closing tag is in template navbar
timefactors watches



TZ-UK Fundraiser
Results 1 to 29 of 29

Thread: Earbuds - What do you recommend in 2021?

  1. #1
    Craftsman
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Location
    Cheshire
    Posts
    820

    Earbuds - What do you recommend in 2021?

    My BT Earbuds have died so a new purchase is imminent. What are you using that you like? The last recommendation thread was 18+ months ago and new models abound but I'd rather avoid a bad decision based on spurious Amazon reviews or multiple trial purchases. I've tried Airpods but hate the fit - my current B&O E8s had reasonable sound but poor battery life. I'm interested to hear what people are using - I have a BT headset for zoom calls so calling isn't a priority.

  2. #2
    Master
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    London
    Posts
    1,500
    Have you tried the AirPods Pro? I couldn't get on with the original AirPods fit wise either but tried the Pros and they're much better both sound and fit.

  3. #3
    I upgraded from B&O to Devialet Gemini which have ANC and longer battery life. The sound is much better and with the ANC much cleaner. They done bass well for such small buds and they are comfortable to wear for a few hours.

    The charging case is a little larger though but does wireless charging etc

    I have paired them to by iPhone and iPad and I don’t see any delay when watch Netflix or other videos and I have had no negative feedback when I have use them for phone calls. All in all if you are looking to spend B&O I think may be a nice option.

    https://www.devialet.com/en-eu/true-...arbuds/gemini/

  4. #4
    Samsung Galaxy bud plus or pro are both very good.

    The plus are getting cheap too

  5. #5
    Master SeanST150's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Milton Keynes
    Posts
    2,776
    It depends on what your budget is, and what features are key:

    If you're being budget conscious, it has to be these - https://www.cambridgeaudio.com/gbr/e...lomania-1-plus - They have excellent sound quality, and superb battery life. There isn't a better pair out there for the money. Downside, no active noise cancelling, well, I don't consider this a downside because it's not a need I have. I have owned many earphones/headphones/in-ear-monitors and I don't have any complaints about the range from Cambridge Audio. They are just superb value for money.

    If you want the outright best, I believe the new kings are these https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/t...ess/wf-1000xm4 - I have listened to the previous model and they were great. I haven't listened to these yet, but I have no need for active noise cancelling, and they will not give an edge in audio performance over my wired in-ear-monitors. For me they are superfluous.

    If you're an Apple user, I'd say the Airpod Pros are worth considering. I've not listened to them, and I don't like Apple, but there is no denying they know how to make use of their ecosystems and things just work.

  6. #6
    I have been using Sony WF-1000M3s for the last 18 months or so and have been very pleased with them.

    Yesterday I bought the new M4 version of these and they seem to be a step up again as they reduced the size of both the earphones and the charging case.

    The biggest negative both of these have is that you can only connect to one device at a time so you can't connect to both your phone and laptop if that's something you want to be able to do.

  7. #7
    Master tiny73's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Back in Blighty
    Posts
    3,963
    For calls and the like you can’t go wrong with the Jabra Elite 65/75/85. Probably the best all rounders in terms of functionality and sound but they’re not “audiophile”.

    The Devialet Gemini are very well reviewed and the B&W Pi7 for sound are supposedly unbeatable albeit with poor battery life and some reviews suggesting they’re buggy and need some things ironing out (would like to try them mind).

    Be aware if running off an iPhone/iPad you’re only going to get AAC quality (not bad at all) but most of these have APT-x/HD capabilities so will sound better for using a source than can transmit that codec.

    Left of field, M&D MW07. I got a pair half price (awful leopard print Nike collaboration) as I struggle with fit and didn’t want to risk spending £280 on the MW08 of the fit was off. Paired them with my A&K SR25 streaming Amazon HD tubes and the sound blows away my iPhone and isn’t a million miles away from my custom in ear monitors running balanced cables. Well worth a go.

  8. #8
    Master
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Location
    Northern Ireland
    Posts
    6,697
    I went for the Airpods Pro and impressed with fit (different sized tips available) and sound

    Also, if using with iPhone / Apple Watch, it's pretty seamless which I much prefer

  9. #9
    Master OldHooky's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Location
    Blightyland
    Posts
    4,423
    Another vote for the WF-1000M3s. Great fit (I haven't tried to run with them in), sound pretty good and are customisable, and the battery life is respectable. ANC can be very useful, and makes you realise how much unnatural ambient noise there is around us.
    RHA True Connect are also excellent is you want something which specialises in audio without ANC.

