In Ear vs Over Ear

[rdeng2614]

I was wondering what the pros and cons of IEM's vs. Over ear headphones.

 

I use them mostly at home but I also do not want to use the same pair on the go.

 

For IEM's I was looking at Sennheiser IE80, Shure SE 315 Westone 4 etc. My budget is around 300$.

 

For Over Ears I was looking at things like the Sennheiser momentum.

 

My ears measure 60 mm in length.

 

My MAIN ISSUE is comfort. Are IEMs comfortable and will wearing them for around 3-4- hours (not continuously) damage my ears as I am essentially sticking things in my ears. 

 

 

Thanks and a few other recommendations at this price point would be nice. I like to listen to rock, pop, some classical. 

[MrYuriy]

IEMs are simply for a more mobile, on-the-go, portability factor set. Over Ears are for a more "audiophile" experience. Most of the time, the ones that cover your ears will give a better sound stage, will be more immersive, provide better sound isolation/noise canceling, experience.

 

As far as which is more comfortable, that's very subjective. Personally, I'd rather have a bigger set of headphones NOT touching my ears for a long period of time, over IEMs inside of my ears for an elongated time period.

 

There is no 'better' one of the bunch - it's totally dependent on what exactly your usage scenarios will be.

[SirRoderick]

I use the IE80's myself, had them forrrrrrr, imma say 6-9 months. They are very comfortable out of the box, but I do use Comply aftermarket tips because I love the foam tips' added isolation. The "lopped around the ear" styly of wearing them also greatly reduces the annoyance of the cables for me.

 

As for sound quality, they are just gorgeous. Fairly flat in the highs and mids with a bit of a kick in the bass which is perfect for rock music (and in my opinion, most classical types of music) and if you ever feel like you want some more bass emphasis, you can use the adjustable dials on the sides to crank them up to ridiculous, I keep mine on the standard setting and I like em like that.

 

One last plus for me is the fact that the cables are detachable. This means that if the cable ever gets damaged. or maybe the connector (the cause of all of my previous IEMs demises) you can simply buy a new cable and not a while new set.

 

All in all a definite recommendation.

[DavidTheWin]

I've been using IEMs for about 8 years now, haven't had any real problems that weren't likely caused by playing drums/going to concerts/clubs. Note the difference between on- and over-ear, on-ear headphones sit on top of the ear and I don't like them because I don't like things pressing on my ears, whereas over-ears are the big cans you see that cover your ears and an area around them, which I prefer because the padding is deep enough to fit my entire ear. Over-ear are generally less portable then in- or on-ears.

 

 

 

[SirRoderick]

IEMs are simply for a more mobile, on-the-go, portability factor set. Over Ears are for a more "audiophile" experience. Most of the time, the ones that cover your ears will give a better sound stage, will be more immersive, provide better sound isolation/noise canceling, experience.

 

As far as which is more comfortable, that's very subjective. Personally, I'd rather have a bigger set of headphones NOT touching my ears for a long period of time, over IEMs inside of my ears for an elongated time period.

 

There is no 'better' one of the bunch - it's totally dependent on what exactly your usage scenarios will be.

I have to argue with your first statement. Many audiophiles swear by IEMs and while it might cost you a little more relative to headphones due to the size constraints, you can get extremely high sound quality out of them with excellent soundstages. My IE80's have a better soundstage than my V-Moda M-100's which are semi-closed back.

[MrYuriy]

I have to argue with your first statement. Many audiophiles swear by IEMs and while it might cost you a little more relative to headphones due to the size constraints, you can get extremely high sound quality out of them with excellent soundstages. My IE80's have a better soundstage than my V-Moda M-100's which are semi-closed back.

 

I do understand your point; and you are not wrong. But, keep in mind I was talking in a very vague manner. As I said, it's very subjective. I know there are many IEMs that sound better with a better soundstage & so forth than an over-ear set. I was just trying to give a broad simplification to the OP. As in, that's usually what the differences are.

[rdeng2614]

Has anyone heard any of the other 200-300$ IEMs? Also, are IEMs generally comfortable enough for in home use and listening to music for hours on end?

 

Finally, do you have a link to after market foam tips?

[SirRoderick]

Has anyone heard any of the other 200-300$ IEMs? Also, are IEMs generally comfortable enough for in home use and listening to music for hours on end?

 

Finally, do you have a link to after market foam tips?

I can link you to the Comply ones I use. http://www.amazon.com/Comply-T-500-Isolation-Earphone-Black/dp/B002DY92UA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1400887122&sr=8-2&keywords=comply+500

 

A single pair of those lasted me about 4-5 months with what I would call regualr use, your mileage may vary. They come in sets of three pairs.

