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

The rounder Earsonics shells can be super comfortable but not the edgier shapes like the old SM3. The Oriveti shells are really comfortable too.

I was able to borrow a Westone W30. SQ was just ok but fitted with either the star silicone tips or their foamies, it was as comfortable (or more so) as a custom. Just awesome fit. Now if someone could just convince Westone to deviate from their veiled house sound

 

The newer model Westones are less veiled than the Shure 215, however it's still frustrating to me as Westone demand a large price tag for their iems. Earsonics SM64 is less veiled sounding but still similar to the Westone type of sound. The SM64 sounds a hair loose in bass and has more obvious crossover points compared to Westone. They also are very expensive for what you get.

I've never heard the ES3 or Shure 535. I haven't heard the UM Pro 30 either but used to own the UM3X. While pretty warm and bassy, the UM3X could sound pretty nice with male vocals. Pretty intimate but engaging and smooth.

 

The Merlin I owned was V1 and my uunderstanding is that there is a V2 now. Not sure what sonic changes there may be.

The Merlin I owned was a bass first signature with a focus on deep bass. It did not bleed into the midrange and had excellent texture. Andromeda bass is deep bass focused as well but doesn't have the quantity the Merlin did. Plus the BA Andromeda bass is faster as well.

The Merlin has a little treble sparkle. It was a thinner treble compared to Andromeda, which is brighter and more sparkly overall.

Also I remember the Merlin being upfront and tall, whereas Andromeda gives you a little more space and is wider and airier. I hope this helps.

 

My thoughts on the iFi Audio iEMatch over on CYMBACAVUM: https://cymbacavum.com/2017/03/06/ifi-iematch/

 

No I didn't hear a haze but a softening of dynamics on low gain. Increasing gain resolved that issue and actually sounded more dynamic in high gain.

 

Sorry about the confusion, I meant low gain and high gain on the dap I used. I didn't find any other changes, other than some softened dynamics in low gain on the QP1R.

 

I’ve had the InEar ProPhile-8 for a little over a week and can unequivocally say this is one of the finest iems I’ve ever heard. I’ve yet to give it a direct A/B with the UERM and Andromeda but this may be the reference tuning many a UERM lover has been looking for- similar bass levels but a little better extension, slightly more forward upper mid and more relaxed but even treble. Treble doesn’t extend quite as far, nor does it have the air of UERM but it’s easily as detailed with more a natural weight to it. Overall, FR kind of reminds me of the Etymotic ER4XR but the PP8 is clearer, more transparent and much more resolving/nuanced. I’ll be adding this to the list, on the first post, as soon as I can get a chance to get on my laptop.