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

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

  1. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    Rin gives a nice explanation in his measurements of the FitEar F111 that incorporates a horn nozzle: http://rinchoi.blogspot.com/2013/06/suyama-fit-ear-f111.html?m=1

    By gradually changing the diameter of the tube connected to the driver's output, making it wider (like a horned instrument), you can help extend treble and smooth peaks. Conversely by making the tube smaller, it can reduce extension and inflate peaks. The interior of the Spinfit tip appears to be constricted by perhaps as much as 30%.
     
  2. ksat90

    ksat90 Acquaintance

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    Cool! Thanks for the great info. That explains what's happening with the Titan/EX1 + triflange/spinfit where there's less treble peakiness but also some loss of extension (though I feel it makes things more comfortable to listen to).
     
  3. Kunlun

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

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    Okay, that actually matches with what the head of an iem maker told me once. He said with armatures, you'll sometimes notice a smaller nozzle to bring out the bass, while dynamics often have larger nozzles to bring out the treble to balance their warmer tunings. He noted a contrary example, the Future Sonics Atrio, which is a dynamic with a small nozzle to emphasize the subbass that is their trademark. Neat, huh?
     
  4. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    Assuming the tri-flange tips maintain the same bore as the nozzle: deeper fit (closer to reference plane) gives you lower amplitude of peaks, as well as shifting those peaks a little higher in the frequency response, without losing extension. Conversely shallower fit will raise the amplitude of peaks at a slightly lower point in the frequency response.
     
  5. music_4321

    music_4321 Acquaintance

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    Excellent thread, Mr Sleaze!

    Although the EX1000 had some treble issues, it remains a classic, IMO. In the end, though, I did prefer the EX800ST which I found more tonally correct and a better all-rounder—definitely an underrated phone which isn't expensive at all and, like its more expensive sibling, it's made in Japan. I still own it.
     
  6. chopstix

    chopstix Canali at HF (keeping him close)

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    i have the sony 7550...find the frankenbolts design is a bitch.

    ...still struggling with good fit and more isolation..complys don't work for me.
    i prefer silicone for better placement
    ...any suggestions, kindly?

    btw i have some xb90ex i'm selling...the bass is too overwhelming in
    that it pushes down the mids/treble imo...i'm forever eq'ing the bass down a notch
    and upping the other bands to make it more balanced.
    ...becomes really apparent when you listen to something
    on the 7550 right after the xb90ex: t is like a veil is lifted:
    the 7550 have way more balance and detail.
    of course i get it, given the 7550 is 2-3x the price.

    for the same $100 price point I'd pick the vsonic gr07 classic vs sony exb90ex.
    that said, I do wonder how the bass edition of those vsonics sound...
    the vsonic gr07 classics were my 2nd iem...what a fab little iem for their price point.

     
    Last edited: Jun 29, 2016
  7. Warrior

    Warrior RIP 2021

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    Try spiral dots with the 7550. I love the sound, but damn do I hate their design and fit. Sony really dropped the ball on that awkward design.
     
  8. chopstix

    chopstix Canali at HF (keeping him close)

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    i totally get you on the poor design. Just ordered spiral dots ...thanks...wish more companies made in between sizes like jvc does w med-large.
     
    Last edited: Jun 29, 2016
  9. chopstix

    chopstix Canali at HF (keeping him close)

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    shotgunshane:
    hopefully you'll test the newly released trinity audio delta V2, esp for their uniqueness in being able
    to change the sound sig thru different filters...i know brooko on headfi thought quite highly of them, but
    for hifichris it was a bit more of a mixed bag.
     
    Last edited: Jun 29, 2016
  10. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    I believe Sony's perpendicular design also influences the tuning. I remember reading something on this once upon a time in the old Head-Fi thread.

    You might try fitting a decored foam tip under the Sony hybrid stock tip for added isolation. At any rate the perpendicular design faces the vent out and catches wind noise. There's not much you can do about that.

    I've not heard any of the Trinity iems.
     
  11. chopstix

    chopstix Canali at HF (keeping him close)

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    yeah sony: weird design...i've ordered the spintips per warrior's suggestion...hopefully that'll help,

    and yes here's hoping that you will do a review of the trinity delta v2,
    especially with your more seasoned ears.
    ..brooko told me he's even ordered his own pair.
    interesting approach, similar to flc's customization (but there are more bass mods you can do on flc i understand). Sure it's not in the $1k club, but does it punch well in its price ooint or better.
     
    Last edited: Jun 29, 2016
  12. k4rstar

    k4rstar Britney fan club president

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    @shotgunshane What are your thoughts on the Savannah or any of the other Noble universals for female-fronted rock versus the Spartan IV? I was just about ready to order the Spartan universal until I heard of the Noble sale on the 1st. Like you I find an upper mid bump really important for rock.

    Thanks again.
     
  13. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    The only one I able to audition at length was the older version of the savant (pre-metal housing). It's upper mid focused and very good with female fronted acoustic. I didn't care for it with rock though because it rolled off on both ends pretty quickly. Rock just didn't have enough punch.

    The Svannah and Spartan definitely have better extension than the Savant but my time with the Savannah was so brief, I really can't reliably compare it with the Spartan.
     
  14. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    I've updated the list to add the Campfire Audio Andromeda and the Perfect Seal Deca. Anyone considering the UERR needs to seriously consider the Deca.
     
  15. Decomo

    Decomo Almost "Made"

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    May I ask if you have tried ATH-CK100pro? If so, which one did you prefer between the two? Thank you.
     
  16. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    Sorry, I never got a chance to hear that one.
     
  17. ringostarr

    ringostarr New

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    @shotgunshane

    have you tried the custom fitear line up? How does the fitear mh335dw compare to the tg334 in terms of vocal smoothness?
     
  18. jowls

    jowls Never shitposts (please) - Friend

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    [​IMG]

    No sooner have I promised myself 'no more customs', you make Deca sound pretty damn compelling...

    Deca vs Andromeda?
     
  19. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    I never attempted to buy a FitEar custom. Anakchan at HF is probably one of the few that can answer that.

    Let me do a little a/b and get back to you a little later on.
     
  20. Huxleigh

    Huxleigh Almost "Made"

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    Glad to see you on SBAF, shotgunshane! :headbang:

    Of the IEMs you listed in the original post, I currently own (and love) the Aurisonics ASG-1PLUS. I'd not describe its frequency response as "v-shaped" necessarily, though I can see how you likely reached that conclusion based on careful listening. I find it more mid forward, with a relaxed treble and mild sub bass emphasis. But your hearing is likely more finely attuned than my own, and you certainly have a massively more expansive breadth of experience.

    Anyway, I just saw your in-depth review of Unique Melody's Martian over at Cymbacavum. Very promising! How would you compare it to the 1PLUS, among others listed?

    BTW, it's an interesting coincidence that your brief impression of the Martian virtually mirrors my take on the 1PLUS' sound. That's what initially piqued my interest in the former, if I'm honest. :p
     

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