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

    Staff Member Pyrate Flathead IEMW
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    Check out the Perfect Seal thread at HF; I just posted a comparison of the Deca and Andromeda: http://www.head-fi.org/t/718626/perfect-seal-custom-in-ear-monitors/75#post_12696312

    The 1Plus does have a nice bump in upper mids but I'm getting slightly more treble presence and deep bass emphasis over the mids, so it's a very mild V shaped response, much akin to the type of response from the Sony EX1000.

    The 1Plus is more sparkly up top than the Martian, although the Martian treble is a little more articulate. Martian middle mids are definitely more focused and forward than the 1Plus; Vocals will seem much more intimate. Both have a deep bass focus but the Martian is a little tighter and faster in bass. The 1Plus is a little more bass boosted over the Martian as well. Overall the Martian will sound more reserved than the somewhat rambunctious 1Plus. If you are a guitar driven rock-n-roll listener, it doesn't get much more fun than the 1Plus.
     
    Last edited: Jul 3, 2016
  2. jowls

    jowls Never shitposts (please) - Friend

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  3. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    Yeah, I think that summation will work.
     
  4. cn11

    cn11 New

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    The Martian sounds like something I'd certainly enjoy. Trying not to buy...
     
  5. Huxleigh

    Huxleigh Almost "Made"

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    Thanks for rundown, much appreciated! Although I can't quite reconcile the (slight) difference in our respective takes on the 1PLUS' sound, I largely agree with your perspective. What tips are you using with the 1PLUS? I switch between SureSeal and Comply as it suits me.

    In any case, the Martian certainly seems like a worthwhile, albeit barely affordable, option to explore. Is it readily available stateside yet? I don't see it listed on MusicTeck.
     
    Last edited: Jul 3, 2016
  6. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    I have to use dual flange tips to keep the 1Plus secure. It just fits too shallowly for me with single flanges and I can't keep a seal. I've been using what I think are Mee Audio clear dual flanges.

    I don't think the Martian is available yet stateside, so not sure when MusicTeck will have them in stock.
     
  7. Huxleigh

    Huxleigh Almost "Made"

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    Interesting, that might be the issue. I like the 1PLUS' shallow fit, and have experienced no discomfort with Complys. The SureSeals work great too, but they generate a "suction" effect over time that tends to make me want to get them out of my ears after an extended listen. But I still occasionally use the SureSeals because they lend the 1PLUS a bit more definition to its highs and lows.

    Come to think of it, the one time that I heard the 1PLUS sound like you describe was when I had it connected via a pure silver aftermarket cable. That wire had a very neutral, revealing tonality that brought out the mildly v-shaped signature you identified. I typically use Noble's IEM cable, due to its outstanding ergonomics.

    Ah, just as well. I'd be better served by hearing some more impressions before pulling the trigger on the Martian. But I'm definitely keen on it! I enjoy (good) hybrids, of which there are seemingly rather few. How'd the Martian handle from of your iPhone's output?
     
    Last edited: Jul 3, 2016
  8. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    The Martian didn't seem negatively impacted by my 6S+ ~3ohm OI and sounded quite good together.
     
  9. aafnp

    aafnp New

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    I am trying to decide between the K10U and Andromedas, but have access to neither to demo.
    So instead, I am thinking of trying out chifi that is supposedly similar to each.

    I've heard that tenores are a good cheap IEM that approximate the Andromeda (and your descriptions appear to be consistent), but I have no ideas for the K10U.
    Any recommendations for a cheap k10 counterpart?
     
  10. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    The issue you will run into with the Tenores are QC inconsistencies. While in general the Tenore has a downward sloping frequency response, it doesn't have near the treble sparkle Andromeda has. Some Tenores are much bassier than others. The AKG N20 better approximates the treble but is perhaps too U shaped.

    My audition with the K10UA was very limited at a show, so it's hard to say with confidence what cheaper uni might have a similar sig. There are many midcentric iems with a moderate bass boost.

    At the end of the day, I'm not sure how much this excersice will really tell you about these two iems.
     
  11. nehcrow

    nehcrow New

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    Well got my EX1000, I love everything about it except the fit and that treble spike! It really does make the whole sound a little less natural and takes you out of the music.

    The bass really reminds me of HD6xx series bass, tight but with a natural decay. Very nice extension! Better than the HD6xx in this regard.

    The mids I can't really fault aside from the very noticeable sibilance. I feel like if the sibilance and peaks were mitigated it would once again be reminiscent of the HD6xx series. Resolution is top-notch with many micro-details to be made out

    Soundstage is an absolute dream - I believe the distance and angle of the driver from the ear is definitely a contributing a factor here. Most open headphone-like sound I've heard, it really does project those sounds to a galaxy far far away.

    Fit is not so much uncomfortable as it is distracting, although I think the earpieces do have a tendency to disappear just because they are so lightweight. Also those Sony foam/silicone hybrid tips kills treble, air and soundstage, yuck - much prefer the stock silicone tips.

    Unfortunately at a bit of a loss of what to do as the flaws are distracting and not something I can just ignore :( Maybe it's time to tinker with EQ settings!
    (FWIW, I did get the N.U.D.E. Japanese version if any question)
     
    Last edited: Jul 6, 2016
  12. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    Well, I couldn't have said it better.
     
  13. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    If you have some blue tack, tinker with placing different sized round pieces over the nozzle mesh. If you are worried about it pulling up the mesh when removing, cut a piece of tea bag filter to go over the nozzle first, then some blue tack. By partially blocking the nozzle opening, you should be able to impact that 7k peak.
     
  14. The Life

    The Life Facebook Friend

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    Have you tried the Sony 7550/ex800st? Similar to the ex1000 in the mids and bass, especially when modded, but without the treble spike.
     
  15. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    Yes, I have the 7550 in the list of recommendations. Definitely has a much lowered 7k peak. I guess the complaint could be its missing a little treble air in comparison, but definitely a solid performing single dynamic.
     
  16. Warrior

    Warrior RIP 2021

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    Both sets are quite good. I prefer the EX800st, taped of course.
     
  17. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    Lol, you sir are a true basshead. When I tried with the tape, I couldn't stop laughing. The bass was insane!
     
  18. Warrior

    Warrior RIP 2021

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    Lol. Yes, I'm definitely a basshead.
     
  19. mulolomu

    mulolomu New

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    LOL...basshead detected...

    Btw EX1000 still one of the best implemented single DD available on the market right now...

    Tried the Dita, cant stand the weird treble timbre...

    Maybe i should try the T8ie
     
  20. PaperMatter

    PaperMatter New

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    Great write up shotgunshane. Its a great resource for people looking for great iems within a variety of budgets. How would you stack up the Oriveti Primacy and Pinnacle P1? From your quick writeups and other reviews ive read it seems that they are very similar with a warm smooth sound. I do realize that they will have different presentations due to the different driver configurations with one being a single dd and the other a hybrid. Thanks
     

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