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

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

  1. 6sigma

    6sigma New

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    I've been reading here for a while. Just finished this thread. I like a neutral sound signature - e.g. Hifiman RE-400, Philips SHP9500. However, I'm ready to hear a really fresh take/new sound for the vocals, acoustic instruments, country, classical music that I listen to most. This being 2019 and with a budget from $150 to $400, what IEM really brings new excitement when you first hear it? Oh....and thanks to @shotgunshane for the amazing list and all the discussions.
     
  2. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    I’d probably recommend either the Massdrop Plus or modded JVC FD01. The JVC does require the mod but it’s super easy to perform.
     
  3. 6sigma

    6sigma New

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    Thank you so much. This will get me to something new a lot quicker than researching/auditioning everything on the list. I appreciate the quick and direct reply. SBAF is rejuvenating my love for audio here in my old age!
     
  4. james444

    james444 Mad IEM modding wizard level 99

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    X2 on the modded FD01, particularly for acoustic Instruments and classical music.
     
  5. mscott58

    mscott58 Friend

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    Can't decide if those look cool or like some type of steam-punk torture device, like thumb-screws but for your ears?
     
  6. Mimouille

    Mimouille Facebook Friend

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    Given the fact that there dynamic costs a testicle, I would say...a lot.
     
  7. Mimouille

    Mimouille Facebook Friend

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    Well they were not that comfortable to me...in reality they look nice although at this price, they could have an even nicer finish.
     
  8. Augmentin

    Augmentin MOT - DUNU IEM Company

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    Chicken testicles are not especially expensive.
     
  9. Mimouille

    Mimouille Facebook Friend

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    It is an unspoken rule that it has to be one of your own...paying with someone else's is just plain rude.
     
  10. mscott58

    mscott58 Friend

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    Unless a formal part of your job involves the use of the phrase "turn your head and cough"!


    Oh, I thought you said "playing" with someone else's, not "paying"...
     
  11. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    List formally updated to add Campfire Solaris and modded JVC FD01, and to remove 64 Audio Tia Fourte.
     
  12. 6sigma

    6sigma New

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    Sorry to weigh in here again, but I'm discovering that these two are both difficult to find. If I raise my maximum budget up to the $500 or $600 range, do other models come to mind that fulfill the clarity, excitement and detailed attributes?

    Thanks again for the advice.
     
  13. jafnvaegi

    jafnvaegi Friend

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    This is where I'd suggest ordering the FD01 from. I personally have had a good experience ordering from them a few times now, including my FD01. A bonus is free shipping and it tends to be fast (to the US it was about a week consistently with each order).

    http://www.accessoryjack.com/jvc-ha-fd01-solidege-in-ear-headphones-stainless-steel.html
     
  14. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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  15. 6sigma

    6sigma New

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    Thanks very much! Without over-complicating this choice, I've had suggestions that the Nocturnal Atlantis and the EarSonics ES3 might have similar sound signatures to the JVC & Massdrop Plus, though at higher prices.

    Anyone here aware of these or have opinions about them?
     
  16. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    I have my doubts about the Earsonics. Earsonics is a lot like Westone, in that they have a distinct house sound that usually comes from a hefty upper mid suckout (aka stage tuning, aka analog tuning, aka veiled) That being said, I haven’t heard any Earsonics models after the SM64(?), so it’s always possible they’ve deviated from their formula. Until I see measurements, I’d have serious reservations about Earsonics.

    I’m completely unfamiliar with Nocturnal iems. I think @La Cenric has heard a few of their models and can maybe comment.
     
  17. jowls

    jowls Never shitposts (please) - Friend

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    FD01 and Plus are well established here with known caveats. Choosing an IEM is all about finding the compromises you can live with.

    Pushing out into uncharted territory can be fun but it’s also a good way to burn money.
     
  18. 6sigma

    6sigma New

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    Great advice! With the Massdrop Plus unavailable at the moment & the JVC requiring some disassembly and alcohol swab gymnastics, I was hoping to raise my budget slightly and still find a match for my preferred sonic signature (open, clear, neutral, exciting compared to what I've been listening to). From a major player, highly reviewed, liked by the masses - well, those would be bonuses.

    Thanks for reminding me to steer clear of the uncharted waters.
     
  19. monacelli

    monacelli Friend

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    The mod @james444 came up with for the FD01 couldn't be easier to perform. It takes just a few minutes and then you never think about it again. You almost hesitate to even call it a modification. There is maybe a bit of fiddling with the swab length to get the tuning to your liking, but that's a positive in my mind because you can dial in the sound for your ears. The bigger question is probably your preferences in terms of bass presentation. The modded FD01 has fantastic timbre and a well-behaved top end, but perhaps at the expense of some clarity and speed in the bass. It's good, but a very different presentation than you would get from the Plus. So in my mind, the sonic priorities should play a much bigger role in any decision making process than worrying about a mod that is pretty trivial to perform.

    (Aside: I find the FD01 to be very synergistic with the Fulla 2, which I can't say about all iems. The Fulla 2 really wakes them up, and being relatively low sensitivity you have a bit more play with the volume knob.)
     
  20. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    Other models for consideration...

    Not new but tried and true:
    Sony MDR-EX1000 or Sony MDR-7550 (aka EX800ST). Both of these are fairly neutral dynamic driver classics. No longer available in the USA without import. I think they recently ceased production in Japan as well but can still be had. The EX1000 has some of the best IEM bass you'll hear. The downside is it has a 7k treble peak that can be a nuisance. The 7550 is a warmer, smoother version. Bass isn't as effortless and awe inspiring. They have strange, perpendicular to the ear fit. It's comfortable but not practical out and about due to magnifying wind noise.

    Newer models of tried and true classics:
    Etymotic ER4XR and ER4SR. Both, to me, are more consumer friendly version of the venerable ER-4S. The XR is the bassier of the two. It is by no means bassy but it does have more bass than the SR version. However it takes a step back in transparency compared to the SR as well. To enjoy these, you must be willing to use brain tickling deep insertion. I recommend Comply P series foam tips for as much comfort as possible, which isn't really much comparatively to typically shallow fit iems.

    I think you can get all the above models under $400 or much less, so expanding to $500 doesn't get you anything else. As silly as it sounds, $500 to $700 is kind of no mans land. Once you get to $700, there is the Unique Melody Martian. It's fairly neutral, leaning warm with slight bass boost. The shells are big but comfort was on par with average.

    Then once you crest $700, you might as well look for used Campfire Andromeda and the occasional B-stock warehouse deal from Campfire for around $850. I guess I'll stop here. We've not just blown the budget but destroyed it.

    I'd say the JVC is well worth it to mod. Performing the mod is super simple. The hard part is finding the correct alcohol swabs (the kind that are folded). Also buying a $10 or less set of calipers on Amazon will help in cutting the swabs the correct size and to also test with other lengths. 13mm is the standing recommendation.
     

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