 

Mind you they have different model numbers which are compatible with different IEM's (depends on the size of the stalks they go onto) full list on their website http://www.complyfoam.com/

[NeoZeon]

Before I had CIEMs, i had a pair of TF10s: I used to wear them 12 hours a day no problem. You eventually get used to them. I found that tips with multiple flanges are the most comfortable. 

[MrYuriy]

Has anyone heard any of the other 200-300$ IEMs? Also, are IEMs generally comfortable enough for in home use and listening to music for hours on end?

 

Finally, do you have a link to after market foam tips?

 

That completely depends on your ears and also the particular IEMs you're going with. One set of IEMs could be the most comfortable in the world to one person, and a completely horrible, awful feel to another person.

And of course, everyone's ears are different.. Some of the most popular IEMs out there.. I tried them on and wanted to rip them out 30 minutes later.. They hurt me. Even with different tips/inserts.

 

Go to a local store and try some one, to get an idea of what you're looking for. As far as size, shape, adjustments that can be done, and particular sound stage you prefer. Some will have better bass, some better mids, treble, and so forth.

Most of the people I have talked to about this, or people who love their IEMs, usually wear them very hours on end without a problem. They say it's like glasses - you forget you have them on.

 

And yes, there are many good IEMs in that price range; however, I am not the best person to ask, because as I just mentioned a second ago - I am not a fan. I do own some, and use them for gym and when I listen to music out of the house - not for long periods of time.

[ShearMe]

Has anyone heard any of the other 200-300$ IEMs? Also, are IEMs generally comfortable enough for in home use and listening to music for hours on end?

 

Finally, do you have a link to after market foam tips?

 

I'm no IEM aficionado, but expensive ones should all be pretty comfortable (excluding super accurate studio stuff like Etymotics). Unlike their headphones, I hear good things about the Monster IEMs, a lot of which are in this price range.

 

You may also want to start considering custom-fit IEMs; a little more hassle than just buying something off a shelf, but getting a good seal truly is one of the biggest factors of a good sounding IEM.

[rdeng2614]

Thanks for the tip, but I probably will buy a regular IEM. There are just so many options in the 300$ price range that I can't decide which one is better.

[NannerBeans]

Thanks for the tip, but I probably will buy a regular IEM. There are just so many options in the 300$ price range that I can't decide which one is better.

Shure SE315 which are normally $200 are $139 plus shipping on Massdrop right now. 

https://www.massdrop.com/buy/shure-315-earphones

[creatip123]

It's apple and orange, really. IEM excels in portability and mobility, headphone excels in soundstage and less ear fatigue. A lot of people have both, 1 for home use, 1 for mobile use. While it's true about a post above, that certain IEMs can be very good in soundstage, it's usually the middle-high end models. The $1000+ Fitear IEM's soundstage blew most headphones out of the way instantly. Put simply, for the same price (let's say $200), you'll get better soundstage from a headphone than an IEM at that price. 

 

IEM do present some (potential) problems, though. For example:

 

- More ear fatigue, as IEMs are generally designed to close and isolate the ear-holes. Meaning all that bass shoots right into ear-holes, with little/no escapes

- Some people have unusual ear-holes shape that just can't get good isolation from IEM, or can't hold IEM in place properly. The comply (or other brands) foam tips might be useful for this

- Some people have very sensitive skin, and could cause irritations from wearing an IEM

- Hygienity. A lot of people bring their IEMs in their pants' pocket, inside their bags, threw them in the desk, etc. The rubber tips could and will get dirt, dust, and bacteria on them. In most cases, the body's immune system is strong enough to repel potential health hazards from this, but yeah, in some cases there might be pathological irritations, or even infections. Just remember don't buy used IEMs, or lend your IEMs to other people (unless it's somebody you trust to be clean, your wife, kids, etc). If you absolutely have to buy used IEMs, at least replace the rubber tips with brand new ones. 

