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

Discussion in 'IEMs and Portable Gear' started by shotgunshane, Jun 7, 2016.

Page 60 of 126
  1. Imraan

    Imraan Friend

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    LOL, damn! ;)
     
    Imraan, Oct 16, 2017
    #1181
  2. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    Added the LS200 to the list. It's an excellently comfortable and small fitting dual armature universal. The dual lamp cord like design of the cable reminds me a bit of the Moon-Audio Dragon look and feel of cables. I'm not the biggest fan of this type of memory wire but once fitted it's easy to forget it. Overall the tuning is fairly neutral. It has nice punch and extension with well placed vocals; from there the upper midrange and treble are a bit shelved down for a pleasant, slightly laid back approach. Speakerphone has some measurements here: https://clarityfidelity.blogspot.com/2017/01/audio-technica-ath-ls200is-iem.html?m=1. They show distortion a little on the high side and while not obviously noticeable, I think it probably affects the overall resolution and sense of transparency. While the frequency response is clean and clear, the LS200 isn't the most resolving and deep sounding dual armature. However its pretty musical and easy to just enjoy the music without over thinking it.
     
    shotgunshane, Oct 20, 2017
    #1182
  3. Cellist88

    Cellist88 Friend

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    Imraan....you should get a 4.4 balanced cable. WM1A is much better from balanced than SE.
     
    Cellist88, Oct 20, 2017
    #1183
  4. Imraan

    Imraan Friend

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    Hey, thanks for the tip @Cellist88 I did get one - it was on order from ALO, and arrived on Wednesday evening. Definite improvement over SE out. Am about 48hrs into burn-in of the WM1A now. Hard to put it away and go to bed already :)
     
    Imraan, Oct 20, 2017
    #1184
  5. Biodegraded

    Biodegraded Friend

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    Apologies if you've documented this elsewhere, but what's the OI of the player(s)/amp(s) you use when auditioning BAs? Given the impedance swings of the dual armatures, in particular, it'd be nice to have that as context (especially where measurements are available, as at the Speakerphone link).
     
    Biodegraded, Oct 21, 2017
    #1185
  6. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    For the LS200, I’ve used with the iPhone dongle and Lotoo Paw 5000 in high damping mode; both under 1 ohm. I’ve yet to try with the AK JR, which I believe is close to 3 ohms (I don’t believe in AK’s spec of 2).
     
    shotgunshane, Oct 21, 2017
    #1186
  7. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    My daps are on my profile page. I also have a Mezzo modded AK120 which is 1 ohm.
     
    shotgunshane, Oct 21, 2017
    #1187
  8. Amooy

    Amooy New

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    Hi, I don't know very much about headphones and would appreciate some help deciding. I'm currently interested in two models on the list with similar price range: the ATH LS200 and the Massdrop Plus. Out of the two, which one would you recommend?
     
    Amooy, Oct 24, 2017
    #1188
  9. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    I would recommend the Plus over the LS200 if money is not an issue. The Plus sounds clearer, more transparent, more extended and livelier than the LS200.

    This is all assuming you like a more neutral signature and diffuse field type tuning in general. Someone that likes the Etymotic ER4XR would definitely love the Plus.
     
    shotgunshane, Oct 24, 2017
    #1189
  10. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    I thought I'd reshare this here:

     
    shotgunshane, Oct 26, 2017
    #1190
  11. rawrster

    rawrster New

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    @shotgunshane would you say the ue4 are close enough to the uerm when using crappy sources (Samsung s8+ phone). I was hoping to take advantage of the 30% off coupon and purchase the uerr however it seems to be more of a disappointment to many who enjoyed the uerm and I'd rather not make an expensive mistake. I heard the ue4 demo and do remember them sounding very similar however that was probably 5 years ago. I would use these mostly for my work commute so do need something with good isolation and at $399 it looks like a bargain.

    I also have the andromeda so this wouldn't be the only thing I'll have.
     
    rawrster, Oct 28, 2017
    #1191
  12. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    The UE4 seems to be a close approximation but I remember it being noticeably less refined and perhaps a hair bassier. But otherwise fairly neutral.

    The UERR shelves the treble down way too much imo.

    Also consider the Massdrop Plus. It’s a little more akin to the Etymotic ER4XR than UERM though. It has much better clarity than the XR and brings a hair more warmth.
     
    shotgunshane, Oct 28, 2017
    #1192
  13. jowls

    jowls Never shitposts (please) - Friend

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    I sold UERR and kept UE4 (which is the longest surviving piece of gear I have owned, along with HD600).

    UE4 gets closer to UERM, although less resolving with a touch of treble grain and a more compressed soundstage. UE4 is hands down one of the bargains in this hobby, especially if you can get scanned rather than paying for impressions. It is never on sale because the margins must be tight.
     
    jowls, Oct 28, 2017
    #1193
  14. rawrster

    rawrster New

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    Thanks for the quick responses. I was definitely leaning towards the UE4 and it looks like this will do for me. The phone as the main source along with a noisy commute should negate the majority of the refinement that is lacking compared to something better. I would consider the massdrop plus however I'm done with the days of waiting 2-3+ months for something to arrive and I do want to get back into customs and not deal with tips anymore. On another note, I do like how UE offers mmcx and a potential bluetooth option for some flexibility.

    My audiologist is a UE dealer and I read somewhere that all their dealers have the scanning technology so that shouldn't be an issue. I do believe I get a discount if it's not free since I'll purchase the UE4 through the dealer. I'll probably spend around $500 which isn't too bad for something that should suit my preference.
     
    rawrster, Oct 28, 2017
    #1194
  15. jowls

    jowls Never shitposts (please) - Friend

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    Yup. After owning far too many TOTL IEMs it is all too apparent that UE4 is the point at which diminishing returns sets in heavily, especially in less than ideal listening environments or when using basic sources...
     
    jowls, Oct 28, 2017
    #1195
  16. Mimouille

    Mimouille Facebook Friend

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    Just got two cool things from Shozy / Cozoy, the Takt Pro and the Shozy Star II, which seems to aim at competing in the neutral / reference tuning segment. I can say that it is very well built and comfy.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
    Mimouille, Oct 29, 2017
    #1196
  17. Crinacle

    Crinacle Friend

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    Been meaning to try/measure the Star for a while. Impressions?
     
    Crinacle, Oct 29, 2017
    #1197
  18. Mimouille

    Mimouille Facebook Friend

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    Well I just listened for 30mn or so. I tend to think that any iem going for neutral tunning will not impress on first audition. This iem is very pleasant sounding, seems indeed quite uncolored. Stage and separation are quite competent. I am wondering if there not a slight push in the mids in terms of presentation...to be confirmed.

    With the LPG, there is some harshness so I will switch to the WM1Z balanced tomorrow (as advised by Shozy). It supposedly requires some "burn-in", mega-lol, but I guess it will be mostly my brain getting used to it.
     
    Mimouille, Oct 29, 2017
    #1198
  19. drgumbybrain

    drgumbybrain Science Nut

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    Hello friends. I’m looking for some impressions to buy a new iem.
    I’m between shure kse1500 and EE zeux universal fit. I’m having a hard time because due sanitary restrictions we cannot try iem In stores

    Can someone chime in about one or the other?
    Thnaks
     
    drgumbybrain, Oct 30, 2017
    #1199
  20. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    I haven’t heard the Shure. I think @Mimouille has had extended time with both.

    What kind of sound are you looking for?
     
    shotgunshane, Oct 30, 2017
    #1200
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