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

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eyal1983 said:

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

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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:

eyal1983 said:

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

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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:

eyal1983 said:

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

Click to expand...

 
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.

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scootsit said:

I could probably live without em for a week or two, if you want to give them a try.
 
I meant to say this before, the controls don't work quite right for me. + goes back, - goes forward, and the call button stops/starts. I have an HTC One V.

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Appreciate the offer. Maybe if you still have them after I finally finish the MH334 and TF10 reviews 
 
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onlinepredator said:

Does the GR06 require an amp?
I'll be using it with my Galaxy Ace S5830.

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Doesn't need an amp but it might hiss a little in the background if your phone has a high noise floor like my HTC does. The GR06 is more forgiving in this regard than most mid/hi-fi IEMs, though.
 
 
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boneenterprise said:

Yeah I just now ordered the GR07's from Amazon and paid my $8.99 for Saturday delivery, I actually was peeping out the RE262's first before anything and after reading was going to settle on one of the two I mentioned.
The Munitio's I mainly bought because of their supposed "bass head" profile and the fact that I love their gimmick of looking like actual 9mm bullets, also too since I got them for $80 so I don't have to feel bad about paying full price just for said gimmick.
 
Thanks for the reply.

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Yes, I rather liked the cosmetics of the Munitios and they feel very nice in the hand. 
 
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kais0r said:

 
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 $).

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The A161P is a pretty big upgrade over the M3 and especially A151 as far as sound quality goes. The M3 is fairly balanced but definitely bassier than the M1. Treble is slightly relaxed but not too bad. The A151 is warm-ish with clean mids and slightly dull, rolled-off treble. 
 
Quote:

eyal1983 said:

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

Click to expand...

 
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.

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ljokerl said:

 
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.

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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! 

 
Glad the 3590s were available. I've picked up a few budget IEMs in the past year but none have measured up to the SHE3580.

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

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..

Quote:

jrcarboleda said:

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..

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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.

Thanks for your comments but I'm currently fixed on the 3 IEMs I've mentioned ^^ hope you can provide feedbacks on those

First, thanks for a truly great comparison of the IEM market. Gotta ask if you looked at Mee A161p when you tested the A151s. I just got the former and I'm wondering if I would be better off with the Shure SE215s. I wish I had seen this post before getting the 161s. Would have saved me a lot of research and worry!

JJ

Quote:

headphoneaddict said:

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

Click to expand...

 
I think we've always agreed on the IE8 and the Westone earphones 
 
Quote:

james444 said:

^ 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.

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Agreed, it's ridiculous how much I enjoy the K3003 in casual & bedtime listening.
 
Quote:

jrcarboleda said:

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..

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This is if you can only pick between those three: If you're going strictly for durability I would probably skip the HiFiMan. If you've never had a deep-insertion IEM before and are after comfort as well as being able to sleep in them, I would skip the ER4 as well. The W2 is one of the few higher-end IEMs I felt comfortable sleeping in. Comes with tons of tips and has a pleasant, balanced sound to it. 
 
Quote:

johnny jumper said:

First, thanks for a truly great comparison of the IEM market. Gotta ask if you looked at Mee A161p when you tested the A151s. I just got the former and I'm wondering if I would be better off with the Shure SE215s. I wish I had seen this post before getting the 161s. Would have saved me a lot of research and worry!
JJ

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The A161P had not even been announced yet when I reviewed the A151. However, I did review a re-badged version of it later - it's found in this thread as the Fischer Audio SBA-03. I also compared the SBA-03 to the A161P here: http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/dandy-meelecronics-a161p-and-fischer-audio-sb-03