Two Quick Reviews: Klipsch X7i and EarSkinz 2

[tigmd99]

I got Klipsch X7i from an unauthorized dealer on eBay (NEW) for $80! I got lucky. I also got EarSkinz 2 for my Apple EarPod for $10.

X7i: Image X7i Black In-Ear Headphones | Klipsch

 

[twister6]

Great review! How about some pictures?

 

[tigmd99]

Great review! How about some pictures?

Sorry, no pics (yet). I can't match your review quality...thus, i wrote "quick review"!

However, i did confirm that the Apple controls on my X7i works exactly the same as my Android S4A II on my Note 2. The Apple control has 3 buttons (two for volume, and one for selection). The volume controls don't work on Note 2 (expected). But the middle selection button works about the same as my S4A II button on my Note 2.

This is why i recommend buying the Apple control Klipsch over the Android-made Klipsch headset because Apple control works on Android equally well. There is no advantage to buying the Android-only control. But, with the Apple-headset, you can use it on Apple products in the future if you venture down that road. Android-headset will have limited functionality on an Apple product.

 

[twister6]

Agree about apple controls. I'm actually waiting for review sample of UE 700 earphones. Would be interesting to compare it to Klipsch.

 

[tigmd99]

Agree about apple controls. I'm actually waiting for review sample of UE 700 earphones. Would be interesting to compare it to Klipsch.

Very nice. Does it have a control module to control smartphone? I heard that they are excellent but fragile...at least according to Amazon reviews.

 

[twister6]

Oops, I meant UE600, not 700 (discontinued). UE 600 Noise-Isolating Earphones - Logitech

They come with a control which is apple compatible and also include 2 pairs of bonus Comply tips in addition to 5 silicone tips.

 

[twister6]

I was searching around and actually found a nice writeup about apple vs android in-line remote control and how to modify it.

Galaxy Nexus (and others) headset remote with media controls

Hacking iPod headphone controller for use with Android

That mod involves changing some resistors which is a bit too involved.

BUT, as you all know - any headphone with apple controls can be used to answer/hangup the call and to play/pause audio/video using the middle multi-function button. Well, you get this free app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=se.jays.headsetcontrol - you will be able to enable the same multi-function button to double-click to skip to next track or triple-click to restart the track (or repeat triple-click to go to previous track). Also, you can set delay in double/triple clicking - high recommend to increase default value since it works better for triple click which is a bit more sensitive. Prior to Android 4.1 you could also use press'n'hold for volume change but now it's allocated for Google voice search. So to change apple to android volume up/down controls, you need to crack open the inline remote and change 2 resistors in there.

The use of that JAYS app also explains why Android version of Klipsch S4A got rid off volume buttons and kept that huge in-line remote with one function button. They just took a shortcut but re-using their apple remote, keeping multi-function button, and writing their own app similar to JAYS app.

Btw, got my UE 600vi (apple inline control), and tested it with JAYS app. Works perfect. The sound is mind blowing (top high frequency and mids), bass is kind of lacking, so I want to burn it in (will run white-noise loop for a few days) since I read reviews that bass comes to life after burn in. But so far I'm very impressed; the details of sound are mind blowing, and these UE 600 are the most comfortable earbuds I have ever used.

 

[tigmd99]

Great review! How about some pictures?

Finally had some time...here are the pics: (EarPod with ES2, S4A II, X7i)





In case anyone was wondering, I put (electrical) tape around the RIGHT ear bug cable so that I know which side is which in the dark.

 

[tigmd99]

Well, you get this free app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=se.jays.headsetcontrol - you will be able to enable the same multi-function button to double-click to skip to next track or triple-click to restart the track (or repeat triple-click to go to previous track).

EDIT: I have tried the Jays...and I have replaced Klipsch app with it. Thanks!

 

[tigmd99]

Well, today, i found that my X7i right channel has died. Well, not dead, but static interference. It seems like the wire to the right channel is loose. Unfortunately, me being cheap, i went the unauthorized route in buying these earphones. So, no warranty. I gambled and lost. (And no, these were not Chinese counterfeits since these earphones just came out.)

But, on the bright side, i found a really good music player app on Android called, 3D MAVEN music player...so good that i bought the "PRO" version to help developer. A very nice equalizer that allows me to tailor my old Klipsch S4A (II) to my taste...so, i don't plan on replacing my X7i at this time. As icing on cake, this music player has integrated headset control! And the control functions are very good.

