Sleek SA6

[soozieq]

I guess the bass 'issue' is down to individual listening preferences. I definitely don't consider myself to be a 'basshead', but I did find the SA6 slightly lacking in impact for my ears. I haven't had them for a few months, but it was one of the reasons I decided not to keep them.

Their strong point (to my ears), was the nice open midrange. Very clear and detailed, but it just didn't make up for the lack of bass impact. While the Triples may not share the same sweet SA6 midrange qualities, it's good enough that I don't feel anything is missing/lacking. And if the SA6 ++bass port ever puts in an appearance, I'd definitely consider buying them again.

Also, as this isn't an appreciation thread, isn't it okay to point out the pros and cons as perceived by each listener? I thought that was what this thread was for. Just because some people dare to point out the bass isn't enough for their own preferences, it doesn't mean they're saying the SA6 is crap, just that it doesn't have enough bass for them! There are quite a few people who feel the same way, and they don't necessarily want skull-crushing bass, just a little more impact. What's wrong with that? The thread should include all opinions, positive and negative. How else are people supposed to make an informed decision otherwise?

EDIT: I'm pretty sure the majority of returns was due to the 'perceived' lack of bass. I couldn't really find anything else to fault them on apart from that, and the one dead driver which was replaced within 48 hours!

[ClieOS]

I find my SA6 to have very good bass impact, better than TF10 (TF10 extends slightly deeper in bass though).

One thing I want to mention is (and I has pointed this out before): Many of us seem to have different opinions on the real bass quantity people should get from Bass+ port. Some of us feel as it is plentiful, while others think it is lacking. Personally, I think at least some of the cases are related back to the issue of obstruction on the tiny hole on the Bass+ port. I know some of you (who think the bass is fine) might not agree with the fix I provided, but it really isn't anything more than 'cleaning' IMHO.

The fix is simple and you can try it yourself: get the smallest needle you can find, take your Bass+ ports out and find the tiny hole on the back (easier to find when against the light). Use the dull end of the needle to push through the hole to clean out every thing.

I hope this little trick can help some of you find the missing bass before you send your SA6 back than wonder whether the obstructed air way is the problem.

[majurglery]

Heh coming from the ER6is, i think these will have a great amount of bass for me.

[soozieq]

Originally Posted by ClieOS

I find my SA6 to have very good bass impact, better than TF10 (TF10 extends slightly deeper in bass though).

And this is why it's all so subjective, because I had the exact opposite experience to you with regards to the SA6 impact.

The fix is simple and you can try it yourself: get the smallest needle you can find, take your Bass+ ports out and find the tiny hole on the back (easier to find when against the light).

This hadn't been mentioned before I sent mine back, or I'd have definitely tried it!!

[BloodSugar00]

Its funny all this talk of bass with the sa6. Thy were my first set of hi-end headphones and iems. At first, i though they were lacking in bass and i thought the bass = was far better for defintion and extension, detail and clarity, than the bass + which I was initially dispointed by as though bass quanity was more abundant, bass clarity and texture, quality if u will, was lost to my ears. I was very certain this was my perception of it. My SA6 cable thn became faulty and long story short i was without a working set of sa6 for over a month. When I had them back the bass + was instantly sublime- just what i initially thought it would be- more quantity with quality rtained. It clicked as it wer. Now whether this was simply that by ears had adapted to sound of sa6 or to hi-end listening in general, whether it was the vent hole unbeknowingly blocked, or, being new to iems, simply that i wasnt achievin a good nough seal, i dunno. But now i lov bass + port and my sa6 arent far behind behind my newly aquird se530's in that department (though im still struggling a bit to find the prefect seal with those)

[tstarn06]

Agree this isn't an appreciation thread Sooz, but calling the bass is "anemic" and the highs harsh is really the first time a poster has had that dual negative perception of the Sleeks. Saying they don't have enough bass punch is a fair assessment and, as you point out, a personal one. But if someone finds the bass "anemic," I agree that it must be a fit issue. Lacking is a much different characterization from anemic. And you didn't find the highs harsh, as I recall.

Anyway, too bad that bass+ mod (thanks ClieOS) wasn't around when you had the Sleeks. It would have saved you some more $$$. It really does give the Sleeks a little extra bass boost, but in no way detracts from their original clean, smooth (but never boomy) bass.

It's great how some folks prefer the Sleeks over the TF10s, while others say no way. Those differences will never be reconciled. Its a vanilla/chocolate thing. To be honest, I really do love the Sleek sound sig, but I also like the idea of them becoming cable free in the near future, something the TF10s won't be able to do. My "sources" tell me the wireless technology is spot on, but of course, hearing will be believing.

[Elluzion]

Thanks everyone for all of your opinions about the bass. I might jump on this deal, and try them. if i don't like them i could easily sell them to someone on head-fi.

Does anyone know of a store (in the United States) that carries all kinds of headphones and iem's? i live in california, but i wish i could try some.

Well my budget is pretty much where the sleeks are at, i will think about it more today.

is thier a link with pictures of the bass pin mod?

THANKS AGAIN EVERYONE!

[G1ll]

Originally Posted by tstarn06

Agree this isn't an appreciation thread Sooz, but calling the bass is "anemic" and the highs harsh is really the first time a poster has had that dual negative perception of the Sleeks. Saying they don't have enough bass punch is a fair assessment and, as you point out, a personal one. But if someone finds the bass "anemic," I agree that it must be a fit issue. Lacking is a much different characterization from anemic. And you didn't find the highs harsh, as I recall.

