New In-Ear Headphones sound TERRIBLE...?

[Errk!]

I just picked up the new In-Ear Headphones and I can't believe how bad they sound. There is no bass at all. The original iPhone 3G earphones actually sound fuller and have better bass.

I tried it on both an iPhone 3G and a MacBook Pro, and on several different EQ settings. No difference.

It's not just that I'm disappointed - they genuinely sound bad. I'm not exaggerating when I say the 3G earphones sound better.

Is this something that is a known problem? I can't believe both sides would have bad drivers or whatever...maybe something is defective on the jack? Has anyone else noticed or commented on this?

 

[Sesshi]

It could be down to fit. I don't have them (and have no plans to get them) but balanced-armature drivers depend on a more or less airtight seal in order to work. It could be you aren't using the tips properly, and consequently not getting a proper seal.

I'm actually very surprised Apple went with a dual-driver armature design than an idiot-proof dynamic driver.

 

[Errk!]

It could be down to fit. I don't have them (and have no plans to get them) but balanced-armature drivers depend on a more or less airtight seal in order to work. It could be you aren't using the tips properly, and consequently not getting a proper seal.

I'm actually very surprised Apple went with a dual-driver armature design than an idiot-proof dynamic driver.

Thanks Sesshi - that's exactly what it was. I *just* came across a post in the Apple forums where the poster said you really have to cram them in your ear to create the seal (I had no idea; I've never had a pair of earphones like this that go in the ear). I did and the sound is good - pretty comparable to the Bose Triport. I think I'll be keeping them.

 

[DYER]

Thanks Sesshi - that's exactly what it was. I *just* came across a post in the Apple forums where the poster said you really have to cram them in your ear to create the seal (I had no idea; I've never had a pair of earphones like this that go in the ear). I did and the sound is good - pretty comparable to the Bose Triport. I think I'll be keeping them.

the same happend to me when i first got a pair of shures now im in love with them...
well done on sorting out the problem

 

[Errk!]

the same happend to me when i first got a pair of shures now im in love with them...
well done on sorting out the problem

It would have been nice if the instructions were clearer on this - I'm seeing a LOT of complaints along the same lines of "no bass". Granted some people consider themselves audiophiles and are pickier than most, but I can't help but think a majority of these people are doing the same thing and just resting them in the ear, not knowing any better.

 

[DYER]

It would have been nice if the instructions were clearer on this - I'm seeing a LOT of complaints along the same lines of "no bass". Granted some people consider themselves audiophiles and are pickier than most, but I can't help but think a majority of these people are doing the same thing and just resting them in the ear, not knowing any better.

I agree. it would help quite a lot of people.

 

[Lesser Evets]

Granted some people consider themselves audiophiles and are pickier than most, but I can't help but think a majority of these people are doing the same thing and just resting them in the ear, not knowing any better.

Anyone that can;t figure out how to properly fit a pair of headphones in their ears shouldn't be considered an audiophile. The thing comes with various ear buds... I think that's the strongest hint at getting a proper fit which fills the ear canal.