shotgunshane’s IEM (custom and universal) recommendations, favorites and classics

A exciting sounding, moderately forward V-shaped sound with powerful bass (boosted, but tight and fast).
Perhaps somewhat dry sounding and could be a little bit more refined, compared to better IEM's, but for a workhorse IEM on the go these do well.

 

The Fostex TE-02ns are in fact among the better isolating dynamic IEMs I know. A lot of DDs are both front and rear vented and hence isolate less. The 02ns have only a rear vent, which btw is the reason why you might hear a bit of driver flex during insertion. However, the lack of a front vent actually benefits isolation. I think the main problem in noisy surroundings is the somewhat bass-light and treble-happy stock signature. My modded 02ns have a fuller low range and cleaner treble, and I wear them on my commute on a daily basis.

Let me know if you want to try a modded TE-02n. No doubt, there are better housings out there, but I'd still think the "thin plastic sound" you mention is rather due to stock tuning than housing material. @shotgunshane just did a private little shootout of 5 different mod versions and the stock sound came out last. The top-rated mod (that we both agree upon) sounds anything but thin.

 

That said, the Porsche Design Motion One are also among the better isolating DDs and would fit your bill imo. They sound excellent, but not necessarily better than the modded TE-02ns. They look a lot nicer though, and have removable cables and a wireless option.

Just don't expect Shure or Etymotic like isolation from DD IEMs, just saying...

 

Not yet. I actually stopped posting updates in the measurements thread because the many different mod versions became confusing.

Now that the project is kind of finalized, I need to take pictures, write up a step-by-step tutorial and start a dedicated thread. Unfortunately, I'm pretty swamped atm, so this will take some time.

 

I'd like to try a modded TE-02n. Is there one to thicken up the sound a little that's relatively simple for a non-crafty type and reversible?

 

I had them for a bit. I still have the T10s. T20s sounded better, but there are much better options for the price. Maybe not the same build quality, which I think is epic (not talking about the cables, which seem to have some issues) but the housings are incredible... Tank like.

 

Do any single BAs have the dynamics and texture of a DD? What about the FAs?

Can you notice incoherence in hybrids?

I just tried Spiral dots and they seal a lot better. Bass response naturally better too now.

 

Thanks! Didn't actually mean to post those questions but the form automatically saved my drafts of them. In any case, with just the better tips and seal I'm perfectly pleased with the Fostex for on the go. Just bought another pair in fact in case of modding.

 

has anyone tried the TE-04 yet? they just arrived in HK, not dirt cheap but at approx 80$ usd and with detachable (mmcx) cable, could possibly be a decent alternative to the se215

http://www.fostexinternational.com/docs/products/TE04.shtml

 

Here's a dead easy yet still effective TE-02n mod that you could try. You just need 3M micropore tape and a needle to perform it:

http://www.superbestaudiofriends.or...e-02n-iem-measurements.2154/page-4#post-97389

It requres you to first remove the metal nozzle filter, which is partly responsible for the stock unit's treble stridency.

If you want to reverse the mod, just glue the metal filters back on. Make sure that glue stays out of the nozzle.

Great find, I'll definitely need to try these. Wished they had the 02n's 40 ohms driver though, instead of 16 ohms.

 

Any reason to expect that removing the metal filter + comply with filters wouldn't achieve close to the same result?

 

It's worth a try, though the damping / smoothing effect on treble will probably be less marked. IIRC, Comply claims their filters to be acoustically transparent.

 

So I cranked the fostex up on my GO last night by accident to about 90 (usually listen at 15) forgetting they were plugged in. They sound less clear and more tinny now but I can't tell if its me being paranoid about it. Any way to confirm a damaged driver?

 

run a sweep and see if you could hear any overt distortion and break ups.

 

Sorry, how do I do that?

edit: never mind, pretty sure they're fugazi. Mids are missing. Oh well, glad I ordered another pair and they're cheap.

 

sorry to hear man, in any case, here's a sweep that i sometimes use to detect anomalies (ringing / crackling / rattling / loose / blown drivers etc)

 

Is there anyone listening with IEM only? I usually listen music while I am working and it means that I am listening about 6 to 8 hours each day non-stop with low to medium volume level. And I am thinking to stick to IEM only but not sure if it is safe to eardrum. I was told that ADEL/APEX tech is good alternative but just want to check if taking off a few minutes to rest and put back on occasionally would sufficient. Love to hear how others cope with this.