IEM general discussion thread

Discussion in 'IEMs and Portable Gear' started by Griffon, Nov 1, 2015.

  1. mulolomu

    mulolomu New

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    I did actually, I owned TG334 and have auditioned the K10u but the "old" version not the aluminium/metal version.

    Same fun and engaging sound signature but different focus. TG334 definitely more mid centric and better timbre and detail at human voices and mid area. For the imaging, vocalist seems more focused/forward and while the instrument placed more backward.
    K10u is more focused on the bass section, the bass is more layered and detailed. But the imaging is fallshort when compared to TG334, I feel sometimes in a busy passages music/instrument, the imaging and placement become blurry and "stacking" each other.
    About the soundstage section, hands down to TG334 which is more spacious and have a better depth and height also more 3D feeling. K10u is definitely narrower and smaller in comparison.
    Both have the same slow decaying bass, but sometimes TG334 can be a little bit bloated but it still managable with different cables and eartips matching.
    About the treble section, IMO both of it have the same quantity, but the K10u have more energy and feel energetic/lively without sounding harsh or peaky, while TG334 can be sibilance on some recording..

    YMMV
     
  2. Enigmatic

    Enigmatic Friend

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    Hi zerodeefex - Is the new UE4 Pro revision currently in the market already, i.e. the same one on their website?
    Thanks.
     
  3. mulolomu

    mulolomu New

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    Anyone here who had tried the 1964 ears U8? Can you please share your impression please...

    Thank you...
     
  4. JeremiahS

    JeremiahS Almost "Made"

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    Dear mulolomu,

    Great impressions and I just want to add a bit.

    In Singapore Can Jam I did try the new K10U and I like it very much. A bit more neutral than the older K10 and no longer sound dull. Overall a still relaxed and vry balanced sound signature.

    TG! 334 is definitely more forward sounding and slightly more aggressive. Latest version has the mid-bass and sibilance reduced.

    In real life I think I have to give a slight edge to the Noble since it's more balanced and very small in size, making it comfortable to wear.

    Hope this helps.

    Regards,
    Jeremiah
     
  5. HAL9000

    HAL9000 Almost "Made"

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    I am running the Atlas IEMs in balanced mode with my Pono. After finding the right filter, orange, I am really enjoying the setup.
     
  6. BlueElephant

    BlueElephant New

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    http://jyrab.blogspot.sg/
    Hum Pristine review from a local (Singaporean) diyer. Haven't read it completely yet, but thought it would be nice to share.
    He has lots of interesting stuff on his blog including modding of a sony player. Not updated very often, but when it is the information generally is pretty good.
     
  7. Kunlun

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

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    Good review. He sure likes the kaede II.
     
  8. Skyline

    Skyline Double-blindly done with this hobby

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    Looking to buy my first IEM. I love my DT1350, but am curious about the IEM world since I've never dipped my toes in those particular waters.

    Debating between RHA MA750 and the RE-400.

    Thoughts?

    For reference, the HE-500 is pretty much my favorite headphone on the planet if that helps with my preferred sound signature.
     
  9. take

    take Friend

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    The RHA MA750 is great at the price point, deep and strong but not overly mid-bassy bass, and solid mids into highs that are a tad bit overdone but totally manageable for the clarity they bring. I haven't heard the RE-400 but it sounds much more mid-focused and significantly less bass-inclined from what I've read.
     
  10. Skyline

    Skyline Double-blindly done with this hobby

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    Yeah, it looks like the MA750 is the winner based on build quality alone. I just worry that the sound signature will not be balanced/clear enough. I've heard several people refer to the sound as veiled...
     
  11. jafnvaegi

    jafnvaegi Friend

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    Yeah, relative to the bass and treble, the mids are a bit further back in the mix. Too much for my tastes anyway, but the MA750 is a fun and engaging headphone regardless, plus the build quality is superb indeed...relative to the Hifimans. I do prefer the sound of of the Hifimans though it is hard to recommend them due to build quality (which in 99% cases is related to the stock cable build quality, as the drivers/housing are well done otherwise). Hence, why I've pretty much recabled every one I've had since the RE-Zero back when lol. If you can get the MA750 somewhere that has a return policy though, they're worth a listen as they're very good otherwise...but I prefer my mids a certain way. The current run of Hifimans do have more prominent mids but also smoother treble as a result. If you want more forward upper mids and sparkle (and isolation isn't a priority) the Fiio EX1/Dunu Titan is a good option to read up on so I'm told, I've not had a chance to try these yet. If you want to extend your budget a bit further, I have to say the new Mee Pinnacle is a really great performer with a quite neutral signature and also has superb build quality, fit/comfort & accessories (akin to the RHA offerings). There are some impressions around here somewhere. Currently, they are my DD and I have no aspirations to upgrade anytime soon.
     
