UE5c pre-purchase questions

[dmoffitt]

A little background first.

I used to like B&W (moved up through the brand a good bit), rather than buy 800-series stuff, I moved on to Totem Acoustic's Forest (which uses DynAudio's drivers) and now to Dynaudio. Why? I liked the "Accuracy" of B&W but hated the muddy front-ported bass, and eventually found the tweeter on the bright side - not assaulting, but fatiguing - and namely, too point-source-ish. I now LOVE my Special 25s, that soft-dome somehow has a ton of extension and detail yet never jumps up to "bright" or "too-forward" - I guess you get what you pay for.

Headphone wise, I've followed a similar trend. Started in college with Grado 80s, a few days later returned them for 125s. Liked the bass and detail. Had a bunch of HD280s from a film shoot (senior thesis film) - realized they made great production/location cans but hated them for music. Sold my 125s and pgraded briefly to 225s which were then replaced also a few days later by RS2s (different shop lol, they'd have KILLED me if I did that at the place I got my 80s). Was actually rather disappointed, for the money, but made a leap of faith for RS1s. Loved them, but found that, just like the B&Ws once the "fun" factor was over, they were fatiguing. Dabbled with Etys for a bit, ER4s with an SR-71 - ABSOLUTELY LOVED the amp, found the Etys quite bright. Friend gave me his E2c which I found tollerable, not to be snobby, but just, well, they didn't do anything great, however, what I DID notice, is they didn't do much POORLY either. Figured, why not play with the E3c which has become my de-facto portables. Snagged a used set of HD600s from a buddy, upgraded to the HD650 cable, and after having them for 6mos they were stolen. Liked them so much I got another pair plus Cardas cable. LOVED them. I just didn't use them enough - when I'm at home I prefer my Dyns...

I've come to realize that in IEMS / headphones in general, I want listen-ability more than the ultimate accuracy. I've also come to realize - I only use them when I travel - but I am often out of town / away from home for weeks at a time, so I do SOME critical listening - maybe not "taking notes / pen-and-paper" critical, but I am rather picky. I _THINK_ I know what I like in audio gear - solid bass performance, hated the Etys for being too bright. Love the midrange of the E3c - the highs are not obnoxious but I feel like I'm "outgrowing" them, and I'd like some more bass - as others have mentioned in regards to the E3c you have to turn them up too much to get decent bass and then the highs become too forward and get a bit harsh and the normally slightly-forward mids just get messy. Now, I like forward mids - in my car system I actually have a small bump at/from 500-1000 or 1200-ish Hz (yes yes, EQ is bad... ... but its CAR AUDIO. Nevermind that they're also Dynaudio drivers, although I've got Focals in my other car, but, again, find the titanium tweeter somewhat bright, but not in a BAD way).

Anyhow, with that all said *WHEW* - I'm wondering a bit about the UE5c -

First, I like warm midrange. Forward midrange. Maybe to a fault Maybe I have a slight hearing loss there? I suppose it's something to have checked while getting my custom molds made--- er, wait, haven't sold myself yet (puts back wallet). Will the UE5c deliver?

Second, ok, I'm sold on the bass from what people have said. How about the opposite end of the spectrum. Now, despite what all I've said above TAKE IT WITH A GRAIN OF SALT. I don't like "no" highs and I don't want something that sounds recessed, I just don't like in-your-face or bright or overly forward. From the reviews I've read, most people actually felt the highs were a bit lacking on the UE5c - at which point I sort of went "ah HA! these are probably PERFECT for me!!" - I just want to make sure it's not tooooo laid back?

Third - the notch filter - do they all come without it now? Last reference I saw was circa 2004... ?

Thanks for helping me waste, er spend more money guys...

PS, don't know if it matters but I'm a yellow-foamie-for-life kinda guy... both for fit and sound. The UE5c only comes in "hard" though right? Will it be frustrating? I didn't like Shure or Ety "flanges" much.

[rlanger]

Not so sure about the UE's, but it certainly sounds like you would love the Shure SE530s if you are not completely sold on customs.

As for the customs, have you investigated the Sensaphonics? From everything I've read, they also sound like they would be up your alley.

Finally, the other alternative would be to wait for the Westone custom 3 or UE 11 to come out (if you don't have a strict budget) and be reviewed by others.

[digihead]

The UE5c's are great. I'd also highly recommend checking out the Westone ES2. the ES2s are a warmer sound signature, deliver the bass, are not harsh without losing out on detail and have a KILLER midrange. ES2s are a good suggestion based on your love of the midrange.

Depending on your level of patience, you might want to wait for the Westone3's to come out. Honestly though, who knows how long that will be, especially for the custom version which won't be done until the universal version is locked, loaded and launched.

[dmoffitt]

Not a fan of the E500 / SE stuff, at least, based on really not being impressed with (or liking) the E4c I doubt I would be.

I'll see if I can listen to some Westones of any kind to get a feel for the "family" in the mean time... thanks for the suggestions!

[rlanger]

Originally Posted by dmoffitt

Not a fan of the E500 / SE stuff, at least, based on really not being impressed with (or liking) the E4c I doubt I would be.

I don't think the E500s are anything like the E4c, so I wouldn't neccessarily dismiss them so easily. They are a killer set of IEMs with excellent bass, killer mids and slightly rolled off highs, a combination that IMO, makes for a great listening experience.

[SR-71Panorama]

Sigh......you need to be more specific in what your looking for.



Lol, kidding.

From your description, I think UE5 is the safest bet for IEMs. I'm not positive, but hypothetically, once you send your ear molds to them, I think they can save them in case you ever want more (i.e. UE10 as an upgrade if you find you need more detail).

Im thinking of getting the UE10 someday myself when I have the time, patience and motivation to schedule an audiologist appt.

[Darwin022]

Sorry to drag up an old thread, but like dmoffitt, I got tired of uncomfortable in ear's and recently placed an order for my UE5 Pro's. They claim that they'll ship out on Monday of next week, so they will be using the full 14 days in the "10-14 day turnaround".

So far I have mixed feelings but I'm sure that will change when I get them. I had called before placing the order to ask a few questions and got a lady who answered my questions but obviously had no desire to chat or talk any more than she needed to and wanted me off the phone ASAP. It is a good thing that I had already made up my mind and was set on ordering them before calling or I might not have. This seems to be the exact opposite experience than the one Dmoffitt had, who knows.

That said, I have high expectations and I can't wait to hear them!

[dmoffitt]

That's a huge shame, I had nothing but excellent service the MULTIPLE times I called them (questions, updates, etc - I was on a super tight time frame and they not only met it but did so perfectly). Nevermind that I had to drive out and MEET the FedEx driver, lol that's what happens when you visit Montana

Glad you got them though, you won't be disappointed. Every time I use them I experience a very satisfying mix of techno-lust, audio nirvana and comfort... I'd never go back to shure+foamies (and the only reason I'd want another set of cans is I miss tweaking / playing - but these would be near impossible to top).

Here's how mine ended up:


(pardon the mess, remodeling hence the paint chips in the bg)

Pics when you get 'em!

[chef8489]

I agree with Digihead. The UE-5c are excellent monitors and I was verry pleased with for the year I had them before upgrading. I do think the Es2 is somethin worth looking into. They are only 100.00 more than the ue-5c and I think they would fit your taste perfectly. Don't get me wrong, I think you owuld love the ue-5c also but might enjoy the es2 just a bit more.
Ohh and I have had nothing but positive experiences from UE customer service. They have gone way above and beyond to make me happy in the past few years.