Multi-IEM Review - 352 IEMs compared (Pump Audio Earphones added 04/03/16 p. 1106)
Nov 21, 2013 at 7:08 PM Post #12,121 of 16,931
Hey, 
 
So I saw the sound signature guide you had. What I wasn't able to really find a good answer to my question. I'm looking for about $50-$70 a pair of IEMs that have good deep, powerful bass very much like the old XB500. Any possibilities or is my quest a pipe dream?
 
Nov 22, 2013 at 1:49 AM Post #12,122 of 16,931
   
Thanks for the reply! If it's not too much to ask i would love to hear maybe a short impression on the SQ for the AX7, or maybe a comparison to another TWFK IEM like the DBA-02. 
 
Thanks and good luck with the reviews!

 
Sure, though I only have the DBA-02 mkII. The AX7 is a little more laid-back (when used with the filter - otherwise it's too bright). Bass is similar but the DBA-02 is a touch clearer in the midrange. Both have plenty of treble but the AX7 seems to drop off a little earlier and lacks some of the energy of the DBA-02. The DBA-02 also has  a slightly more dynamic sound with a more 3-D presentation. 
 
The downside of the DBA-02 is that it can be less tolerant of sibilance and is more sensitive to insertion depth so I can see the AX7 working better for some people from that standpoint. 
 
   
I've listened to the reverse situation (JH13FP demo, custom UERM), and my observations were similar. Personally, I came away enjoying the UERM more, and not just because I have one, but because I probably enjoy the more laid-back feel of the UERM more than the ultra-3D, things constantly warping around my head, kind of feel with the JH13FP. I noticed that the UERM, in a direct comparison against the JH13, felt a little "sleepy" and "uninvolved", though I wouldn't believe so if I were only listening to it. I think, however, the biggest discrepancy between our observations is the part about the UERM glossing over fine texture more. It might be because I was using the demo version of the JH13, but I actually though the JH13 was more forgiving, at least between 500-2000 Hz. I would bump up the midrange and upper midrange on the UERM by a few dB myself for a truly realistic presentation, but I found that the UERM allowed me to examine the vocals on a track very deeply. As an experience, the JH13 is more exciting, and it reveals spatial representation better. Nevertheless, while I fully concede that the JH13 is superior technically, my personal preferences make me lean toward the UERM. They're both excellent, though.

 
That's a good takeaway! 
 
Thanks for the comparison. Perhaps I'll get to try a customized UERM someday to see if it bests the JH13 for me.
 
 
 
  Hey, 
 
So I saw the sound signature guide you had. What I wasn't able to really find a good answer to my question. I'm looking for about $50-$70 a pair of IEMs that have good deep, powerful bass very much like the old XB500. Any possibilities or is my quest a pipe dream?

 
If you have larger ears, the Padacs Aksent may be enough. Last I checked it was on sale for $10 directly from the manufacturer. Otherwise the Nuforce NE-700X is probably your best bet - plenty of bass and pretty good overall SQ.  Runner up would be the RHA MA-350. 
 
Nov 22, 2013 at 3:50 PM Post #12,123 of 16,931
i have JVC Extreme Explosives. I am planning on getting SteelSeries Flux In Ear. 
 
Is it a good idea? I like bass on JVC. Will i be satisfied in that department in Flux? The reason for upgrade is comfort and build. On left ear, JVC hurts my ears at some angles. 
 
I heard really good review for Flux but don't know how good the bass is. 
 
thanks
 
Nov 22, 2013 at 9:54 PM Post #12,125 of 16,931
  i have JVC Extreme Explosives. I am planning on getting SteelSeries Flux In Ear. 
 
Is it a good idea? I like bass on JVC. Will i be satisfied in that department in Flux? The reason for upgrade is comfort and build. On left ear, JVC hurts my ears at some angles. 
 
I heard really good review for Flux but don't know how good the bass is. 
 
thanks

 
Joker has an IEM buyer's guide on his website. As you can see, the Xtreme Xposives is labeled as a Basshead earphone, while the Flux is listed under the Warm & Smooth section. If that doesn't tell you let me be clear: the Flux is more refined sounding than the JVCs, but the bass quantity isn't nearly as plentiful. My Velodyne vPulse is as close as I've heard to being a direct upgrade to the Xplosives -- indeed, that's the reason I originally bought my vPulse's.
 
That said, given that comfort and build is your primary concern, I'd wait to see what Joker's suggestion ends up being.
 
Nov 23, 2013 at 12:13 AM Post #12,126 of 16,931
  i have JVC Extreme Explosives. I am planning on getting SteelSeries Flux In Ear. 
 
Is it a good idea? I like bass on JVC. Will i be satisfied in that department in Flux? The reason for upgrade is comfort and build. On left ear, JVC hurts my ears at some angles. 
 
I heard really good review for Flux but don't know how good the bass is. 
 
thanks

 
    you can opt for xb90ex , they have deep , thumping bass , may not have huge bass , but satisfying .
 
Nov 23, 2013 at 2:08 PM Post #12,127 of 16,931
  i have JVC Extreme Explosives. I am planning on getting SteelSeries Flux In Ear. 
 
