I’m a basshead and the output from my Palm Pre just couldn’t cut it. The Pre did alright on mids/highs (sounds a little shallow), but is severely lacking in the low frequency department, so I went searching for an alternative. My criteria was:
- Sound quality
- Expandability
- Costd
Fiio E3, Sandisk Sansa Fuze, Sennheiser CX300, 3.5mm interconnect
After reading numerous threads over at audiophile central head-fi.org, I decided to go with a 2GB Sandisk Sansa Fuze and Sennheiser CX300 IEMs (in-ear-monitors, see here for the difference between IEMs and earbuds).
I went with the 2GB Sansa Fuze because it’s cheap (~$35), reviewed well in the audiophile community, and the memory is expandable via the microSD slot. The microSD slot allows you to inexpensively expand the memory; an 8GB microSD card can easily be found for under $20. Furthermoree, for the geek inside us all, it’s possible to hack the Fuze and replace the stock firmware with Rockbox, unlocking lots of additional features.
The Sennheiser CX300′s were almost a no-brainer. These IEMs are well known throughout the audiophile community as cheap, decent sounding IEMs which are heavy on the bass. The bass could be a little heavier since the mids sound a little overwhelming at times, but the CX300′s still have no problem playing low notes under 30hz clearly.
Last, but not least, I decided to pair my Fiio E3 amp with the Fuze in order to increase the bass output. Instead of using an line out cable, I just used a 3.5mm – 3.5mm DIY interconnect to connect the two. On another note, it is possible to make a line out cable for the Fuze, it just takes a little work, which I’ll get to once I receive another USB cable.
 Doesn't it look cool? |
 View from the back |
All in all my total comes to (at the time of this post):
2GB Sandisk Sansa Fuze – $35
Sennheiser CX300 – $25
8GB microSD card – $16
Fiio E3 – $7
DIY 3.5mm – 3.5mm interconnect – $3
Grand total: $86 for a portable audio setup with excellent sound quality/bass output and 10GB of memory. Additionally, a Fiio E5 (which I should be receiving any day now) will definitely increase the bass output and improve the sound quality overall, while still keeping costs low (Fiio E5 runs $18).
Compare this to an inferior sounding iPod Nano 8GB priced at $149 and you can see that we have a real winner. Why spend almost twice the price for an over-hyped portable audio player with inferior sound quality and less storage?
But hey, don’t just take my word for it. I strongly encourage all you readers to do your research and decide what’s good for you. The head-fi.org forums are a good place to start. Here are some helpful threads about the Sansa Fuze:
Sansa Fuze vs Ipod Nano
iPod Nano 4G vs Sansa Fuze
Fuze appreciation thread
However, if you happen to have the same criteria that I have, the Sandisk Sansa Fuze + Fiio E3 or E5 amp + Sennheiser CX300 IEMs are probably the best bang for your buck.
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I would seriously challenge you on this one.
Start with a better sampling rate for your files. Then eliminate the loss of quality due to device to device patching and a $7 amp. Stick with your Pre and a pair of better headphones.
Your solution adds devices, reduces quality, and costs $86.
The V-Moda Duo (works with the Pre…with a microphone, too) costs $79 and you don’t have to carry any more devices! Check out the specs compared to the cheap Sennheisers:
*Frequency response: 12Hz-22kHz
*Speaker driver: V-MASQUE dynamic technology, 9mm neodymium rare-earth magnet
*Cable length: Kevlar® reinforced, 32 in./81.3 cm plug to y-connector; *13.5 in./34.3 cm even-length earphone cables, 0.09 in./2.2 mm diameter (optimal for sport)
*Cable diameter: 0.09 in./2.2 mm (optimal for sport)
*Plug: 24k gold-plated, 3.5mm (1/8″) dual standard stereo/iPhone compatible plug
*Weight: 13 g
Sennheiser makes some great equipment, but these are not the professional series. I’m even amazed that you can spend $500 for Shure in-ear headphones! I’ve been very impressed with the V-Moda’s…go demo them in the store!
A better sampling rate does you no good if you don’t have a quality source and headphones to hear the difference. You can have the best headphones in the world, but if you have a crappy source, such as the Pre, then quality will suffer.
What are you trying to say? That quality is lost due to using multiple devices? Or because the amp runs $7? I’m afraid neither is true. Just because the amp runs $7 does not mean it’s crap. You usually do get what you pay for, but the Fiio E3 is well worth the money for the sound quality improvement. And yes, it does improve the sound, most notably the bass.
57 pages, mostly positive: http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f105/fiio-amps-323979/
While the Sennheiser CX300′s may be cheap in price, no way are they cheap in sound quality. If the V-Moda’s sound good for you, then great. Personally, I would never use those. Specs don’t mean anything and have very little to do with how the headphones actually sound. Most of the specs you posted are worthless except for the frequency response, which I take with a grain of salt, especially coming from a not-so-renown company like V-Moda who make their products to appeal to the masses.
Thanks for the response, your site, and your opinion. One thing I have learned over the years is that our perception of quality if relative. Some people like Bose audio…what can I say?
I do like the v-moda’s, however, I see some of your points. My overall response was based upon someone who travels and doesn’t like extra devices. I also, when possible, like to reduce the number of cables and electronics my sound has to travel through. It does matter.
I agree, the specs that you can get usually don’t tell us ANYTHING. I prefer the true audio lab results for comparison, just try finding them.
It sounds like you’ve found a system that tunes the frequencies where you want them tuned. The bass response of the v-moda’s does it for me.
The Pre may not be a quality audio device, but neither is the Fuze. Even the Zen’s get better reviews for less money. I have to say that I am not as critical of my portable audio experience as I am of my home theater and audio experience. I am happy for now with my Pre and v-moda (convenience factor), but will be experimenting based upon your input.
I will say that I’m glad I found your site and your introduction to me of the head-fi site…very cool info.
Thanks.