Reddit mentions of Etymotic Research HF5 Noise-Isolating In-Ear Earphones, Cobalt

Sounds like the Klipsch S4 would be good on the less expensive end of your range, and the HiFiMan RE-400 would be good on the upper end of your range. I also think highly of the Etymotic MC5, MC3, or HF5. Then there's the trusty Shure SE215, but I don't think it'd go as well as some of the others according to your music taste.

Of all of those in your price range, I'd recommend the RE-400s or HF5s. Both are great IEMs. The RE-400 is highly recommended around this subreddit.

If you're willing to stretch your budget, there are also the Rock-it R-50s, which have great mids and highs, which I recommend for rock/metal/indie/classical.

These might be a bit above your budget but etymotic HF 5 are the best sounding and toughest earbuds I've used. Also the only earbuds that have lasted me more than 6 months and survived the wash multiple times.
https://www.amazon.com/Etymotic-Research-Portable-Earphones-Cobalt/dp/B000XP8DJC

the "fancy" headphone in the store are normally just cheap headphones with a logo.

I just don't get how you can't keep track of something like a set of headphone? Even earbuds are pretty each to keep track of

EDIT: forgot to mention....there are plenty of good headphones, you just don't always find them in places like bestbuy and walmart.

shure se215

Etymotic Research HF5

I use a pair of these IEMs from Etymotic for mowing the lawn with a 20hp zeroturn. They are listed to provide -35 to -42 dB of isolation depending on the tip used, and they sound amazing for the price. I've been delighted with them.

I was in the same boat as you around 6 months ago. Now that I have a some quality In Ear Monitors, I have no idea how I survive on $15 pairs for so long. Before you get overwhelmed with the vast number of options out there (like I did), here's a guide that you should check out.

I spent a good 2-3 weeks trying to pick which pair I wanted and couldn't decide on anything, simply because there were so many different types (look-wise, as well as sound). Eventually I ended up going with the Etymotic HF5's. The sound quality is amazing coming from apple/skullcandy type headphones. What I love about them most is that they aren't as bass heavy as most other pairs that big name brands pump out every month. I still remember trying them out on the bus commute to school the day I got them... All I can say is that there was an incredible amount of great music hidden under the overwhelming bass that I'd dealt with unknowingly for so many years. The end of Somewhat Damaged made me feel like I was listening to a completely different song.

You've got the right idea though. Ask around, check out that guide as well as sites like Head-Fi. It'd be impossible to try them all out before investing so do some research, get some input and when you decide on a pair just make sure you get them from a legitimate seller and you'll be good.

Good luck! You're making the right decision though and your price point is perfect seeing as though this will be your first decent pair. If you need any more help, feel free to ask.

The Etymotic Research brand in general is worth checking out. These Etymotic Hf's are blue (is that sort of what you meant by bright?) and just under your price limit. I have a pair, and it's probably one of the better purchases I've ever made. Huge step up in sound quality and isolation (not saying that much since I had Skullcandy Ink'd buds before but still). As far as reviews, they tend to get excellent ratings across the board from audiophile/tech sites, and I assume they know what they're talking about. I'm sorry if the color isn't loud enough; they used to come in red but I can't find them anywhere.
Edit: Apologies for not reading the question closely enough.

Would this be a good deal then?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000XP8DJC/

The affordable solution, for anyone who's curious.

Would he consider a pair of IEMs/canalphones like the Brainvavz M3 or B2 or the Etymotic HF5? These would provide much better isolation than than a set of on-ears and are also much more portable with better sound quality. Also, with the addition of some comply foam tips, these become pretty comfortable.

If you're really looking for that form factor, though, the only one that comes to mind is the Audio Technica ANC7b. The sound quality is OK and the active noise cancelling will block out the airplane engine noise(and to a lesser extent the screaming babies and loud snorers due to their closed design). That would save you a couple of bucks.

Otherwise, as already mentioned in the thread, the ES7 are a great sounding set. One thing that you may not notice from the pics, though, is that the cups are really shiny(like mirrors!) and might be a bit too flashy for some people's tastes.

What is your budget?

Willing to spend up to ~$400 US.

What are you looking for?

Looking for a DAP to replace the 80 Gb Ipod I got in around 2006. I probably have about 100 gigs of music now and I'm very tired of trying to keep it curated down for the 80 Gb ipod.

How will you typically be using the gear?

Want to store my entire library of music on the device and have it available on the go and in my car via either aux or bluetooth (haven't used this much in the car yet). Also possibly while running but it may be better to get a sport clip or something.

What gear do you own?

As stated an 80 gig Ipod classic. The audio system in the car is premium system they called "Logic-7". Not much info in regards to this system when searching. I did find this image of the layout. On the go I have some Etymotic Research HF5 earbuds.