 

[twister6]

Well, today, i found that my X7i right channel has died. Well, not dead, but static interference. It seems like the wire to the right channel is loose. Unfortunately, me being cheap, i went the unauthorized route in buying these earphones. So, no warranty. I gambled and lost. (And no, these were not Chinese counterfeits since these earphones just came out.)

But, on the bright side, i found a really good music player app on Android called, 3D MAVEN music player...so good that i bought the "PRO" version to help developer. A very nice equalizer that allows me to tailor my old Klipsch S4A (II) to my taste...so, i don't plan on replacing my X7i at this time. As icing on cake, this music player has integrated headset control! And the control functions are very good.

I still have to try that 3D MAVEN, installed it but didn't have a chance to try it.

Regarding X7i, I'm not really sure why buying it from another dealer voids the warranty? If it's a real pair of headphones, whoever was selling it had to get it from Klipsch, right? Unless these fell off the truck I'm surprised how many comments I have been reading about Klipsch headphones loosing one of the channels. Doesn't matter who is a seller, if these are official headphones it needs to go back to the manufacturer under warranty so they can study these problems. I wonder if the same problem common with x10i?

Btw, do you have any experience with Shure or Etymotic earphones?

 

[tigmd99]

I still have to try that 3D MAVEN, installed it but didn't have a chance to try it.

Regarding X7i, I'm not really sure why buying it from another dealer voids the warranty? If it's a real pair of headphones, whoever was selling it had to get it from Klipsch, right? Unless these fell off the truck I'm surprised how many comments I have been reading about Klipsch headphones loosing one of the channels. Doesn't matter who is a seller, if these are official headphones it needs to go back to the manufacturer under warranty so they can study these problems. I wonder if the same problem common with x10i?

Btw, do you have any experience with Shure or Etymotic earphones?

twister, well, i can't complain...i knew what i was risking when i got it from an unauthorized dealer. I usually win these gambles!

My Klipsch S4, S4A II, and X10i never had a single issue. My "bargain" X7i were probably a returned item or something like that. I think that all earphones have a reputation of being not as sturdy as their bigger brothers (over-ear, etc.).

No, i have only tried Klipsch...and for good reason! Yesterday, i got Nocs NS400 (from Apple store)...and the nozzle is too big...therefore, they could not go deep into my ear canal like the Klipschs do. They just sit outside my canal, which makes it lifeless (no bass) and poor noise suppression. They just did not fit in my ears. Same for Sony earphones that i have tried. This is why Klipsch is just about the only ones that have a very thin nozzle that i know of. Klipsch, therefore, fits me perfectly for both music and noise suppression.

I have not tried the brands you mentioned. But, from reading, the Etymotics are probably not that different from your current UEs because Etymotic are known to be very flat/accurate...limited bass. I would try Shure because they have a great reputation.

Is the UE 600 nozzle as thin as your Klipsch S4??? Nozzle = pointy thing from the body where you put the ear tips over.

 

[tigmd99]

When you do try MAVEN music player, make sure that you have the pre-amp volume MAX (60). Otherwise, you wonder why music sounds so low!

 

[twister6]

Is the UE 600 nozzle as thin as your Klipsch S4??? Nozzle = pointy thing from the body where you put the ear tips over.

It's relatively thin, although I see S4A to be a bit thinner.

Funny how I actually find Klipsch pointy tips to be uncomfortable and not staying in my ears, while a wider more traditional ones on UE have a better fitment. In your case it's opposite. It's all a matter of personal taste and how our ear canals built!

Thanks for the MAVEN tip!

Btw, did you see my review of AfterShokz bone conductive headphones? Isn't that something? Definitely not for private listening since the sound bleeds out pretty badly, but still amazing that you are listening to a music with nothing in your ears.

 

[tigmd99]

Thanks. Yeah, i assume that UE won't fit my tiny ear canals!

Thanks for the review on the Aftershokz...very interesting. I think that a Sprint phone (small brand) uses that technology in their rugged phone!

 

[tigmd99]

Well, the whole day yesterday and today, i tried to fiddle with EQ on the music app to get my S4 II to sing...nothing really works to my total satisfaction. It helps for sure, but not there. In the end, i really do miss Klipsch X7i's sound! It was just perfect...the S4 with EQ just sounds "forced" at times if you know what i mean.

So, i went online and ordered Klipsch X7i from an AUTHORIZED dealer for $120 (MSRP is $199) with free shipping (and no tax). This way, i have 2 years of Klipsch warranty if anything happens...and from what i hear, Klipsch CS is pretty good.

Now, the wait till my new X7i gets here....