Westone In-Ear-Monitors(headphones)? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Cavi Mike · 06-07-2011, 04:01 PM

I've prolly spent a few hundred on various mid-level headphones and nothing quite seems to satisfy. I wear my headphones a minimum or 9.5hrs a day for an 8hr shift + commute. If I decide to hit the roads afterward, which I almost always do, my headphones may have been in my ears for 16hrs+ on any given day. I think it's time to ditch the cheapos and splurge.

What are your thoughts on Westone products? I have my eyes on these because instead of having 2 mids or 2 highs, they have 2 woofers. I'm a complete bass junkie and I don't see that changing. Ever.

RogueGypsy · 06-08-2011, 01:34 PM

I've never seen or heard the Westone models, but going by the review and the price. I would go with Sennheiser or Grado 'cans' in that price range. If you're all about the bass, cans are the only way to go.

Sennheiser USA - Over Ear Headphones HD 600 - Highest Quality for MP3, DAT, DVD, MD, CD Players - Private Audio

Amazon.com: HD600

and a small amp to drive them. Something like this:

FiiO E7 Headphone Amplifier/USB DAC Review | Anything But iPod

If you want to stay with the in-ear style, I have a Cowan D2 and pair of Phonak Audeo PFE in-ear phones that are the best small phones I've ever heard. They use the same compressible foam inserts shown on the pair you linked to, but also have a very flexible cable and silicon guides that loop the cable over the top of the ear and down the back of the neck. Keeps the cables out of the way, they're very comfortable and sound amazing.

Phonak Audéo PFE (Perfect Fit Earphone) Review | Anything But iPod

The new style have better bass response than those reviewed (the ones I have), which have good bass response, better than any small earphone I've heard. The compressible foam insert seems to be the trick. It seals the ear canal around the phone, which makes better bass and blocks external noise. And did I mention they're comfortable??!!

The "non flexible cable" on the pair you linked would be a deal killer for me, I move around a lot and non flexible cables popping the phones out of my ears all the time would drive me crazy.

My brother has the Klipsch X10i's they compare the Westone 4's too in the article, he and I both prefer the Phonak phones for comfort and sound. But since I haven't heard the Westones. I'm can't compare directly.

Good luck.

Cavi Mike · 06-08-2011, 02:53 PM

I think you've never heard a really good canal-phone because cans allow quite a lot of outside noise in which is detrimental to low-frequency response in a noisy environment. I also don't want something that cumbersome while I'm trying to ride a bicycle, let alone what I may have to deal with at the shop. Another note, cans require a substantially higher amount of power which rob you of precious battery-life and I already carry around an auxiliary battery pack for the extra run-time I need. No need for a larger one. Cans are out of the question. Cans are for home listening, not for activities.

That being said, the review on those Phonaks clearly states very bluntly in the Conclusion:
"Bassheads have perhaps stopped reading this review already a few paragraphs above – but to reiterate: these phones are probably not for you."

The reality is a multi-driver headphone is the only option for someone like myself who requires precision AND extreme low-frequency response.

I'm looking to spend around $500 or more on a couple pieces of plastic that could get lost in translation let alone lost in the real world. I'm taking this very seriously, $500 is a LOT of money for me.

RogueGypsy · 06-08-2011, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cavi Mike

I think you've never heard a really good canal-phone because cans allow quite a lot of outside noise in which is detrimental to low-frequency response in a noisy environment. I also don't want something that cumbersome while I'm trying to ride a bicycle, let alone what I may have to deal with at the shop. Another note, cans require a substantially higher amount of power which rob you of precious battery-life and I already carry around an auxiliary battery pack for the extra run-time I need. No need for a larger one. Cans are out of the question. Cans are for home listening, not for activities.

I was thinking normal road and wind noise from your OP, not industrial machinery. So yeah, in-ear will work better in that environment. As far as power and comfort. That's why I recommended the amp with cans, my HD650's smoke any other head phone I've tried in all areas. Including comfort and Bass. But to each his own.

