Earphone Reviews

[Zephyron]

Hello, first post!

This is to aid any of those who maybe in need of or wanting to purchase budget based in-ear earphones.

The reviews have been done by someone else in head-fi called 'abug', and I very much agree with what he said with trhe IEMs that I own.

Note*: Most prices stated in these forums are in Singapore Dollars. Divide the value by an average of 1.7-1.8 to get an approximation for US$.
Click on the link below for the full review :)
Earphone Review (http://forums.hardwarezone.com/showthread.php?t=1163140)

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Currently using the iAudio U3 v1.13 with the Audio Technica ATH-CK7 earphones and am loving every moment of it :bigthumbs

[Zephyron]

I own a Sony MDR EX71 (damaged now, after 1 1/2 years of use), Audio Technica ATH-CK5 and Cresyn LMX-E630. These are what I have to say about them-

Sony MDR-EX71SL (1st in-ears, current status: Damaged):
-These are my first pair of in-ear earphones, bought back in 2004 in the Sony Year End sale for $64.00.
-At first, I was wowed by the earphones very strong bass reproduction, and was satisfied using it for a very long time because of its comfort and very good isolation levels.
-Gotta admit that somehow, its volume is softer than the pair of Audio Technica earbuds that I replaced with it, but it mostly sounds the same but with stronger bass.
-After using the ATH CK-5 for a while, I borrowed another pair of MDR-EX71s from a friend of mine, and I kinda like the CK5's over the EX71's, it really makes the EX71's treble sound VERY scratchy, and from what I can hear, the EX71's midrange was literaly almost non-existent when compared to the CK5.
-After listening o the $30.00 cheaper Cresyn LMX-E630, I'm disappointed by the EX71's strong but (ironically) very muddy, boomy (With distortion at volumes above 37 out of the 40 step scale) bass (Music in use was Gran Turismo 4's Arcade Selection music, MP3 256kbps format).

Note: The Silver parts of the earphone will wear out after a while, becoming completely black, and yes, I had a black pair)

Audio Technica ATH-CK5 (OK performer, bass is lacking, comfortable):
-1 1/2 years later, I bought these to replace my damaged MDR-EX71, the right side has failed and couldn't give out any sound.
-It' bass sounded pretty flat when compared to the MDR-EX71 when out of the box, but after I burnt it in for 48 hours, its bass started to liven up, but is still weak however.
-Its clarity levels are decent, mid-range is its strength, while trebles are reproduced quite faithfully.
-Volume level is similar to that of the MDR-EX71.
-Performance wise, its much better balanced as compared to the EX71.
-Its just me, but because of the earclips that protrude out of the earphones, the ATH-CK5 was the most comfortable and fitting for my ears out of the 3 earphones.
-Isolation is a notch above the EX71, but just barely.

Note: I would prefer if earphones were as comfortable as this one.

Cresyn LMX-E630(DL, black 1.2m);
-Bought it after reading afbug1's review.
-Excellent lows and mids, piano keys and guitar riffs are reproduced very faithfully, and the qualty of the sound from Jay Chou's (Ye Qu and Qi Li Xiang, 224 and 256kbps respectively) left me literaly astounded, and the playback from my Final Fantasy Tactics Advance Orchestrated Sountrack was simply astounding, with the flutes, bass, trambolines, cymbals... basically all the musical instruments all complimenting each other so impeccably!
-On the contrary to afbug1's review, I find the bass of the earphones to be very strong, on par with the EX71, but much, much cleaner. It also seems to have much bass in reserve, because where heavy bass is concerned, the LMX-E630 literaly punched my ears!
-Not as comfortable as the EX71 or the CK5, but that problem is easily fixed by replacing its default earbuds with the EX71 buds that I have and still use (bass quality further enhanced and marginally deepened).
-Isolations are just below that of the EX71, marginally.
-Volume level surpasses that of the EX71 an CK5 easily. I was very shaken when I just plugged it in the first time and listened to it on the volume levels I listen to the EX71 and CK5, and had to reduce the volume level from 30 to 25.

Final impressions:
-Sony MDR-EX71 = For its hefty sub $80 price tag, you'd expect Sony to come up with something better, but they failed to deliver. Scratchy treble, non-existent mid-range and dirty/muddy bass (avoid the MDR-EX51 as well).

-Audio Technica ATH-CK5 = Quite a decent performer (but weak bass) once you get used to it, but for its price range, there are better phones like the Cresyn.

-Cresyn LMX-E630 = A very well balanced earphone, definitely loving it until I decide to upgrade to the Audio Technica ATH-CK7ti in the future (also because of afbug1's review). For $45-49.90, this thing's a steal!

Oh, and pics taken from my handphone on the 3 in-ear-earphones (left to right: ATH-CK5 black, MDR-EX71 black, LMX-E630 black (DL)):
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b111/RandomDrifter/Random%20photoes/Earphones.jpg

EDIT (IMO, price to performance score out of 5.0)
$79.90 MDR-EX71: 1.0
$45.00 ATH-CK5: 2.5
$49.90 LMX-E630: 4.0 (would be 5.0 if not for the default earbuds, which are kinda crappy IMO)

[Zephyron]

Oh yes, one more thing, this is regrding the durability of the EX51/71

It'd seem that some people here complain that the 71's cord disintegrates darned fast whereas the 51's are more durable, and some vice versa.

