Westone UM2 - My Impressions - Page 4

Hi all Long time Head-Fi lurker, first post

So after much perusal I took the plunge and am now the owner of a new set of UM2s, with my requirements of comfort, durability, 'musicality'.

My impressions:

The ear/headphones I have used in the past are:
Sony EX71
Sennheiser CX300
Shure E2C
Apple iPod Standard buds
Sennheiser HD25-II
Alessandro MS1

So as you can see, I don't have much experience with IEMs, and this is the most high end earphone I have ever used. Of the reviews and comments I had read about the UM2, I found that I especially agree that they are a very warm sounding earphone as the main characteristic. At first listen I was tempted to even describe the sound as muddy, as the low frequencies are definitely more prominent than the mids. However, retrospectively, 'muddy' is certainly not the term I would use, as the lows are very balanced and are very clear. I would say 'dark' sounding? Is that what anyone else has found? Having said that, I don't think that the UM2 are the earphones for 'bassheads' who want a pounding bass from their IEM; the UM2 produces a very smooth and consistent bass.

I feel that they could sound better if they were a little brighter, although I'm not yet sure whether that will resolve after burn in, or whether I'm not fitting them properly or if using tips other than the Complys will increase the 'airyness'. Anyone have any advice? Perhaps I'm expecting too much from an IEM, compared to my MS1... But anyway, so far, combined with the lack of brightness, I feel that the soundstage is smaller than I would have liked, I don't hear significant instrument separation, but then I don't think that the UM2 was ever the first choice for this characteristic.

However, overall the sound reproduction has been excellent, very very smooth and non fatiguing, both sonically and physically in the ear. It is probably not the most balanced IEM across all frequencies though, like I said, it feels heavier on the lows. I have been experimenting with EQing it, and on my iPod I am still deliberating whether having Treble Booster is an improvement or actually wrecks the sound by making it too harsh. I have not tried any Etymotic IEMs which are supposed to be more analytical and neutral so I don't know if I would prefer that. But I do know that the warmth of the UM2 is growing on me, and if you're a fan of live music, I think that the warmth makes a lot of my music sound more 'live' which is not a bad thing in my opinion. Highly listenable, I've only clocked up about 5 hours today, off to work them some more!

So, does anyone have any tips on how I can make these sound brighter without EQing?

Why did you choose these over the SE530?

Because the UM2 was already stretching my budget, and the SE530 were just a bit too much more expensive. Plus the UM2 looked more comfortable for my ears than the Shures, even though they are supposed to be uber comfortable anyway

Ok, so it's been a few more hours, and I am getting used to the sound signature. I do still wish for a bigger soundstage (hell, it seems like some crappy Aiwa earbuds I have from like 10 years ago have a bigger soundstage), but I guess there is no 'perfect' IEM? I believe the detail is there, except it is being masked by the dominant lows and mids. Since a better soundstage is likely accompanied by a colder signature, whereas I do really like the warmth and musicality of the UM2. Hopefully they will improve even further with more hours.

Bought an um2 bout a week ago. At first i did find it a bit muddy and recessed in terms of highs. But since i've kinda gotten used to the warm, engaging sound. Vocals sound oh so sweet. However i still find the high a bit recessed. Hope this could be solved with using other tips.
Does anyone know if shure gray soft flex sleeves are any good?

Use triflanges to bring out the treble. It's good to hear you can adjust to the sound sig. many call it muddy which is WRONG. it's not muddy.