Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Earphones... V-MODA?

D

doobi18

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Dec 31, 2006
286
0
Sydney, Australia
Hi,


Simply: I need a new pair of buds. Looking for fairly good sound in-ear buds to use with my iPhone. Thought I may as well get built-in mic & clicker, though it's non-essential, and I would quite like these to last a while. I'm trying to spend arpund the AUD $100-120 mark.


Here are the main options:

* V-MODA
Vibe Duo (found from private seller for $110 <well below RRP>, though not sure if I can then recieve warranty cover, and have read reviews of huge +/- range)

* Sennheiser
CX300 (RRP $80 - no mic - I've used 2 pairs last two years, they don't seem to last)
MM 50 iP (RRP $100 - pretty much same as above but with mic & small jack)

* Shure
SE110 (RRP $130 - normal audiophile buds)

* Harman Kardon
EP710 (RRP $130 - normal audiophile buds)

* Ultimate Ears
metri.fi 2 (RRP $100 - normal audiophile buds)

* Audio Technica
ATH-CK7 (RRP $130 - normal audiophile buds)

* Koss
KEB24 (RRP $70 - normal audiophile buds)

* VSonic
R02-Pro (RRP $90 - supposedly good buds from maker relatviely unknown)


Please tell me what you think of any of these models or provide any advice you're willing to give


Many thanks, Jasper
 
I got a pair of Sennheiser MM 50 iP headphones last week. Since there was hardly any info on the 'net about these, I posted a review on Amazon. Here's what I said:

In preparation for the new iPhone coming out in July, I needed to get a new set of headphones that included an inline mic/answer-end/pause button. After a week or so of research, I decided to try this pair, even though there is very little info or reviews regarding actual sound quality.

I switched from Sony EX-51/EX-71 headphones to the mm 50. The MM 50 iP headphones sound similar to the EX headphones I've used, with balanced sound throughout, but even better and clearer. I switched the included ear cuffs from the MM 50s for the ones I used on my Sonys, as the MM 50 set is a bit tacky and had little bits of crap stuck to them just by taking them out of the box. Ick.

The MM 50 wires are very thin, and the whole set is extremely lightweight. They are even more comfortable than the Sonys. Also, the longer I wear and use them, the more I like them.

The cord is shorter than usual, which I like because I tend to catch the wires on stuff if there is too much extra. I put the Nano/iPhone in my right back pocket, and run the headphones up to my left ear, and the length is perfect. From where the phones split (note these are "J-shaped" headphones, where the cord for the right ear goes behind your neck) to the jack that plugs into the iPhone, the cord is just over 36" long.

Currently I'm using them with a Nano, but will be switching to the new iPhone when it is released. The answer/end/ff button works fine with my current 2G iPhone, but there is a noticeable hiss at low volumes sometimes. Also, I can not get the volume from the iPhone to go low enough (I listen at the office and need to be able to hear through them) but I think this is on the iPhone side, as the Sonys don't get as quiet as they do on the Nano either.

Overall, I like the headphones, and like them more after a day of use. I'm not sure they're really good enough to be $100 headphones, but certainly worth $50-75. Of course, the non-iPhone MM 50 headphones ARE $50, so there is a $50 "iPhone compatibility" charge tacked on to these. As long as they don't break after regular use, or have some weird problem with the new iPhone, I'll continue to use these as a replacement for my old Sony EX-51 and EX-71 sets.
Click to expand...

After a few more days of use (I posted the review after only a day) I like these headphones even more. They are much clearer and more comfortable than my Sonys were.

Can't help you with the long term use, but I haven't noticed any obvious weak points in the construction.
 
doobi18 said:
Hi,


Simply: I need a new pair of buds. Looking for fairly good sound in-ear buds to use with my iPhone. Thought I may as well get built-in mic & clicker, though it's non-essential, and I would quite like these to last a while. I'm trying to spend arpund the AUD $100-120 mark.


Here are the main options:

* V-MODA
Vibe Duo (found from private seller for $110 <well below RRP>, though not sure if I can then recieve warranty cover, and have read reviews of huge +/- range)

* Sennheiser
CX300 (RRP $80 - no mic - I've used 2 pairs last two years, they don't seem to last)
MM 50 iP (RRP $100 - pretty much same as above but with mic & small jack)

* Shure
SE110 (RRP $130 - normal audiophile buds)

* Harman Kardon
EP710 (RRP $130 - normal audiophile buds)

* Ultimate Ears
metri.fi 2 (RRP $100 - normal audiophile buds)

* Audio Technica
ATH-CK7 (RRP $130 - normal audiophile buds)

* Koss
KEB24 (RRP $70 - normal audiophile buds)

* VSonic
R02-Pro (RRP $90 - supposedly good buds from maker relatviely unknown)


Please tell me what you think of any of these models or provide any advice you're willing to give


Many thanks, Jasper
Click to expand...

I have had the V-MODA Vibe Duo for 2.5 months and like 'em fine. They sound great (gotta say I do use the Treble Boost eq setting on the iPhone). I treat them tenderly because of all the horror stories about them dying after 3 months (almost there, will see). I store them in their little travel pouch while not in use. Contrary to some reports, the cloth coating on the wires seems to be MORE prone to tangling than the rubberized coating was. They seem to be no better or worse at falling out of the ears than any others I've tried, and are comfortable enough for me to wear for hours, which is saying a lot for my sensitive ears. The little button on the mike is just as difficult to find "blind" as everyone says it is, but it works well, as does the mike itself. The mike is heavy, so you might find it to your advantage to use the supplied collar clip. I did for awhile, removed it, and am considering putting it back on, because the mike tends to hang up on the collars of button-front shirts. Finally, I ordered mine directly from the company on the advice of a company rep. At that time, they had just redesigned the buds (she said) to try and correct some of the problems, and many resuppliers (she said) might still have the older models. The price was 100 USD even, and shipping was free (probably not for you in Oz, I guess). Hope this helps!
 
I am a Shure fan boy, but the SE110s are just, well bad advice. I would recommend:

1. A pair of E3's or E4's (if you are willing to cut the cable so that you could use the Shure MPA. I imagine thats what you'll be doing for the voice capibility, or just buy an adaptor)

2. HK's

3. DJays (look them up, great bang for buck, not audiophile quality, but most of your list wasn't. They are known for a little heavy on the bass, but good construction and great prices)
 
Well they also come with working mic and button just like the apple phones, they also have great customer service. these guys are really nice and will email really quick with answers .
 
ZigZagLens said:
I have the Etymotic HF2 and absolutely love them.
Click to expand...

+1. Bought the V-Moda's when they first came out, direct from the manufacturer. After a few months (3 or 4 IIRC) they died. Sent them back, and two weeks later got a second pair. Within a month the cap for the mic separated from the body and the right side driver died. I still need to send them back, so that I can get a replacement to sell.

Bought the HF2, and after a few months they're still going strong and sound phenomenal.
 
I have the V-Moda duo and they have been sent in for warrenty. The wire had a short and one of the earphones quit working. Three weeks and still don't have them back. Would not buy again.
 
yah i sent in both my vibes and vibe duos for breaking after about 4 months.

they are sending me back a new pair of the regular vibes.. while i asked about the new version of the duos and was told they will be out in around 3 to 4 weeks so i am having them hold my duos and send me the news ones when they come out..
hope the 2nd revision will be better made..:eek:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back