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

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

  1. joeexp

    joeexp Don't ship this man FD-X1 ever

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    Micropore tape I have tried without desired effect; Best so far: Cotton wool stuffed in earbuds; Next I will be ordering some of James's Antiseptic Wipes. See how this works out.... Without measurements this is a little more challenging.
     
  2. james444

    james444 Mad IEM modding wizard level 99

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    Basically, what @Biodegraded said.

    But keep in mind, any material that damps the 3kHz spike will sure as hell damp the higher frequencies too, so you may trade in a shouty signature for an overly bassy one. In that case, it's probably better to target the spike via EQ.

    (If these are what I think they are, it's pretty uncharted territory for me, since I've never laid my hands on an electrostatic driver IEM.)
     
  3. RobS

    RobS RobS? More like RobDiarrhea.

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    [​IMG]

    pictured: Motorola Vervebuds 300 + 6 Sennheiser CX Ear Buds Gel Tips Large (from James' link)

    Phone: LG V30 with Tidal app

    Got these off Groupon since I needed something for the gym where I didn't have to fuss with cables.

    Quick impressions:
    • Relaxed, easygoing sound signature
    • Very clear vocals and not obstructed by mid-bass
    • Recessed headstage pushes the center image to the back of my head
    • Transient attacks are mediocre to poor
    • Midrange is on the thin side, needs more weight
    • Treble is smoothed over, not hearing any spikes
    • Inserting the earbuds deeper in your ear canal results in a more bloated mid-bass almost to the point of distortion but doesn't overrun the midrange and treble
    • The included "Large" earbud tips provide a much better seal and improved noise isolation from the stock tips (Haven't tried the Sennheiser earbuds from eBay yet). Pain in the ass to switch the gel tips though (the instructions aren't helpful)
    • I like the ability to skip, pause and play tracks by touching the exterior of the bud
    • Love the magnetic mechanism to hold both earbuds in the charging stick. Can throw it in a bag or pocket and not worry about losing the buds
    • Bluetooth issues where signal is dropped for a few seconds or only one earbud has sound for a few seconds then the other bud starts working again. Might be my phone or some other interference?
    • Earbuds are extremely tiny and I'll probably end up losing them.
    Overall: Good for $44. I wouldn't pay the full price for these. I am surprised by how clear the vocals are, doesn't sound lo-fi.

    This is my first wireless electronics purchase (not counting a smartphone). Still a wired diehard...
     
    Last edited: Nov 26, 2019
  4. james444

    james444 Mad IEM modding wizard level 99

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    I think it's best to reverse the gel tips first and then slide them onto the nozzle (leave a small gap at the end).

    Try to wear them with a shallow seal for better sound stage and less bass bloat. Shallow seal might also help with BT-stability, my experience in that regard has been very good so far. The gel tips should become very pliable and comfy after they've warmed up in your ears.

    [​IMG]
     
  5. Stuff Jones

    Stuff Jones Friend

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    I'm a huge IEM person but I don't see the advantage of TWS. What am I missing? Don't most people listen with a phone or DAP in their pocket or on the table in front of them as they're seated? In that case TWS doesnt extend the listening range from phone or DAP and just adds stress because you have to keep yet another device charged (and worry about fidelity loss). How else are people using IEMs so that TWS is worthwhile?

    On the other hand, getting some wireless HD6XXs and an amplifier to allow me to move freely around the living room (without SQ loss) would be amazing.
     
  6. zerodeefex

    zerodeefex SBAF's Imelda Marcos

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    I find them amazing for general use. I'm not talking sitting and really listening, but background music, podcasts, calls, etc. Especially at work, I'm on calls or VCs 80% of my day and they're phenomenal for me.
     
  7. randytsuch

    randytsuch Friend

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    I used to think the same way, then I got a pair of TWS. Its really nice to open the little case, and just pop them into your ears. They just turn on, and connect to your phone. Nothing else to do to start listening to music. This is when I'm at work or out for a walk or something. I had thought its just a wire, but after getting used to TWS that wire is a pain.
    I started with a pair from drop, but they had a phase problem so were returned. I now have a pair mpow t5's which are ok but I'm not crazy about sq.
    I'm using a trn bt20 with a pair of cheap iems, Revonext QT5's. A little more trouble to use because I have to plug in to charge and push two buttons to turn on and off, but I like SQ better. But they hurt my ears after a while so am going to try the bt20s with different iems to see how that works out.
     
  8. Poleepkwa

    Poleepkwa Friend

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    I use the SE215 with the trn bt20's. That is just as supercomfy combination.
     