Is it a good idea? I like bass on JVC. Will i be satisfied in that department in Flux? The reason for upgrade is comfort and build. On left ear, JVC hurts my ears at some angles. 
 
I heard really good review for Flux but don't know how good the bass is. 
 
thanks

 
The Flux has a lot less bass than the Xtreme Xplosivs. In that price range to get the bass of the JVCs you'd probably want something like a Nuforce NE-700X (though the housings are a little on the large side) or the vPulse drm870 recommended. 
 
By the way, which JVC XX do you have? I found the old FX1X a little large but the newer FX101 uses smaller drivers and fits better.
 
  I just got the Moe SS-01. Really nice, clear dual driver for the price ($60). The 3-4k treble peak kills my ears at times though.
 
Looking forward to Joker's opinion of it.

 
Yeah, the top end has a little too much edginess for me as well. It reminds me of the ATH-CKM500. Still very good for $60, especially the clarity.
 
Nov 23, 2013 at 3:45 PM Post #12,128 of 16,931
  I just got the Moe SS-01. Really nice, clear dual driver for the price ($60). The 3-4k treble peak kills my ears at times though.
 
Looking forward to Joker's opinion of it.

 
 
   
 
Yeah, the top end has a little too much edginess for me as well. It reminds me of the ATH-CKM500. Still very good for $60, especially the clarity.

Weird. I find them even smoother than the RE400 w/ sony hybrids. well, i only tried them for less than 10 hours. how much burn-in yours have?
 
Nov 23, 2013 at 3:55 PM Post #12,129 of 16,931
   
 
Weird. I find them even smoother than the RE400 w/ sony hybrids. well, i only tried them for less than 10 hours. how much burn-in yours have?

Less than 5 hours. Stock Bi-Flanges.
 
Innerfidelity has a FR chart that sort of confirms the peak. It is easily cut with EQ though, so it's not that big of an issue. I'm also sensitive to that region. A small midbass and peak cut make them really good.
 
Nov 23, 2013 at 4:05 PM Post #12,130 of 16,931
  Less than 5 hours. Stock Bi-Flanges.
 
Innerfidelity has a FR chart that sort of confirms the peak. It is easily cut with EQ though, so it's not that big of an issue. I'm also sensitive to that region. A small midbass and peak cut make them really good.

oh, i didnt get bi-flanges. just 3 pair of singles. will try them with some meelec ones. but still strange, i;m not that forgiving when i comes to peaks. far from the CKM500 for sure. actually i'd like some extra treble on these ss01 
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Nov 23, 2013 at 4:08 PM Post #12,131 of 16,931
  oh, i didnt get bi-flanges. just 3 pair of singles. will try them with some meelec ones. but still strange, i;m not that forgiving when i comes to peaks. far from the CKM500 for sure. actually i'd like some extra treble on these ss01 
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Extra 12khz and up could use some, yes. It drops off sharply there.
 
Nov 24, 2013 at 2:05 AM Post #12,132 of 16,931
   
 
Weird. I find them even smoother than the RE400 w/ sony hybrids. well, i only tried them for less than 10 hours. how much burn-in yours have?

 
Mine has tons of burn-in. It just has quite a bit more presence in the 3-6k range than the RE-400.
 
Nov 24, 2013 at 8:05 AM Post #12,133 of 16,931
  Hi Joker,
 
Can you please tell me how the EPH-100 compares to the MH1C? Is it a significant upgrade in the sound? Is it a logical upgrade to the Mh1C or does it sound different? Also, how comfortable are these for smaller canals? I use the smallest size tips for all IEMs. If not these what would you recommend as an upgrade to the MH1c with slightly more forward mids?
 

 
Quote:
   
 
 

More bass, more mids, and the treble is not as smooth as with the MH1C.
 
I think it is a good upgrade but I wouldn't recommend it if you have smaller canals. The MH1C is not easy to upgrade from - there's just not many higher-end dynamics that have such warm and smooth sound. The RBH EP2 comes to mind but it's not a very significant upgrade for a whole lot more $$. You might be better off keeping the MH1C and playing with the EQ a little. 

 
Hi Joker,
 
Do you think the TDK BA-200 would be a better fit than the EPH100SL as an upgrade from the MH1c? The fit of the MH1C is what is putting me off completely and I can hardly wear them. However I do like the signature. A little more mids/bass is fine as long as the treble is smooth.
 
Nov 24, 2013 at 1:11 PM Post #12,135 of 16,931
   
Hi Joker,
 
Do you think the TDK BA-200 would be a better fit than the EPH100SL as an upgrade from the MH1c? The fit of the MH1C is what is putting me off completely and I can hardly wear them. However I do like the signature. A little more mids/bass is fine as long as the treble is smooth.

 
Sorry, the BA-200 continues to elude me - I've never heard it. The RBH EP1 reminded me of an upgraded MH1C when I tried it but I'd have to spend more time with it for more specific impressions. I also didn't think it was quite as good as the EPH-100 overall. 
 
  SteelSeries Flux in-ear $25
PRO version $75
EDIT: It's from Amazon
I also posted on DEALS III thread.DEALS III

 
Wow, that's very impressive, especially for the Flux. Also makes the Flux Pro more or less competitive with the UE 600.
 

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