 

I myself have a pair of IEM for when I'm outside, but most of the time I use headphones (because most of my time is spent in front of my PC)

[Stefky]

IEMs

 

Pros

- With good models you can have genuine hifi sound

- Easy to carry in a pocket when not being used

- Light and discreet

- Can be worn under a beany even in heavy rain without worrying about water damage

- Generally good isolation

- While they can be expensive, there are good models that are reasonably priced

Cons

- Not actually very good for your ears

- Can be an uncomfortable feeling having something stuck right in your ear canals

- Microphonics - as they are fully sealed in your ear canals, sounds like your footfall and the cable getting knocked around can come through to your ears very loudly with some models

- Generally struggle to create a good soundstage, with some exceptions

 

On-ear (supra-aural) headphones

Pros

- Smaller and lighter than around-ear (circum-aural) headphones

- Can often be worn around the neck when not used, and are more easily stored due to their smaller size

- Often cheaper than circum-aural headphones

Cons

- Even the very best do not sound as good as decent IEMs or circumaural headphones

- Tend to struggle to have good sound stage and separation

- Can be uncomfortable having the pads pressing directly on your ears

 

Around-ear (circum-aural) headphones

Pros

- With good models, can have genuine hifi sound

- Tend to have much better sound stage than other types

- Well made ones can be very comfortable for long use as the pad is not pressing on your ear

Cons

- Large and so can be inconvenient for portable use, and tough to store

- The better models can be quite expensive

[rdeng2614]

Hi, do you guys recommend any models for me? I use headphones around 65% for home use and I am on the go 35% of the time. I just want the convenience of having one pair of headphones/IEMs for all my needs. You mentioned IEMs are generally uncomfortable. Do you know any headphones/IEMs that are generally comfortable (such as the Bose headphones which are generally praised for comfort).  

[NannerBeans]

Hi, do you guys recommend any models for me? I use headphones around 65% for home use and I am on the go 35% of the time. I just want the convenience of having one pair of headphones/IEMs for all my needs. You mentioned IEMs are generally uncomfortable. Do you know any headphones/IEMs that are generally comfortable (such as the Bose headphones which are generally praised for comfort).  

Do you mind using headphones for portability use? If so CHC Silverado are $49 and are pretty much unbeatable. 

http://www.amazon.com/California-Headphone-Co-CHC-SILVERADO-Headphones/dp/B009F4BV8C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1400951294&sr=8-1&keywords=chc+silverado

[creatip123]

Hi, do you guys recommend any models for me? I use headphones around 65% for home use and I am on the go 35% of the time. I just want the convenience of having one pair of headphones/IEMs for all my needs. You mentioned IEMs are generally uncomfortable. Do you know any headphones/IEMs that are generally comfortable (such as the Bose headphones which are generally praised for comfort).  

 

IEMs are not so uncomfortable that you dread every seconds you spend with it. Just need time to get used to, if you haven't used IEMs in the past.

 

Think of it this way, we (or at least I) come from the era that all handphones have 3-4 letters on each numbers. When I first use a blackberry, with qwerty keyboard, it's very uncomfortable to type messages and notes with all those micro-buttons. As time went by, I got used to it, and I can type faster than the old 3-4 letters button handphones. 

 

Back to topic, in headphones, comfortable and portability generally don't come together (with some exceptions of course). Comfortable ones usually quite bulky (bad for mobility), and portable ones usually quite small (not very good for comfort).

 

Some good headphones that are comfortable and not quite bulky (with decent-good sounds)  that I've tried:

 

- Koss Porta Pro (if you don't mind walking around wearing something that looks like your grandpa's/dad's old walkman headphone)

- V-moda M100 (nice soundstage, a bit boomy bass)

- Sony MDR 1R (also nice soundstage)

- Marshall Major (personally I don't like the sound very much, but some people love it)

- Harman Kardon BT premium, Bluetooth with the option for cable (surprisingly this one sounds quite nice, with the cable. Didn't try the bluetooth)

[rdeng2614]

I've worn many earbuds before (the ones that you stick directly in your ears, not the ones that you wrap around), so I think I might be used to the fit. As for recommendations, thanks everyone for their suggestions. Keep in mind, I have around a 300$ budget. Keep the suggestions coming in, they're all very helpful.

[creatip123]

I've worn many earbuds before (the ones that you stick directly in your ears, not the ones that you wrap around), so I think I might be used to the fit. As for recommendations, thanks everyone for their suggestions. Keep in mind, I have around a 300$ budget. Keep the suggestions coming in, they're all very helpful.

 

So no problems with IEMs then? The around the ears cable is actually more comfortable for longer run. Just a little hassle in the beginning setting it up, but then just fire and forget from there. More comfortable because you won't feel the cable weighing the unit down, and more yank-proof. 

 

For IEMs, I've tried some just today, the Shure SE215 is nice, and so is the Yamaha 100SL. Yamaha got nicer soundstage, but Shure got better clarity. They're both in the $100 mark. I didn't bother trying $300 IEMs, because I could get nice headphones in that price range.