Comply Foam Tips for IEMs

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  frondono on 12/02/2016 - 13:04

  +2

  It's funny you're considering spending more on tips than on headphones.

  I've used complys with all of my IEMs except for my ostry kc06a (as they didn't have a model for them at the time of purchase). They do create a better seal/isolation and the sound may sound marginally better. I'd probably get the ones with the sweat guard as I use mine for working out in.

  • 

    frondono on 12/02/2016 - 13:06

    I haven't purchased any for a while, but I used to get 3 pairs for $15-18. When I checked recently they only sold 2 packs for much more. Keep in mind they probably last 6 months max as the foam deteriorates rather quickly.

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    ProjectZero on 12/02/2016 - 13:09

    When I bought the Pistons 3, price wasn't really a limiting factor. I've just heard so much hype for them that I thought I'd jump on board to see what all the fan fare was about.

    Do you mind if I ask which one you bought? I don't care so much about the seal as per my post, the isolated feeling is really uncomfortable for me so I'd prefer to avoid the best sealing ones out there XD

    • 

      frondono on 12/02/2016 - 13:10

      I used to buy the t100 and t400 models.

    • 

      frondono on 12/02/2016 - 13:13

      My new faves are the ostrys I've had them for over a year and they come with about 7 sets of tips that are all tuned to deliver a different sound. They seriously blow anything out of the water that I have tried under $100 and most things under $200

      • 

        ProjectZero on 12/02/2016 - 13:16

        Thanks! Will look out for them on sales. Although I will see how I go with the pistons.

      • 

        iridiumstem on 12/02/2016 - 13:17

        Have you tried ATH-IM70 by any chance?

      • 

        frondono on 12/02/2016 - 13:19

        @Oversimplified: no

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        iridiumstem on 12/02/2016 - 13:20

        @frondono: Hmmm, that means I have to put Ostry then. I was thinking of buying im70 after trying fair bit of earphones in that price range I could get my hands on, but Ostry was not one of them. So yeah, time for me to look for a place that has them.

      • 

        frondono on 12/02/2016 - 13:22

        @Oversimplified: I got mine from massdrop for $56USD when the AUD was doing much much better.

      • 

        iridiumstem on 12/02/2016 - 13:25

        @frondono: Hmmm, they do seem to give you a fair bit of accessories (went to massdrop to check it out). Is the tip with red circle with a filter of kind?

      • 

        frondono on 12/02/2016 - 13:30

        @Oversimplified: yeah the orange circle tips are the ones I use. best bass from those. It's mesh filter that gets clogged with ear wax pretty easily and can affect the sound, I had to get them to send me some more out from the factory.

      • 

        iridiumstem on 12/02/2016 - 13:33

        @frondono: Nice, nice. I've not seen that many earphones with filter in the earphone tip (the TSX series from Comply is the only one that I can think of currently). I should consider that one at one point (though it is above, devices I buy without trying price that I've set for myself)…

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  iridiumstem on 12/02/2016 - 13:07

  I own the cheapest one (the S series), I personally think Comply sells them too expensive.
  That said, they are alright, they do influence the sound a bit though.

  Foam tips give better isolation though, can't remember whether I was able to hear my breathing (never gave it a much thought, and I left my earphone at home so, can't comment on it right now).

  If silicon tips work fine as is and you don't need better noise isolation and better fit, I don't think much can be gained from foam tips. They do need to be replaced more often than silicon ones (hygiene reasons) and Comply do sell them at fairly high price.

  That said, I think AliExpress sells immitation ones (I think) for fairly cheap price and I do remember seeing few people diy (using parts of the silicon tip and those foam ear plugs).

  • 

    ProjectZero on 12/02/2016 - 13:11

    Thanks, I was thinking the foam ones would seal less as foam is supposed to have larger pores on them. Guess i was way off

    • 

      frondono on 12/02/2016 - 13:15

      what happens is the foam fills your ear hole, expands in your ear sort of, to create an awesome seal, which is why most people buy them. I used to have to scrunch em up a bit sometimes to get them in.

      • 

        iridiumstem on 12/02/2016 - 13:16

        The recommended way to put them in is for you to roll them and compress them before you insert them in, technically speaking.

    • 

      iridiumstem on 12/02/2016 - 13:19

      Sealing less is not exactly something you'd want to have with IEMs, lower range get affected. I think you'd be better off getting open earphones like EarPod or Aurvana Air or something simillar if you don't like noise isolation like that…

      • 

        ProjectZero on 12/02/2016 - 14:04

        I usually use a CAL! 2 but wanted something low profile so I can use it at work. Having headphones on all the time doesn't look good in front of the boss lol.

      • 

        iridiumstem on 12/02/2016 - 14:09

        @ProjectZero: Aurvana Air is an earphone, it is sort of like the old earphones we used to have (the ones that just hangs on your ears, though this want has a clip). I've heard good things about it, EarPods and Yuin PK1 (or it might've been PK2, can't remember).

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  Dave Bowman on 13/02/2016 - 07:37

  +1

  I've owned some medium Comply TX-400 tips for a couple months now. They're great, much better than the standard Piston tips, which didn't seem to stay in properly. I haven't owned any other tips, so can't really compare.

  Paid $35 delivered on eBay, which is ridiculous but the sound quality of the Pistons + TX-400 is better than more expensive headphones I've owned.

  • 

    ProjectZero on 15/02/2016 - 09:39

    Damn, $35 delivered, think I might stick with buying from minidisc lol. Might give these comply foam tips a try, although the sealing of these might put me off it… will have to see.