iPod Shuffle, Apple Lossless and annoying earphones

[Larry]

Hi Everyone 

I recently received an iPod shuffle at an event.  As I have an Apple TV, all my music is already setup in itunes, currently in Apple Lossless format.  I’m quite pleased with the sound through my Marantz / Paradigm Studio Reference 40’s combination.

However, I find the sound on the iPod shuffle bright and harsh.  While I appreciate that this is really a very entry level device, do you think its worth laying out money on a decent pair of in-ear phones? I specify in-ear as I suspect this will mostly be used in the gym.

If so, some recommendations would be great, I’m a total n00b to earphones.  I suspect keeping the price of the earphones close to the value of the player makes sense..?

I’m open to ideas. 

Thanks!

[dean]

Sennheiser mx300 are pretty decent and are about 500 rand.

[kay]

I've never bothered hooking up a Shuffle to nice headphones although I wouldn't write it off. The standard Apple earbuds are absolute rubbish - I listen to podcasts on them while running, for which they're more than good enough. Check out the Headroom selection guide over at  http://headphone.com/ - always some good suggestions there.

Generally you can't go wrong with Sennheiser, widely available and good support locally

My iPhone 4 sounds amazing, and the Shuffle has a reputation for being one of the better sounding iPods. So getting better earphones/headphones is definitely worthwhile.

[Larry]

Thanks everyone, any recomendations as to where I could pick up something in Cape Town tomorow morning?

[dean]

Incredible connection has them.

[Larry]

Excellent, thanks Dean

[Larry]

Hi guys

Picked up a pair of the Senheiser MC300-II.  Very notable improvement over the iPod ‘phones, however I have to say I still find them a little bright, maybe that is the nature of in-ear phones?

Thanks for the input everyone

[KlyvQ]

I use the below In ear's from Yamaha's.
I have found these to be a little better than my Senheiser's - on overall sound quality, and have to be the most comfortable in ears i have ever used. The actual rubber, is very soft and since it's tilted - gives a better fit, and u don't have to constantly push the earphone in...

Hi guys

...however I have to say I still find them a little bright, maybe that is the nature of in-ear phones?

Have u tried to use them on your Marantz? Different Source?
The Yamaha's are less clinical/bright compared to my SNH...

[Larry]

Ok, how annoying, they make me motion sick.  I suspect its got to do with the sealing off of the auditory canal and then hammering ear drum from close range.  Middle ear doesn’t’ appear to like it....

Thought I was crazy, but turns out one of colleagues has the same issue with in-ear phones.

Talk about R500 down the drain.

[alternativeroute]

Ok, how annoying, they make me motion sick.  I suspect its got to do with the sealing off of the auditory canal and then hammering ear drum from close range.  Middle ear doesn’t’ appear to like it....

Thought I was crazy, but turns out one of colleagues has the same issue with in-ear phones.

Talk about R500 down the drain.

If they came with spare buffers you can sell them on and cut your losses... or try take them back and say they sound k@k... Sometimes they will take back.

[Larry]

I suspect the wife will happily lay claim to them.

Services shall be rendered..... 

[alternativeroute]

I suspect the wife will happily lay claim to them.

Services shall be rendered..... 

Just wrap them before you take em home... Extra bonus points that way

[kamikazi]

I think some clip-on or behind the neck headphones might suit you better, you should be able to find some in the R500 region. Some in-ear headphones do fare better than others for gym work. I remember the Shure's made a nasty thump if you were moving about, but my Nuforce NE-7Ms are totally fine for that.

[Sound Buddha]

My suggestion is to walk in one of those Apple iShops <Canal Walk, Sandton, Manlyn Park etc> and audition a couple of headsets there. Bose, Dr Dre and Senheiser's have a couple of interesting models from good to absolutely excellent !

[---------]

Check out this Buyer's Guide: http://www.avguide.com/buyers-guide/the-playback-guide-earphones-custom-fit-ear-monitors