    Gingerpaul - where did you get the M4s from? I thought they weren't released yet?

  10. #10
    Quote Originally Posted by OldHooky View Post
    Another vote for the WF-1000M3s. Great fit (I haven't tried to run with them in), sound pretty good and are customisable, and the battery life is respectable. ANC can be very useful, and makes you realise how much unnatural ambient noise there is around us.
    RHA True Connect are also excellent is you want something which specialises in audio without ANC.

    Gingerpaul - where did you get the M4s from? I thought they weren't released yet?
    I got them from Argos using click and collect. Everywhere else was showing August for delivery.

  11. #11
    Master OldHooky's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Location
    Blightyland
    Posts
    4,423
    Seems they've taken them off the website, so well done for getting a pair!

  12. #12
    Absolutely no doubt whatsoever the Lypertek Tevi.
    My brother in law works in high end headphones (https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/ if you're interested - no benefit to me or him if you spend there, I can just vouch that they're reputable), and says he's heard little of that quality for a lot more money.
    I love mine - you won't regret it.

  13. #13
    Master
    Join Date
    Aug 2014
    Location
    Mountsorrel uk
    Posts
    1,905
    I have just bought the b&o e8 3s and the battery lasts ages

  14. #14
    Craftsman
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Location
    Cheshire
    Posts
    820
    Thanks everyone for the input and detailed thoughts. I was considering the Melomania 1 + and the Sonys but there are a couple here I've not even heard of that sound from initial reviews I've read like they may be a good option too. Decisions, decisions.

  15. #15
    Master
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Location
    Finland
    Posts
    2,481
    The new Sonys are excellent. I’ve been using them for couple weeks and really like them.
    Jabras are great too but I couldn’t get the fit perfect.
    Yawned and they almost fell off.
    Bose are also great but pretty big.
    Sennheisers are also worth considering.

  16. #16
    Journeyman
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    West Yorkshire
    Posts
    178
    I have the Sony’s and the Pros both good :-

    Sonys by far better for sound quality
    Pros by far better for everyday ease of use


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  17. #17
    Craftsman
    Join Date
    Mar 2018
    Location
    London
    Posts
    817
    Quote Originally Posted by tiny73 View Post
    For calls and the like you can’t go wrong with the Jabra Elite 65/75/85. Probably the best all rounders in terms of functionality and sound but they’re not “audiophile”.
    Love my jabras, generally my go to over the Bose anc ones. People hate me if I chat to them via the Bose and there’s the slightest wind, or sound of water, rustle off plastic bag etc. The jabras I get much less complaints, and they’re smaller, fit in the pocket better and more water proof

  18. #18
    Craftsman trott3r's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2015
    Location
    greater manchester UK
    Posts
    698
    Sennheiset true wireless 2.

    Even have a high end sound mode in app but costs more battery life

  19. #19
    Master Omegary's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Location
    Oxfordshire
    Posts
    8,841
    I've come to the conclusion that I must have weird shaped ears. I just can't get earbuds to sit comfortable and to stay put. Tried all sorts including the Sony WF-100M3's, tried all the silicone buds but couldn't get a good seal so the NC was useless and they fell out of my ears frequently. Ended up returning them to Amazon. I really wanted something unobtrusive to wear at work but it's back to over ear headphones for me. I guess at least people know I'm not listening to them now though, lol!

    Cheers,
    Gary

  20. #20
    To be fair those new Sony M4s do sound good

  21. #21
    Master SeanST150's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Milton Keynes
    Posts
    2,776
    Quote Originally Posted by Omegary View Post
    I've come to the conclusion that I must have weird shaped ears. I just can't get earbuds to sit comfortable and to stay put. Tried all sorts including the Sony WF-100M3's, tried all the silicone buds but couldn't get a good seal so the NC was useless and they fell out of my ears frequently. Ended up returning them to Amazon. I really wanted something unobtrusive to wear at work but it's back to over ear headphones for me. I guess at least people know I'm not listening to them now though, lol!

    Cheers,
    Gary
    This is where I find the Cambridge Audio Melomania 1+ excel. Of course, I know all ear shapes are different, but the 1+ are simply a bullet shape. They only need to fit into the ear canal, and are not obstructed by any other part of the ear.

