My UM2 started to get unbalanced almost a year ago. Every thread I read talked about bringing them to Westone labs to change their filters, as this is an operation you couldn't do by yourself.
I even e-mailed to Westone to confirm that, and they told me it was the only way to fix them, to send them.
Shipping IEMs from SPAIN is not as comfortable as from USA is. The customs, all other risks... you know.
In the meanwhile, I got the Etys ER4, and become a Ety fan. Then, they got unbalanced too, but, as they carry the filter replacing tool... I changed the filters by myself and... ‘brand new Etys!.
So, then... I looked closely to both UM2 and Ety microfilters thinking... "holy cow, those thingys looks exactly the same..."
And in a brave decision, I inserted the Ety Removal Tool inside the UM2 tube, screwed, and pop the UM2 filter out!
It was not green, but white. Never mind. I picked a green Ety microfilter and it went inside the tube almost perfectly. I repeat the operation with the other side.
So, here they are. My Westone UM2 alive again with green Ety filters!
WHY THIS COMPATIBILITY IS NOT REFERRED BY NOBODY, even encouraging not to do it? I could have fix them months ago!
Yeah you don't hear it being mentioned. But they are the changeable between, Shure, Westone, and Ety. I think the filters even come from the same manufacturer. The only difference between them is the damping characteristics...
Most of the filters do accoustical shaping so they may sound different. You might be on too something. Someone has already repacked the ety filters and put them back in. I remember them saying they got a bit warmer sound they liked better. Maybe the UM2 can be given a little more Ety clarity. I think many people would really like the UM2 with a bit more clarity or a bit more treble coming through.
Thanks for posting this! I'm going to give this a try as I've had the filters replaced twice on my older pair of my UM2's (I have two and one will be for sale soon). I'll post my results! Again thanks!
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Favorite Headphone: David Clark H10-14. Lousy for music but great for hearing Air Trafic Control
Portable: Zen Micro, UM2's, Custom Moulds
Previous canalphones: EYT4P, ETY6, SuperFi 5P
It's weird, I was totally convinced that I had to sell the UM2, and encouraging others not to buying overseas only because of that 'filters' reason.
But now this is my most recommended IEM, even if the ER4 are better, but not for everybody, as people tend to love the bass headed sound of the westone.
I insist in the need of a good source an EQ, too. UM2 are wild and have to be tamed.
Now I no longer have intention to sell them, as they are a perfect complement to the Etys ER4, and love to enjoy them when listening trance, for example.
My ETY4 filter kit arrived and I easily replaced both filters in my UM2's. They sound perfect and work now just as they did new.
This is really terrific as shipping the headphones to Westone for a filter replacement is just a pain and they might even charge you for the service.
Many thanks to Contach for this thread! All UM2 owners should be made aware of this filter replacement procedure!
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Favorite Headphone: David Clark H10-14. Lousy for music but great for hearing Air Trafic Control
Portable: Zen Micro, UM2's, Custom Moulds
Previous canalphones: EYT4P, ETY6, SuperFi 5P
UM2 reborn since months of laying!
Linear Mode
