Thought I'd share this, even though there might not be many folks out there who have both the RE1 and a Sony S-Master based DAP (Sony X or A840, I have the A845).
Anyway, the synergy between these two is simply stunning. The S-Master amp drives the 150Ω RE1 as effortlessly as anything, so there's definitely no need for an external amp. Plus the Sony's EQ (that has subpar quality with lower impedance IEMs) does wonders to the RE1, bringing out a crisp and clear sound signature with no degrading of SQ.
Ok, but let's take one thing at a time, first I recommend doing an easy filter mod on the RE1:
RE1 filter mod:
Disclaimer: I've done this mod long before I got my Sony, so I don't know how the pairing would work with the original RE1s. I suppose it would still sound great, but did not undo my mod to try it.
Here are the instructions for the RE1 treble mod (Kudos to ClieOS):
While this mod works definitely as described, I found it made the upper midrange a bit echoey, so I replaced the original filters with a tiny piece of cotton swab (Kudos to RedSky0):
With the cotton you get best of both worlds: smooth sound, no echo and still noticably better treble than with original filters. I recommend this easy mod for the RE1 even if you don't have a Sony X or A840 to pair with.
EQ settings:
Disclaimer: I listen to this setup on low to medium volume (< 20 of 30 on the Sony), so these EQ settings might not be suitable for louder volume.
Anyway, here are the settings: Clearbass +1, EQ 0,0,+2,+3,+3:
Yes, I'm aware it does look weird, but I've been experimenting with this setup for several days now, trying out different EQ settings and musical genres, and the result with the pictured ones is extremely impressive to my ears. IMO it raises the RE1 right up to eye level with my other top-tier IEMs, with tight and punchy low bass like the Hippo VB's, clean and pleasant mids, plus detailed, refined and extended highs. Speaking of extension, the RE1 give a reasonably balanced, true to life response from 20Hz to 16KHz (= limits of my hearing). There is no added sibilance. Soundstage is huge, comparable to the IE8. And most impressive, transparency is just a tad short of the e-Q7's.
But as always, your perception of sound signature might be quite different from mine, so what impresses me may not work for you.
Anyway, I ordered a backup pair of RE1s today, just in case...
Anyway, the synergy between these two is simply stunning. The S-Master amp drives the 150Ω RE1 as effortlessly as anything, so there's definitely no need for an external amp. Plus the Sony's EQ (that has subpar quality with lower impedance IEMs) does wonders to the RE1, bringing out a crisp and clear sound signature with no degrading of SQ.
Ok, but let's take one thing at a time, first I recommend doing an easy filter mod on the RE1:
RE1 filter mod:
Disclaimer: I've done this mod long before I got my Sony, so I don't know how the pairing would work with the original RE1s. I suppose it would still sound great, but did not undo my mod to try it.
Here are the instructions for the RE1 treble mod (Kudos to ClieOS):
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by ClieOS
 I have a very favorable review of RE1 before, and I commented on the requirement of amp for this little gem to shine. Well, I just accidentally discovered another way of enjoying music on RE1.
The mod is simple: remove the mesh filter (which is glued on the nozzle) carefully. If you didn't damage the mesh you can use it again later (if you did damage the mesh, Head-Direct sells replacements with the big bi-flange bundle. Alternatively, you can just leave it as it is). Now, use a small tweezer and take the foam inside the nozzle out, and place the mesh back.  Before (right) and After (left, with out the mesh)  The foam inside the nozzle, expended. SQ wise, you will find that the dark and warm sound is gone, replaced by a forward (especially on the vocal region) and pretty detail sound. The bass impact will be roughly the same, as is most of the lower end frequency. The overall volume is also increased, but only by a small margin. The change is best described as switching from a laid back Senn to a forward Grado of the same caliber. Another plus side is the requirement of amping is less important after the mod. Enjoy. |
While this mod works definitely as described, I found it made the upper midrange a bit echoey, so I replaced the original filters with a tiny piece of cotton swab (Kudos to RedSky0):
With the cotton you get best of both worlds: smooth sound, no echo and still noticably better treble than with original filters. I recommend this easy mod for the RE1 even if you don't have a Sony X or A840 to pair with.
EQ settings:
Disclaimer: I listen to this setup on low to medium volume (< 20 of 30 on the Sony), so these EQ settings might not be suitable for louder volume.
Anyway, here are the settings: Clearbass +1, EQ 0,0,+2,+3,+3:
Yes, I'm aware it does look weird, but I've been experimenting with this setup for several days now, trying out different EQ settings and musical genres, and the result with the pictured ones is extremely impressive to my ears. IMO it raises the RE1 right up to eye level with my other top-tier IEMs, with tight and punchy low bass like the Hippo VB's, clean and pleasant mids, plus detailed, refined and extended highs. Speaking of extension, the RE1 give a reasonably balanced, true to life response from 20Hz to 16KHz (= limits of my hearing). There is no added sibilance. Soundstage is huge, comparable to the IE8. And most impressive, transparency is just a tad short of the e-Q7's.
But as always, your perception of sound signature might be quite different from mine, so what impresses me may not work for you.
Anyway, I ordered a backup pair of RE1s today, just in case...
I wanna try defoaming them and pairing them with my AMP3. How do you think they sound with AMP3 BTW James? Is it a good sounding combo to your ears?
