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a good set of earbuds (for motorcycling)

post #1 of 21
5/21/08 at 8:50pm
Thread Starter 
My old pair of Sony mdr-ex70's died recently, and I'd like to replace them, but not nec. w/ the same model.

Here are a few things I'd like:

- $50-100
- good sound isolation
- an asymmetrical cable that allows me to leave them around my neck when not in use
- small, in-canal design that keeps them in my ears when putting on and removing a snug motorcycle helmet


So far I'm attracted by Sony's new mdr-ex75s, the Vmoda vibes, and Jays j-jays or d-jays.
Etymotic and Shure models are appealing, but may be too big to slide under a helmet. Pls. correct me if I'm wrong.

Are there others here or elsewhere that you might recommend?
I've taken a look at a couple of older SF threads such as this one, and they were helpful.
I might be willing to go up to $150 for something really durable in addition to small, etc., above.
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post #2 of 21
5/21/08 at 9:03pm
i've got some older shure e2cs that fit very nicely along the ear. By looking at them in person you would never think that, as they do look a bit bulky. I have heard the sonys you have and the shures beat them hands down.

you may also want to look at the offerings from ultimate ears.

i do not have any experience with these but i have heard/read they are great.
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post #3 of 21
5/21/08 at 9:07pm
We have the UE Super.Fi 5 Pros.. they're great.
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post #4 of 21
5/21/08 at 10:52pm
Etymotic ER6i. Those are the only ones worth getting. Sony MDRs are ok for the subway but useless on a bike. If you ride a lot, you might consider custom-molded in-ear monitors. That's the best sound isolation you'll get. My mom uses a pair to listen to her ipod on her BMW. I don't ride _that_ many miles every year.
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post #5 of 21
5/21/08 at 11:19pm
If you find a frugally priced set that works well, let me know. My current set of cheapies are completely useless over ~50 mph
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post #6 of 21
5/21/08 at 11:46pm
The idea of being isolated on a motorcyle is alien to me. What am I missing?
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post #7 of 21
5/22/08 at 12:00am
yea isnt it kind of dangerous to be listening to music through ear buds while riding your motorcycle?
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post #8 of 21
5/22/08 at 12:12am
Thread Starter 
^Often if not usually, people wear earplugs when riding. It can get LOUD on a bike, particularly above 50 mph, as Ludeykrus indicated. In the city I usually only use one earbud; two on highways. Sometimes I wonder if the music makes me less safe, but then I think about how many times the music has helped me stay awake and confident or "pumped" on the bike, especially on long, cold, and otherwise grueling rides. Such rides very much like athletic workouts. Also, cars isolate a lot of noise, and then people listen to music in them. Those UE's look interesting, but the 5's are a bit beyond my ideal price. Any thoughts on the 3's? Are there any stores that let one try out various models?
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post #9 of 21
5/22/08 at 12:15am
but theres a difference between listening to music from a stereo, and having music being blasted directly into your ears, as you cant hear anything else when doing the latter. and you have to be a bit more aware in a bike then a car. what if someone is honking at you etc?
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post #10 of 21
5/22/08 at 12:17am
Quote:
Originally Posted by emptym View Post
Those UE's look interesting, but the 5's are a bit beyond my ideal price. Any thoughts on the 3's?
Are there any stores that let one try out various models?

the 3s are supposed to be great from what i've heard. Great bang for your buck.
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post #11 of 21
5/22/08 at 12:23am
Keeping your price range in mind, I'd recommend the E2Cs.
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post #12 of 21
5/22/08 at 1:38am
E3c's are great and within your range.
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post #13 of 21
5/22/08 at 11:42am
Quote:
Originally Posted by West24 View Post
but theres a difference between listening to music from a stereo, and having music being blasted directly into your ears, as you cant hear anything else when doing the latter. and you have to be a bit more aware in a bike then a car. what if someone is honking at you etc?

I can see why you'd think this until you try it. At higher speeds, there is so much wind noise within an inch or two of your ears and face that hearing anything is almost useless. In fact, most people wear the ear plugs (as mentioned above) because if they don't, the constant wind noise can hurt your hearing.

The question then becomes: is being lulled into a stupor by the constant wind noise and engine a worse thing than being attentive to the changing music that's playing? On long rides, I'd say that music helps keep me aware and awake.
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post #14 of 21
5/22/08 at 12:30pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by bigbjorn View Post
My mom uses a pair to listen to her ipod on her BMW.
Pardon the hijack, but your mother sounds awesome.

(We now return you to your regularly scheduled programming.)
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post #15 of 21
5/22/08 at 12:39pm
I love my Etymotic ER6i's with custom molded earpieces from Westone. But I think the ER6i's will protrude a little too much for a motorcycle helmet. Whatever earbuds you get, I would recommend looking into custom earpieces. They should help to keep the earbuds in place when taking the helmet on and off.
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