[OPENING] In celebration of all the time I wasted on this little hobby of mine and the post count I thought I won't achieve. here is a review of all the considerably good IEM I own over the years. I started my Head-fi journey in research of my first IEM, and I think this should serve well as my personal testament of sonic progression.
Reviewing gears: Sony D-EJ1000 PCDP’s line-out to Practical Device’s XM3 portable amp with AD8620 installed.
Reviewing CD: Custom made by ripping songs to FLAC than normalized/burnt via Nero9. Two songs with compression artifact included (CD → wma/mp3 → CD).
CD Tracks: [ Love Song - Sara Bareille / Have You Met Miss Jones? – Robbie Williams / Come Away with Me – Norah Jones / I Was Doing Alright – Diana Krall / Nostalgia – Yanni (Yanni Live At the Acropolis) / Not Of This Earth - Robbie Williams / Red Hot – Vanessa-Mea / Maneater – Nelly Furtado (artifact) / 1234 – Feist (artifact) ]
Rating: From one star (★, lowest rating) to five stars (★★★★★, highest rating), including half a star (☆). Criteria include [Packaging / Build Quality / Accessories / Isolation / Microphonics / Comfort / Soundstage / Sound Quality / Value]
★★★★★-The best
★★★★---Really good
★★★-----Average
★★-------Just OK
★---------Not worth it
IEM have all been burnt-in throughly and will be reviewed in chronological order of purchased date:
Shure E3c (2004)
Variation: E3g, SCL3
Transducer: Single Balanced Armature
Spec: 26Ω (@1kHz) | 25Hz~ 18kHz | 115dB SPL | 28g
Cord Style: Y-cord, 1.41m~ 1.57m.
Mini Jack Style: Gold plated L style, heavy build.
Eartips Used: Shure Gary Soft Flex
Packaging: ★★★★★
Build Quality: ★★★★★ (heavily build)
Accessories: ★★★★☆ (everything you need is included)
Isolation: ★★★★
Microphonics: ★★ (earbud style) | ★★★★ (over-the-ear style)
Comfort: ★★★ (thick cable is too heavy, plus not memory cable)
Soundstage: ★★☆
Sound Quality: ★★★ (warm, but lack bass and treble)
Value: ★★★ (not the best sounding for its price)
Remark: With sound quality of an entry class IEM, E3c does nothing spectacularly good but comes with a higher-than-competitor’s price. A solid choice 4 yrs ago, but not anymore. The thick cable is quite a burden to use on any wearing style.
Etymotic ER6i (2005)
Variation: Black and white models with different accessories
Transducer: Single Balanced Armature
Spec: 16Ω (@1kHz) | 50Hz~ 16kHz | 108dB SPL | <28g
Cord Style: Y-cord, 1.40m
Mini Jack Style: Gold plated straight style, light build. (Black model is L plug).
Eartips Used: Tri-flanges
Packaging: ★★★★☆
Build Quality: ★★★★ (light build)
Accessories: ★★★★ (included pouch offers little protection)
Isolation: ★★★★★ (-36dB!!!)
Microphonics: ★★★ (earbud style) | ★★★★★ (w/ shirt clip)
Comfort: ★★★★ (light to wear, but deep inserting eartips)
Soundstage: ★★ (one of Ety’s weak point]
Sound Quality: ★★★ (analytical, bass light but offers great detail)
Value: ★★★★ (cheap street price and great sound when used with foam)
Remark: One of the main competitors with E3c when it was released. Street price is low now which makes it a good choice as entry class IEM. With Shure Black Foam sleeve, the bass problem can be improved. Thin cable but it will harden up in time result in more microphonics.
Creative EP-630 (2006)
Variation: Black and white color, EP-635 (lanyard style).
Transducer: Single 8mm Dynamic
Spec: 16Ω (@1kHz) | 6Hz~ 23kHz | 106dB SPL | 9g
Cord Style: Y-cord, 1.20m
Mini Jack Style: Gold plated straight style, light build.
