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Mon, 11/05/2009 - 10:23
Earbuds vs headphones?
Earbuds vs headphones?
Hey guys,
I've always been a big fan of over-the-ear headphones because of their solid feel and generally better sound quality. But I've recently started using an iPod regularly and I'm struggling... can't use headphones very easily at the gym, for example.
Which do you think is better day-to-day - a good set of earbuds or a good set of full-size headphones?
1%
4%
I've always been a fan of
I've always been a fan of earbuds. They are just more convenient and comfortable to use when out walking/cycling/catching the bus. I use Sennheiser ones that have these little wings on them, which allow you to kind of twist them into your ear so that they stay in place properly.
Their sound quality is awesome! Much better low frequency response than your typical iPod bud (based on the pair i got with my 3rd gen ipod all those years ago) and they are clear when played at the loudest volume of my player (i use a 4GB Zen).
Before that i had a pair of Audio Technica buds that i bought from a store in Perth and they also produced excellent quality sound. However, they didn't have the little wings on them, so they didn't sit tightly in your ear, which meant less bass response and also much easier for them to pop out while running. I'd still be using those buds if it weren't for the cable fraying -- never wrap your buds' cord tightly around your player!
Anyway, back to the question at hand: ear buds all the way!
Earbuds
Definitely earbuds when on the move. I've gone through a few in-ears - some comfortable, some not so much - and I'm currently using the SoundMAGIC PL30 (which I reviewed here - http://www.goodgearguide.com.au/review/headphones/soundmagic/pl-30/275088) which are fantastic for the price. I would have preferred a little more noise isolation, but the comfort and sound quality are great.
At home though, you just can't pass up headphones for quiet listening.
Earbuds vs Headphones
Good question.
When out and about (cycling, gym etc) earbuds much more convenient,but compromise sound quality for convenience.
Cannot match quality of on-ear or over-ear headphones - but these are most suitable when at home or on public transport.
if you buy good IEM's then
if you buy good IEM's then there isnt really a drop in sound quality just look at shure SE-420's SE-530's ect
In ear
I give my vote to in ear headphones. If you're using them when you're at the gym or doing other kinds of exercise they're going to be more comfortable. It also makes it much easier to carry them with you. I like Sony as a brand as I've always found the build quality to be really good.