DIGIT-ARC read-only archive · snapshot: July 23, 2026

IEM within 1k

28 posts · originally from https://geek.digit.in/community/threads/iem-within-1k.184312/

anirbandd
anirbandd Original post #1
Jun 1, 2014 at 7:47 PM
Hi All,

I want an IEM within 1k [+/- Rs. 50]. For listening to music during workout.

Sound/Build quality must the best in the price range.

Lets the suggestions flow in!! :)

Thanks all.
powerhoney
Jun 1, 2014 at 9:43 PM
Cowon EM1!!!
powerhoney
Jun 1, 2014 at 9:44 PM
Btw, didn't expect you to be asking since you are generally the one helping others!!! :) :) :)
powerhoney
Jun 1, 2014 at 9:46 PM
Also, the EM1 is not like those over -hyped IEMs for action sports and the like, but their build quality is generally okay for daily gym use...:)
anirbandd
Jun 1, 2014 at 11:56 PM
Okay.. You have them?? How is the sound quality??
sushovan
Jun 2, 2014 at 5:34 AM
I have Cowon EM1,Soundmagic ES18 and Philips SHE3590. Soundmagic beats the others in SQ but Cowon is a close second and Cowon is way ahead of the others in terms of build quality. Go for EM1!
powerhoney
Jun 2, 2014 at 8:55 AM
I have Cowon EM1,Soundmagic ES18 and Philips SHE3590. Soundmagic beats the others in SQ but Cowon is a close second and Cowon is way ahead of the others in terms of build quality. Go for EM1!

+1 to what [MENTION=128761]sushovan[/MENTION] said...
Another one you can consider is the Philips SHE 9700 but that has questionable build quality!!! :-D

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I have Cowon EM1,Soundmagic ES18 and Philips SHE3590. Soundmagic beats the others in SQ but Cowon is a close second and Cowon is way ahead of the others in terms of build quality. Go for EM1!

+1 to what [MENTION=128761]sushovan[/MENTION] said...
Another one you can consider is the Philips SHE 9700 but that has questionable build quality!!! :-D
anirbandd
Jun 2, 2014 at 9:04 PM
hmmm.. i have used the SM ES18.. how is the Cowon Em1 different in build quality??

i mean, i saw the pictures on the web, i dont see anything different that the ES18.


PS: i really want to know where i put my money before buying, so please do expect a few questions. Do help me. :)

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the EM1 costs about 100 more than the ES18.. is the extra dough well utilised in the build quality??

for me, SoundQuality>BuildQuality. i take very good care of my equipment, so if the build quality of the EM1 is not much much better than the ES18, then can i skip it???

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also, advice about this one: *www.flipkart.com/audio-technica-ath-clr100-bk-in-the-ear-headphone/p/itmdvg8wpuqfrmhq?pid=ACCDMH9GYYGGYGZQ
powerhoney
Jun 2, 2014 at 9:04 PM
What kind of workout will you be doing??? If it's strenuous, go for the EM1, for lighter workouts the es18!!!:)
powerhoney
Jun 2, 2014 at 9:06 PM
The EM1s wires feel sturdier than the ES 18 and also their design makes them tangle free!!! :)
powerhoney
Jun 2, 2014 at 9:07 PM
No idea about that Audio Technica one though!!!
anirbandd
anirbandd #13
Jun 2, 2014 at 9:17 PM
workout will be mix.. weights and cardio alternately... but main issue will be sweat.. is it well sealed?? the EM1..
powerhoney
Jun 3, 2014 at 1:43 AM
workout will be mix.. weights and cardio alternately... but main issue will be sweat.. is it well sealed?? the EM1..

Well sealed??? Looks so to me... I mean, I didn't dip it in water or anything so can't say for sure but it sure looks like it could take a beating...
powerhoney
Jun 3, 2014 at 1:44 AM
In short, what I mean to say is that the build quality is top notch!!! :) :)
anirbandd
anirbandd #17
Jun 3, 2014 at 5:54 PM
Well sealed??? Looks so to me... I mean, I didn't dip it in water or anything so can't say for sure but it sure looks like it could take a beating...

