What's Your Headphone Style? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

genuinegirly · 10-20-2010, 02:21 PM

What do you use to listen to the music you love? Do you prefer headphones or earbuds? Perhaps you consider it sacrilege to listen to your tunes with anything less than an optimum surround-sound system in an acoustically perfected room. Any particular style or brand of speaker?

This silly little article made me think of starting this thread:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/21/te...er=rss&emc=rss
Here are some snippets of the article to give you the basic gist:

Quote:

Battling the Earbud-Wearing BluesBy DAVID POGUE
Do you have trouble making iPod earbuds stay in your ears? Does the least bit of exercise make them fall out? You are not alone. You, like thousands of other Americans, suffer from Earbud Cartilage Deficiency Syndrome (E.C.D.S.).

Fortunately, there is hope. Treatment comes in all shapes, sizes, designs and materials. Indeed, these alternative earbuds may even appeal to the normal-eared, because let’s face it: standard earbuds can be uncomfortable. They are three things that your ears are not: hard, perfectly round and uni-size. Here are the four categories of E.C.D.S. solutions. (I didn’t consider full-cup headphones, on the premise that they would diminish your reputation in public even further.)

EARBUD GRIPPERS The first approach is to fasten something onto your existing earbuds to make them grippier or more comfortable.

BUILT-IN HOOKS Another solution: earbuds with built-in, over-ear hooks. (They may interfere with glasses.)

HEADBAND STYLE A foldable headband that bends the earbuds right into your ears. Incredibly lightweight (and cheap-feeling), they’re incredibly comfortable, and they would stay on even if you had no ears at all.

IN-EAR rubber or foam tips wedge all the way inside your ear canal. Thedesign does more than prevent fallouts. It also blocks external sound, giving you a bit of noise reduction on, for example, plane rides (and making them more dangerous for biking and jogging). And by sealing your ear, these deliver far better sound. Each type comes with different tips: silicone domes, triple-flange stoppers, foam cylinders and so on. The hope is that you can find a tip type that feels comfortable for long hours and still seals your ear.

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For years I was hooked on noise-cancelling circumaural headphones. Their bulkiness didn't matter to me - just their incredible ability to isolate the sound and transport me into the world of music, far away from the shrill voices of my sister's young children. Then my favorite little fluff-ball entered my life and nibbled through the ever-important cord. Crushed, and more than a little perturbed, I went through a few sets of cheap earbuds and headphones, hoping to save up for noise-cancelling headphones again. I soon realized that anything less than perfection was not going to stand up to the heinously loud lab background noises that I encountered in my daily life such as the hum of growth chambers, the raucous fans of class 2 sterile lab benches and chemical flow hoods, the stirring of motorized microscopes, or the never-ending sput-sput of running centrifuges (and let's not forget chit-chatty officemates).

That's when I came across a concept that worked even better than noise-cancelling: Canalphones. They are basically in-ear noise-blocking buds. Ingenious!! Why cancel the noise when you can block it out entirely? A combination of earplug and earbud was bound to exist - somehow my husband found them and got me a wicked little pair. I am now addicted to my in-ear buds. I can't imagine my life without them.

Pearl Trade · 10-20-2010, 03:56 PM

In-ear buds are the best for me. I tried out some called Marshmallow (can't remember the maker) and I loved them, so I immediately bought a couple more in case I broke one. They stay in my ear and don't fall out, are comfortable, and they block out most noise. The only problem is that ear wax gets stuck in them if you don't clean it out every so often.

Charlatan · 10-20-2010, 04:13 PM

I use ear buds and don't really have issues with them falling out. The issue I have is finding just the right quality to price point ratio. I've seen some ear buds that cost $10 and sound like shit. I've also seen ones that cost hundreds of dollars. I didn't sample them and can only assume they sound amazing to an audiophile that really care (or at least wants to appear to care) There is a point where sound is just good enough. I do not want to spend more than $20 to $30 on a pair (and would prefer to spend less) on something that is just going either be a) lost or b) need to be replaced in less than 6 months.

PonyPotato · 10-20-2010, 04:38 PM

Earbuds. I buy cheap since I really only use headphones for working out, and sweat makes it unlikely that they will last for any length of time. If I'm listening to music otherwise, it's at home (through speakers) or in my car (through speakers).

I occasionally have issues with the right earbud falling out (usually only a problem with Apple earbuds, not the cheap Sony ones), but otherwise they're just fine.

ratbastid · 10-20-2010, 04:49 PM

I bought me some CANS a week or so ago. Big old foam-cup earphones with active noise cancellation.

I'm a programmer, and I work in a chatty office. With a corner cubicle that people like to lean on while chatting about irrelevant shit, regardless of the fact that I could reach up and touch their faces while they talk.

These headphones are wonderful. My boss actually plans to reimburse me for them and buy a similar set for my other team members.

Charlatan · 10-20-2010, 04:54 PM

RB... a colleague of mine works at the noisy end of the office and right beneath a television set that we use for monitoring the channel. The noise drives him insane and distracts from his job. He bought a pair of CANS and was chastised by management because he was shutting out the rest of the office and couldn't hear his phone ringing when they were calling.

