Looking for advice about headphones

[ObiDongKenobi]

I have been using the headphones that came with my iPhone for a long time now and have just noticed that if I cover up the tiny slit on the outside of the earpieces with my finger the music is not only louder but sounds much "richer'.

Would a pair of quality earbuds give me that much better a musical experience?  Can anybody recommend any earbuds?

I had thought of going the whole hog and getting over-ear niose cancelling bluetooth headphones but a bit worried about the bulk of them (and, at my age, looking a prat)

A new pair of ears is not an acceptable solution.  Or I could permanently tape over the slits, but I guess they are there for a reason.

All advice gratefully received.

Regards,

ODK

[Shiela_M]

I use Bose, both earbuds and noise cancelling headphones.  My earbuds fit nice and are comfy for when I'm out and about, and do a decent job of closing out other noises, but then I get worried about what might be coming up behind me or something.  I only use my noise cancelling when I'm at home and want the world to disappear and it's just me and my music.

As far as brands go Bose is my favorite, little pricier than others, but it's worth it for me.

[ObiDongKenobi]

Thanks Sheila.  Have heard good things about Bose and am willing to pay for a quality.

[MissBarbara]

I have been using the headphones that came with my iPhone for a long time now and have just noticed that if I cover up the tiny slit on the outside of the earpieces with my finger the music is not only louder but sounds much "richer'.

Would a pair of quality earbuds give me that much better a musical experience?  Can anybody recommend any earbuds?

I had thought of going the whole hog and getting over-ear niose cancelling bluetooth headphones but a bit worried about the bulk of them (and, at my age, looking a prat)

A new pair of ears is not an acceptable solution.  Or I could permanently tape over the slits, but I guess they are there for a reason.

All advice gratefully received.

Regards,

ODK

I know exactly what you're talking about (and, for the record, my ears are several decades younger than yours).

I used to use the earbuds that came with my iPhone, and while I'm definitely not an audiophile, I experienced the same problem as you.

About six months ago, I bought a pair of Bose SoundSport wireless earbuds, and they're great. The music is both louder and at a much higher fidelity, and a charge will last me for a week's worth of runs. I got them on sale at Best Buy for around $90 with shipping.

I highly recommend them!

[ObiDongKenobi]

Thanks MissB.

From other research I have done the score so far is....... Bose 2 - 1 Sony

[ObiDongKenobi]

I am still procrastinating (it is my superpower) about buying some earbuds/headphones.  So I have a supplementary question.  Does that protruding piece on the Bose earbuds go inside the fold of the ear?  I had the opportunity to try the Sony equivalents and they don't have a protruding piece and did not feel very secure.  I also tried a much less expensive Samsung product which had a small protrusion and they seemed much more secure.

The alternative is to fork out more money for some quality wireless over ear headphones but I'm frightened i might be mistaken for an ageing reject prototype of a cyberman from Dr. Who.  Although the Bose 700s do look much less bulky than most.

[MissBarbara]

I am still procrastinating (it is my superpower) about buying some earbuds/headphones.  So I have a supplementary question.  Does that protruding piece on the Bose earbuds go inside the fold of the ear?  I had the opportunity to try the Sony equivalents and they don't have a protruding piece and did not feel very secure.  I also tried a much less expensive Samsung product which had a small protrusion and they seemed much more secure.

The alternative is to fork out more money for some quality wireless over ear headphones but I'm frightened i might be mistaken for an ageing reject prototype of a cyberman from Dr. Who.  Although the Bose 700s do look much less bulky than most.

Yes, that's exactly what it does. That little piece wraps around into one of the folds in your ear, and it keeps the buds much more securely in place. You can kinda see it here:




I think the in-ear vs. over-ear conundrum might be solved if you consider how you will be using them. The Bose ones are perfect for me, since I use them while running. Though I see some people using standard over-ear headphones, I don't like them because they're heavier and because they make you sweatier (and they get all sweaty). Nice visual, I know...

But if you're not very active (i.e. your just walking around), and you don't mind the "stigma" (and that must be either U.K. thing or an ODK thing, since you see them everywhere here), over-ear headphones will always deliver better sound quality.

[Shiela_M]

Over the ear usually consist of noise cancelling tech as well.  I refuse to wear anything that cancels noise if I'm out walking or running.  Call me paranoid but I need to be able to hear a little of what's going on around me.