  9. Bruno

    Bruno New

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    Hello people,
    I am considering buying my first "Ciem", and I am in doubt among the 4 models, which are: Earsonics EM4, EM6, EM64 and Spiral Ear 5 Way Reference.
    I like listening to genres like Pop / Rock / Electronic, I like a warm, full-bodied and detailed sound too, and I think the 4 fit well (I say) hehehehe.

    Best regards,
    Bruno
     
  10. joeexp

    joeexp Don't ship this man FD-X1 ever

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    Dear Bruno - go to page 1 for recommendations or ask Alexa.
     
  11. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    I believe we discussed these manufacturers a few months ago. August maybe? At any rate I don’t think there are any members here with Earsonics experience and it’s a manufacture I can’t recommend based on my past experience.

    If you search the forum, there are a few that were able to hear another users SE 5 way, as well as measure it. While it was force fitting another users custom, impressions were meh. Crinacle/La Cenric has heard and measured the SE 5 way as well, and mentions possible phase weirdness as part of the design to make it sound large. Seems to be an acquired taste. I know it has a cult like following, but there are also several silent detractors who feel it sounds way too dark.

    When it comes to customs, keep in mind there aren’t many reshellers anymore, so there is very little resale value should you not like what you purchase. From my years of experience, I’ve had great fitting and just ok fitting customs. It can be a bit of a crap shoot depending on your impressions and the skill of the maker. I personally prefer uni’s to customs.

    Customs do not necessarily equal better SQ than universals and blind buy customs is really tough to recommend now adays. Of course it’s a viable option for those that struggle to find comfortable and proper fit in a universal and/or they were able to demo a custom and fell in love with the sound.
     
    Last edited: Nov 28, 2019
  12. EagleWings

    EagleWings Friend

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    @Bruno , does it really have to be a custom? A few years back, custom IEM was the thing, because some of the best IEMs were available only in custom form. I'll admit that the customs do come with a couple of other benefits too. But in this day and age, I feel buying a custom IEM blindly, may not be a wise decision. Based on the sound description you are looking for, you could either end up with a very warm and thick IEM, or a detailed and bright IEM. For these reasons, it may be wise to look into universals, so that you'd at least have the option to sell it, if it doesn't work out in the end. Plus, there are plenty of options in the universal realm these days.
     
    Last edited: Nov 28, 2019
  13. Bruno

    Bruno New

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    Hi,
    from what I've read that I'm already "fed up" with reading, everyone I mentioned will most likely like it, but this is like everything, because what is good / bad for one person may not be for me. . . Of those things I just tried, and what makes me consider buying custom ones is also a lot to do with isolation.
     
  14. YMO

    YMO Chief Fun Officer

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    Do you want to gamble with a custom? What happens if you happen to not like the sound? You are stuck with it since it is unique.
     
  15. Bruno

    Bruno New

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    Hello,
    I also have this fear, because then it is much harder to sell, I believe. But one of the main reasons for me is also the isolation, because where I want to use them, there's a lot of noise
     
  16. Bruno

    Bruno New

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    Hello, just to listen to music. Well, there is also this bad part so let's say.
     
  17. Metro

    Metro Friend

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    It may seem like a subtle difference, but not being tethered by a wire gives a feeling of freedom that makes it a different experience.

    I have the Radsone ES100 bluetooth receiver and it drives the HD6XX surprisingly well, even on single-ended 3.5mm output (I don't have a 2.5mm cable to try the balanced output). On a tiny amp over bluetooth there is of course SQ loss compared to a desktop system, but you might still find the SQ good enough to be enjoyable.

    People have attached small receivers (ES100, FiiO BTR3/BTR5, etc) to their full size headphones and use a short cable to effectively make them wireless headphones.

    IMG_20191014_163050.jpg
    IMG_20190106_221110_628.jpg
     
  18. Panohm

    Panohm Friend

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    As someone who owns like 5 customs.... please don't blind buy customs if you can help it, reach out to any companies and see if they're willing to send you demos first.
     
  19. Poleepkwa

    Poleepkwa Friend

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    Since you are in Europe why not get something from Thomann? If you are willing to spend that much on CIEM, perhaps look into the Prophile/ Stagediver series. They isolate really well and fit like a CIEM.
     
  20. Bruno

    Bruno New

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    Hello,
    you have 5 custom iems, do you prefer these to universals? By the way, are they all with acrylic shells or do they also have silicone?

    Thank you
     

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