Sounds like you have a decent boss.

snowy · 10-20-2010, 07:46 PM

I use these Sony earbuds with in-ear cups that my husband bought for himself and ended up disliking. I like that they stay in place even during vigorous exercise.

roachboy · 10-20-2010, 08:02 PM

pots.
there's no discussion.

StanT · 10-21-2010, 08:46 AM

I own all three.

I have reasonable quality ear buds that are very nice on planes. Other than that, I rarely use them. I don't care for cramming stuff in my ear and the isolation is a bit much.

I used to own a very nice disco era stereo. I still miss my 15" woofers and 300w per channel when it comes to bass response. My current surround system sounds good and matches the decor, but isn't really at the same level.

For critical listening, I use high end headphones and a dedicated desktop system. They don't have quite the thump of my old system; but their accuracy is amazing. I'm hearing things on old recordings that I never knew existed.

RogueGypsy · 10-21-2010, 01:19 PM

I have a draw full of headphones for my media player. None even compare to the Audeo perfect fit in-ear phones I use. The comfort and sound quality is amazing. Now they have a new set designed for enhanced bass. The originals are a little light on bass, but still nice and clean.

products | Audéo Perfect Fit Earphones

As long as you still have full range hearing, you will notice a difference between $20 headphones and $100 headphones. Better materials and better design reproduce music more accurately. Unless you listen to nothing but rap, better headphones will let you hear much greater detail in your music.

Now if we're talking about cans, like the Grado 1000's or Sennheiser 800's. Now we're talking fully enveloped Nirvana, but you're gonna need a headphone amp for your media player.

Xerxys · 10-21-2010, 03:16 PM

I too own all three. I have been unable to find decent ear buds. After shorting out a couple, I now buy in bulk from ebay @ -$0.99 and simply break or loose them as I go.

I have excellent sony headphones that work wonders when trying to concentrate. And the speakers I use only for movies.

StanT · 10-21-2010, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RogueGypsy

Now if we're talking about cans, like the Grado 1000's or Sennheiser 800's. Now we're talking fully enveloped Nirvana, but you're gonna need a headphone amp for your media player.

Beyerdynamic T1s with a Woo Audio Wa2 driving em.

Manic_Skafe · 10-21-2010, 08:09 PM

Sony MDR-V6 Awesome sound and they instantly communicate that I don't intend to be bothered.

Redlemon · 10-22-2010, 10:09 AM

Most of my listening is in the car, with my iPod jacked in. When I wear headphones, I wear open-air versions so that I can still hear what's around me. I can't stand the feeling of earbuds in my ears.

boink · 10-23-2010, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roachboy

pots.
there's no discussion.

I'm curious what are they ?

for work I use Sony in-ear ear buds, they cost $60 and have lasted more than a year, and I work in a metal shop so that's harsh conditions and metallic particulate in the air. still holding up very well

outside of work ear buds are Ultimate Ear dual driver IE5 pro's. they sound great, I use Shure E2c ear gaskets on em cause they fit/feel better. the cord is replaceable on them which is real nice.

I also just bought a pair of old Proton (80's) self powered (bi amplified) speakers. they are pritty cool but I can't use them as much as I'd like cause I live in an apartment.

what I happen to have hooked up now is a set of surround gaming speakers, 5 speaks and a sub. Altec Lansing XA3051 I think. they sound pretty great for $25 win on ebay.

my hearing is damaged from industrial work, so I'm certainly not the best judge of audio stuff, but the Ultimate Ears is worth the money for the sound quality.

View Poll Results: What is your style?
Ear Buds	9	52.94%
Headphones	7	41.18%
Speakers	1	5.88%
Other	0	0%
Voters: 17. You may not vote on this poll

10-20-2010, 03:56 PM	#2 (permalink)
Pearl Trade Addict Location: Houston, Texas	In-ear buds are the best for me. I tried out some called Marshmallow (can't remember the maker) and I loved them, so I immediately bought a couple more in case I broke one. They stay in my ear and don't fall out, are comfortable, and they block out most noise. The only problem is that ear wax gets stuck in them if you don't clean it out every so often. __________________ Our revenge will be the laughter of our children. Give me convenience or give me death!