Eartips Used: Single flange
Packaging: ★★★
Build Quality: ★★★★ (light build)
Accessories: ★★☆ (nothing but different size eartips)
Isolation: ★★★
Microphonics: ★★★
Comfort: ★★★★★
Soundstage: ★★★
Sound Quality: ★★ (warm, muddy bass without much treble)
Value: ★★☆ (cheap price so there is nothing to expect)
Remark: Except for comfort, there is nothing especially good on EP-630. However with price so low, how can one expect it to sound good? It will serve okay as a cheap backup, but not really a good choice for SQ.
Sennheiser CX300 (2006)
Variation: n/a.
Transducer: Single Dynamic
Spec: 16Ω (@1kHz) | 18Hz~ 21kHz | 112dB SPL | 9g
Cord Style: J-cord, 1.20m
Mini Jack Style: Gold plated L style, normal build.
Eartips Used: Single flange
Packaging: ★★★
Build Quality: ★★★★ (light build)
Accessories: ★★☆ (nothing but different size eartips)
Isolation: ★★★
Microphonics: ★★★
Comfort: ★★★★★
Soundstage: ★★★☆
Sound Quality: ★★☆ (warm, bloated bass)
Value: ★★★ (Get it for cheap than it is a slightly better choice than EP-630)
Remark: The bloated bass is the biggest weakness of CX300. The official price is also too high, but this seems to be very common among Sennheiser’s low end products. With the current low street price, it is a reasonable good backup option.
Altec Lansing ‘InMontion’ iM716 (2007)
Variation: n/a.
Transducer: Single Balanced Armature
Spec: User selectable HD / Bass mode on inline volume control pod
Cord Style: Y-cord, 1.40m
Mini Jack Style: Gold plated L style, light build.
Eartips Used: Tri-flanges
Packaging: ★★★★
Build Quality: ★★★★
Accessories: ★★★★☆ (Included case is balky, but functional)
Isolation: ★★★★☆
Microphonics: ★★ (w/o clip) | ★★★★ (w/ clip)
Comfort: ★★★ (not the best to wear because of the inline volume pod)
Soundstage: ★★ (HD mode) | ★★☆ (Bass mod)
Sound Quality: ★★★★ (Analytical, Bass mode adds a bit warmness)
Value: ★★★☆ (One of the best bargain when you find it cheap. Only downfall is it is out of production so don’t expect warranty for long)
Remark: One of the best values in IEM market as dealers are clearing their stock with ultra low price. The volume pod can be mod'ed to give an even better SQ closer to than of ER4P. However, don’t expect Altec Lansing to honor the warranty once you mod it. Will sound really great if you amp it.
CrossRoad MylarOne X3 (2007)
Variation: n/a.
Transducer: Single Dynamic
Spec: n/a
Cord Style: Y-cord, 1.20m
Mini Jack Style: Gold plated straight style, light build.
Eartips Used: UE style bi-flange
Packaging: ★★ (very simple package)
Build Quality: ★★☆ (light build, need good care to last)
Accessories: ★★★★☆ (A lot compare to its price)
Isolation: ★★★
Microphonics: ★★ (w/o clip) | ★★★★ (w/ clip)
Comfort: ★★★★☆
Soundstage: ★★★☆
Sound Quality: ★★☆ (balance, a bit bass light, but good detail)
Value: ★★★★ (Cheaper than EP-630 on local price, yet better than CX300)
Remark: Despite the build quality isn’t really good, X3 sounds like a pair of less refine ER6i, and you can’t beat it for the low price and a good solid warranty.
(See in-depth review
here and
modification here)
Sleek Audio SA6 (2008)
Variation: n/a.
Transducer: Single Balanced Armature with Custom Porting
Spec: 50Ω (@1kHz) | 110dB SPL
Cord Style: Y-cord, 1.15m, Replaceable
Mini Jack Style: Gold plated L style, heavy build.
Eartips Used: bi-flanges
Packaging: ★★★☆
Build Quality: ★★★☆ (there are still room for improvement, but overly good)
Accessories: ★★★★☆ (Included case isn’t very functional)
Isolation: ★★★★★
Microphonics: ★★★ (earbud style) | ★★★★★ (over-the-ear style)
Comfort: ★★★★☆ (one of the most comfortable deep inserting IEM)
Soundstage: ★★★★ (w/ Bass+ port)
Sound Quality: ★★★★☆ (warm, mid centric with some of the best vocal but doesn’t lack bass or treble)
Value: ★★★★ (For $250, I'll expect a bit more) | ★★★★★ (Fantastic new discounted price!)
