Torn between Sennheiser IE8, Westone 3 and Shure Se530

I bought the Comply tips for my IE8s which I find very comfortable and also find improved sound isolation over the standard tips offered.

I haven't tried the other IEMs you mentioned to compare, but if soundstage is important to you, that is another plus of the IE8s. They do have a 'warm' sound though which you may not like based on your description of what you like in vocals. I don't like sibilance, or bright treble, and so the sound of the IE8s suits me, and I also find it very detailed which I like. Caveat - I don't know anything about Trance music.

You can't be torn between those three. It only shows that you (a) are clueless about what you want or (b) have not done enough research. I say this because the IE8, W3, and SE530 sound vastly different from each other. All 3 will not suit any one person's personal taste. Rather the only things they share in common are their moderate price tag and the fact that a lot of head-fiers think highly of them. In regards to your personal tastes and goals, only one or even none of those will be a best fit. Because you listed 3 very different sounding earphones that are nothing alike, I know you haven't researched this enough yet.

For example. I don't consider the IE8 a good options for techno. I can seek the W3 and SE530 as options but for very different reasons. When I say this, I know you don't understand why I say this. Again, research will shed light on how they sound and if they will fit your end goals well or not. As well, there are a slew of other earphones out there that you might also be looking at like the CK10, Triple.Fi 10, UM3X, Monster Turbine Pro Gold, and a bunch of others. Why aren't any of these contenders? I feel you haven't researched enough to be well aware of all the options you really have available and what each option brings to the table for a sound experience. There are a ton of reviews, comparisons, comments on the forum. I'm not in the mood right now to reiterate a pile of details that are so readily available with a quick use of the Search button, so I'll level the busy work to you.

Try reading this. This should answer most questions you have about the IE8 and se530.

Patronising much? Jesus, give the guy a break - he came in here asking for some guidance and you virtually throw the internet back at him.

I can't personally offer any real advice on your specific question, my friend, as I havent heard any of those three, but I wish you luck in your search. May it bring fruit to your ears.

I have heard the W3s and IE8s, and I find the W3s better in every category except soundstage. The IE8s have a very strong upper bass that provides a veil over the highs. In contrast, the W3s are very balanced, although some people complain about sibilance. But with the right tips, the W3s don't have any sibilance. I use sony hybrids on them, which I put over the p-series comply tubing so that it can fit on the W3s.

nothing tears u more than deciding whether to buy IE8 or W3.


i took 3 days and went ahead with W3.

1st day i auditioned, 2nd day i read all reviews on internet

3rd day i assembled money.

and finally bought W3.

its all about your preference.

i like bass...but IE8 had too much bass.

W3 also has bass..but its tamed.

IE8 has much more soundstage btw

@mvw2, turn a newbie off every day - somewhat like an anti boy scout motto.

@JMGM, welcome to head-fi. I second mvw2's opinion that the IE8 isn't the best choice for trance. The SE530 is ok, but with this kind of music you want a phone with sparkly highs and good airiness to give you that spacey feel. The CK10 and CK100 have such highs, but are both a bit light on bass, so I don't know whether they'll fit you. I can't comment on W3 as I haven't heard them.

The Hippo VBs might be a budget option, with very tight and low bass and good, airy soundstage. Apart from that, perhaps wait for more opinions on the new JVC FX700. The FX500 is a good trance IEM but has some issues, perhaps the newer model will be even better.

My solution was to buy all three.

They are all great IEMs.

The SE530s are the most neutral with the best mids, the W3s have incredible bass and sparkling treble and very fun, and the IE8s have the best sound stage imaging and bass.

Thats the best decision.


wait..lemme check my wallet..












oops

very evil suggestion however if the OP doesn't mind losing some money and trying them all and selling the other 2 that would be the best way to find out short of auditioning them somewhere but even being able to audition them can be limited since you won't be able to spend as much time with it as when you own them.

Me thinks you will need to take an educated guess and get the one that you think will suite you. If you want a suggestion, pick the W3. It's sound character is somewhere in the middle of the three. After you get some hours on a quality set of IEM's, you will know better about your preferences and will be able to move from there. That is if you feel the W3's are lacking in some way.

I'm sort of in the same boat. I'm leaning towards the W3 or the MTGP for reasons stated above. I have also considered getting the Panasonic HJE900's. They have gotten really good reviews have great bass and extended highs, no big complaints about the mids. I think these may give me a good starting point, plus they are only $110. If I decide they aren't for me I didn't blow too much money.

Good luck in your search.

Iam listenning the same genres music you mentioned above and i think you chose all three right. Sennheiser IE8, Westone 3 are best bet for above genres and they has more bass than SE530. I will highely recommend Sennheiser IE8 because it sound crisp, rich, warm, bassy with huge soundstage.

I wouldn't right off the IE8 ... it has an airy sound to it which could well with trance. The highs aren't sparkly, but they are extended and very natural sounding.

In all honesty all those IEMs are very good and I don't think any of them would be bad for the genre you mention. As others have suggested the best way to really decide is to let your wallet take a hit and use your ears to decide whats best for you, and sell off the others... However I understand that this is a somewhat expensive option that might not be suitable to you