10-20-2010, 04:13 PM	#3 (permalink)
Charlatan Getting it. Super Moderator Location: Lion City	I use ear buds and don't really have issues with them falling out. The issue I have is finding just the right quality to price point ratio. I've seen some ear buds that cost $10 and sound like shit. I've also seen ones that cost hundreds of dollars. I didn't sample them and can only assume they sound amazing to an audiophile that really care (or at least wants to appear to care) There is a point where sound is just good enough. I do not want to spend more than $20 to $30 on a pair (and would prefer to spend less) on something that is just going either be a) lost or b) need to be replaced in less than 6 months. __________________ "My hands are on fire. Hands are on fire. Ain't got no more time for all you charlatans and liars." - Old Man Luedecke

10-20-2010, 04:38 PM	#4 (permalink)
PonyPotato Soaring Location: Ohio!	Earbuds. I buy cheap since I really only use headphones for working out, and sweat makes it unlikely that they will last for any length of time. If I'm listening to music otherwise, it's at home (through speakers) or in my car (through speakers). I occasionally have issues with the right earbud falling out (usually only a problem with Apple earbuds, not the cheap Sony ones), but otherwise they're just fine. __________________ "Without passion man is a mere latent force and possibility, like the flint which awaits the shock of the iron before it can give forth its spark." — Henri-Frédéric Amiel

10-20-2010, 04:54 PM	#6 (permalink)
Charlatan Getting it. Super Moderator Location: Lion City	RB... a colleague of mine works at the noisy end of the office and right beneath a television set that we use for monitoring the channel. The noise drives him insane and distracts from his job. He bought a pair of CANS and was chastised by management because he was shutting out the rest of the office and couldn't hear his phone ringing when they were calling. Sounds like you have a decent boss. __________________ "My hands are on fire. Hands are on fire. Ain't got no more time for all you charlatans and liars." - Old Man Luedecke

10-20-2010, 04:49 PM	#5 (permalink)
ratbastid Darth Papa Location: Yonder	I bought me some CANS a week or so ago. Big old foam-cup earphones with active noise cancellation. I'm a programmer, and I work in a chatty office. With a corner cubicle that people like to lean on while chatting about irrelevant shit, regardless of the fact that I could reach up and touch their faces while they talk. These headphones are wonderful. My boss actually plans to reimburse me for them and buy a similar set for my other team members.

10-20-2010, 07:46 PM	#7 (permalink)
snowy Kick Ass Kunoichi Location: Oregon	I use these Sony earbuds with in-ear cups that my husband bought for himself and ended up disliking. I like that they stay in place even during vigorous exercise. __________________ If I am not better, at least I am different. --Jean-Jacques Rousseau

10-20-2010, 08:02 PM	#8 (permalink)
roachboy Super Moderator Location: essex ma	pots. there's no discussion. __________________ a gramophone its corrugated trumpet silver handle spinning dog. such faithfulness it hear it make you sick. -kamau brathwaite

10-21-2010, 08:46 AM	#9 (permalink)
StanT © Location: Colorado	I own all three. I have reasonable quality ear buds that are very nice on planes. Other than that, I rarely use them. I don't care for cramming stuff in my ear and the isolation is a bit much. I used to own a very nice disco era stereo. I still miss my 15" woofers and 300w per channel when it comes to bass response. My current surround system sounds good and matches the decor, but isn't really at the same level. For critical listening, I use high end headphones and a dedicated desktop system. They don't have quite the thump of my old system; but their accuracy is amazing. I'm hearing things on old recordings that I never knew existed.

10-21-2010, 01:19 PM	#10 (permalink)
RogueGypsy Insane Location: The Great NorthWet	I have a draw full of headphones for my media player. None even compare to the Audeo perfect fit in-ear phones I use. The comfort and sound quality is amazing. Now they have a new set designed for enhanced bass. The originals are a little light on bass, but still nice and clean. products \| Audéo Perfect Fit Earphones As long as you still have full range hearing, you will notice a difference between $20 headphones and $100 headphones. Better materials and better design reproduce music more accurately. Unless you listen to nothing but rap, better headphones will let you hear much greater detail in your music. Now if we're talking about cans, like the Grado 1000's or Sennheiser 800's. Now we're talking fully enveloped Nirvana, but you're gonna need a headphone amp for your media player. __________________ Methods, application and intensity of application vary by the individual. All legal wavers must be signed before 'treatment' begins. Self 'Medicating' is not recommend. However, if necessary, it is best to have an 'assistant' or 'soft landing zone' nearby. Any and all legal issues resulting from improperly applied techniques should be forwarded to: Dewy, Cheatum & Howe, Intercourse, PA 17534. Attn: Anonymous.

10-21-2010, 03:16 PM	#11 (permalink)
Xerxys Junkie Location: My head.	I too own all three. I have been unable to find decent ear buds. After shorting out a couple, I now buy in bulk from ebay @ -$0.99 and simply break or loose them as I go. I have excellent sony headphones that work wonders when trying to concentrate. And the speakers I use only for movies.

10-21-2010, 08:09 PM	#13 (permalink)
Manic_Skafe More Than You Expect Location: Queens	Sony MDR-V6 Awesome sound and they instantly communicate that I don't intend to be bothered. __________________ "Porn is a zoo of exotic animals that becomes boring upon ownership." -Nersesian

10-22-2010, 10:09 AM	#14 (permalink)
Redlemon Devoted Donor Location: New England	Most of my listening is in the car, with my iPod jacked in. When I wear headphones, I wear open-air versions so that I can still hear what's around me. I can't stand the feeling of earbuds in my ears. __________________ I can't read your signature. Sorry.