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Nmbr5
2
Sep 19, 2018
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What's the difference between ear buds and an IEM? I've seen the IEM a few times, but always wondered what the difference was.
kukkurovaca
323
Sep 19, 2018
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Nmbr5Usually when people say "ear bud" they're referring to something that sits loosely on your outer ear, like a little speaker that you're resting there. An IEM is inserted deeper into the ear and usually has silicone or foam tips (unless it's a custom molded to your ear).
In practice, earbuds are more like open-back headphones, in that they don't isolate and usually have a wider soundstage. IEMs are more like closed-back headphones, because they do block out noise and usually have a narrower soundstage.
In practice, earbuds are more like open-back headphones, in that they don't isolate and usually have a wider soundstage. IEMs are more like closed-back headphones, because they do block out noise and usually have a narrower soundstage.
JoeBi
Sep 20, 2018
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Nmbr5Earbuds are like the ones that came with the old iPod, while the later ones that stick into the canal are like IEMs.
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