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

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

Page 85 of 126
  1. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    I tried some micropore tape mods and didn’t like what it was doing to the clarity. I didn’t think to try the front tip mod but I’d think it would make it sound Ety lean, if more linear in the bass. I think in-ears need a bit more bass than Etys to sound more life-like, so I typically like a slight boost but a linear boost across the entire bass range. Can’t try it now, I sold them to buy some vintage Danish glazed lamps from the 60’s. :)
     
    shotgunshane, Jan 19, 2019
    #1681
  2. jafnvaegi

    jafnvaegi Friend

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    Yeah I wouldn't expect it to be too far off with bass, as I think the JVC is exceptional as it stands and my memory of the EX1000 was top tier levels. However, that peak/resonance is not something I couldn't tolerate either and I was rather sensitive to it. With that, the JVC is far more favorable and I've had long, fatigue-free sessions since owning them (with the mod of course). Appreciate the insight, the FD01 is definitely a keeper for me but I do like discussing it as @james444 mod really makes it something special.

    I have always read this and while I only heard them indoors, that was a detractor for me since I primarily use IEMs while traveling.
     
    jafnvaegi, Jan 19, 2019
    #1682
  3. Eric_C

    Eric_C Friend

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    @shotgunshane which of the IEMs in your list can be worn with the cable straight down? Looking for my wife, who's never liked wearing the cable around the ear.
     
    Eric_C, Jan 24, 2019
    #1683
  4. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    Many of the budget dynamic driver models can, as they are barrels style and are easily worn either way:
    Tenore, E10, Quadbeat 3, Alpha & Delta D6 and the Sony MH1/MH755

    As you go up the list, the pickings get slimmer. The deep fit Ety's are made to be worn down. And I believe the AKG N20, Oreviti's and Pinnacle P1 can be worn down as well
     
    shotgunshane, Jan 24, 2019
    #1684
  5. Eric_C

    Eric_C Friend

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    Thanks, that's a good start!
     
    Eric_C, Jan 24, 2019
    #1685
  6. james444

    james444 Mad IEM modding wizard level 99

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    Thread is up: https://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/poor-mans-fd01-hse-a2000-modded.7390/
     
    james444, Jan 25, 2019
    #1686
  7. haywood

    haywood Friend

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    If she’s a casual listener (gym, etc.) then make she wouldn’t rather have a true wireless set. The sound won’t be as good as nice iems but many people are willing to deal with that for the convenience of no wires.
     
    haywood, Jan 25, 2019
    #1687
  8. Eric_C

    Eric_C Friend

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    Thanks @haywood I am keeping an eye out for true wireless too. Will bring her to try out the Jabra one of these days
     
    Eric_C, Jan 25, 2019
    #1688
  9. james444

    james444 Mad IEM modding wizard level 99

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    The best sounding true wireless IEMs I've heard so far are the JBL Free X. Function-wise they're very basic, no app, sports functions or ambient mode. And latency is pretty high, so they're not suited for watching video.

    But for music, the sound quality is very good and almost on par with decent wired IEMs. They have a moderate (sub)bass lift to compensate for environment noise, but apart from that, they're really well-balanced.

    Here's a review and measurements of their predecessor, the JBL Free (without the "X"):
    https://www.rtings.com/headphones/reviews/jbl/free
    This older version had connection issues and got a lot of negative reviews on Amazon. However, on the newer "X" Version, connection is very solid.
     
    Last edited: Jan 25, 2019
    james444, Jan 25, 2019
    #1689
  10. Poleepkwa

    Poleepkwa Friend

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    @shotgunshane you have had both Andromeda and PP8. How is the fit of the Andromeda compared to the PP8? I have the SD2 and that is the same shape as the PP8. I have pretty normal ears, but those Campfires seems to be shallow fit and looks pretty bulky. How secure does it fit for you?
     
    Poleepkwa, Jan 26, 2019
    #1690
  11. Eric_C

    Eric_C Friend

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    @james444 Nice! That's just gone to the top of my list.
     
