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Help choosing customs

post #1 of 18
5/19/09 at 7:42pm
Thread Starter 
I'm in the market for some customs, upgrading from my trusty UE SF3. Must have detachable cable. So far we have:

UE4 $400
Fidelity triples $379
AlienEars C3 $375
Sleek Customs $349
AlienEars C2 $325
Fidelity duals (livewires) $259

Those all would likely be a big upgrade from my sf3, but I'm not sure of which is best. The performance difference between the lowest price and highest price might not even be that big to me. The Fidelity duals have a big price advantage compared to the rest, who are all pretty close to each other.

Another monkeywrench is that I have a contact overseas who can get remolds for me. Custom remold for my sf3 is only $70, and although it won't really improve the sound, it is a steal of a deal. He says they can also do mods to make SF5 or UM1 into triple driver units. I could even have an SF5EB custom, which would be the first custom hybrid I think.

Anyways I'm new here but not new to headphones/iems, just wanted to hear people's thoughts on the matter.
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post #2 of 18
5/19/09 at 11:23pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by ishmael View Post
He says they can also do mods to make SF5 or UM1 into triple driver units.
He can make three drivers out of one (UM1)? With what? Magic?
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post #3 of 18
5/19/09 at 11:34pm
Thread Starter 
No, they add 2 drivers to UM1, or just 1 driver to UM2/SF5. Can also upgrade TF10 to 4 drivers.
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post #4 of 18
5/19/09 at 11:40pm
i am also dwelling.... for me is either LW3 or UE4.

i prefer UE design. haha...
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post #5 of 18
5/19/09 at 11:51pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by ishmael View Post
No, they add 2 drivers to UM1, or just 1 driver to UM2/SF5. Can also upgrade TF10 to 4 drivers.
UM2 has two drivers: one for the lower frequencies (often called a woofer), one for the higher frequencies (often called a tweeter). The UM1 has only one driver, to cover all frequencies. Adding a driver to the one in UM1 doesn't make sense, and I don't see how it's even possible; making a dual-driver IEM isn't quite as simple as just cramming two drivers into the same casing.

As for the 4-driver IEM...
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post #6 of 18
5/20/09 at 2:12am
Thread Starter 
I'd prefer not to argue about it, as I haven't heard them myself. Check out null-audio.net for similar services. They add a crossover as well, and supposedly the results can be very good.

But again, I haven't heard them (or any of the above listed customs for that matter) which is why I'm posting here.
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post #7 of 18
5/20/09 at 2:26am
Quote:
Originally Posted by ishmael View Post
I'd prefer not to argue about it, as I haven't heard them myself. Check out null-audio.net for similar services. They add a crossover as well, and supposedly the results can be very good.
You're correct.
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post #8 of 18
5/20/09 at 3:18am
Thread Starter 
So that area is still a mystery because at the moment not many people (or any?) around here have tried. But surely there must be someone who has owned 2 or more of the other above mentioned options and can comment on the difference? Someone must have upgraded from the duals to a triple (same or different brand), or gone to/from Sleek customs for the dynamic driver.... what are the strengths and weaknesses of each?
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post #9 of 18
5/20/09 at 9:07am
I'm very much interested in this.

Especially from a UM3X+UM56 vs triple fidelities vs triple livewires vs alienears tripes.

Then there is the whole do I need a detachable cable?

Also whether the ES3X is worth it given the soft silicon on the end of the mould and whether the livewires/fidelities really give a good seal or not.

And at least with the UM3X if the UM56 moulds need fixing I always have stock option with tips.

And whether the UE4 or ES2 is a better option than the lesser known triples....

Oh I have a headache!?!?!?

Plus, I'm in the UK so what on earth am I going to do if the initial fit isn't right!?!?!?! How will i get charged customs duty every time the headphones come in and out for a refit :O
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post #10 of 18
5/20/09 at 9:51am
You could try the fidelity dual driver one, and if you don't like it, take advantage of their 30 day money back guarantee. Then you're just out the cost of the molds.
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post #11 of 18
5/20/09 at 12:49pm
Don´t they guarante this for US Only? Which i think is not good, because he is in UK.
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post #12 of 18
5/20/09 at 12:54pm
chris if your in the uk there is ACS

Advanced Communication Solutions - Cutting edge in-ear technology
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post #13 of 18
5/20/09 at 9:21pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by chris_ah1 View Post
I'm very much interested in this.

Especially from a UM3X+UM56 vs triple fidelities vs triple livewires vs alienears tripes.

Then there is the whole do I need a detachable cable?

Also whether the ES3X is worth it given the soft silicon on the end of the mould and whether the livewires/fidelities really give a good seal or not.

And at least with the UM3X if the UM56 moulds need fixing I always have stock option with tips.

And whether the UE4 or ES2 is a better option than the lesser known triples....

Oh I have a headache!?!?!?

Plus, I'm in the UK so what on earth am I going to do if the initial fit isn't right!?!?!?! How will i get charged customs duty every time the headphones come in and out for a refit :O
Is there a known problem with livewires having a bad fit? I've not heard of that. Or did you just mean that if you need a refit they would need to be sent all the way to the USA, which would be more trouble than returning to a local place?

I'm starting to lean towards getting Fidelity duals and going from there. If I am completely disappointed I will return them, and there is no loss because I'll still use my molds for something else. I can't imagine being so underwhelmed by them, but then again there will always be that question of "what if I had stepped up to X Y or Z instead?" Because it's not like you can sell them later to fund an upgrade.

As interesting as the custom molds sound, I'm too concerned about reliability. It would be great to have a unique item like that... but I can't be sure that it would sound on par with the other options. And if they need to be sent back for fit or defect, that's another huge problem. I guess I'll head over to Fidelity and place my order.
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post #14 of 18
5/21/09 at 8:20am
Well I have in the past read some posts on here regarding livewires not having great fit - whether that means they are simply not right, or require extensive corrections, or multiple trips until an excellent seal is achieved, I'm simply not sure.

ACS does look good - but £650 for the triple driver is $900!!! Compared to the alienears and fidelities that is a massive difference. Of course ACS are gunning for Westone/UE.

Their sleeves for £90 or $140 looks a better bet as I can constantly upgrade the IEM over time, have flexibility albeit at a slight loss in overall quality over a pure custom. And if they make an error they are local so I can get them fixed more cheaply and speedier.

If I go to the Cayman islands for work experience I might buy the aliens or the fidelities (depending on reviews) and see how it goes.
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post #15 of 18
5/22/09 at 3:52pm
Thread Starter 
Well, I got returns on some of my inquiries to various companies, and I'm still at a loss.

Livewires CA office replied almost instantly, and told me about a local audiologist whothey suggest. I think I'll stear clear though because of the bad feedback about them recently.

Fidelity Customs responded to my questions promptly as well, and their price on the duals is mighty tempting.

My contact overseas got back to me about the remolding/upgrading service. He said UM1 remolded and converted to dual driver is $190, and essentially performs like an ES2. For $219, the UM1 can be remolded and modded to a 3 driver unit supposedly on par with ES3. He says they source the same parts for drivers/crossovers. Considering the price of UM1, plus the sound signature they have (boost in the 3k-5k range for musician use) I'm not really interested.

What did catch my attention was the option of UE SF5EB remolds. He says they have done it already, it turns out well, and is only $88. I personally enjoy the EB quite a bit. Buying EBs plus the $88 is a very good deal I think, even lower than Fidelity duals. So I'm undecided still. He said they have a roughly 2 week turnaround, and a 30day free refit if needed. But still it's kind of a hassle compared to fidelity.

Here's an interesting pic he sent me of the custom EBs.
LL
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