Multi-IEM Review - 239 IEMs compared (Alclair Reference added 05/24/12) - Page 113

I don't know if you're taking requests, but if you could get your hands on a pair of skullcandy ASYMs, I'd like to see how they stack up against the rest of the skullcandy iems you've reviewed.

Joker, have you ever auditioned any other klipsch models? Like x5 and x10? they look very comfortable for sure.

The X5/X10 may look comfortable but those strain reliefs and over the ear fit looks like an absolute nightmare there. Microphonics can't be good on those models.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Angelopsaro 

Joker, have you ever auditioned any other klipsch models? Like x5 and x10? they look very comfortable for sure.

Ive had the X5 for and they are quite comfortable, deep insertion and great isolation (a little dangerous if wearing when driving or walking were there are a lot cars).

They are a little more microphonic than the RE0s and the strain relief is very thin and prone to  cracking.

For a BA I feel they are a level above the PL50s, but I prefer dynamic drivers now so would not put them above the RE0 or RE-ZEROs.

They do have a bit more bass quantity than the REs, but the REs bass has more impact and the RE0s definitely extend further in the highs.

Joker, just curious, If you must comment on the differences between Regular Jamz and Lil Jamz, how would it be and which would you prefer of the two? x)

Quote:

Originally Posted by ljokerl 

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by kendric 

Joker, just curious, If you must comment on the differences between Regular Jamz and Lil Jamz, how would it be and which would you prefer of the two? x)

To be honest I'm not sure why Monster decided to put the Jamz and Lil' Jamz in the same model line. Aside from cosmetics, they are totally different. The Jamz are more like a Turbine Light - not as extended or detailed but smooth, warm, and generally pleasant. The Lil' Jamz are bright, balanced, and a bit fatiguing. They are more like the Dre Beats Tour than the Jamz or Turbine line. I like the Jamz better than the Lil' Jamz but prefer both to the Dre Beats Tour and still rank the original Turbine highest among the <$150 Monster models.

Phew.. Thought seems i think the same as you, Though i haven heard much of the Original Turbines (despite having an MD), Yup among the three is Jamz > Lil Jamz > Beats Tour for me. Hmm was thinking of buying Original Turbines as a gift to a couple of my friend for their coming birthday, I think its quite the step-up for their stock-buds, how you think about this? Joker?

Hi Joker, of all the IEMs you've heard or reviewed, what would you recommend to be a good upgrade for my Westone 2s? I'm wanting to retain it's signature while looking for improvements in overall SQ especially bass extension / depth and timbre. Mids are still my focal point tho. Thanks

Joke, enjoy your reviews.  Thanks.

Could you be persuaded to include the review date for each?  It would help a lot to put things into perspective, as it seems that IEMs continue to improve at the various price tiers.  Also, it can be tough for the reader knowing that some the earphones have gone through several distinct generations and sometimes all there is to go on is the photo posted.

Joker, as a suggestion to the review, for newer reviews perhaps you could put up a hiss rating? I wouldn't ask you to go and add something like that to all your old reviews (waaay too much work) but for newer reviews it might be a good idea? Usually specs, ie. sensitivity and impedance, are enough to give you a good idea of the hiss; but on occasion they can be misleading. So I'd say that a hiss rating would definitely be helpful, especially for people who don't typically amp their phones.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ljokerl 

To be honest I'm not sure why Monster decided to put the Jamz and Lil' Jamz in the same model line. Aside from cosmetics, they are totally different. The Jamz are more like a Turbine Light - not as extended or detailed but smooth, warm, and generally pleasant. The Lil' Jamz are bright, balanced, and a bit fatiguing. They are more like the Dre Beats Tour than the Jamz or Turbine line. I like the Jamz better than the Lil' Jamz but prefer both to the Dre Beats Tour and still rank the original Turbine highest among the <$150 Monster models.

I would very much agree with this based on what I heard in store via my D2. 

CK-10 IMPRESSIONS:

Well, I have been listening to |joker|'s CK-10 for a couple of days, and while they are very enjoyable I hate to say that I don't like them as much as he does.  

I do like the feel of the tangle-free cable, and they feel solidly built.  Because of their shape, I can only get a good seal with them wearing them with the cable over my ears.  And wearing them that way means practically no cable microphonics.  The CK-10 are engaging sounding and they don't need to be amped to enjoy them, but pairing them with my Pico Slim is still an upgrade over listening un-amped.

However, when I turn up the CK-10 playback levels to volume match the bass and mids to my UM3X, the CK-10 treble becomes too forward/boosted for my tastes.  Fortunately it's in the 8K-10K or higher range, so there is little sibilance boosting in most music but it's an issue with some tracks.  It's not so much of a "hot" sounding treble, but rather just a forward sounding treble.  The CK-10 may have a similar frequency response to my RE-252 or my old Phonak PFE, but the CK-10 are a bit smoother and more organic/liquid sounding than the RS-252 (and maybe a little warmer too).  I need to do more comparisons than the brief ones I've done, but both of these IEM are more engaging than the new RS-262, which are less aggressive sounding than the RE-252, but which when unamped can sound a little bland vs the RE-252 or CK-10.  The CK-10 bass is good without boost or weakness, but it's not as strong as my UM3X.   The CK-10 have good detail and speed, but I feel that my UM3X still sound more transparent and disappear better.  So, I do like the CK-10, but I don't see them filling a gap in my collection.  

In my case I would pick the UM3X over the CK-10, which themselves are surpassed by the new W4 that I'm reviewing.