Do you feel IEMs lose detail when outside noise is present?
Jun 12, 2009 at 2:57 AM Thread Starter Post #1 of 13
TobaccoRoad

TobaccoRoad

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I know that canalphones are the best option when it comes to blocking out noise. But is it just me or do IEMs don't sound as detailed when there are outside noise? Or am I expecting too much to assume they should sound the same when listening to quiet and noisy places? Listening to SF5Pro on the bus doesn't sound as detailed as it does at home. I thought that was reasonable since UE don't offer the best isolation, so I tried ER4P on the train. Now correct me if I'm wrong but IMO Etymotic has the best isolation out of all. But I had a problem here too, they just don't sound the same. I don't think seal is a problem as it blocks noise well. Am I hearing things here? Or is this obvious?
 
Jun 12, 2009 at 3:02 AM Post #2 of 13
Well, unless the noise completely drowns the music or you are distracted, I don't see how it could happen. For me, I can even hear more detail on the bus (I have to concentrate more
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Jun 12, 2009 at 5:26 PM Post #4 of 13
For whatever reason, I found that my old Super fi 5 Pro's actually sounded BETTER when wearing it out where there is a lot of external noise. Sounds really weird, I know, but apparently I'm not the only one who felt that way either (check the old SF5pro appreciation thread). It could be that with external noise, the hiss (it pretty much hissed with anything) wasn't as evident and it created an illusion of more clear sound.
 
Jun 12, 2009 at 5:46 PM Post #5 of 13
it would then depend what KIND of noise you are referring to... or then again maybe youre just not getting a good seal on your IEMs... You are right though that etymotics offer one of the best isolation in the IEM market, but maybe your not using the right eartips for your ears... have you considered the SHURE OLIVES tips?
 
Jun 12, 2009 at 5:54 PM Post #6 of 13
I think it depend on ISO of your IEM, but normally you are easily distracted when you are outside.

I do think when I concentrate, I can hear more detail, that is why I would call listening before sleep is quality listening
 
Jun 12, 2009 at 6:05 PM Post #7 of 13
I know what the OP means, since I go out every day, sometimes twice, on 45-minute dog walks, always with some sort of IEM in use. It sounds great when walking, very good at least, but when I walk in and close the door, the detail level seems to spike, something, more clarity, I don't know.

Kind of like the difference in listening to my very good home stereo system with the lights down low vs. on a bright, sunny day. The music just sounds different (more detailed?) with the dimmer lights than the blazing sun. It's no doubt all perception, or is it?
 
Jun 12, 2009 at 6:18 PM Post #8 of 13
Quote:

Originally Posted by tstarn06 /img/forum/go_quote.gif
I know what the OP means, since I go out every day, sometimes twice, on 45-minute dog walks, always with some sort of IEM in use. It sounds great when walking, very good at least, but when I walk in and close the door, the detail level seems to spike, something, more clarity, I don't know.


Yes, this is exactly what I was referring to. I guess it depends whether you live in the city or suburb. Maybe it's a Philly thing -_-

Quote:

Originally Posted by tstarn06 /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Kind of like the difference in listening to my very good home stereo system with the lights down low vs. on a bright, sunny day. The music just sounds different (more detailed?) with the dimmer lights than the blazing sun. It's no doubt all perception, or is it?


I don't have a decent system at home so I can't comment, but that sounds very interesting. No doubt it has to be 100% perception but I'd love to experience it.
 
Jun 12, 2009 at 6:51 PM Post #10 of 13
Tobacco Road is a hip-hop album. But the band isn't even from NC so yes I understand the confusion.

I live in Brooklyn now, but there's no difference in terms of city noise. Still rootin for Phillies against the Yanks and the Mets. Wicked game at the Citi Field XD
 
Jun 12, 2009 at 6:54 PM Post #11 of 13
Yes, and now it's Yanks vs. Mets and Phils vs. Bosox. Hot weekend for baseball.

Yes, city noise is city noise.

But it is an interesting phenomenon, and I know just what you meant.
 
Jun 12, 2009 at 7:24 PM Post #13 of 13
They should be on the Comcast Sports Net, Philadelphia, if your cable company offers it (not sure how it all works). Oddly enough, I have Directv and can't watch the Phillies games since DTV is feuding with Comcast over the NFL Channel. Long story. But even if the Phils are on ESPN, it's blacked out here because Comcast owns the rights. BS, but what can I do. I detest Comcrap.
 
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