Multi-IEM Review - 281 IEMs compared (VSonic GR07 BE and R02 Silver Added 05/15/13 p.688) - Page 572

Quote:

Originally Posted by ljokerl 

 

I don't think the M5 is what you want - it tends to underemphasize treble and has tons of bass compared to the M1. Not sure what your price range is and I've never heard the M4 but I think you'd enjoy something a bit more balanced, maybe a Maximo iM-590 or Xears XR120 Pro. If your budget goes up above $50, maybe a VSonic GR06, Rock-It Sounds R-30, Etymotic MC5, or MEElec A161P/Fischer SBA-03. The Rock-It Sounds has slightly more laid-back treble compared to the others but the midrange is nice and forward and it's a surprisingly detailed earphone. 

Thanks for your and sorry for my late reply.

I'm from Europe and unfortunately, most of these IEM aren't available here, the only one is the MEElec A161. What do you think about the Brainwavz M3 and MEElec A151? Budget is about 70 € (90 $).

How does the Westone w4 compares to Sennheiser IE80 / 8   ?

Quote:

Originally Posted by eyal1983 

How does the Westone w4 compares to Sennheiser IE80 / 8   ?

tinyman392 sent me his review. Keep in mind W4 $ > IE80 $-

With the bass boosted, the IE80s bass matches that of the W4R, it’s a little higher actually.  Without the boost, the quantity is a lot less than the W4R.  The signatures are very similar here, the W4 seems to have a slight warmth over the IE80s (bass down) and has less energetic treble.

Bass: The bass on the IE80 has much greater depth than the W4R.  It has more quantity at this level as well.  Punches are actually better done with the W4R however, as are impacts.  It really matters what you value the most in terms of bass here.  The W4R has a slightly tighter punch, but much stronger impact while the IE80s tend to do much better down low.

If you turn up the nob, however, the IE80 bring in a much stronger impact, walking the line of boomy.  The W4 will always be better with the tighter punch.  However, being able to surpass the W4 a tad bit with customization of pumping bass puts the IE80 a leg up on the W4.

Mids:  The mids on the W4s are much warmer than that on the IE80 due to the mid-bass boost.  The detailing on the W4s seem to be a tad bit above that of the IE80.  Not the same can be said about the clarity and sweetness however.  The IE80 just simply excels here.  Although the W4 can perform lush vocals with a sweet hymn, the IE80 do much better with the instrumentals and their dynamics.  The IE80s do fare slightly better with the midrange over the W4 in this aspect.

Highs: I’ve been able to find both of these IEMs sibilant, but in different situations.  The The IE80’s, however, occurs much more than the W4s.  Separation is also a huge leg up with the 4s over the 80s simply entering a different dimension.  Detailing as well.  The only thing the IE80 really does well over the W4 is energy in the highs.  They become a little too energetic though.  The W4s take this one by a long shot.  
 

thanks,

then the W4 is not an upgrade over the IE80.. did i get it right ?

Quote:

Originally Posted by eyal1983 

thanks,

then the W4 is not an upgrade over the IE80.. did i get it right ?

There's not much that's going to be an upgrade over the W4 in the universal IEM market, maybe the K3003, Fitear 334 or another universal made by a custom company.

Quote:

Originally Posted by eyal1983 

thanks,

then the W4 is not an upgrade over the IE80.. did i get it right ?

I got rid of the older IE8 because the bass was too boomy and highs too veiled.  I traded them for a W3 after I lost mine.  I'd love to try the IE80 and see if they fixed things in those.

Regardless, with the right tips I still prefer the W4 over all the other universal IEM I've tried.  But I haven't tried the IE80 yet or the SE535, because of my experiences with IE8 and SE530.  With the TWag V2 cable and balanced SR-72b amp my new W4R get scary good.  I preferred the W4 over the $$$$ AKG K3003i at RMAF, although the K3003 was still fun to listen to it's not worth the cost to me.  At those prices I'd get a Westone ES5 custom or JH16Pro.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ljokerl 

 

I haven't heard the IE80 but the W4 was definitely an upgrade over the old IE8 for me. Cleaner sound with better detail and no need to equalize the bass to get rid of a veil.

It's almost like you read my mind (or my previous post). 

^ As always, it also depends on personal preferences like music genres, listening volume and whatnot.

Just for example, I agree the W4 are technically better overall, but the IE8 have better dynamics at low volume, where the W4 sound a bit lifeless. (Speaking of which, the K3003 really trounce the W4 at low volume, they're probably the best bedtime IEMs I've heard so far.) Of course, at mid to high volume, things change and the W4 come alive, whereas the IE8 turn into a boomy mess.

Btw, the IE80 I A/Bed with my IE8 had only a few db less midbass emphasis, so their overall signature was still the same.

@ joker! 

you should try the sony mh1c! they have a marvelous value! 

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrcarboleda 

Will someone help me to choose from this three? You're opinions will be greatly appreciated..
Westone 2
Hifiman RE272
Etymotic Research's ER4S
I considered my budget first.. I can't buy 2 earphones and unfortunately can not buy an 'entry' step level of earphones because I have raised my funds just for one IEM and also because I'm still a student. I'm asking this now for I already have my money and I'm planning to buy within a week or so.
My preferences are very durable earphones that can withstand time and reckless handling.. The cables are always the problem of my past IEMs..
The sound most especially is considered.. I'll be using it as studio monitors, everyday earphones and those I can comfortably sleep with them on.. Comfort is much preferred.. I don't need much accessories but just need to find the right ear tips thaf'll fit my ear..
Microphonics may be an issue for me too but can also be neglected if the IEM chosen is what suits me most..
My country (Philippines) don't have display of these earphones and I'm going to buy it internationally.. Preferrably on e-bay.. But if you can recommend where, I'll try to make good point of it..
Thanks for your time.. Please be considerate of my comment.. I'll try my best to be updated..

The Ortofon e-Q5 not only sounds great but its built like a tank with an all aluminum housing and thick Y-splitter and cable, you'd have to really do something crazy to brake them imo.

Actually, the VG E-q5, has had cable issues for many, the finish wears if colored and while the case is plenty strong enough as assembled, the open end could be flattened between your fingers if the front cap was removed. While perfectly fine for it's purpose (cable could be more durable) it's not the tank you describe. Wouldn't stop me from buying it but it's construction isn't an advantage over it's plastic competitors.The cable exit is a disadvantage in my book but that's personal. Purposely asking a straight cable to take a 90 degree path isn't my idea of ingenuity.