Sleek SA6

[elnero]

Yes they seem durable, the nice thing is most pieces are easily replaceable.

Wearing them with the cord the cord is a bit microphonic, not as bad as the Ety's though. Worn over the ear though pretty much eliminates it. For myself I wear them straight down when I'm at my desk but when I'm moving around I swivel the cord up over my ears and down my back.

[tstarn06]

Durability needs more than 2-3 weeks, but so far, so good. Microphonics not an issue for me so far either, and they are easy to wear over the ear as well.

[Torzwo]

Thank you. I always wear the cord over the ears while I walk around so it's good to hear that you can do it with these.

[soozieq]

Yes! Finally they arrived but I wasn't able to join in because my internet access has been down all day

What can I say? I've been listening on and off for around 7 hours, and I'm seriously impressed. I'm using the + treble and + bass and that seems to be the best combination for me. The vocals are upfront and detailed, the treble quality is comparable with my beloved C700s, lots of it and pretty damn sparkly! The soundstage is lovely, very expansive for iems and slightly 'bigger' than the Denons.

The bass is something I'd like more of, but that's just greed. I don't really 'need' more bass, I'd just like a bit more thump! I would also be up for a ++++++ bass port. . . and it's good to know that one day Jason and co will no doubt come up with one. That's the beauty of these headphones - they can be upgraded without having to go elsewhere. What a novel idea!

I love the cable. It's substantial, tangle-free and similar to the Denon C700 which has been my favourite so far for the ability to drop out with a quick shake. I really appreciate a user-friendly cable. Why doesn't everyone do that? Is it too much work or something? And it's so nice to be able to shove the headphones in without getting irritated by the constant unknotting.

Fit. I know it must just be me, since everyone else has no problem getting a good fit - but I'm finding it awkward to maintain a good seal. I'm not sure whether to twist them in upwards or shove them in straight, but I'm going to try the Image gels next. I should point out (like several others) that the bi-flanges are really comfortable and don't hurt or irritate at all. I've never got on with bi-flanges before, so that was an unexpected surprise. I'll perservere with the fit as I'm not giving these up. They sound too good.

Note: The treble tubes came out with the bi-flange, and when I tried to pull the tube out from the sleeve, it suddenly pinged out in mid air and landed next to my cat, who was just about to paw it under the settee when I grabbed it (the tube, not my pusscat!.) I realised why it had been so easy to come out. I hadn't read the instructions!! If I had, I'd have seen that the treble tubes have to be double clicked, which I hadn't done. They haven't come out again since I clicked them properly into place.

Quick Image/SA6 comparison. When I first had the Image I was completely overwhelmed. I'd never heard bass like it, and they sounded really good with the un-eqable (is that even a word??) Zune. But it was the vocals that finally killed them for me in the end as they played right in my brain. It wasn't all vocals that did this, but it was enough to make it it uncomfortable to listen to long term.

The Image has a very very warm sound - the SA6 is more neutral but very very musical and they just sound much 'clearer' than the Image, especially the vocals which have a more natural tone.

The SA6 cable is nicer and cable noise isn't an issue for me at all. Comfort wise - I'd say (at this early stage) that they're as comfortable as the Image, and that's saying something because the Image were the most comfortable iems I'd ever worn.

All in all, these are excellent earphones. The idea that you can 'make' your own sound is almost futuristic, but it's real. The same pair could appeal to half a dozen people, all with different listening preferences - how amazing is that?

That's it. I'm done. Well done Jason and everyone one involved with these little treats for the ears.
I'm going to review them on cnet as well. Some real user opinions will soon put their own review into perspective.

[tstarn06]

Nice review Julie. I agree, Head-Fiers who favor the SA6s should mosey on over to CNET and post some opinions, give Sleek a little push. I am also really hooked on the modularity (a word?) of the SA6s. For example, I moved back to the gray treble tubes from the black ones, a personal preference.

Jason et al, please send us that bass+++++ module some day. Otherwise, fantastic.

Looking forward to getting my replacement Zune on Monday. Meantime, the ZVM with the Minibox via lineout sounds pretty awesome.

[PeterDLai]

I'm finding that I actually prefer the bass+ and treble= combo the best.

It's not as sparkly as the treble+ in some songs, but at least ALL of my music is smooth and non-fatiguing.

[soozieq]

Originally Posted by PeterDLai

I'm finding that I actually prefer the bass+ and treble= combo the best. It's not as sparkly as the treble+ in some songs, but at least ALL of my music is smooth and non-fatiguing.

I think that's the same combo as Tom (tstarn). That's the genius of these little wonders - we can all have different listening preferences, and yet be happy with the same earphone! Incredible.

[PeterDLai]

Originally Posted by tnmike1

What extended black tip?? Just opened my box from Earphone Solutions and no extended black tip??? Also emailed Michael at Earphone Solutions for the treble ++ tips. Or are they the same??? OBOY--confused here

What are your first impressions of the UE Triple.fi 10 Pro in comparison to the Sleek Audio SA6?

[tstarn06]

Originally Posted by soozieq

I think that's the same combo as Tom (tstarn). That's the genius of these little wonders - we can all have different listening preferences, and yet be happy with the same earphone! Incredible.

I am actually using the treble+ (gray) and bass+

I tried treble++ today (black), but moved back to gray. Peter's experience may make me try out the treble=, out of curiosity. Fun stuff, these phones.

[Walie]

tsartn06, have you tried flicking on the P to S switch on your minibox?

I'm using my P to S adaptor with bass/treble + ports...i'm smiling right now

[tstarn06]

Originally Posted by Walie

tsartn06, have you tried flicking on the P to S switch on your minibox?

I'm using my P to S adaptor with bass/treble + ports...i'm smiling right now

Funny you should ask. I didn't think much of the amped SA6s, but the other night, I was messing around with the Minibox and decided to turn that switch on (usually leave it off unless its for 716s or PK1s, which I sold), but wow, it really did ramp up the SQ. I need to listen more, but you are dead on. Just forgot to post it here, for anyone who has those two pieces of hardware (SA6s and MiniboxE+).

I was watching the tube, but might want to pull the SA6s/Minibox and Sony DAP out and have another listen. Thanks for reminding me.

[Walie]

For everyone else, the P to S adaptor does the exact same thing to the SA6 as what it does to the er4p...only the SA6 already has more bass to start with.

however i am noticing more sibilance now, maybe playing around with the treble ports will address that

[ShinyFalcon]

Ordered the SA6 yesterday... and they're very close to me! But I don't know if they deliver on weekends... Estimated delivery day is next Monday.

[Walie]

Jackpot!

bass+, treble=, and P to S adapter (75 ohm) gives a very balanced sound. plus my rockboxed ipod has no trouble powering this setup either for those without an amp

[Walie]

Here's an idea, since we can swap the cables...can the guys at Sleek Audio make a custom cable with a 75 ohm resistance?