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March 5, 2007

music

Finding a replacement for Apple’s earbuds

Posted Mar. 5, ’07, 4:05 PM PT by Thomas Gagnon-van Leeuwen
Category | Music

CanalbudsI’ve been tempted for some time to replace my white earbuds. Apart from the fact that they indicate to everyone around me that there’s $300 device in my pocket waiting to be stolen, the external noise is forcing me to increase the iPod’s volume to dangerous levels, slowly but surely destroying my hearing.

Playlist’s article about in-ear-canal headphones has made me wonder if those things you stick deep in your ear are the answer to my troubles. As you probably know, canalphones block external noise, eliminating the need to crank up the music or endure your neighbor’s conversation. But what if someone tries to talk to me without realizing I’m deafened by my canalphones? What if I don’t hear a crazed maniac and his car coming towards me as I cross the street?

If both canalphones and earbuds are inadequate for me, what can I do? Blend ‘em together, and you get canalbuds. They don’t block as much external sound as true in-ear ‘phones, but Dan Frakes tells us they’re more comfy and not as bad for your pocket book. I think those are the perfect solution for me, as hopefully they don’t seal out enough noise to make me oblivious to a crazed maniac’s car. I’m eyeing Sennheiser’s CX300 model, as I’m very satisfied with a pair of their excellent PX100 over-the-head headphones.

What’s your experience with canalphones or canalbuds? Do you have any recommendations? Let us know by leaving a comment below.


11 Comments

Beau said:

Etymotic ER6's. If you are getting them exclusively for the iPod get the one's for portable players. If you will use them on a stereo or have an amp for the iPod get the "normal" ones. Great isolation with the conical plugs or get a custom mold for better iso and sound. Had mine for 3 years and while I don't listen every day they have held up under lts of abuse. They are expensice though.

March 5, 2007 4:51 PM
Carlos said:

Of all the headphones I've tried I've really enjoyed using the canalbuds the most. I have the Creative EP-630. From what I understand they are made in the same factory as the Sennheiser. Except the Sennheiser goes through their own quality control. You can read up on this in the Amazon.com reviews for both products. The Creative's can be found for around $30 at Amazon.com. I haven't tried the Sennheiser's but these are a great choice for the money. Also, these have the regular Y type cables as opposed to the Sennheiser's which have the behind the back; where one is longer than the other. This may or may not be important to you.

March 5, 2007 5:56 PM
Dan Frakes said:

Thomas:

Check out V-Moda's Vibe. I'm testing them now and they've taken the CX300's spot as my favorite canalbud...

March 5, 2007 7:08 PM
Nicolaj said:

I use the Shure E2C and are very happy with them. They sound great (I listen to a lot of classical music, but they do have alittle weak bass respond) and have excellent noise blocking, stay put even when running, but they are expensive and you may not hear that car. Before I used the Sony MDR EX71, less expensive, less noise blocking, very comfortable and really good sound quality for the money.

I love in-ear headphones, the problem is that you can't really walk down to the store and try them - that would be kind of gross - so make sure to buy from a place with a good return policy!

March 6, 2007 12:56 AM
ondratoral said:

I have bought the Sennheiser CX 300 half a year ago and I am very satisfied with them - much clearer and more natural sound than Sony EX-51 which I had for more than year before.

Definitely worth the money.

March 6, 2007 2:13 AM
Doopy said:

I've really been enjoying the new Bose Triport in-ear phones. They have great low-end sound, a huge improvement over the Apple earbuds in fit and sound quality.

March 6, 2007 7:07 AM
mikelite said:

I've got a pair of Shure e3c's that I just f'ing love. the sound is amazing, they're quite comfortable and worth every penny. Before that, I had the popular Sony ex71's, which are worth the cash too, but you can definitely tell the difference bet. the two.

everyone's gonna have their opinions, so watch out for the torrential downpour.

March 6, 2007 7:50 AM
Thomas GvL Author Profile Page said:

Great suggestions guys, I'll definitely take a look at all of those.

March 6, 2007 8:14 AM
Jason said:

I too have the Sennheiser CX300's use them at work for most of the day, and I have been pleased with them, no complaints!

March 6, 2007 8:33 AM
bacromwell said:

I purchase the Ultimate Ears hi.fi 3 studios and I LOVE them! Excellent sound, nice metal case to keep them in and a thick (user replaceable, $20) headphone cable. I highly recommend them.

March 6, 2007 11:33 AM
42 said:

Shure E4. Tiny, they look cheap, sound great. Don't waste money on the Shure E2-3-4c models, the -c are the same models sold to DJs and such and are dreary battleship gray (the "c" prosaically connotes the "consumer" version. oh no, how prole-ish). I got mine for $185. Google around and you can find em.

March 6, 2007 12:47 PM

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