Okay, so the Fedex guy finally showed up today, and he had the box. I've been listening to the SA6s for an hour or so, and out of the gate, they are easily the best IEMs (if I can use that term) I have heard yet. Holly Cole, Lyle Lovett, Asleep at the Wheel, Beatles, Dan Hicks, Stones, Sinatra, ...no matter who (or what) I throw at the SA6s, they deliver. My only problem is, I don't know a rolled off high from a decayed note. All I know is they deliver clean, clear highs and mids, with a smooth, deep, ear-pleasing bass. Most of all, the detail and clarity, without being sibilant, are really what I've been seeking since the beginning of this crazy chase.
By comparison, I find them as enjoyable to listen to as the Grado SR-80s. I don't mean they sound the same, cause they don't. But I can go with either and be happy. I could never say that about my other IEMs. I also think they offer a wide soundstage, and they definitely are very easy to drive. Neither DAP has to go much past halfway to be loud enough. That's another plus.
On that front, I've tried them out with the Zune (amped and unamped), and I have to say, while the MiniboxE+ does do some nice things with the bass, it's not necessary for excellent SQ. And that's good, because I don't like hauling an amp around with me.
Odd thing is, when I first put them in, I loved the sound. Then I had a call, and went back to them. But this time, I didn't push them deep enough, and they sounded thin. I started to panic, until I realized they were no way close to deep enough. I am using the mid-sized flanges, which while comfortable, do feel pretty pressure-packed. Not sure, but I may try the larges or some other tips I have on hand.
Don't get me wrong, the tips are comfy and maintain their seal, but they do feel pretty tight in there. Have to see how they feel after some hours of listening, not just minutes. Even as I type, they are starting to "disappear" while I work. That's a good sign.
The SA6s really deliver the right balance of across the sound spectrum. So as far as I am concerned, sound quality/signature is not an issue. Scott and Chris are right on the money. To me, these are head and shoulders above the Atrios, C700s, iM716s, etc. Not even close to me. Not a hint of sibilance, or any other downside to the sound as far as my ears can tell. Of course, they do cost more than those phones, but those are the phones I had used.
Some other considerations...
Tube trouble
I had a very hard time prying one of the treble tubes out. In fact, could not do it with my hands, and had to resort to a gentle pull with a needle-nosed pliers. Didn't damage the green tube (the neutral), but immediately moved to the gray tubes, the treble+. Also moved to the bass+ because of other comments here on Head-Fi. So I have not tried any of the other combinations. Right to the ++ deal.
Sony DAP issue
Also, if you have a Sony A8xx DAP, the plug on the SA6s is kind of bulky, so it's a very tight squeeze if you use one of those plastic cases, which I do. Not much can be done about it. I mean, it works, but the case did come apart at one point because the SA6 plug.
Pieces parts
The pieces are small, but I quickly bagged them, so they are safe and sound. I can't ever see traveling with anything but the phones and the pieces already installed. So losing the pieces is not an issue. But working with them is odd for we older folks. In fact, the phones are smaller than they appear in the photos (except for the one posted here where they are not even visible).
What can I say. As far as I can tell, they are keepers. If they continue to please the way they do now, I will be selling off any other IEMs I own, and reducing my collection to the SA6s, the Grados and the PK3s. End of story.
I was never interested in collecting dozens of headphones. I just wanted 2-3 pair that met my needs. I think/hope I have found that. Of course, never say never. But at this price point, I don't think it's gonna get any better spending another $200-600 for a pair of in-ear phones. Not to my limited ears.
If this is a flavor of the month deal, than I guess you can say the flavor tastes pretty darn good right now. And I don't expect it will change. Of course, there are other issues, such as durability, customer service, etc. Those take time to work themselves out.
I can't understand how those reviewers, CNET and Computer Shopper, could have rated these phones lower than the Shures, UEs and Atrios. Hey, I have been a major Atrio fan, and I still think they are the best in that price range. But they are no match for the SA6s at this point. Can't speak for the UEs or Shures, since I have never owned any of them.
My guess? They didn't insert them deep enough. It's all I can figure out. How a pro reviewed could make that mistake is anyone's guess.
Hope this helps. Is the jury still out. Not on SQ for me. I mean, they could fall apart in a month or something, but it's doubtful. And I really like the removable wire thing.
I think I'll wear them for a few hours straight and see how I feel. I might try other tips, not sure. I have so many, I might as well experiment.
Thanks head-fi =/
I am VERY interested in the SA6 =/
