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Best $99 earbuds with controls

U

Uabcar

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Aug 31, 2009
382
2
I'm looking at getting a new set of earbuds. I'm considering the Klipsch S4i's. Reviews seem good.

My wants include solid/punchy bass performance (had others that feel weak in this department), good seperation - I do realize $99 only goes so far. Also must have built in volume controls.

Should I consider something else in this price range before pulling the trigger?
 
I got a pair of Ultimate Ears 4vi and I really like them. You should be able to find them under 100 pretty easily.

edit: no volume control
 
If you want punchy bass, check out the NuForce NE7m. They are only $50 and have great sound. The S4i's have less bass impact then the NE7m's, but they are also a bit clearer sounding.
 
ihonda said:
diddybeats.. :p

$149 - 10% bestbuy coupon.. little over 99 but still.
Click to expand...

Thanks. Those look nice. Guessing they are pretty heavy on Bass. What do you think about the higher frequencies and separation.
 
Im not an audio expert but I love my V-Moda Remix Remotes. My friend got a pair too for his iPhone and loves them as well. Pretty even sounding all the way around and nice looking too!
 
Uabcar said:
Thanks. Those look nice. Guessing they are pretty heavy on Bass. What do you think about the higher frequencies and separation.
Click to expand...

Same company (Monster), Lady Gaga's Heartbeats are $129 and actually look pretty sweet.
 
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As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
The S4i is great...hope you like them!

BTW, many people on head-fi.org prefer them with the Sony Hybrid tips instead of the included Klipsch ones (myself included). They can be picked up at Best Buy for around $7-8.
 
If the Klipsch doesn't work out, check out head-fi.org for a comprehensive look at earbuds and IEMs.
I'm personally looking at the re0.
 
Earphones are subjective, but the ADDIEM's don't sound anywhere near as good as the S4/S4i IMO. They are a good value on eBay for $35-40 however if you get the legit ones (7dime sells real ones). In fact, I doubt there is another IEM anywhere near $35-40 that can compete with the ADDIEM.

Are the S4i worth $50+ more? To me, yes. To you, well, no one else can answer that. Heck, some people are perfectly happy with the stock Apple buds that came with their iPhone!
 
I had the Beats Tours. More than $99 but good sound all around. The Gaga model is uncomfortable. The triangle design doesn't fit comfortably.

The S4i is my choice though for that price range. I loved my pair.
 
Klipsch S4i's

I'm cheap and got the S2M's, and I'm no audiophile, but these are solid for thirty bucks.
 
s4i's are horrible. They are basically 50 dollar buds overpriced to fool the apple isheep crowds. The ultimate ears 5vi's were on sale on amazon for 75 from like 160. Thy might still be so check it out. The only klipsch buds I would get are the x10s. The s4i's are too much like the v-modas... artificial bass that overpowers the mids and highs. Very cheap sounding.
 
I've been on the forums looking for a good case for the iphone 4 and saw this.

I have a pair of the s4i's and I LOVE them. I have bought many under $100 earphones, and this is the best. I had a pair of the Apple in-ear headphones and those had NO bass and wasn't nearly as loud as these are.

These do have a bit more 'bass' to it than some of the others, but it's just at the right amount (at least for me). Too many of the other earphones don't have enough of the bass and you lose some of the sound depth. These has crisp highs and good, not overpowering bass.

Get these...you won't regret it.
 
If you can stretch it just a bit, I'm very happy with my Etymotic's hf2. You can get a good price on Amazon or EBay. Excellent sound -- well balanced. Has great bass, but not 'boomy' or over done.

I know it's not $99, but if you can hold out for another week or two for the difference they really are worth it.

They also have a new product coming out for under $100:

http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/hscomp.html#
 
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