That being said, the review on those Phonaks clearly states very bluntly in the Conclusion:
"Bassheads have perhaps stopped reading this review already a few paragraphs above – but to reiterate: these phones are probably not for you."

That is why I made the note about better bass in the new model.

The reality is a multi-driver headphone is the only option for someone like myself who requires precision AND extreme low-frequency response.

I'm looking to spend around $500 or more on a couple pieces of plastic that could get lost in translation let alone lost in the real world. I'm taking this very seriously, $500 is a LOT of money for me.

Hope they work out for you.

06-07-2011, 04:01 PM	#1 (permalink)
Cavi Mike rightUp Location: San Fran, NY USA	Westone In-Ear-Monitors(headphones)? I've prolly spent a few hundred on various mid-level headphones and nothing quite seems to satisfy. I wear my headphones a minimum or 9.5hrs a day for an 8hr shift + commute. If I decide to hit the roads afterward, which I almost always do, my headphones may have been in my ears for 16hrs+ on any given day. I think it's time to ditch the cheapos and splurge. What are your thoughts on Westone products? I have my eyes on these because instead of having 2 mids or 2 highs, they have 2 woofers. I'm a complete bass junkie and I don't see that changing. Ever. __________________ pearls ain't free

06-08-2011, 01:34 PM	#2 (permalink)
RogueGypsy Insane Location: The Great NorthWet	I've never seen or heard the Westone models, but going by the review and the price. I would go with Sennheiser or Grado 'cans' in that price range. If you're all about the bass, cans are the only way to go. Sennheiser USA - Over Ear Headphones HD 600 - Highest Quality for MP3, DAT, DVD, MD, CD Players - Private Audio Amazon.com: HD600 Amazon.com: HD600 and a small amp to drive them. Something like this: FiiO E7 Headphone Amplifier/USB DAC Review \| Anything But iPod If you want to stay with the in-ear style, I have a Cowan D2 and pair of Phonak Audeo PFE in-ear phones that are the best small phones I've ever heard. They use the same compressible foam inserts shown on the pair you linked to, but also have a very flexible cable and silicon guides that loop the cable over the top of the ear and down the back of the neck. Keeps the cables out of the way, they're very comfortable and sound amazing. Phonak Audéo PFE (Perfect Fit Earphone) Review \| Anything But iPod The new style have better bass response than those reviewed (the ones I have), which have good bass response, better than any small earphone I've heard. The compressible foam insert seems to be the trick. It seals the ear canal around the phone, which makes better bass and blocks external noise. And did I mention they're comfortable??!! The "non flexible cable" on the pair you linked would be a deal killer for me, I move around a lot and non flexible cables popping the phones out of my ears all the time would drive me crazy. My brother has the Klipsch X10i's they compare the Westone 4's too in the article, he and I both prefer the Phonak phones for comfort and sound. But since I haven't heard the Westones. I'm can't compare directly. Good luck. __________________ 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.

06-08-2011, 02:53 PM	#3 (permalink)
Cavi Mike rightUp Location: San Fran, NY USA	I think you've never heard a really good canal-phone because cans allow quite a lot of outside noise in which is detrimental to low-frequency response in a noisy environment. I also don't want something that cumbersome while I'm trying to ride a bicycle, let alone what I may have to deal with at the shop. Another note, cans require a substantially higher amount of power which rob you of precious battery-life and I already carry around an auxiliary battery pack for the extra run-time I need. No need for a larger one. Cans are out of the question. Cans are for home listening, not for activities. That being said, the review on those Phonaks clearly states very bluntly in the Conclusion: "Bassheads have perhaps stopped reading this review already a few paragraphs above – but to reiterate: these phones are probably not for you." The reality is a multi-driver headphone is the only option for someone like myself who requires precision AND extreme low-frequency response. I'm looking to spend around $500 or more on a couple pieces of plastic that could get lost in translation let alone lost in the real world. I'm taking this very seriously, $500 is a LOT of money for me. __________________ pearls ain't free Last edited by Cavi Mike; 06-08-2011 at 02:59 PM..