Yeah, my wacko perceptions are what made me so confused. The HFI-780s are regarded by many as harsh cans, and I am inclined to agree. I read through the majority of this thread without even seeing the word "harsh" which made the SA6s all the more appealing.

It very well may be due to the fit, although I'm really starting to think that my impressions are more due to my preferences. I had to use the largest flanges to achieve a seal but I wouldn't really describe them as comfortable. My actual size is probably somewhere between the medium and large flanges. I tried inserting them several different ways and attempted to gently "aim" them in different directions to see if they were shooting directly into the side of my ear or something. Maybe I'll look into picking up a different kind of tip - to answer Squirsier, I've had luck with foam tips in the past when I borrowed a pair of Shure E2Cs from a friend. Also, I'll try cleaning the bass ports when I have time and will report back.

[Elluzion]

what kind of foam tips are good/work with these? anyone know? flanges are very uncomfortable for me. I think i am going to try these out, if i don't like, i 'll just sell. but we'll see.

[soozieq]

G1ll - someone recently put a link to a sound test on here (which should help establish if you have the correct seal), but I can't remember where the thread is. I don't know if it's useful or not, since I didn't need to try it. But you might want to look and see for yourself. I think it plays different tones, and you can figure out if you have the right seal by which tones you can hear, or something like that

EDIT: tstarn06, sorry, I didn't see that you'd mentioned fit issues in relation to the 'anemic bass'. And no, I didn't find the treble harsh at all. That's why I think the sound test might be useful, (it it works!)

[tstarn06]

Originally Posted by G1ll

Yeah, my wacko perceptions are what made me so confused. The HFI-780s are regarded by many as harsh cans, and I am inclined to agree. I read through the majority of this thread without even seeing the word "harsh" which made the SA6s all the more appealing.

It very well may be due to the fit, although I'm really starting to think that my impressions are more due to my preferences. I had to use the largest flanges to achieve a seal but I wouldn't really describe them as comfortable. My actual size is probably somewhere between the medium and large flanges. I tried inserting them several different ways and attempted to gently "aim" them in different directions to see if they were shooting directly into the side of my ear or something. Maybe I'll look into picking up a different kind of tip - to answer Squirsier, I've had luck with foam tips in the past when I borrowed a pair of Shure E2Cs from a friend. Also, I'll try cleaning the bass ports when I have time and will report back.

I use the Shure black olives (never liked silicone flanges, even the Sleek ones), and they are a great match with the Sleeks. Hint: They go on nice and easy, but taking them off requires "pushing" out the treble tubes, which lodge in the olives pretty tigfht. Weirdly enough, I use the kack plug to push out the treble tube. And, as I noted earlier, I use one small olive and one medium (ears not symmetrical). So maybe the Shure olives or shure yellows (also work with Sleeks) are the ticket to better bass, smoother highs for you.

[tstarn06]

Originally Posted by soozieq

G1ll - someone recently put a link to a sound test on here (which should help establish if you have the correct seal), but I can't remember where the thread is. I don't know if it's useful or not, since I didn't need to try it. But you might want to look and see for yourself. I think it plays different tones, and you can figure out if you have the right seal by which tones you can hear, or something like that

EDIT: tstarn06, sorry, I didn't see that you'd mentioned fit issues in relation to the 'anemic bass'. And no, I didn't find the treble harsh at all. That's why I think the sound test might be useful, (it it works!)

As always, not a problem.

[Elluzion]

are these the olives?

where can you buy these for "cheaper?" im looking for medium size..

Shure - Earphones, Headphones, Headsets & Accessories for Personal Listening


im a little worried that these are 1 driver, but many responses make it sound like they compete with high end iems..

[tstarn06]

Originally Posted by Elluzion

are these the olives?

where can you buy these for "cheaper?" im looking for medium size..

Shure - Earphones, Headphones, Headsets & Accessories for Personal Listening

Yep, those are the olives, but they are hard to find much cheaper. On the upside, unlike any other foamies out there, they are washable and reusable after washing. I found some for $14.95 not too long ago, but the vendor is out of them. One vendor on Amazon has them for $18.95, plus $4.88 S&H. I find them worth it.

For a cheaper Shure foamie that also works, you can get the standard yellow foamies, but they are not as durable nor are they washable (and they look disgusting when used more than a few times). But they are much cheaper.

Shure - Earphones, Headphones, Headsets & Accessories for Personal Listening

[Elluzion]

Originally Posted by tstarn06

Yep, those are the olives, but they are hard to find much cheaper. On the upside, unlike any other foamies out there, they are washable and reusable after washing. I found some for $14.95 not too long ago, but the vendor is out of them. One vendor on Amazon has them for $18.95, plus $4.88 S&H. I find them worth it.

For a cheaper Shure foamie that also works, you can get the standard yellow foamies, but they are not as durable nor are they washable (and they look disgusting when used more than a few times). But they are much cheaper.

Shure - Earphones, Headphones, Headsets & Accessories for Personal Listening

yeah they are a bit pricey. but they look really good.

crap now i am not sure if i am medium or large. i think im medium but not 100% sure.. ugg