bucks they come in white and black ther are in ear and has virtual surround sound even a little pouch to carry them in

Those look uncomfortable. Does the construction bother you at all?
I found em for about 5 bucks on ebay.

jpzsports · 09-17-2007, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpzsports

ok I've changed my mind lately after doing a lot more research
- I'm pretty much positive about the JVC Marshmallows now.
Just got a few last questions:
So, what's the difference between the Marshmallows and the FX-55s?
And, the new marshmallows that are coming soon - will they be a big change; big enough to wait for? - I doubt/hope not.

anyone?

jpzsports · 09-17-2007, 12:40 PM

Also, this Zune is my first MP3 Player. I was just wondering, how are the earphones that the Zune come with compared to other earphones such as the JVC Marshmallows?- Are the Zune earphones bad, or do they sound rather good compared to others? And will the Mashmallows sound better than the standard Zune earphones?

ghostz · 09-17-2007, 01:58 PM

they are better than the ipods thats for sure i got some philips she5920 they are good for 20 bucks

jpzsports · 09-18-2007, 12:29 PM

but the Marshmallows should be better than the standard Zune ones, right?

Dizzy · 09-18-2007, 01:44 PM

They've gotten good reviews. I understand they're worth the 20 or so dollars. I'd also recommend the skullcandy ink'd buds ($10).

jpzsports · 09-18-2007, 02:12 PM

ok, thanks - does anyone know the specs of the stock Zune headphones? - I just wanted to compare it to the JVC Marshmallows I'm gonna order...

pfcreed · 09-18-2007, 08:03 PM

I have the marshmellows and i love em. They are pretty comfortable to me. but i want to get some diffrent ones too but only cause im bored with mines. also whats cool about the mellows is that you can swap out the foamies for diffrent colors

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!!!!

09-15-2007, 07:34 AM	#2 (permalink)
Dragod The Master Chief Retired Staff Expert Zuner Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: In a house. Posts: 2,649 Reputation: 240	I've heard good thing about Skull Candy.. but I don't know anything about them. And I don't know any of those earphones, I just use the Zune ones. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

09-15-2007, 09:46 PM	#7 (permalink)
JERICH Zuner Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Nor Cal Posts: 74 Reputation: 11	i have the skullcandy ones... and i love them __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

09-16-2007, 12:50 PM	#10 (permalink)
ghostz Jr. Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 312 Reputation: 18	well i got some philips she5920 these are really good hthey cost 20 bucks they come in white and black ther are in ear and has virtual surround sound even a little pouch to carry them in __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. MySpace Page To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

09-17-2007, 01:58 PM	#16 (permalink)
ghostz Jr. Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 312 Reputation: 18	they are better than the ipods thats for sure i got some philips she5920 they are good for 20 bucks __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. MySpace Page To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

09-15-2007, 07:41 AM	#4 (permalink)
jpzsports Jr. Zuner Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 30 Reputation: 10	Is the more mm size the magnet, the better? Cause most have 10 mm or less, but the Coby have 15 - so it that make it the best?

09-15-2007, 11:59 AM	#5 (permalink)
jpzsports Jr. Zuner Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 30 Reputation: 10	ok - after doing more research, I've come down to 2. The Coby http://www.cobyusa.com/_en/prod_item...hone&ps cat2= or the Griffin http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/tunebuds/ The Coby got better reviews, but I like the black color of the griffin. They're both around $10 on Amazon. Any advice??

09-15-2007, 09:40 PM	#6 (permalink)
jpzsports Jr. Zuner Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 30 Reputation: 10	anyone?

09-16-2007, 07:35 AM	#8 (permalink)
jpzsports Jr. Zuner Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 30 Reputation: 10	How do you ppl like the Koss SparkPlug?

09-16-2007, 07:06 PM	#12 (permalink)
jpzsports Jr. Zuner Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 30 Reputation: 10	ok I've changed my mind lately after doing a lot more research - I'm pretty much positive about the JVC Marshmallows now. Just got a few last questions: So, what's the difference between the Marshmallows and the FX-55s? And, the new marshmallows that are coming soon - will they be a big change; big enough to wait for? - I doubt/hope not.

09-17-2007, 12:40 PM	#15 (permalink)
jpzsports Jr. Zuner Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 30 Reputation: 10	Also, this Zune is my first MP3 Player. I was just wondering, how are the earphones that the Zune come with compared to other earphones such as the JVC Marshmallows?- Are the Zune earphones bad, or do they sound rather good compared to others? And will the Mashmallows sound better than the standard Zune earphones?

09-18-2007, 12:29 PM	#17 (permalink)
jpzsports Jr. Zuner Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 30 Reputation: 10	but the Marshmallows should be better than the standard Zune ones, right?

09-18-2007, 01:44 PM	#18 (permalink)
Dizzy Joe the Plumber Moderator Ultimate Zuner Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 6,732 Reputation: 357	They've gotten good reviews. I understand they're worth the 20 or so dollars. I'd also recommend the skullcandy ink'd buds ($10). __________________ Stop activity immediately if you feel short of breath, faint or dizzy, experience chest pain, or profuse perspiration. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

09-18-2007, 02:12 PM	#19 (permalink)
jpzsports Jr. Zuner Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 30 Reputation: 10	ok, thanks - does anyone know the specs of the stock Zune headphones? - I just wanted to compare it to the JVC Marshmallows I'm gonna order...

09-18-2007, 08:03 PM	#20 (permalink)
pfcreed Experienced Zuner Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 131 Reputation: 20	I have the marshmellows and i love em. They are pretty comfortable to me. but i want to get some diffrent ones too but only cause im bored with mines. also whats cool about the mellows is that you can swap out the foamies for diffrent colors

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