Qonad - I did quite a bit of comparison listening with the CT6 and a few other more expensive customs yesterday. Suffice to say, the CT6 doesn't have a bad genre, but that may be because its sound signature is more polite than some of the other customs. In a way, it is a poor mans JH13Pro. What it lacks immediately from the JH13Pro upper frequency sparkle (but not overmuch). For trance, I really, really like upper frequency sparkle and miss that sound in the Sleek when coming from from some higher end customs.
But it does trance well. Trace is best for me with something that has upper sparkle and a bit of extra weight in the lows. But, the CT6 is a great trance phone. It also is great for rock. In fact, it may be a better rock phone than a trance phone simply because it is a bit more laid back. But, if you need grit, you can ask them to make a ++ treble configuration. I would call Sleek before buying (that is what I did) to make sure they know how you want it to sound.
Thanks again shigzeo. I'd be very interested in reading your impressions of a direct comparison between the UM3X and the SE530.
From what I've read, the UM3X has superior treble extension, instrument separation and detail retrieval to the SE530; apparently it's no slouch in the midrange either. It might also have superior clarity overall to the SE530, which do sound veiled to me. But again, if the UM3X's soundstage is smaller than the SE530, then this is a little off-putting.
I do find that the SE530 lacks sparkle and a crispness that I would appreciate hearing in my music. It's definitely a non-fatiguing phone but given that I mainly listen to contemporary instrumental jazz (with very little vocal content), I could probably trade the SE530's magical mids for more clarity. I find that acoustic guitar, piano and drums in particular tend to lose their liveliness through the SE530's.
I haven't done a lot of back to back with the two earphones - something I will do in the coming weeks. However, for lack of better reasons, Westone's phone is better for a person like me who values a well-made product. The Shure is very nice and for the people who love its Sound Quality (meaning style), it is probably the best there is.
However, the UM3X trumps it in every meaningful way as an earphone. Both sound delicious, but the UM3X is by far and away a better-made product. Better cable, better insulation, better bumping, etc.. The UM3X is probably the best made triple driver (as a whole package). The CK100 trumps it by a long shot for housing quality, but fails when it comes to the cable.
If I were to invest in a phone again, it would be one which will last a long time. The UM3X and EarSonics' SM2 are very similar earphones - both of which I heap praises on.
Hello again shigzeo, I hope you slept well. I awakened from a sleep as deep as an induced coma. No, I don't spend all of my waking hours at Head-Fi but it seems like that at the moment. This must change as I have other priorities that I should be attending to.
Following on from my previous visits, how does the UM3X compare to the JH/13 PRO?
And how does the UM3X compare to the SE530? From what I've read, I suspect they share more similarities than differences. Do you regard the UM3X as an upgrade in sound quality from the SE530 or is it more of a lateral step?
I've followed the UM3X Appreciation Thread with interest and it really does sound like a universal IEM that does just about everything very well but I'm concerned about comments regarding its small soundstage. Do you find this to be the case and if so, is it noticeably smaller than that of the SE530?
Thanks for the speedy response shigzeo. I had just logged off to call it a night and then I decided to look in on you.
I enjoy listening to my SE530 but I'm not wedded to them. I'm open to a flirtation with something else. As I said, I have been thinking about giving the UM3X or IE8 a go.
Having said that, the price of the JH/13 PRO is bordering on prohibitive for me but it might be a "cheaper" option in the long run if it's as good as you and many others are saying.
I will be finishing a formal review of the JH13Pro in two weeks and before that a formal review of the SE530, but first, I just want to say that yes, the custom is better in every way and yes, it is probably the best sounding custom (and therefore iem) I have heard.
However, it is a more neutral iem than the SE530 meaning that if you love the thick, liquid mids of the SE530, you will be missing something on the JH13pro.
Bass, treble, extension, comfort and construction quality are all in favour of the JH13Pro, however, for mids and female vocals, the SE530 may capture your heart better if you are already a fan. If anything, customising your SE530 may be a better bet in terms of long-term satisfaction, but I don't to divert you from buying the JH13pro if you really want it.
But, if you love the SE530, I think there are better ways to invest 1100$.
The DJ1Pro is a great headphone for a variety of reasons. Firstly, it can be powered for: volume, bass and stage even from the small DAP internal amp. However, it does get better with better amplification. Since the DJ1Pro is quite a detailed headphone, it sounds good with any powerful amp, but gets a bit 'dreamier' with a valve based amp. I have not used the little dot micro with the DJ1Pro however.
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