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High-end IEM vs High-end speakers

post #1 of 40
12/23/09 at 8:08pm
Thread Starter 
I have been wondering lately how the top IEM's (13 pro, 11 pro etc...) compare to high-end speakers. While the top in ears will cost about $1300, Speakers usually start at $1300. Are these IEM's anywhere in the same league as top tier speakers from makers like Focal, Dynaudio, Wilson ect....
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post #2 of 40
12/23/09 at 8:36pm
Completely different experience. Pick your poison.
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post #3 of 40
12/23/09 at 11:59pm
IIRC, IEM's will always have the best bang for the buck, when compared to speakers. This is because of the lower amount of distortion from the air. It comes at the price of a less powerful bass, and a smaller soundstage, however.
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post #4 of 40
12/24/09 at 12:43am
Quote:
Originally Posted by GreatDane View Post
Completely different experience. Pick your poison.
Agreed - speakers are a totally different animal. I just picked up a pair of Audioengine A2s for $170, and have been splitting my listening time roughly equally ever since between the speakers and the $1400 HD800 because the listening experience is so different.
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post #5 of 40
12/24/09 at 12:52am
Yup totally different. One thing i will say is if your going to get into high quality speakers treat your listening room in with your budget as well that will make a huge impact on your experience.
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post #6 of 40
12/24/09 at 12:57am
Speakers.


And I love the JH13 more than my own grandmother.
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post #7 of 40
12/24/09 at 1:50am
Quote:
Originally Posted by MisterControversy View Post
IIRC, IEM's will always have the best bang for the buck, when compared to speakers. This is because of the lower amount of distortion from the air. It comes at the price of a less powerful bass, and a smaller soundstage, however.
Good planars control distortion very well though. One could get a set of Magnepan MG12 for $1200 or less.

Also, speakers definitely.
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post #8 of 40
12/24/09 at 2:13am
even inexpensive yet detailing speakers like Klipsch promedia GMX A-2.1 beats any headphones & a few inexpensive IEMs at my listening room ... true soundstage and ample amount of controlled bass... you may want to audition decent ones like Dynaudio speakers & subwoofers

different beasts .. i go for speakers
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post #9 of 40
12/24/09 at 4:08am
Speakers, no question.

The best speakers are only second to live music.

You don't have to pay a fortune, either. My Quad ESL-63s and a Conrad-Johnson MV52 cost less than a JH13 or HD-800. If you look around you can find bargains on terrific used speakers. They're a much better value than buying new.
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post #10 of 40
12/24/09 at 4:16am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Uncle Erik View Post
Speakers, no question.

The best speakers are only second to live music.

You don't have to pay a fortune, either. My Quad ESL-63s and a Conrad-Johnson MV52 cost less than a JH13 or HD-800. If you look around you can find bargains on terrific used speakers. They're a much better value than buying new.
True that. Even though they aren't "uber" level speakers I got my Maggie SMGa used for $250 shipped -- no banana peeling voice coil either. I'd be hard pressed finding another speaker of that quality for that price used or new.
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post #11 of 40
12/24/09 at 7:20am
This is like comparing a ride in a Lamborghini or Fighter Jet, O.O
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post #12 of 40
12/24/09 at 11:24am
Thread Starter 
Thanks, I just started getting into IEM's and have wondered how they compered to speakers.
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post #13 of 40
12/24/09 at 11:30am
Quote:
Originally Posted by brown274 View Post
Thanks, I just started getting into IEM's and have wondered how they compered to speakers.
It's a whole different experience, incomparable. ;D
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post #14 of 40
12/24/09 at 3:05pm
Not comparable, I think
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post #15 of 40
12/27/09 at 1:07am
Any High-end IEM will destroy any high-end speakers if your room doesn't have acoustic treatment.
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