Remark: SA6 is a great example of how single BA transducer can sound great. Though the overall quality (both on sound and build) isn’t the best yet (when considering its price), I believe there is still room for improvement as SA6 is the first IEM for Sleek Audio. The custom porting (VQ system) works well. For people who love a warm, full, detail yet musical sound, SA6 just might be the one for you. [EDIT] With some retailers now selling them for only $200, SA6 are now one of the best value IEM in the market IMO.
(See in-depth review
here and
modification here)
Head-Direct’s RE2 (2008)
Variation: n/a.
Transducer: Single Dynamic
Spec: 32Ω (@1kHz)
Cord Style: Y-cord, 0.90m.
Mini Jack Style: Gold plated straight style, very light build.
Eartips Used: Big bi-flanges
Packaging: n/a (sampling package)
Build Quality: ★★★★ (solid but nothing spectacular)
Accessories: ★★★☆ (a shirt clip will be nice)
Isolation: ★★★☆ (semi-open design but doesn’t leak sound)
Microphonics: ★★★ (earbud style)
Comfort: ★★★★★
Soundstage: ★★★★☆
Sound Quality: ★★★☆ (analytical, light on bass, clearly a step up from ER6i and approaching the amped iM716)
Value: ★★★★★ (what can a man ask for with such a low price of $99?)
Remark: RE2 sounds like a more refine ER6i. Though not pumping out a lot of bass, the great detail should be more than enough considered it is only $99. The included big bi-flanges really do their job well. Better soundstage and not need for amping make it a better choice over iM716. The only downside is the short cable (plus the included extension cable is quite heavy).
(See in-depth review
here)
Head-Direct’s RE1 (2008)
Variation: n/a.
Transducer: Single Dynamic
Spec: 150Ω (@1kHz)
Cord Style: Y-cord, 0.90m.
Mini Jack Style: Gold plated straight style, very light build.
Eartips Used: Big bi-flanges
Packaging: n/a (sampling package)
Build Quality: ★★★★ (solid but nothing spectacular)
Accessories: ★★★☆ (a shirt clip will be nice)
Isolation: ★★★☆ (semi-open design but doesn’t leak sound)
Microphonics: ★★★ (earbud style)
Comfort: ★★★★★
Soundstage: ★★★★★ (the best soundstage when amped)
Sound Quality: ★★★★☆ (slightly dark but very smooth and forgiving, must be amped well to reveal its potential. One of the best dynamic I ever heard).
Value: ★★★★☆ (Not getting 5 stars after factor in the price for an amp, but still quite a great deal)
Remark: With a fast and detail amp, RE1 can sound amazingly great, putting it next to some of the best universal IEM in the market. Even after factoring in the price of reasonably good amp (~$150), I still think it is a good deal. If you already have a good amp, than there is no reason why you shouldn’t consider getting a pair of RE1. Mind you the slightly dark SQ means it is not the ultra detail IEM you are looking for. However, It is perfect for those who want a smooth and laid back sounding IEM that you can listen for hours and feel no fatigue at all. Note that RE1 has the same short cable as RE2.
(See in-depth review
here)
Ultimate Ears’ Triple.fi 10 Pro (2008)
Variation: n/a.
Transducer: Triple Balanced Armature in three ways configuration
Spec: 32Ω (@1kHz) | 10Hz~ 17kHz | 117dB SPL | 16g
Cord Style: Y-cord, 1.10m. Memory cable. Replaceable.
Mini Jack Style: Gold plated L style, heavy build.
Eartips Used: Mod’ed Shure Black Foam
Packaging: ★★★★☆
Build Quality: ★★★★★
Accessories: ★★★★☆ (Included foam are trash)
Isolation: ★★★★ (-26dB, better with foam eartips)
Microphonics: ★★★★★ (over-the-ear style)
Comfort: ★★★☆ (won’t work if you have really small ear canal. Big earpiece)
Soundstage: ★★★★☆ (very good, but not the best. Great instrument separation)
Sound Quality: ★★★★★ (very balance and airy, a slight harshness on treble but fixable by foam).
