New and Improved Ultimate Ears Super.Fi 5 v2.0 - Huge Sound in a Tiny Package.

[roxxor]

Does someone have a link to this s-adapter thing?

[Daemos]

Originally Posted by roxxor

Its principle competitor would be something like the SA6's I guess.

I doubt it as the SA6 compete with the SE530s and the TF10...in terms of sound.

[tstarn06]

Originally Posted by roxxor

Does someone have a link to this s-adapter thing?

Head-Direct.com sells the Dowin cable for $21 plus S&H CONUS.

[tstarn06]

Originally Posted by Daemos

I doubt it as the SA6 compete with the SE530s and the TF10...in terms of sound.

I have both the SF5 (v2) and the SA6, and they are comparable SQ-wise (see previous posts), and both in the same general ballpark as the two phones you mention, but costing a lot less cash.

[epithetless]

Originally Posted by tstarn06

Head-Direct.com sells the Dowin cable for $21 plus S&H CONUS.

That's $25 + S&H, no? Or did you get it discounted?

[tstarn06]

My bad.$25 + $3 S&H.

[tstarn06]

Just finished some extended listening with the SA6>Dowin>FiiO>A818 setup, and wow, its a really nice budget combo (except for the Sleeks, of course). The Dowin cable really seems to have a positive impact on SQ. Could be placebo, but I tried with amp, with nothing, and with both (not tried cable alone) and the difference is clear. I may not be able to go back to my DAP/SA6 rig.

[Edwood]

Just to reiterate and clarify, I am using a HeadAmp Pico with it's USB DAC and listening to FLAC files on Foobar when I've been comparing these. I've used a few portables, but I like to test a little more higher end to hear what gear is really capable of.

Even still, I find the new SF5's to be better for lower end sources and travel use, to my ears, the SF5 has more bass and better bass detail than the SA6. But not as good as the Triple.Fi. I guess those dual drivers are pretty difficult for a single one to keep up with, especially since it's doing the entire spectrum. Also with lower end more compressed music like MP3's, the SF5's are more forgiving, as their more laid back profile keeps the treble from getting too "shrilly"/bright to listen to, which the Triple.Fi's can, as they don't pair up well with lower end sound sources.

-Ed

[tstarn06]

That's why it's so hard to compare anything. My gear is much more modest, and on my tests, switching back and forth, the Sleek bass sounds best, more pronounced, deeper and cleaner than the SF5s. And of course, it depends on the track, bitrate, etc.

I went back tonight and pulled out my old Creative ZVM with an LOD and the MiniboxE+, and when using that source DAP and the much higher quality amp, the Sleeks really outperform the SF5s to my ears. A much cleaner, vibrant sound - a clear step up from the UEs (at least using those two pieces of gear). I have the PtoS switch "on" on the Minibox. In fact, made me want to revisit the trusty old ZVM, and I may have to rerip and reload some lossless music for its 30GB capacity. In this case, with the amp, it really outshines both the Zune80 and the Sony, neither of which offer line out, of course.

Even so, using the FiiO and the Dowin cable is a step up from just the phones plugged into my DAPs.

Anyway, I do like the UEs as on the go phones, for walking, the gym, etc. They are more comfy than any other phones I own (with the Complys). But I prefer the Sleeks for quiet listening, or when on a plane, etc., for isolation.

[robojack]

I'm also inclined to believe it's really just a matter of which your ears perceive are better. Edwood thinks the SF5 sound better, tstarn06 thinks the SA6 sounds better. In this case, I agree with tstarn, but likely because we perceive sound in a similar way.

tstarn06, thanks for your recommendation of the Dowin S cable. I just ordered myself, and can't wait to see how it'll affect the sound coming out of my Predator amp.

[tstarn06]

Actually, you can thank jant21. I think it's going to be a good decision, and not an expensive one. As I noted, my ZVM wth the Minibox and PtoS "on" really makes the Sleeks shine, I just never really tried the combo before (since I use my Zune80 and Sony DAPs more). And with a cheap FiiO, the S adapter cable also seems to smooth things out nicely with all the DAPs I have.

[roxxor]

Originally Posted by robojack

can't wait to see how it'll affect the sound coming out of my Predator amp.

Isn't it suppose to go between the source and the amp? (not amp and phones?)

[oak3x]

Sleek SA6 and UE Super.fi 5 (new) - I have owned them both, and much preferred the Sleek SA6.

The UE Super.fi 5's were good with comfort, and sound...but for my personal musical presentation tastes the Sleeks were superior.

The Sleeks offered much better sound isolation, an aspect which was important for me since much of my use is during airplane flights.

The Sleeks provided a more balanced presentation, which is supported by their excellent treble detail. I like my music with treble sparkle. The UE Super.fi 5's were slightly tilted toward the lower end (bass), which is fine if that is how your prefer your music presented.

The Sleeks have alot of the characteristics of the Etymotic ER-4P, with the addition of a better lower end.

Over the years, I have owned alot of the IEM's produced. My top choices remain:

1. Livewires
2. Sleek SA6
3. Shure SE310
4. Etymotic ER-4P
5. UE Super Fi 5 Pro
6. Shure SE530
7. Westone UM 2

[tstarn06]

Originally Posted by roxxor

Isn't it suppose to go between the source and the amp? (not amp and phones?)

Don't believe so.

I use this progression (based on my use of the Ety S adapter cable with an amp and my ER4Ps):

DAP>amp>S cable>phones

Just for kicks, I tried your DAP>S cable>amp>phones sequence, and it sounded much louder, but nowhere near as refined as the one above. Almost like the cable was having no effect at all.

Finally, here is jant21's sequence (taken from an earlier post).

"... I have a Sony NF610 minidisc. If I run the FiiO -> S-adapter -> SF5 w/Complys, I actually go -2 on the bass and +1 on the treble(-1,+1 with stock tips)."

So I'd say it goes between amp and phones for those reasons. Of course, I could be wrong, but listening doesn't indicate that to be the case.

[Daemos]

tstarn06: now you make me want to try this cable and amp setup T_T