Help between CX300 and EX-81

[Brainhunter]

I've read all across the forums, I've visited the stores, and frankly, I can't decide which among the two I should purchase for my iPod Nano. I'm somewhat leaning towards the CX300, but I want to hear all you audiophiles' opinions and views on this.

This will be the first major step up from the stock apple earbuds I got from my iPod. What do you guys think? Sennheiser CX300 or Sony EX-81? And if you have any other recommendations too, I'll take it into consideration. Although I do want the price range to fall near these two baddies ^^

Thx in advance!

[feh1325]

sennheiser, hands down

i'm pretty sure jacko will be here to recommend his imfamous Panasonic RP-HJE70

[Brainhunter]

I'll take a glance at this RP-HJE70 you've hinted me out about, thx!

[Brainhunter]

the RP-HJE70 seems a bit pricey for my price range. I'm not very keen on spilling 100+$ (CAN of course) on earbuds, otherwise I'd just go for shure models. I'd try to keep the price below 100. So far, the CX300 by Sennheiser looks like the one for me, although there may be in-earbuds out there that may outbit it yet still cost under 100$ CAN.

[VipFREAK]

At the rate of sounding like a fanboy... Senns.

I don't actually have cx but px200s and I can say for sure even if they do suck it won't be as bad as Ex-81. :shudder:

[Shane1]

Sennheiser for me have a much better reputation than sony, so on that alone i'd say CX300s, not only that but the EX81 seem more a budget headphone and the Senns seem to have more a prestige about them :S

[VipFREAK]

bwahahaha! Budget!? $60 is budget?! (for ex-81) wow.... ok... (eBay doesn't count) lol

[Jackonicko]

"I'm not very keen on spilling 100+$ (CAN of course) on earbuds, otherwise I'd just go for shure models"

That's when you should go for the HJE70 which give you MUCH better sound than the E2s or E3s. Or maybe the ATH CK7s.

You can get the HJE70 for $89 US - which is $101.83 CDN.

But for your budget, and between those choices, then CX300 EVERY time.

They offer better, cleaner, better-balanced sound with clearer, less sibilant, less hissy highs and deliver more powerful but better detailed bass.

The EX series only advantage is that they come in white (if that floats your boat) and, if your ears are EXACTLY the right shape, the EX81 clips might suit you.

But they sound dreadful.

[Brainhunter]

All right, I'm decided then, I'll take the CX300s. One thing I was worried about concerning the EX-81s were the earclips that come with it. Since I wear glasses, I was wondering if wearing those simultaneously would prove to be a discomfort. Thx for everything, you guys are great!

[truckson]

Originally posted by VipFREAK
bwahahaha! Budget!? $60 is budget?! (for ex-81) wow.... ok... (eBay doesn't count) lol

ex-81 is only $29 in amazon! :)

[truckson]

Originally posted by Brainhunter
All right, I'm decided then, I'll take the CX300s. One thing I was worried about concerning the EX-81s were the earclips that come with it. Since I wear glasses, I was wondering if wearing those simultaneously would prove to be a discomfort. Thx for everything, you guys are great!

I had the ex81 before and I do wear glasses! These seem to cause no problems for me.

[iPod Dan J B]

I got my CX 300's last week and have used them for two days on the bounce. Not only are they very comfortable but the sound quality is excellent too. I only paid £34 for them, so a bargain really.

Dan

[VipFREAK]

Originally posted by truckson
ex-81 is only $29 in amazon! :)

Must be new... never saw that before. Either way I still wouldn't pay that much for them.

[Jackonicko]

I wouldn't pay you $14.50 for Sony EXs!

[VipFREAK]

lol, I don't think they could even PAY ME to get some.

[MikEHunT]

Hi all :)
Being new to all this iPod malarky, lol, i am after some advice.
I have just bought the CX 300 ear phones, and just need to know, what the hell is the idea of a non Y shaped cord?
Especially when the shorter cord is on the left earphone and i always carry my iPod on my right ffs. LOL
What is that all about? Why dont they just make a Y cord?
Your help is much appreciated.

[rockyglw]

Earphones with non Y shaped cord are designed to be worn behind the neck. This means that they do not get in the way when being worn and do not fall all over the place when not inserted in your ears. The left cord is shorter because most shirt/jacket pockets are on the left. I tend to avoid phones with non Y cords.

[molala]

I have the CX300 and was at first skeptical about the J cord, but I actually prefer it now. I used to wear my original iPod earphones around my neck whenever I took them out of my ears, this led to near-strangulation a couple of times when I tried to put them back in (admittedly not so much a design hazard than me forgetting the things are around my neck)... so there are advantages to the J cord! I also wear my iPod on my right hip, but the main cord is long enough to go diagonally across the torso.

[Brainhunter]

Molala, that's great to hear from you, as I also have the habit of wearing my ipod on my right pocket. Glad to know the cord is long enough to go diagonally across my torso ^^

I'm trying to look for CX300s online, but my parents wouldn't let me order online out of fear of doing transactions through the Internet. I'm then forced to look for them somewhere locally. I have quite a challenge looking for a good audio equipment store selling CX300s around the Greater Toronto Area. Once I'll find 'em, I'l post my comments and remarks on it.

[Brainhunter]

Let me just reupdate you guys, I decided to bite the bullet and go further up the earbud scale of ranking and purchased the RP-HJE70s. I'm now waiting for the shipment, but I'm sure I'll be satisfied with the product (I'm sure the anxiety of having spent over 100$ on this would cool off once I get those into my ears). Its interesting how there is not one negative professional or audiophile review on these things. None! Maybe that could be because not a lot of people use it anyway. But regardless, I'm looking forward to it! Since I'm jumping directly from years of using the cursed apple stock earbuds, while I at home am used to listening through high end headphones (such as HD600s when I record music), this'll be the first decently high end earbud I ever owned.

I believe that the CX300 is the perfect IEM for those who aren't willing to spill the cash on expensive earbuds. It fits right in between the RP-HJE70s and the EX-81s, with no competition in between (other than the potential EP630 who some claim to be coming from the same manufacturer as the CX300).