In short, what I mean to say is that the build quality is top notch!!! :) :)

Yes he is right.
+1 to the EM1's

well, that settles it.. locked in on the EM1.

will be ordering it in a few days.

thanks for the help guys :)
powerhoney
Jun 3, 2014 at 7:35 PM
Do post your impressions and review once you receive them... :)
And, just a quick FYI...
There are two models, one with mic and one without!!! :)
anirbandd
anirbandd #19
Jun 3, 2014 at 8:01 PM
^sure sure.. that goes without saying..

are there any sonic and monetary differences b/w the two??
powerhoney
Jun 3, 2014 at 8:03 PM
I think there's a monetary difference of a couple hundred rupees!!!
There shouldn't be any sonic differences though I don't know for sure...
I have got the non-mic one!!! :)
anirbandd
anirbandd #21
Jun 3, 2014 at 8:06 PM
okay bro.. i'll check and make the choice. :)

thank you sooo much for your help :)
powerhoney
Jun 3, 2014 at 8:07 PM
Alright, mate!!! Cheers!!! :-D
mikael_schiffer
Jul 8, 2014 at 4:33 PM
Stay away from Soundmagic ES18. Used mine for about 3 weeks and one side fell off. build quality is a joke.
In terms of sound quality, in my experience, it is better than SkullCandy Rhasta (Rs600)and worse than JBL Tempo (Rs959).

Btw, the left side of Skullcandy Rhasta messed up in the first month. The volume is a bit low and you have to adjust the balance from your device.

JBL Tempo i used for like 3 months, worked without a hitch, but then i lost it while travelling.

Now am using an old Sony earphones (not IEM) that came free with my phone. This baby is not satisfactory, cuz well, it a "free bundle" of my phone and it is standard design, but its been almost a year and it still sounds as good as it did in day one.

People say "brand pe mat jao", well in terms of earphones, i feel brand matters a LOT.
powerhoney
Jul 8, 2014 at 9:46 PM
Stay away from Soundmagic ES18. Used mine for about 3 weeks and one side fell off. build quality is a joke.
In terms of sound quality, in my experience, it is better than SkullCandy Rhasta (Rs600)and worse than JBL Tempo (Rs959).

Btw, the left side of Skullcandy Rhasta messed up in the first month. The volume is a bit low and you have to adjust the balance from your device.

JBL Tempo i used for like 3 months, worked without a hitch, but then i lost it while travelling.

Now am using an old Sony earphones (not IEM) that came free with my phone. This baby is not satisfactory, cuz well, it a "free bundle" of my phone and it is standard design, but its been almost a year and it still sounds as good as it did in day one.

People say "brand pe mat jao", well in terms of earphones, i feel brand matters a LOT.
What's the use bumping all these old threads???
You are going to delete your posts anyway...:p
anirbandd
anirbandd #25
Jul 8, 2014 at 10:04 PM
Stay away from Soundmagic ES18. Used mine for about 3 weeks and one side fell off. build quality is a joke.
In terms of sound quality, in my experience, it is better than SkullCandy Rhasta (Rs600)and worse than JBL Tempo (Rs959).

Btw, the left side of Skullcandy Rhasta messed up in the first month. The volume is a bit low and you have to adjust the balance from your device.

JBL Tempo i used for like 3 months, worked without a hitch, but then i lost it while travelling.

Now am using an old Sony earphones (not IEM) that came free with my phone. This baby is not satisfactory, cuz well, it a "free bundle" of my phone and it is standard design, but its been almost a year and it still sounds as good as it did in day one.

People say "brand pe mat jao", well in terms of earphones, i feel brand matters a LOT.
Already bought es18
mikael_schiffer
Jul 9, 2014 at 2:56 PM
What's the use bumping all these old threads???
You are going to delete your posts anyway...:p

This post is only a month old. And my post could be useful for other people who came by looking for earphones in this price segment. 90% of them are not even forum members and those people who came here via google searching. I've actually bought, used and disposed the IEMs OP intended to buy.My views are authentic first hand experience. Lets just hope he handles it with care thats all.

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And what do you mean by deleting posts? I dont even know how to delete post. I only know how to edit, and that i do when i have to add new information or correct spelling errors
powerhoney
Jul 9, 2014 at 3:07 PM
^^
Sarcasm, buddy!!!
Lighten up... :p