Value: ★★★★☆ (Not getting 5 stars because I am expecting everything to be perfect but it is not, see remark)
Remark: If you can get a good fit, there is no doubt that TF10 has one of the best SQ in universal IEM. I’ll like to think that I am paying a premier price because everything is best in its class, but it just isn’t so. The foam tips included are basically trash as one of them broke apart even before I fully inserted it onto the IEM, and the other one is even worst as the foam is glued to the silicone tube on the wrong side (the smooth side should be facing the eardrum but it is not). They should have asked Comply to produce the foam instead of making some sub-par accessories themselves.
Sony MDR-EX700SL (2008)
Variation: MDR-EX700LP (one piece cable)
Transducer: Single 16mm Dynamic
Spec: 16Ω (@1kHz) | 4Hz~ 28kHz | 108dB SPL | 7g
Cord Style: J-cord. Two pieces, 0.50m + 1.00m (LP model has one piece cable)
Mini Jack Style: Gold plated L style, light build.
Eartips Used: Single flange
Packaging: ★★★★★ (One of the nicest looking package on IEM)
Build Quality: ★★★★☆ (cable tangles too easily).
Accessories: ★★★★☆ (excellent case and tips but shirt clip needed!)
Isolation: ★★ (around -20dB, the worst of all)
Microphonics: ★★★★ (earbud style)
Comfort: ★★★★☆ (quite comfortable despite the size)
Soundstage: ★★★★ (good soundstage, but a bit lack in depth / not airy enough)
Sound Quality: ★★★★☆ (balance, too much harshness on treble not even T400 can fix, good bass, slightly recessed mid in comparison).
Value: ★★★★ (Overall nice package, but SQ isn’t there yet)
Remark: If you even want to sell people a two piece cabal IEM, you better included a shirt clip. Despite using really light material (aluminum, magnesium), the combined cable is still fairly heavy and annoying. Once I put a clip on it, I realize it won’t fit the case anymore (not that the SL model fits well before). Beside the missing clip, some of the major downside include the easily tangle cable, very little isolation, plus comfortable but easily damage eartips. Sony has made an effort to create a worthy high class IEM, but it isn’t at the top yet. If you want to get EX700, get the LP model instead. [EDIT] After a lengthy burn-in (~150hrs), the harsh treble seems to quiet down a bit (2~3dB maybe?) to a slightly more tolerable level (but still harsh in general).
JAYS q-Jays (2008)
Variation: Black and white models. q-Jays LE (red and blue models)
Transducer: Dual Balanced Armature
Spec: 39Ω (@1kHz) | 20Hz~ 20kHz | 95dB SPL | 8g
Cord Style: Y-cord. Two pieces, 0.60m + 0.90m
Mini Jack Style: Gold plated L style, light build.
Eartips Used: Single flange
Packaging: ★★★★☆ (One of the nicest looking package on IEM)
Build Quality: ★★★★★ (solid European's quality).
Accessories: ★★★★☆ (excellent accessories only let down by not functional case and not shirt clip)
Isolation: ★★★★
Microphonics: ★★★ (earbud style) | ★★★★ (over-the-ear style)
Comfort: ★★★☆ (where is the shirt clip when you need one?)
Soundstage: ★★★☆ (fair soundstage)
Sound Quality: ★★★★ (slightly warm, very slight harshness on treble, excellent bass on quantity and quality).
Value: ★★★★☆ (solid package for a mid class IEM)
Remark: Though might not be the best sounding IEM in its price range (close though), the extra goodies that come with the package do proof q-Jays to have an excellent value for the money. The two downsides are 1) the included case won’t fit the IEM with extension cable and 2) why won’t JAYS includes a shirt clip for a two pieces cable?
Sony MDR-EX85SL (2008)
Variation: MDR-EX85LP (one piece cable)
Transducer: Single 13.5mm Dynamic
Spec: 16Ω (@1kHz) | 5Hz~ 24kHz | 105dB SPL | 6g
Cord Style: J-cord. Two pieces, 0.50m + 1.00m
Mini Jack Style: Gold plated L style, normal build.
