Would it be reasonable to assume that the Custom 3's by design might sound better than the image? From a pure sound quality standpoint
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More often then not:
Ipod 160g -----> Shure E500, UE SF5p, Denon C700
In the Mix now and Around: Grado Sr60 MylarOne X3, Bose TriPort (Original), CX300, px100, DTX50, UE Super Fi 3, Ety Er6i, AKG K81DJ (velour pads), Sony Altus MDR777, Senn EH150, Sony EX51, igrado
Would it be reasonable to assume that the Custom 3's by design might sound better than the image? From a pure sound quality standpoint
Since no one appeared to answer your question and I've been somewhat M.I.A. (trying to avoid Head-Fi/Klipsch forums so that time passes faster for the Custom-3's to come out )...
... the answer to your question is yes. The Custom-3 is designed to place sound quality in higher precedence than comfort (though comfort remains an important feature) while the IMAGE is the opposite (but is also limited by its single driver and minuscule size).
There are a few people who have heard both of them that have acknowledged that the Custom-3 does sound better than the IMAGE, though in some cases they were unsure how much better. Those were early prototypes though, and I'm curious if the Custom-3 has been updated since then to sound even better.
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More often then not:
Ipod 160g -----> Shure E500, UE SF5p, Denon C700
In the Mix now and Around: Grado Sr60 MylarOne X3, Bose TriPort (Original), CX300, px100, DTX50, UE Super Fi 3, Ety Er6i, AKG K81DJ (velour pads), Sony Altus MDR777, Senn EH150, Sony EX51, igrado
I've had the IMAGE's since Dec 24th. I've been taking them with me daily on my commute from Long Island into NYC with my iTocuh.
First off, they are super comfy. I just about forget they are in my ears. I'm using the midsized double flanged. My ears don't bother me at all after wearing them for hours.
Isolation. Pretty good. When in, outside noise drops a good 70% of what I hear with no music on. I would say outside sounds drops down to like 40% when I have music on low, and like 15% when I have it a decent volume. I can't hear people talking to me, but I do hear the clumps/thumps/bangs of the subway cars, train cars(very loud). Walking down the street, 5th ave I don't hear any ambiance noise, just the sirens of passing cops/firetrucks.
Cord noise is pretty minimal, especially since I switched to the double flanged. Lot less when walking.
Appearance. Very sleek. Most people don't even notice I have them in, walking up behind or from the front...especially coworkers.
Sound. I don't have a large variety of other IEM's or headphones, but the best I have heard so far. The bass output from these is pretty amazing. I get a nice thump in my head, like that gut punch of a subwoofer, but just not through your whole body, just in your head. Mid's are crisp, clean and clear. High's do seem a little lacking. I do sort of get that Klipsch horn feeling, but it's not as bright up top as I get compared to my HT setup. I can definitely hear passage parts I've been missing before with other headphones and in my stereo setup Overall very well balanced. The isolation really helps define the stage, and imaging of music.
Overall I'm super happy with them. The amount of sound and quality of it coming from these tiny IEM's is awesome. The case is a nice addition, holds the iTouch and headphones nicely.
Having just stumbled into this forum today and reading about these IEMs I have to say I'm also confused by the Image and the Custom 3. Assuming the difference is comfort vs audio quality it's still kind of strange the prices are so close.
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5th gen iPod Video -> Turbodock IV -> PA2V2 low gain mod -> Klipsch Custom 3
Misc gear: vintage Senn HD420, Senn HD580, Grado SR60
I'm also confused by the Image and the Custom 3. Assuming the difference is comfort vs audio quality it's still kind of strange the prices are so close.
Styling does also matter for some people. "Image" naming tries to say that.
Styling does also matter for some people. "Image" naming tries to say that.
I know you're right but it still confuses me. Not many companies will compete against their own products like this and if they do there is typically a product feature to distinguish the products. Now I suppose the Image could be marketed as being more comfort-oriented but does Kilpsch really want to imply the other products with a similar price are not as comfortable?
Perhaps it's the nature of the product. A headphone or speaker really only has one primary feature and that is sound. You can price differently for smaller size but for IEMs that seems odd to me. It's not like I'm choosing between some big open headphones and some IEMs - it's from one IEM to another.
In the end I'm just being selfish. It's just making my decision process harder so I'm frustrated by it.
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5th gen iPod Video -> Turbodock IV -> PA2V2 low gain mod -> Klipsch Custom 3
Misc gear: vintage Senn HD420, Senn HD580, Grado SR60
The Custom-3 is superior sound-wise because of the separate drivers and crossover, which is why they are priced higher than the 1 and 2.
The Image is in a separate product category, design-wise. It is a single driver and not over the ear, and although it has received rave reviews for sound, I wouldn't compare it to Custom-3. The cost is relative to the intricate (ie: super tiny) design, and the difficulty in building them and the expense of the technology used in doing so. The value is not only in their sound, but the small and ultra-comfortable design. And yes, the Custom models are also comfortable, but, personally, not as much so because I do not like wires around my ears. Again, that's a personal preference.
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