UM3X or W3?
Jul 15, 2009 at 11:48 PM Post #2 of 13
Quote:

Originally Posted by JOEYBUCKETS /img/forum/go_quote.gif
whats the difference in the two? im looking to buy my first high end IEM and am a little confused in the differences of the two..


The Westone UM3X has a more nuetral sound signature while the Westone 3 has a more boosted bass and treble presence.

Westone 3: Fun sounding, exiciting.
Westone UM3X: Nuetral, true to the source.
 
Jul 16, 2009 at 1:58 AM Post #4 of 13
Quote:

Originally Posted by JOEYBUCKETS /img/forum/go_quote.gif
whats the difference in the two? im looking to buy my first high end IEM and am a little confused in the differences of the two..


Man, I have to tell you that I now have both of these IEM's (something that I never thought that I would do...) and I'm still not sure which one I like better. I know that this doesn't help you with your dilemma, but they are so different and yet similar. I would concur with most of the reviews/descriptions, like Stereo X above. However, I guess my problem is deciding which sound that I like, "fun-sounding, exciting, boosted bass/treble," or the "neutral, true to source" airy sound. I have only had the UM3X for about a week. I am still doing constant A/B testing with the same tips, (medium Shure "black olives" seem to work best for me...) same songs, same source. I'm analyzing and still trying to decide...
 
Jul 16, 2009 at 2:05 AM Post #5 of 13
UM3X has more upfront mids, less treble energy but about equal in detail, and more balanced bass, maybe even slightly better sub-bass. Very smooth sound. Pretty neutral overall.

W3 is edgier, has neutralish mids, a ton of treble energy which some can find fatiguing, more mid bass than sub bass and just is a bit more engaging than the UM3X's. Boosted bass and highs.

I found the UM3X to be slightly warmer, despite the W3 having a bit more bass - due to the W3's being more mid-bass than sub bass.
 
Jul 16, 2009 at 2:12 AM Post #6 of 13
This isn't mentioned much, but if like me you have small ears, the W3 may be a bit big and uncomfortable. (I tried both, the W3 seemed like there was a big bulge sticking out of my ear and it was very uncomfortable)
 
Jul 16, 2009 at 3:02 AM Post #8 of 13
Quote:

Originally Posted by JOEYBUCKETS /img/forum/go_quote.gif
whats the difference in the two? im looking to buy my first high end IEM and am a little confused in the differences of the two..


Hey Buckets... I'm a fellow Brooklynite....and here's my take. I've had both for quite some time, and I use them both with UM56 custom tips. With those tips (and believe me, it makes a big difference) I definitely prefer the UM3X's.

As someone else stated, they're more neutral... more natural... more true-to-the-source. I also find them a bit more transparent...a bit more precise.

I hear a lot of people saying the W3's are "more fun". I know what they're getting at, but for me, "Fun" is hearing the sound as close to how the artists/producers/engineers intended them to sound as possible.

They're both great iem's... but I listen almost exclusively to the UM3X's now.
 
Jul 16, 2009 at 4:30 AM Post #9 of 13
lhamp -you don't agree w/ HPA that the UM56 bring W3 & UM3X very close? Reads like IYO UM56 increases the difference between them?
 
Jul 16, 2009 at 9:20 AM Post #10 of 13
Thanks everyone... still up in the air though..gonna research a little more
smily_headphones1.gif
 
Jul 16, 2009 at 10:53 AM Post #11 of 13
Quote:

Originally Posted by steviebee /img/forum/go_quote.gif
lhamp -you don't agree w/ HPA that the UM56 bring W3 & UM3X very close? Reads like IYO UM56 increases the difference between them?


I do agree with hpa..... The um56's do bring the two iem's closer together.... Basically by taming the w3's high end a bit. Sorry for the confusion.... Without the custom tips I still prefer the um3x's.

But the um56's really bring out the best in both... And (big AND) they once and for all put an end to the ongoing quest for the perfect tips.... Which can be maddeding. (by the way, the w3's seem to be much more sensitive to tip-choice).

edit: even with the UM56 tips, the W3's every now and then suffer from the sibilance issue.... not that often... but I do hear it at certain points on a few tracks. Then again, my ears are VERY sensitive to sibilance.
 
Jul 17, 2009 at 7:17 PM Post #12 of 13
Quote:

Originally Posted by Zalithian /img/forum/go_quote.gif
I have very small ears and I found the W3 very comfortable, so it probably depends on shape more than size.


I agree. I have had both and found the real difference to be in the mids, not the fit.
 
Jul 17, 2009 at 8:04 PM Post #13 of 13
ive had the w3's for one full day now and love them. I havent heard the um3x yet though so cant say much about it. Im very sensitive to easy fatiguing from excess treble and i have yet to have a problem with the w3's. Its just the right amount for me sounds fantastic. Cant wait to get some more tips to try out and get the perfect fit.
 
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