  22. #22
    Master PreacherCain's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    London, UK
    Posts
    3,932
    Quote Originally Posted by tiny73 View Post
    Left of field, M&D MW07. I got a pair half price (awful leopard print Nike collaboration) as I struggle with fit and didn’t want to risk spending £280 on the MW08 of the fit was off. Paired them with my A&K SR25 streaming Amazon HD tubes and the sound blows away my iPhone and isn’t a million miles away from my custom in ear monitors running balanced cables. Well worth a go.
    I used Sony XM3s but ended up having issues due to their not being waterproof (great sound, decidedly not recommended for running or the gym…). Got some Master & Dynamic MW07 Plus and I’m blown away. Wonderful sound, great fit and they work just as well for calls too. Ultimately the Sonys’ noise cancellation is better but personally I wouldn’t go back.

    As to fit: I’ve had great success with foam ear tips from Inairs - they fit better for me, and give great isolation. I never find the silicone tips much good.

  23. #23
    Master
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    In the green, green valleys
    Posts
    3,624
    Quote Originally Posted by Omegary View Post
    I've come to the conclusion that I must have weird shaped ears. I just can't get earbuds to sit comfortable and to stay put. Tried all sorts including the Sony WF-100M3's, tried all the silicone buds but couldn't get a good seal so the NC was useless and they fell out of my ears frequently. Ended up returning them to Amazon. I really wanted something unobtrusive to wear at work but it's back to over ear headphones for me. I guess at least people know I'm not listening to them now though, lol!

    Cheers,
    Gary
    Hi Gary

    I have the Sonys and eventually found some tips that sorted the fit. Once you get the right fit they are amazing! However, I wanted a pair for cycling that I knew were less likely to fall out. Like any good WiS I turned my attentions to Bluetooth headphones for sports and many, many hours of research were undertaken. I eventually have chosen and been regularly using a set of these -

    https://www.amazon.co.uk/Shure-Wirel.../dp/B07WFR4WG5

    It's worth noting, mine are the special edition blue ones but I cannot find them anywhere in stock. I paid about £60 from memory. On first listening they sounded ok but my god, they have burnt in now and the sound is fantastic. They come with loads of buds and I regularly use them for 4-5 hours at a time and the battery just lasts forever. I would highly recommend searching some out albeit the entire worlds stock seems to have been sold.......

    Regards

    Paul

  24. #24
    Quote Originally Posted by SeanST150 View Post

    If you're being budget conscious, it has to be these - https://www.cambridgeaudio.com/gbr/e...lomania-1-plus - They have excellent sound quality, and superb battery life. There isn't a better pair out there for the money. Downside, no active noise cancelling, well, I don't consider this a downside because it's not a need I have. I have owned many earphones/headphones/in-ear-monitors and I don't have any complaints about the range from Cambridge Audio. They are just superb value for money.
    I have these and use them to stream, for the most part, from my mobile using YT Music. If I lost them I'd get another pair with little, if any, hesitation.

  25. #25
    Craftsman
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Location
    Cheshire
    Posts
    820
    I've ordered some Cambridge Audio Melomania's - thanks everyone.

  26. #26

    RockJaw Air Avant Wireless Buds

    If you want to buy a UK brand the new buds are now released and you get 30% discount with AAIR899.

  27. #27
    Master
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    Ayrshire
    Posts
    2,898
    Shure TW1 blutooth adaptors

    plus any decent shure iem (although I think the mmcx adaptors will take other brands)

    I use se535 although I have used the 215s as well ( in fact the tw1 are discounted to £135 from 185 on Shure currently with a pair of 215s bundled).

    I use them in conference calls and for blutooth gaming and voice as well as music ...just beautiful in every way.

  28. #28
    Master
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    Ayrshire
    Posts
    2,898
    In fact the se535s are massively discounted to £179 from £369 .

    Thats a huge bargain as the se535 are just awesome but at that price ...totally mindblowing.

    https://www.shure.com/en-GB/products...es/se535_wired

    I would buy a pair of them and the aonic 215 bundle for £125 , use the se535 on the TW1s blutooth adaptors that come with the aonic 215 and put the 215s themselves on the 535 cables , that way you have amazing blutooth iems and a very good quality backup pair for less than the price of the aonic 5 (which are very similar to the 535 anyway).
    Last edited by Mr.D; 20th July 2021 at 00:32.

  29. #29
    Master SeanST150's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Milton Keynes
    Posts
    2,776
    Quote Originally Posted by Mr.D View Post
    In fact the se535s are massively discounted to £179 from £369 .

    Thats a huge bargain as the se535 are just awesome but at that price ...totally mindblowing.

    https://www.shure.com/en-GB/products...es/se535_wired
    What an exceptional price! I owned a pair (and their predecessor se530) for nearly 10 years before upgrading to the se846.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

Do Not Sell My Personal Information