I did some research and cheked out that a pair of EX51's owned by a close friend of mine has not been manufactured in Japan, but somewhere else. My EX71's were manufactured in Japan, that's probably why the cords feel a whole lot more plasticy/sturdier than the rubbery, loose and worn/torn EX51s he has.

I hope this helps those who still are thinking of purchasing an MDR-EX51/71: Check the place where its manufactured. If its not Japan, there's bound to be cable cord problems I think.

[bh_ninja]

i think ur right bout the made in japan thing... prob is where can u find the ex-71 made in japans? i went to hk and got the ex-71 (but they were made in china) needless to say the cord broke down after a few months...

btw Zephyron where/how did u purchase the Cresyn LMX-E630? thanks

[Zephyron]

I heard that the Cresyns can be quite hard to get a hold of, because like Cowon products, they're made in Korea.

I purchased my LMX-E630 down at a shop in my country.

Online-wise, I think you maybe order from here: http://pageuser.auctions.yahoo.com/sg/auction/95520050?aucview=0x30
Total cost for shipment and handling plus the earphone sshould still be easily under US$50.00 I think, best to confirm with the seller.

I've got EX71s made in Japan down here sold in the Sony Galleries in my country, but I highly recommend against the EX71/51 due to their flabby bass and almost non-existant mid-range (Sorry if this offends EX71/51 users, since I do own a pair of EX71 myself).

Give them 6 hours burn in time before using, as their treble can be quite harsh at the start. After the burn in, the treble sparkles and the bass is enhanced :)

[bh_ninja]

sweet thank 4 ur info! darn i just got my Panasonic RP-HJE50... not sure if i should get them or not hehe

[Zephyron]

Panasonic RP-HJE50? Depending on what you like I guess.

My preference lies on the LMX-E630, because I prefer clarity of music as opposed to over-boomy bass.

In the review, the HJE50 is also one of the clearer earphones reviewed with an emphasis on treble (An over-emphasis perhaps). Tried driving a pair of my friend's HJE50 on my U3, bass is definitely stronger than the LMX-E630, and can be pushed up to quite deafening volumes before the bass starts to distort, this I can assure you, and the difference in clarity is marginal (requires some EQ tuning on the highs of the HJE50, which can be a bit scratchy and rough at times) although not un-noticeable.

Stick with the HJE50, they're a very good pair of earphones almost in the same league as the Cresyns, and they'll serve you well with the treble levels adjusted :)

The foolowing advice below was also given to me by the same earhone reviewer as well.

*To upgrade from the earphones reviewed above, consider these:

If you want to upgrade from the HJE50, LMX-E630, there's 2 paths to choose from

*Clarity/Analytical sound - Audio Technica ATH-CK7, ER6i, ER4P, E4c.
(Less bass to make it clearer, but should be sufficient bass for most users except for bassheads, earbuds from this category are not recommended by me for users of iPod Nano, Mini, 4G and below, I haven't tested the 5G iPod to find out, so I wouldn't know)

*Musical sound - Panasonic RP-HJE70, UM1/2, E5c, Super.Fi 5 Pro.
(More bass for impact but might sound muddier, bass deficient players can utilize these)

These comments are quoted from the reviewer of the earphones listed above, afbug1, from Hardwarezone, written to me when I enquired him some stuffs (I'm was thinking of upgrading to a CK7ti or a Westone UM1):
-CK7 out performs the Cresyns in all aspects, just that its mid-range aren't as 'forward' as the Cresyn. More details and better clarity and treble extension. Bass is slightly more and deeper than the LMX-E630, but slightly less than the HJE50.
-CK7=Clinical, cold sound. UM1=Fun and warm sound. UM1 has superior details in the mids.
-To surpass the CK7's SQ, its a E4c, ER4P OR UM2, Super.Fi 5 pro. If I am the one buying, i will consider either the E4c or UM2 for overall quality.

More info regarding the UM1 from the reviewer:
-The UM1 is abit complicated initialy as their sound changes a lot with different tip. eg, the yellow foams gives less bass. All the tips give different SQ, some similar, some drastic. UM1 fits a whole lot of varity of tips as well. Some ppl prefer Shure's single flange.
-The UM1 has lower treble roll off, which can make it sound muffled without a suitable tip.

UM1 or CK7, I'm at a dillemma now x.X

Hopefully, I can test run a pair of UM1s or CK7s before deciding to buy them.

EDIT: Having tested the ER6i, UM1, UM2 and CK7, I've had the UM1 scratched off my list already.

[bh_ninja]

Zephyron,

thanks for ur very detailed reply... i totally agree with u on the RP-HJE50 on the highs and mids... they seem really high... i was using the sony ex-71 b4 and the difference is noticable... i find with the panasonics i cant really turn up the volume as loud as i want to... on my U3 i usually set it on 14-15 b4 my ears feel like its too loud... i feel like the bass isnt enough compared to my sonys, believe it or not i like the crazy amount of bass that i get with the sonys lol... i even raised the machbass and eq settings to help get that bass that i got with my sonys but i cant really say that i've been sucessful :|

i re-did my eq settings and put the low end of the eq & machbass to the max while lowering the mids and treble... now the bass seems like its there... by doing this i can raise the volume to bout 16-19 without hurting my ears...


