Quote:   Honestly, I'd get a set of UE-4 Pro and ask to upgrade to the soft-fit option, if they can on that model (for even better isolation) and call it a day, save the extra cash.  I've only heard the JH-16 and the UE-18 of those you mentioned, and honestly, the UE-4 Pro stacks up...

Quote: You're right, and perhaps I should change my wording.  They are flat, but have a lot of impact -- it's just not the prominent feature, as I would say the JH16 tends to be a little more leaning toward heavy (yet high-quality) bass.  There's certainly no bloating.

Quote: Thanks so much for the feedback -- as I haven't heard the ES5, I can't really compare.  My policy is to only review and compare products which I've had ample time to really dig into personally under a variety of situations.  I'll reach out to my contact at Westone and see if I can...

Guys:   Please see my review at About.com about this product, including some comparisons to other leading products:   http://homerecording.about.com/od/audiomonitorreviews/fr/Review-Ultimate-Ears-In-Ear-Reference-Monitors.htm  

Based on what you're looking for, I'd consider the JH16.  Lots of bass, good highly detailed highs and mids, and a wide soundstage.  A very fun monitor.   The Future Sonics sound signature is very pleasing for stage performers -- many of the top people in the business prefer it.  I haven't...

  Quote:     "Boring and lifeless" is in the ears of the beholder.    The idea UE had with these is to provide flat, studio reference-quality monitoring in any situation, in a portable package... for a really trained-ear audiophile they'll enjoy the neutral, flat sound signature. ...

You guys are going to love these.   Think UE-10 clarity and accuracy with a nice, tight low end that's not intrusive.  UE-10 with a little more balls.   They're not as aggressive as the UE-18 -- so flat, so nice.    I'll reserve a full review for the final production model, as like...

Marty:   Driver placement inside custom in-ears is a science.  They may not always be symmetrical or perfect.  Driver placement in the shell and positioning of tubes, filters, etc. is dependent on the individual's ear anatomy.  Positioning drivers and filters a certain way to give a precise...

Hi Izzy,   First of all, forget the idea of ambient tubes.  Ambient tubes aren't really a solution to anything.  Your bass response of your earphones will suffer greatly if you do ambient tubes, because low end response of balanced armature-based IEMs relies on having a firm seal.   The...

Having heard the UE-4, I think you'd find it to have a lot more clarity than the SF-5 and Livewires, but the low-end is slightly more anemic.  It's there, and it's got punch and depth, don't get me wrong -- but the headroom on the low end is fairly restricted, compared to the UE-10/11/18 and...

Quote: Originally Posted by shigzeo Would be nice of the 3MAX could be reviewed by a professional rather than an audiophile though. I'd like to hear realistic impressions of how an earphone is used rather than toyed with. That's the angle I review all of my in-ear monitor...

Hi everyone, Need a recommendation of a Chicago-area audiologist or hearing aid maker that takes affordable impressions. I have a good friend who's getting fit for in-ears, and asked me for a recommendation. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!

Thought some of you might enjoy this recording I made this past weekend. Put some of that high-end gear to the test! Download STS-130_2496.wav from Sendspace.com - send big files the easy way This is a 24-bit, 96-kHz file in WAV format, uncompressed. The sound of the launch of space...

Also failed to mention: Sensaphonics 2X-S and the European brethren ACS T2 and ACS T1. I like them as well, and if comfort is a major issue for you, their all-silicone construction might be more to your liking. I find their presentations to be more performer-oriented with vocal clarity in mind...

That's what many people who use those products tell me. I work closely with musicians as an audio engineer and production consultant and I can tell you, there's so many products to choose from -- but Future Sonics gets consistently top ratings from clients. That's not to say other products...