[ObiDongKenobi]

Thank you very much, ladies, most helpful. I don't intend to go running in them, cycling probably.  The roads here are atrociously maintained (budget cuts again) and i would never have been able to keep the Sony ones in on a bike.  The reluctance to walk around looking like a cyberman is purely an ODK age related thing  .

The price differential in the UK is Bose earbuds - £169, Bose over-ear headphones - £299 (both are true wireless and have noise cancelling).

[Gonfalon]

Does that protruding piece on the Bose earbuds go inside the fold of the ear? 

I see that Miss Barbara has answered your question, so I'll just add that I owned a pair of Bose QC20s and found them very comfortable with good noise cancellation. The soft plastic claw kept them snuggly in place when I was moving around. These days my favorite in-ears are a pair of budget Audioflys. No active noise-cancellation, but effective at keeping the noise out when used with triple-flange tips.

I'm a poor audiophile (an oxymoron if ever there was one) and waste a lot of time watching audio review videos, drooling over high-end headphones that I can't afford. <sigh>

[ObiDongKenobi]

Thanks, Lavinia.  I'm still procrastinating 

[Shiela_M]

Still??

Last month I bought my first pair of wireless earbuds.  They are doing very well even when I go for a run. They do cancel out a good amount of outside noise, and I'm not a total fan of that, especially since it's still pretty dark when I go jogging in the morning.

[Hilda]

Thanks, Lavinia.  I'm still procrastinating 

So, what earbuds/earphones/headphones did you buy in the end?

[MintJulie]

Still??

Last month I bought my first pair of wireless earbuds.  They are doing very well even when I go for a run. They do cancel out a good amount of outside noise, and I'm not a total fan of that, especially since it's still pretty dark when I go jogging in the morning.

I run with just one in an ear so that I can hear cars, dogs, bikers passing me from behind, etc.

Well, ran, It's benn a while.  Warmer days will get me in the mood.

Just noticed this was from last year. Sorry Hilda to bump your new post. 

[Hilda]

Just noticed this was from last year. Sorry Hilda to bump your new post.

I'm glad you jumped in, MintJulie.

This topic is dear to my heart. I'd love to hear other members' experiences with headphones, earphones, earbuds, and other audio gear.

[ObiDongKenobi]

Thanks for reviving this thread at a very oportune moment Hilda.  I purchased a pair of Sony noise cancelling earbuds but returned them very quickly as I found them uncomfortable even after trying out the various different size condoms they came with.  I persevered with my ancient earpieces that came with the iPhone as I was still reluctant to walk around looking like a cyberman at my advanced years.  Recently I saw that Apple are offering a good financial deal on their Airpods so I am now awaiting delivery of a pair of the third generation ones. I thought the Airpods Pro were too expensive for what they offered over and above the 3rd gen.

Will let you know what I think of them.

[Hilda]

Recently I saw that Apple are offering a good financial deal on their Airpods so I am now awaiting delivery of a pair of the third generation ones. I thought the Airpods Pro were too expensive for what they offered over and above the 3rd gen.

Daughter No. 2 has the older Airpods and is very happy with them. I think you'll love them.

Finding headphones or earphones that fit comfortably is a challenge. I've been lucky with IEMs, even deep-fit Etymotics, but unlucky with over-ear headphones.

Let us know how you get on with the Airpods, okay?

[ObiDongKenobi]

Have been using my new 3rd Generation Airpods for over a week now.  They are a vast improvement on my Apple headphones.  They may not be as good as some over-ear 'phones but they are certainly good enough for me. I find them very comfortable while walking but would be a bit nervous about cycling with them in because of bumping over the notorious potholes that abound in London.

Thanks again for the invaluable advice from KB.

[Hilda]

Have been using my new 3rd Generation Airpods for over a week now.  They are a vast improvement on my Apple headphones.  They may not be as good as some over-ear 'phones but they are certainly good enough for me. I find them very comfortable while walking but would be a bit nervous about cycling with them in because of bumping over the notorious potholes that abound in London.

Thanks for the update. Last month I bought a pair of LETSHUOER (Chinese brand) S12 planar IEMs and am delighted with them. Comfortable fit and excellent sound.

In a few months I'll need to replace the silicone tips but the company's support line tells me they'll be happy to send me a boxful if I cover the cost of shipping, so all's well.

[ObiDongKenobi]

You certainly seem to know your hi-fi stuff Hilda.  I have never heard of that brand so Mr. Google came to my aid; think you should have gone for the EJ09            I didn't spend that much on my whole hi-fi system.