    Eric_C, Jan 26, 2019
    #1691
  12. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    @Eric_C Another option is a bluetooth dac/amp module like the Fiio BTR1K ($49) and the Radsone Earstudio ES100 ($99). With these you can use any wired iem and clip it to your shirt or jeans. This keeps the cable free from your phone. I own and really like both.
     
    shotgunshane, Jan 26, 2019
    #1692
  13. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    Andromeda is very shallow fit. When I first bought it, it was frustrating to find the right fit. I finally settled on some dual flange silicone tips. While not able to disappear as easily as single flange, SQ was greatly improved. I’ve owned Andromeda a long, long time and now find it very comfortable. But it definitely took time getting used to it’s bulkier size and how it touches the ear. The memory wire of the stock litz cable combined with dual flange tips give me a secure fit.

    The PP8, while more contoured, still took getting used to as well. It’s bulkier housing only fits one way with really no wiggle room, and that coupled with the nozzle angle, caused some uncomfortable pressure in my canal early on. I found the stock tips had the best grip to help it stay in place and not back out over time.
     
    shotgunshane, Jan 26, 2019
    #1693
  14. fraggler

    fraggler A Happy & Busy Life

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    Reposting here to get more IEM folks' eyes. I have put several hours on to a borrowed set of Campfire Orions and I am pleased with alot about them, including the clarity and placement of instruments compared to the budget stuff I am familiar with (Shure 215 and Taotronics noise cancellers). Acoustic, jazz, classical, and simple vocal music all sound closer to how I have been wanting. However, I think I am more of a basshead than I think, as I keep wanting more. Like someone said before, the bass is heard but not felt. Trying to EQ through my phone even a little bit adds noticable distortion. Playing around with output impedance (from 0.5 to 5.2) didn't really impact the bass.

    So is there something with street value around $200 that will give me an Orion, but with better bass? I would like it if it worked well directly from my phone (Note 8, probably 4-5ohm) or from a device that is around 1ohm (ES100 or my Centrance Dacport HD). I am currently using some foam tips since that is all I have. I really like my Shure's freq response, but want more detail and clarity.
     
    fraggler, Jan 27, 2019
    #1694
  15. Poleepkwa

    Poleepkwa Friend

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    That is promising, as my experience with Stagediver fit mirrors your findings the PP8. I did noticed you have sold the PP8 in the meantime and kept the Andomedas I assume, so was this a factor?
     
    Poleepkwa, Jan 27, 2019
    #1695
  16. Poleepkwa

    Poleepkwa Friend

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    I would suggest you try some silicone tips first as that cost very little. My recent experience the Pinnacle PX for example changed the bass from feeble (foam) too solid (silicon).
     
    Last edited: Jan 27, 2019
    Poleepkwa, Jan 27, 2019
    #1696
  17. YMO

    YMO Chief Fun Officer

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    Curious, do you have a link to the tips you are talking about? I'm semi-curious.
     
    YMO, Jan 27, 2019
    #1697
  18. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    I strictly sold the PP8 for unexpected financial reasons. Namely Florida’s crippling property taxes policies for new in-state home purchasers. (If you’ve previously owned a Florida home, you get a much larger exemption, greatly limiting the amount they can raise your home value at time of purchase.)

    I’m pretty sure they are Mee Audio dual flanges. Mee Audio has changed their tip selections over the last couple of years. I’m not sure which ones would equate to what I have now.
     
    shotgunshane, Jan 27, 2019
    #1698
  19. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    I think you should get something with a dynamic driver to get the bass feel you want. If you can stretch the budget, I’d really suggest considering the JVC FD01 ($370 at Accessory Jack) and performing the really simple mod @james444 has laid out (in his dedicated thread to that mod). Without the mod it will be too strident in treble but the mod done properly really works wonders and makes it hard to recommend much else in the price range, at least that I’ve tried so far.

    Also agree with comparing silicone tips to foam. I find silicone to have stronger, more impactful bass compared to foam, which tends to sound warmer in general.
     
    shotgunshane, Jan 27, 2019
    #1699
  20. deafdoorknob

    deafdoorknob Almost "Made"

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    deafdoorknob, Jan 27, 2019
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