Snowplough

Have thought of that but don't see many, if any, suitably portable ones down here (NZ). I get pretty good results with the Walkman adjusted as described above but will try an amp if I get the chance, just to see. I have also thought of trying the C3 out on the home system to see what they are really capable of, but that would also require a headphone amp. I never expected C3s on a portable player (even one using .wav files) to match the capabilities of my main system but the combination does pretty well nevertheless. As they say - fit for purpose, which is good quality music at comfortable volumes and without background noise on the commute and at the office. Steve

That worked quite well. I had been boosting both ends but lowering the middle produced similar results and possibly slightly better ones. I have set up both options as custom EQ settings on my Walkman so can switch between them easily while I make up my mind which I prefer. Steve

I noticed that also but I don't think the detail is actually missing, just the top end is a little subdued and lacks the sparkle you can get from a good set of speakers (appropriately driven of course). I improved the top end of mine a lot by adjusting the EQ settings on my Walkman. Steve

I accidentally discovered an alternative answer to the question about getting replacement ear tips. I changed my mind about what gel size I intended to use after a few weeks of use and I was unable to change gel sizes in the registration data. I therefore unregistered my C3s and then re registered them with the correct gel size. A few days later a small pack of the new gel size arived. Quite simple really. Don't you just love automation. Steve

They are never going to sound as good as a decent set of floor-standers but then carrying your hi-fi speakers around on your shoulders would become a bit of a chore. I have therefore found C3's to be a good compromise, but getting them to sing can be a bit of a challenge. It took me nearly two weeks to get the insertion angle /gel combination right and in the end I found sticking cotton buds (Q-tips to some I think) in my ears and then looking at myself in the mirror (even if it was strictly something to do in private) was most useful for getting the upward slope angle right. I have also found that if you have got the wire angle wrong it can cause them to gradually pull out of your ear, irrespective of whether you have the right gel size. Also, as someone else mentioned, moistening the gels with a bit of saliva before inserting them can make all the difference in achieving a good fit, especially when you are still experimenting with getting the insertion angle correct. Steve

Just use the end of a small plastic cable tie on the gels. Not as flash, but just as effective. It worked well on mine (haven't lost the cleaner, just didn't have it with me). I wouldn't poke it down the hole in the actual earpiece though but if you keep the gels clean ear wax shouldn't get that far. Steve