Eartips Used: Single flange
Packaging: N/A (OEM package)
Build Quality: ★★★★ (Nothing special)
Accessories: ★★★☆ (Still looking for the same old shirt clip)
Isolation: ★★★
Microphonics: ★★★
Comfort: ★★★★ (Weird angle of the earpiece)
Soundstage: ★★★ (fair soundstage)
Sound Quality: ★★☆ (warm, not particularly detail but acceptable, slightly muddy mid, bass lacks depth and quality)
Value: ★★★ (Low street price gives it a fair value)
Remark: EX85 is about the same level as CX300 in SQ, but different in sonic character. CX300 has bloated bass and treble while lack good body mid; EX85 has good mid but lack good detail and bass depth. Like the CX300, it can serve as a good backup pair since the street price is reasonable, but it isn't 'monitor' level SQ like Sony claims.
Shure SE530 (2008)
Variation: SE530PTH (with extra Push-To-Talk unit)
Transducer: Triple Balanced Armature in two ways configuration
Spec: 36Ω (@1kHz) | 18Hz~ 19kHz | 119dB SPL | 29g
Cord Style: Y-cord, Two pieces, 0.45 + 0.91m
Mini Jack Style: Gold plated straight style, heavy build.
Eartips Used: Shure Black Foam
Packaging: ★★★★★ (aluminum box is really nice)
Build Quality: ★★★★☆ (loose connection in less than a week of action, lemon replaced)
Accessories: ★★★★★ (olive is good, attenuator is a plus)
Isolation: ★★★★★
Microphonics: ★★★★★ (over-the-ear style)
Comfort: ★★★★☆ (heavily built cable isn't particularly comfortable, plus there is no memory cable to hold the cable in place)
Soundstage: ★★★★ (good, but not the best. Slight improvement when using silicones eartip)
Sound Quality: ★★★★☆ (Slightly on the warm side with good, solid and full mid and bass, a bit dark sounding if used from a warm source, slightly roll off treble but improved when amped; On the plus side, SE530 is slightly more forgiving on low bitrate music).
Value: ★★★★ (More expensive than TF10, but doesn't offer more of anything)
Remark: Does SE530 sounds good? I guess the answer is 'Yes'. Does it sound better than TF10? My instinct tells me 'No'. The reason is, SE530 sounds so 'conservative' (if you can describe it that way) that it lacks surprise of any kind. It seems to have a very solid sound characteristic but the lack of spark always leaves me wanting more. I guess most people will find SE530's sound pretty easy going, but I think I'll prefer a sound that carries more excitement in it. Perhaps I am just not too fond of Shure's house sound? One thing that worths noticing is despite the fact that most IEM sound very 'intimate' (that is, not resembling a big can), SE530 does carry a more or less 'big can' feel in its sound character. On extra note, SE530 could easily be the most comfortable IEM in the batch, but I just wish Shure could include memory wire on the cable which would have made wearing it a lot more easier.
The Best SQ Ranking:
1) Triple.fi 10 Pro ★★★★★
2) Shure SE530 ★★★★☆
3) Head-Direct’s RE1 (amped) ★★★★☆
4) Sleek Audio SA6 ★★★★☆
5) Sony MDR-EX700SL ★★★★☆
6) JAYS q-Jays ★★★★
7) Altec Lansing iM716 (amped) ★★★☆
8) Head-Direct’s RE2 ★★★☆
9) Etymotic ER6i ★★★
10) Shure E3c ★★★
11) CrossRoads MylarOne X3 ★★☆
12) Sennheiser CX300 ★★☆
13) Sony MDR-EX85SL ★★☆
14) Creative EP-630 ★★
The Best Value Ranking:
1) Head-Direct’s RE2 ★★★★★ | Sleek Audio SA6 ★★★★★ (discounted)
2) Triple.fi 10 Pro ★★★★☆
3) JAYS q-Jays ★★★★☆
4) Head-Direct’s RE1 ★★★★☆
5) Etymotic ER6i ★★★★
6) CrossRoads MylarOne X3 ★★★★
7) Shure SE530 ★★★★
8) Sleek Audio SA6 ★★★★
9) Sony MDR-EX700SL ★★★★
10) Altec Lansing iM716 ★★★☆
11) Shure E3c ★★★
12) Sennheiser CX300 ★★★
13) Sony MDR-EX85SL ★★★
14) Creative EP-630 ★★☆
*Do I need to remind everyone that all the above are purely subjective opinion and you need not to take it as absolute?
[REVIEW] 14 IEM reviewed and compared!!! (updated AUG 12, 08)
