Ultimate Ears Reference Monitor (UERM)

I have had my pair for 4 years and still absolutely love them. Many here know that I even worked for UE for a time because...friends help friends get UERM. The UE7 in the lineup is slightly warmer, the UE4 is a fantastically similar CIEM for a lot less money. (I had a demo kit for a couple of years and got to spend as much time with them as I wanted.)

Right now, I am happy to say that straight out of my iPhone 6+ (no amp needed) running hi-res Tidal...they are just sounding great and it feels like some truly "Portable Hi-Fi" is happening. Good Phone>Good Streaming App>CIEMs. BAM. Only complaint is the Apple volume steps (jumps!) are too large.

It is true that the UERM are harder to drive than other balanced armature IEMs and the ability to drive and control UERM impedance curve can affect the frequency response curve...so do keep that in mind and try with sources until you hear them well. With my back-up iPhone 4s, I do need to keep it velcroed to my Leckerton Amp to get the same performance with UERM. Muddier without amp.

I have a couple of pairs (Revs 1 & 2) of FitEar TG!334 and really enjoy them as a fun compliment (bit more bass but still clear/forward mids), but wonder how much I need/want them with the UERM running so well with just my iPhone 6+ and Tidal app.

I'm waiting for my Geek Out V2+ Infinity but it will have to be a good step up to warrant the bulk and connector cable management to use in cargo pocket for UERM with my phone now. I expect to use the V2+ more for bigger cans with balanced output. Also, the Geek Wave may be used more for big can portability when that comes.

 

CeeTee, I know it's harder, but you can get smaller changes in volume by changing the volume slider in iOS. I just wish there was a setting maybe to change the jump size when pressing the volume buttons...

 

Try lowering the volume limit: Settings -> Music -> Volume Limit

 

Finally got my pair from the last Massdrop special today. Took about 6-7 weeks total.

First impression is that they sound excellent as advertised. Exactly what I was hoping for. Nice neutral response with no annoying areas; very clean everywhere. Excellent detail resolution.

Fit and seal on mine is pretty much perfect which I am very happy about. Only thing is I'm not sure what I am supposed to do with the top stems that have the metal inserts. They are really long on mine and they stick up about an inch above my ears and I'm going to have to bend the metal insert quite a bit if I want them to look even remotely natural. I assume that it's OK and normal to do this?

 

Also, I was really surprised at how much power/volume these things can take. I'm listening out of Ragnarok mid gain with the SE adapter and the volume is pretty much right at 12 o'clock. If I tried that with my RE600 either the driver would explode or I would damage my hearing in short order.

 

Yup. I bend mine right away till they are a tight fit around the base of my ear. It makes it so when you pull your cable accidentally, it doesn't twist the UERM in your ear. Also, it's just more comfortable that way.

I actually love the UERM out of the Rag. It seems a bit absurd, but yeah, they can handle some power.

 

Yes, bend it! That's called memory wire. On my favorite cables, the memory wire is always good and helps direct the cable to stay out of the way for you, reduces cable microphonics, & provides some safety if your cable catches on something as drfindley said. Plus, good memory wire helps me keep customs or universals in place so I consider it helpful in fit. For comfort, the memory wire keeps IEMs them in place by holding onto the external ear (less sensitive) rather than relying only on universal tips or a custom shape (internal ear is more sensitive and also possibly sweaty).

Another reason that customs have the memory wire to direct the cable is that these designs come from the professional market where wireless radio packs are worn in the back and the cables are directed behind the performer so they are not in the way or as visible to audiences.

 

I can't begin to express how much I love these headphones. I love the immediacy of the drivers, how close they are to my eardrums. I love the way the bass resonates the bones around my ear canals, gives me a small bit of sensation of speakers. They are incredibly neutral, making all recordings palpable. I find them very comfortable and have listened to them for hours and hours.

I'll admit they lack the soundstage and the resolution (though not much) of other headphones, but I still love these. They are so easy to bring everywhere and they sound pretty great out of my iPhone 6S.

The best headphones are the ones you have with you and most of the time, these are them. Talk about lucky.

 

I wish I had got in on the MD offering...

Danny @hideouspride hope you're reading this!

 

Is it possible to buy a pair used and get them remolded? I tried searching a bit but couldn't find any info.

 

There's one right here.

 

Yeah, I contacted UE when another SBAFer was selling a pair. They do not do remolds, though you can find third parties that will. I ended up not purchasing a used pair for the same reason you said... I just don't know how the process goes.

 

I just Googled "used" and "remold". Nothing came up. Guess Google doesn't rank SBAF's FS thread very highly.

Thanks to all above for the info. I should try and hear some demos, but I don't know when I'll ever get to a show where UE are exhibiting.

 

Yeah, that one's mine. I understand third parties like CustomArt do remolding although I'm not entirely sure how the process goes. The third party service providers seem to offer warranties so I guess they are reasonably confident in their service, but I don't have any personal experience.

You could always try what jowls said - see what the fit is like with the used customs and if they're close send back to UE for a 'refit'. The UERM is a fairly shallow fit in my experience so you might be lucky. I've had sent mine back to UE for a refit within warranty and it seems like they were able to enlarge it, although I'm not sure if they'd be able to make significant shape changes.

It's unfortunate UE doesn't offer a refit service - makes it hard for both buyers and sellers. But I guess that's the risk of buying customs from them! Personally I like the UERM and if I can't sell it I'll just keep it, but I won't need an IEM in the near future so thought someone else who was interested in it might want to give it a go.

 

I would like to drive my UERM (and possibly UERR) from the balanced out of Ragnarok.

I assume all I need is a 4-pin XLR male to 1/4" TRS female adapter?

Edit: Like this for example

 

I assume no. I remember something Jason said that you should not use such a converter or it will fry the amp. Correct me if I'm wrong!

 

I think that only applies to the pre-amp XLR outs and has to do with potentially floating the ground?

 

So you want to drive your UERM single-ended? Wouldn't it be more interesting to get a balanced cable for the UERM?