In-ears headphones fit matters a lot • Hacker News Board

Re: In-ears headphones fit matters a lot

#101

Post by camgunz » Mon, Oct 04, 2021, 2:00 PM UTC

bryan0 wrote: post #62

aalam wrote: post #43

Earlier quoted context omitted.

If you haven't already tried it, a filter replacement with the tool and filters that come with the device could do the trick [0] (fixed a problem I experienced myself). Another common fix is to switch out the cable, though I've only experienced failure due to old filters (3 years usage). [0] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbDgTa8Htzo

Yeah my issues were due to failing cables e.g. fraying insulation and exposed wires. I would use them heavily on daily commutes. Now since I primarily work from home it might be less of an issue.

Oh definitely get the replacement cable, I'm on my 3rd. I picked up their bluetooth neckbuds thing (this is the depth of my commitment haha) to try, but as soon as I confirmed the wires weren't replaceable I sent it straight back--instantly limited the lifetime to < 1 year.

Re: In-ears headphones fit matters a lot

#102

Post by camgunz » Mon, Oct 04, 2021, 2:15 PM UTC

bradknowles wrote: post #96

bryan0 wrote: post #33

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I also loved my Etys. Problem for me is that they would only last a year before failing. I’ve since switch over to RHAs which are not quite as good but they have a 3 year warranty.

I loved my Etys, too. But they were very fragile. I’ve ended up switching to Shure IEMs, but I use the Etymotic triple-flange silicone ear tips. I’ve tried everything else I can find, and nothing else works as well to keep them in my ears. Comply foam ear tips are a good idea, but don’t work nearly so well as my 32dB NRR earplugs at staying in my ears. And the triple flange silicone tips actually let me hear somethin…

Oh, yeah that's a good point. If you _really_ need legit sound isolation (e.g. your hearing is at stake) or have tricky ears you'll have to venture into the pro audio realm--or just straight up get quality ear plugs. I'm lucky enough to have an OK fit with the stock tips, but even so I look at the custom ear tip companies from time to time.

Something else to really pay attention to is listening to music all day. 85 dB might not "sound" (hehe) like much, but more than a couple hours of that and you'll damage your hearing [1]. Do that for a year, say, and it adds up. And 85 dB doesn't sound that loud, especially if you work up to it.

This is where I'm jealous of Apple's Airpods ecosystem, where they know the SPL of the drivers and what volume you're driving them at, so they can avoid damaging your hearing. I really wish more laptop/phone/etc. manufacturers would post more detailed headphone jack stats so you could just plug in your SPL and set the volume accordingly. I had a hell of a time figuring it out for my 2018 MBP; I can only imagine what it's like for less ubiquitous hardware.

[1]: https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/noise-induced-hearing-loss

Re: In-ears headphones fit matters a lot

#103

Post by willis936 » Mon, Oct 04, 2021, 3:59 PM UTC

audron wrote: post #97

willis936 wrote: post #41

I'm glad to see attention drawn here. The only way to get any reasonable sub 500 Hz response out of tiny in-ear transducers is to have a good seal. The standing waves go a long way. Molded in-ear monitors are best, but they're speciality items. It would be cool to see a modern true wireless earbud you can order and ship them your ear molds.

I've been using my CIEMs with Fiio's UTWS3[0] and it's been great, pretty decent sound quality with APT-X tho sadly no LDAC. Also no ANC but imo the isolation of customs is good enough already. The software is also a joke, but basicly nothing has a proper parametric EQ anyways. Also recently learned about UE FITS[1] which are TWS and mold to your ears at home. [0] https://www.fiio.com/utws3 [1] https://custom.ultimat…

Pretty neat. Do either have a pass-through mode?

Re: In-ears headphones fit matters a lot

#104

Post by hfourm » Tue, Oct 05, 2021, 1:23 PM UTC

One of Logitech's brands (Ultimate Ears) makes an "at home" semi-custom molding eartip for their true wireless earbuds. The "UE Fits". I bought a pair, honestly was super comfortable, they are molded via a UV light in the earbud in a one time setup process. I went with another pair of wireless earbuds for other features, but thinking back I kind of miss them already.

But, would be cool if a company made a product that let you make semi-custom earbud tips like this for a variety of different earbuds -- without requiring ACTUAL ear molding and extended process of true custom IEMs. Sorta like the comply foam/spinfit aftermarket tips.

Re: In-ears headphones fit matters a lot

#105

Post by ghostly_s » Thu, Oct 07, 2021, 8:31 PM UTC

wintermutestwin wrote: post #92

ghostly_s wrote: post #81

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I've just, I hope, arrived at the end-point of a similarly frustrating adventure into wireless earbuds that don't fit in my ears. I tried the Airpod Pros first, and like you the only way I got them to stay in for longer than a full minute was by jamming them in so hard it was painful to wear. After trying several alternatives with similarly unworkable results, I just recently picked up the Anker Soundcore Life A2 NC…

Ordered. Fingers crossed that they fit.

Best of luck!