Panasonic RP-HJE50? Depending on what you like I guess.

My preference lies on the LMX-E630, because I prefer clarity of music as opposed to over-boomy bass.

In the review, the HJE50 is also one of the clearer earphones reviewed with an emphasis on treble (An over-emphasis perhaps). Tried driving a pair of my friend's HJE50 on my U3, bass is definitely stronger than the LMX-E630, and can be pushed up to quite deafening volumes before the bass starts to distort, this I can assure you, and the difference in clarity is marginal (requires some EQ tuning on the highs of the HJE50, which can be a bit scratchy and rough at times) although not un-noticeable.

Stick with the HJE50, they're a very good pair of earphones almost in the same league as the Cresyns, and they'll serve you well with the treble levels adjusted :)

*To upgrade from the earphones reviewed above, consider these:

If you want to upgrade from the HJE50, LMX-E630, there's 2 paths to choose from

*Clarity/Analytical sound - Audio Technica ATH-CK7, ER6i, ER4P, E4c.
(Less bass to make it clearer, but should be sufficient bass for most users except for bassheads, earbuds from this category are not recommended by me for users of iPod Nano, Mini, 4G and below, I haven't tested the 5G iPod to find out, so I wouldn't know)

*Musical sound - Panasonic RP-HJE70, UM1/2, E5c, Super.Fi 5 Pro.
(More bass for impact but might sound muddier, bass deficient players can utilize these)

These comments are quoted from the reviewer of the earphones listed above, afbug1, from Hardwarezone, written to me when I enquired him some stuffs (I'm was thinking of upgrading to a CK7ti or a Westone UM1):
-CK7 out performs the Cresyns in all aspects, just that its mid-range aren't as 'forward' as the Cresyn. More details and better clarity and treble extension. Bass is slightly more and deeper than the LMX-E630, but slightly less than the HJE50.
-CK7=Clinical, cold sound. UM1=Fun and warm sound. UM1 has superior details in the mids.
The music I listen to are mainly rock, metal and pop. Both UM1 and CK7 are very good in these genre.
-To surpass the CK7's SQ, its a E4c, ER4P OR UM2, Super.Fi 5 pro. If I am the one buying, i will consider either the E4c or UM2 for overall quality.

More info regarding the UM1 from the reviewer:
-The UM1 is abit complicated initialy as their sound changes a lot with different tip. eg, the yellow foams gives less bass. All the tips give different SQ, some similar, some drastic. UM1 fits a whole lot of varity of tips as well. Some ppl prefer Shure's single flange.
-The UM1 has lower treble roll off, which can make it sound muffled without a suitable tip.

UM1 or CK7, I'm at a dillemma now x.X

Hopefully, I can test run a pair of UM1s or CK7s before deciding to buy them.

[bh_ninja]

now i wonder has anyone ever heard or tried these earphones? korlem ke-151 they look promising

http://www.pmpinside.com/

[Lorimer Clarke]

Good work Zephyron.

Couldn't find the Cresyns on my wander around town today, but bought the Creatives.

I like - good general sound, much clearer trebles than my ols EX51s. And at 250 kroner, a bargain here! And the best thing - symmetrical:bigthumbs

"Burning in" - I assume this leads to/means better SQ after a certain usage time?

[NeoPhix]

Good work Zephyron.

Couldn't find the Cresyns on my wander around town today, but bought the Creatives.

I like - good general sound, much clearer trebles than my ols EX51s. And at 250 kroner, a bargain here! And the best thing - symmetrical:bigthumbs

"Burning in" - I assume this leads to/means better SQ after a certain usage time?


I also own the Creatives, and they're great value for money.
Yes, you have to let the earbuds "burn in", the bass will become more clear and less muddy (at least, that's what happened with my buds.)

[Zephyron]

The Cresyn LMX-E630 is what I'd recommend if you go for clarity.
If you like bass, the Creative EP630 wouldn't be a bad choice, but I'm not sure about its build quality.

[bernych]

I would like to try the Cresyn LMX-E630DL, but I found nowhere a place where I can buy it. I'm from Switzerland, Suggestions?

Thanks

Bernych
________
vaporizers (http://vaporizers.net/vaporizers)

[Zephyron]

I would like to try the Cresyn LMX-E630DL, but I found nowhere a place where I can buy it. I'm from Switzerland, Suggestions?

Thanks

BernychI'm not sure, but you can try your luck with this Singaporean auction maybe? Just 7 days left so if you're still interested, best to hurry =)

http://page.auctions.yahoo.com/sg/auction/94982885

[Jogirider]

I was just wondering whether anyone has tried the cowon earphones.... those crapy ones on the site.... Im on a bit of a budget so the other earphones are out of the question... Are any of the Cowon earphones slightly good?:woh:

I stepped on the earphones that came with my A2:nutty: