Why are e888's so much better?

[Fredi]

I have been thinking of buying new earphones lately, and i have read highly of the Sony E888's. However, i have also browsed shops and seen that i can get eaphones with wider frequency ranges (10 - 24khz as opposed to the e888's 8 - 22Khz), for cheaper. They have the same resistance (16ohms), and a higher sensitivity than the e888's (108db/mw as opposed to 100db/mw). So what makes the e888's so great, if they don't fit everyone so well, and they dont have as high specs... How can they possibly sound better?!
Fredio

[m00j]

well you can't tell anything by a headphone by its specs, they are not usually accurate or all the meaningful.

Heaphones have all sorts of other measures that are not stated, like how flat their frequency response is (not sure if that is the correct termanology) - some produce more base than treble, some the other way around.


Its like comparing a cheap, run of the mill car to an expensive luxury car. Sure, the cheaper one can go faster (in this senario) but the luxury one is nicer to drive. The luxury car is also bigger, so it is harder to park, might not fit everyones garage :p


if you look over at www.head-fi.com they explain alot of the stuff about what is better etc. I am sure if you post the question there they will tell you more than you ever wanted to know!

[Fredi]

Thanks!

[br-]

The e888 is a fairly mediocre sounding phone. Many users have reported it to be sibilant and tinny.

[Jackonicko]

Mediocre only by comparison with high end Shures or Etys. Better sounding than an E2.

The spec is 8-27,000 Hz, by the way, not 22,000.

Why are they so good? Huge drivers (compared to the EX71, for instance) and bio-cellulose diaphragms help.... They're just very well made and not compromised:

(FEATURES:

* Fontopia. in-the-ear design fits snugly, yet comfortably inside the ear; eliminates the headband so you can enjoy music while exercising, skating or dancing
* 16 mm Diameter Driver delivers deeper bass, extended treble and higher fidelity, yet remains small enough to fit inside your ear
* Bio-cellulose diaphragm for remarkable,full-range sound, frequency response from 8 to 27,000 Hz
* Sony Acoustic Twin Turbo.
* Circuitry uses sound chamber and ducts for improved efficiency, gets high sonic output from your portable stereo
* Thinner housing and slim, super-flexible ducts for a snugger, more comfortable fit
* Silent Cap prevents sound leakage, makes your music less likely to disturb your neighbors
* Neodymium magnet for maximum energy in minimum size; ounce for ounce, Neodymium is far more powerful than conventional Samarium Cobalt or
* Aluminum magnets Linear-Crystal Oxygen-Free Copper (LC-OFC) Class 1 Cord uses high-tech copper crystals of exceptional purity for outstanding signal transmission, minimum noise Stylish, Neck-Chain Cord nLong cord bushings on ear buds help prevent tangles, enhance durability
* Gold-plated mini-plug for exceptional corrosion resistance, superb conductivity, low noise. Faux leather case neatly stores the ear-buds and headphone cord when not in use; ideal for carrying in a pocket or purse)

see:

http://www.epinions.com/elec-Audio-Headphones-All-Sony_MDR-E888LP/display_~reviews