Best IEM that will run of a smartphone

Discussion in 'IEMs and Portable Gear' started by kirayamato, Mar 17, 2016.

  1. kirayamato

    kirayamato Friend

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    i have started going to gym and also have a lot of out of house time that i find myself having to use earbuds for most of my music listening so i wanted to ask what is the best IEM that will sound great out and have high listening volumes out of like a iphone 6s plus thats the one i have so ya

    and if theres no way am getting good high listening volumes which is the portable amp that will be the best and most portable to have along with me
     
  2. CEE TEE

    CEE TEE MOT: NITSCH

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    Oh, find some used Ultimate Ears Triple-Fi 10. Enough bass to use at the gym and while travelling. Good prices, lots of aftermarket stuff like cables for them. No amp needed. Fun/clear.
     
  3. kirayamato

    kirayamato Friend

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    well i already have the rha t20i there isolation is amazing but i want abit higher volume without an amp if thats possible i'll switch to an iem like that in a beat as i am happy with the t20i's sound quality
     
  4. CEE TEE

    CEE TEE MOT: NITSCH

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    I haven't heard the t20i. Have you head the Triple-Fi 10?
     
  5. MrButchi

    MrButchi Gear Master Europe

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    You should check Custom Art's Music One : great single driver ciem with awesome SQ for circa 200$.
    It totally blows all the iems I see listed here.
     
    Last edited: Mar 18, 2016
  6. Jokko

    Jokko Friend

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    Are they comfy?
     
  7. sphinxvc

    sphinxvc Gear Master (retired)

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    Mean ear canal aperature is about 8mm, narrowing to abt 6mm within...TF10 housing is big, and too close to 6-8mm IIRC. Trying them on was a distinctly 'dafuq?' moment for me.
     
  8. Kon Peki

    Kon Peki Friend

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    I love my UE 4 Pro - easily driven by iPhone
     
  9. Poleepkwa

    Poleepkwa Friend

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    I get pretty good volume right out of my Note 4 with the RHA T20's. Not sure if they really need amp. They do not really seem any less sensitive than the Shure SE215 I have. even if the specs say other wise.
     
  10. HansyPants

    HansyPants New

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    You could always go straight for the SE846 or scour around for a used one. Bought an X5/E12A to use with them and they hardly get used over my smartphone. Usually I've got the volume at 2 clicks up from the bottom on my LG G3 and they're about perfect. End game achieved.
     
  11. CEE TEE

    CEE TEE MOT: NITSCH

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    I agree that UE 4 and UE 7 do not require an amp and are fantastic all-rounders straight from a smartphone.
    The Carbo Tenores are also good and inexpensive at ~$40.
    I gave my TF-10 cable to a friend, need to source a replacement but for me they fit well. The memory wire is what holds them in place comfortably for me.
    The SE846 was a bit boomy in the bass and just slightly thin from the mids on up when I owned them, but I love the idea and the bass porting.
     
  12. shultzee

    shultzee New

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    The two I owned that sounded the best straight out of a iPhone 6 were the AKG 3003i and Westone UM Pro50.
     
  13. Warrior

    Warrior RIP 2021

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    T20 I found very easy to drive from my cell phone, I thought they were fairly loud without an amp. I don't know how much louder you can get without an amp. Se846 definitely another set that worked well without an amp.

    Alpha & Delta AD01 should be another great option. I haven't heard them, but they are highly recommended on HF for being easy to drive and excellent bass response. A few people I really trust there recommend them.

    As far as portable amp, I love my Cayin C5. Stacks nice with a phone and has a very clean sound, with bass boost as an option.
     

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