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

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

  1. Stuff Jones

    Stuff Jones Friend

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    @CEE TEE Since our efforts to nudge @KenBall to make a neutral (or close to) TOL caliber DD IEM have failed, can we task you with that?

    There's a big hole in the market there!
     
  2. CEE TEE

    CEE TEE MOT: NITSCH

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    ^It's on my list, thanks!
     
  3. BaconBits

    BaconBits Acquaintance

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    CEE TEE is a the savior of DD heads.
     
  4. HAL9000

    HAL9000 Almost "Made"

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    He already did. The IMR Acoustics R1: IMR Acoustics - Premium In Ear Monitors

    I have a pair and with the neutral (blue) filter installed, they are pretty neutral. They have exceptional extension high and low and great soundstage...
     
  5. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    According to the THL review the R1 is made by someone named Bob. I don’t know that reviewers preferences but he makes it sound pretty bright with all filters.

    Is it a hybrid? The specs meantion a ceramic second driver.
     
  6. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    Did you like the MH1? It has really good treble and midrange but way too elevated bass. But if you liked it in general, the LG Quadbeat 3 may be worth picking up. The bass is still elevated but not as much as the MH1. Treble isn’t quite as smooth as the MH1 but is overall a more linear signature. Plus it’s only $30. Not sure about availability in Europe but SQ wise, it’s a good alternative to the MH1. Oh yeah, much better cable too.
     
  7. RanocchiO

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    Yes, I liked the MH1. With not perfect sealing the bass wasn't an issue for me.
    LG LE630 are available for 15€ so I will try them for sure.
    Can you please give a significant upgrade option also? (like going from HD598 to HD650)

    Many thanks
     
  8. shanchandi

    shanchandi Acquaintance

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    does anyone have experience with kz iems? wondering if they're worth taking a look at.
     
  9. james444

    james444 Mad IEM modding wizard level 99

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    I only have experience with the KZ ED9. If you exchange the default (gold) nozzles for the bronze ones, these become pretty well balanced. Recommended, if you want something very cheap that sounds good without the need for modding.
     
    Last edited: May 13, 2018
  10. TurbinoZ100000

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    KZ ATE is pretty dang good for it's price as well. The bass is retarded, but with EQ I can use my pair all day at work. The fit is so shallow though that I can only wear them while stationary, they keep slipping out otherwise.
     
  11. likearake

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    Hi shotgunshane / All

    After using the Andromeda for about 90% of my music listening for almost two years, I am looking for another IEM for a bit more fun / more forgiving / easier fit / less hiss. Possibly just bored.

    Had a listen to some on the weekend and was shocked at how much I enjoyed the SE846. Not sure if this was just because they are so different but it felt like I could listen to more poorly recorded albums I avoid on the Andro, although not sure if I would quickly get tired of the bass (I was using the "balanced" filter). Also fit was fantastic, however the hiss problem is not fixed.

    Also tried the IT03, which felt a bit unnatural and thin in comparison, Xelento couldn't get a good fit, IE800S was nice but didn't feel different enough or "fun" enough as a complement to the Andro. I also tried the old K10U a little while ago but didn't have any temptation to listen to it over the Andromeda.

    All impressions were on a Sony WM1A.

    Any recommendations on other IEMs I should be looking at? Needing a bit of a re-think as I was not expecting to enjoy the 846.

    Thanks!
     
  12. Stuff Jones

    Stuff Jones Friend

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    I sold my Andros and got the JVC FWO1s. Definitely not audiophile but have the DD dynamics and timbre I missed with the Andros. Excellent soundstage too.

    But I'm still searching for something that bridges the gap between the two.
     
  13. Kunlun

    Kunlun cat-alyzes cat-aclysmic cat-erwauling - Friend

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    ^^^^^ @KenBall
     
  14. Stuff Jones

    Stuff Jones Friend

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    That dog don't hunt no more.
     
  15. deafdoorknob

    deafdoorknob Almost "Made"

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    Empire Ears Bravado, seriously comtemplating selling my Andros after audtioning them.
     
  16. roscoeiii

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    How about nice DD IEMs? CA Vega or the new Atlas could be described as fun, especially if that DD bass impact is your thing.

    As for the 846s, if you listen again, think hard about how you feel about their treble. I'd say that is the weakness of the 846 sound signature.
     
  17. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    Sorry for the late reply.
    Some options to consider in that price range: Brainwavz B400, Massdrop x Noble X, Mee Audio Pinnacle P1 and Vsonic GR07 BE. The most significant upgrade would probably be something like the Sony MDR-7550 (aka EX800ST but I'm not sure if that's available anywhere outside of Japan.
     
  18. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    Sounds like you are looking for a warmer and smoother signature. If so, the Oriolus MKII might be up your alley and would be my first suggestion. Stay away from the cheaper Forestini though. The new EE hybrids have been generating a lot of talk over at HF but I haven't heard any of them. From what I understand, they will be considerably bassier than Andromeda. And as someone else mentioned, the JVC Woodies might be a good choice as well. They will come off a good bit more V shaped.
     
  19. Stuff Jones

    Stuff Jones Friend

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    Just to add about the JVC woodies. The FW01 is apparently the most refined. The bass is too loose but not as bad as I was expecting. I don't find the mids that shelved or overpowered by the bass. My biggest complaint is that the treble can be a little tizzy or grainy or rough (don't know which word is best here). Incidentally, the treble was for me me the best part of the Andros. So smooth and yet extended, at least out of the ZX2. Best I've ever heard by a long shot.
     
  20. likearake

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    Thanks! I had added Vega to my list to try this week (and will give Lyra II a go as well) although I suspect the treble may not be what I am looking for.

    Thanks guys! Oriolus was one that I was starting to consider after further research. Unfortunately can't demo any of the Oriolus, EE or JVC iems here, so will have to think hard about it. JVC probably not at the top of my list based on the treble comparison from Stuff Jones.

    I might have another listen to the 846 and think more carefully about whether I could live with it.


    I have listened to the Andromeda for almost 2 years exclusively and enjoyed it so I suppose I certainly don't have a huge problem with the treble, probably just time to try something new / different. Lately I had been working then studying at night and by the time I get to listen to music at the end of the day the Andromeda is often too much for my tired brain.
     

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