V-Moda Vibe IEM

[n2xe]

Anybody have these yet? Are they any good or just a ploy to pry $101 out of your wallet?

[Jackonicko]

I have two pairs en route. I'll let you know.

They'll have to be VERY good to beat the new EX90, the HJE70 and the SuperFi 5, but the company are great, with excellent after sales service.

We'll see....

[n2xe]

Just to set the baseline, I consider the CX-300 to be about (if not) the best bud of the bunch. How do you think the CX-300 compares to the EX90?

[Jackonicko]

I rate the CX300 as MUCH better than the stock buds, the Panasonic HJE50, the JVC HA FX55, or the Sony EX51/70//71.

I rate the HJE70 as better than the CX300 with warmer sound and better bass (though I know that Panasonic's quality control is poor and that there are some 'fizzy' HJE70s out there).

I rate the EX90 as having marginally better clarity than the HJE70, and better comfort, but less good bass. I rate the EX90 as being slightly but significantly better than the CX300 in all respects, and MUCH better when it comes to fit, contact and accessories.

[n2xe]

I think the CX-300 is slightly but significantly better than the EX90. Oh well, it might be that anatomy plays a significant part. But I know where you stand and these differences aren't huge.

I'm looking forward to your review!

[Decept1k0n]

Hey Jackonicko, in your review can you compare them to the Bass Frequency as well? I'm curious to know how they stack up as I have a pair of those and I definitely like that better than my Sony EX71's. And I can definitely say this after having my previous pair of Bass Frequency's break on me and having to use the EX71's in the meantime until I received my replacement pair.

[Jackonicko]

I'm sorry Decept1kon, I'm not permitted to comment on the Vibe on iLounge in any way that might be construed as advertising.

There are reviews elsewhere, and as people start to receive them your questions will, I'm sure, be answered.

I'd merely say that like you, I prefer the Bass Freq over the Sony EX71, so I understand where you are coming from (though I prefer the Sennheiser CX300, just) and that the two phones (BF and Vibe) have some 'family' characteristics in common, but that the Vibe's performance, materials and build quality explain its higher price tag.

There are a range of great headphones available at or near the $100 price point, many of which are well worth considering.

I hope the mods will bear with me in answering your direct question.

[KheeLim]

Is there anyone else allowed to give a review on the V-moda Vibe? I would like to know how they match up to the Panasonic HJE 70, Shure e2c/e3c and Sony ex90.

[Jackonicko]

They haven't shipped yet, so that's unlikely, KheeLim.

[Jokieman]

Is there anyone else allowed to give a review on the V-moda Vibe? I would like to know how they match up to the Panasonic HJE 70, Shure e2c/e3c and Sony ex90.

There are a few reviews on some head fi forums but besides those the majority of people either haven't received them or haven't reported back on them.

From what I have heard, if you like the styling then the sound will probably not be disappointing to you.

[rashi63]

I just got my review unit yesterday - I don't know if they are pre-production or final builds. I will say that they blow the doors off the CX-300.
they can't stand up to the super.fi 5 pro or the Westone UM2 - but they do give the UM1, super.fi 3 and e2c and, e3c a run for their money.
These are built well and they have great bass and very clear highs. They seem to fall off a bit in the midrange - but I need to do more tests. I'll let you know when my review is done.

[Jackonicko]

rashi,

Check your PMs, please.