What do you intend on using for a source?

The new digital audio player. Most of my audio files are currently in 320 bitrate mp3 format. I am very interested in having the ability to play lossless formats.

What material will you be using your gear for?

100% music. Lots of jazz when studying. Then everything from Blink 182 to the Beatles to Lil Dicky and Bob Dylan.

Are you willing to buy used?

For this, no.


Things I've looked at so far.

I've been looking at the Fiio players for a while now. The X5 gen 3 has sat in my amazon shopping cart for months. But every time I read any more about it I convince myself not to get it. I just saw some info on the X1 gen 2. Looked really good at first, I actually like it's minimal looking approach. I only want this for music after all. But it looks like it may have lots of firmware and software issues. I guess the X3 gen 3 should be announced any day now? I don't know. I've looked at more random websites "best of xxxx year mp3/DAP/music players" then I can count. I just wind up getting info fatigue by the end and in frustration close the 20 open tabs in chrome and get nothing. I'm open to any suggestions at this point.

For headphones, I highly suggest products made by Etymotic Research. I have this model, and they do a great job of isolating outside noise so that I don't have to crank up the volume to get a full sound. And the sound stage in these is great.

I've had these for a while now and love them! These are IN-ear buds that come with different ear pieces. These just don't cover your ear canal, but also go a bit inside to provide a closed seal. I have very little to no issues with them becoming a little loose during a workout.
A bit pricey, but well worth it.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000XP8DJC/ref=twister_B00FXMZ76M?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Budget: up to $150 (Preferably under $125)

Source: iPhone5, MacBook Air

Requirements for Isolation: Excellent. This is the biggest challenge for me--I am a university student who struggles immensely to focus with background noise. I would like these to be my number-one tool to zone in.

Preferred Type of Headphone: IEM or closed over the ear, more preference for IEM in order to use while exercising as well.

Preferred tonal balance: Balanced. I do not want the bass to be sub-par, but am not terribly picky.

Past headphones: Nothing fancy. When in need, I borrow my friend's Audio-Technica ATH-M50, but those do not block out noise enough for me.

Preffered Music: Jazz, Classical, and Indie/Rock/Funk

Location: California, Usa. (Library, bookstore, dorm in which conversation is happening, coffee shops)

I was considering the Etymotic Research HF5 or Shure SE215-K but am concerned that they will not last longer than a few months, as the low-star rating on Amazon suggest.
Alternatively, I am considering the RHA MA750 but worry that the bass will be lacking and the sound will not be balanced--also, the Amazon reviews don't acclaim their noise reduction at all, which is very important for me.

Many thanks!

Consider buying some noise-isolating In-Ear Monitor earphones. I have the Etymotic HF5 pair myself. They're kind of expensive and I almost never use them because I fly so infrequently, but it's one of the best purchases I've ever made. The plane engines are basically inaudible when music is playing, which makes flights so much more pleasant.

For $100 you are going to have a hard time doing better than the Etymotic HF5.

There’s earbuds, and there’s earbuds. When I’m wearing these bad boys it blocks out a whole whole lot

Budget - $90-150 flex~50

Source - Samsung Galaxy s5/ Computer(Ht Clairo Halo)

Requirements for Isolation - mid-high. Will be using primarily for outdoor use, home, school and excercise.

Preferred Type of Headphone - IEM, other closed headphones

Preferred tonal balance - Preferably not heavy bass, smooth mids and clear highs. I'm searching for a mostly neutral sound.

Past headphones - I've used Sennheiser CX200 and Sennheiser PC360's. I loved both of them, but neither focus on good music sounds. Looking for something new!

Preferred Music - Preferred at this time is dubstep, funk and electronics. I listen to a lot of other genres, but that is my focus at this time

What I've been browsing:

Shure-SRH840

MEElectronics A161P

HIFIMAN RE-400

Thinksound ms01

Brainwavz B2

Etymotic hf5

I have a fairly decent pair of headphones and cannot hear ANYTHING else when I have them in. People at work will just start talking to me. When I don't answer they say stuff like "Oh, he's listening to his music way too loud (I'm not)". When I need to talk to someone with headphones I get their attention another way, wait for them to remove their headphones, then ask my question.

EDIT: Man, the price really went up on those headphones. I got them for $79.

If you ever intend to bump up your budget, PLEASE consider the etymotic hf5's. By far the best headphone/earphones I've ever used. They're simply amazing.

They lasted me two years until I stupidly tried to stand up while they were in my ears and connected to my computer. I've done that a million times before and they were fine--this time, though, I guess that was the straw that broke the camel's back. The right bud died. So I sent it in for the 2 year warranty that was only about two months from expiring and they replaced them for me.