  12. Skyline

    Skyline Double-blindly done with this hobby

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    Thanks for the heads up on the Mee Pinnacle...I'll look into them.
     
  13. GettingBuckets

    GettingBuckets Almost "Made"

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    So what's the deal with the Brainwavz B2/Fischer DBA-02? They've intrigued me since I heard they are a classic due to their performance for their price.
     
  14. Serious

    Serious Inquisitive Frequency Response Plot

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    Neutral FR a la UERM. Need super deep insertion depth to get rid of the TWFK peak. Super clear and resolving, especially for the price. I really like them. More coherent and higher treble extension than UERM but slight 4kHz resonance (I think this is due to the driver). The B2 is my go-to IEM that I bring with me all the time. My cheap alternative to the UERM.
     
  15. GettingBuckets

    GettingBuckets Almost "Made"

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    That makes sense then. Universal that is pretty much like UERM except for a lot cheaper.
    The tough part about those is that they seem annoyingly hard to find nowadays.

    Any impressions/thoughts on the Cardas A8?
     
  16. Serious

    Serious Inquisitive Frequency Response Plot

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    Don't get me wrong, the UERM really is on another level technically, but for the 50€ that I paid for my B2, it is pretty much impossible to beat. I much prefer them to the Zero Audio Carbo Tenore and Apple Dual Driver IEMs that I also have. I also doubt that the RE-00 compares, I had the RE-400 before and didn't like it. (I also doubt that I would prefer the RE-272 to the B2, but that's just me who prefers less 2kHz in my IEMs.) The Brainwavz B2 were essentially exactly what I was looking for: a relatively cheap universal IEM that doesn't fall out of my ears with a sound signature very close to my UERMs and good technicalities that I could just take with me everywhere and not worry too much when they get lost or damaged.
    Look how closely the FR matches:
     
  17. Claritas

    Claritas Friend

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    Zach's comment here is right on topic and a great summary.

    Bear in mind that those two fit into two broadly different joker categories and he's generally right about that, so they're gonna be very different. I like RE400 even though it doesn't amaze, because it's pretty neutral and very comfortable. I was never interested in buying MA750 for music listening, and decided against buying it for phone calls and movies because the 2-6 kHz rise looks too broad for my taste. Best luck!
     
  18. Impulse

    Impulse Friend

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    Huh, been exploring options for my sister who likes the Fidelio S1 I gave her a few years ago but would like better isolation while traveling (gonna have her try my Etys but I doubt she'll like the fit on 'em).

    I didn't know HFM had lowered the RE400 price AND put out a version with Android controls? That's pretty cool, just not sure if she'd take to their signature as well... Other options with mic, comfort & decent isolation at ~$75?
     
    Last edited: Apr 29, 2016
  19. jafnvaegi

    jafnvaegi Friend

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    Yeah, not too many other options in that price range. You've got the Ostry KC06 mentioned above as an option that seems like a popular alternative to the RE400 (not heard them myself) and are about $70 I believe. I dunno if they have an in-line remote option. It's a shame the Steelseries Flux was discontinued, as they are quite similar to the S1 in FR and overall presentation, were $50 new and isolated much better IIRC. Inline mic too. I actually got a few pairs of those when they were on close-out for like $10 ea. and gave them to my siblings and fiancee (and kept a pair as backups). Another alternative that's still around is the Zero Audio Carbo Tenore which can be had on Amazon for about $40 or so, and I bet that'd be an easier transition from the S1...though no mic controls there. While the RE400 is still one of the best performers for under $80 around for most genres (vocals and acoustic especially) I am always wary about their cables durability over long term use. You've got the Fiio EX1/Dunu Titan at that price too, but they will isolate to the same level if not less than the S1.
     
  20. take

    take Friend

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    Out of curiosity, since I don't go around much into budget IEM territory, what is it that makes certain ones not isolate as well? Is it an inherent design of the housing that lets sound in, or is it the stock tips and something that could be fixed with tip rolling?
     

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