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SM3 vs. Portable AMP vs. RE0 vs. ??

post #1 of 18
7/27/10 at 12:37am
Thread Starter 

Hi all,

 

I know the title might surprise a few "who would dare comparing SM3 to RE0?"

Don't worry - I am not asking you to do exactly that.

 

My question is:

How can I best spend around 400 $ on getting a new/changed sound experience?

With a portable AMP/DAC (like Tomahawk, Pico Slim or something like that), a new pair of earphones (SM3, RE0, IE8 or something like that)? Or maybe something completely different like full can headphones?

 

I am interested in getting even more audio experiences, and have heard a lot about the treble roll off in the SE530 so would like to hear something that doesn't have these problem.

But would a portable AMP be the best option or would RE0 be a fun (and cheap) experience - or would something like IE8 or SM3 be more interesting?

I am not interested in something with the exact same sound signature as the SE530 but would more like a pair where I could just enjoy the music.

 

I already have Shure SE530 and Bose QC15 (for air travel).

My sources are iPhone 3GS and Macbook Pro Unibody

My music taste is everything from Muse, The Strokes, Chemical Brothers, etc. So mainly Rock and Electronic.

 

 

I hope my thread is not to vague and that you will enjoy sharing your view on the question, how to best expand my experiences with high quality audio.

 

Thanks in advance! :-)

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Gear mentioned in this thread:

Shure SE530PTH Sound Isolating Earphones with Push-To-Hear Control
Shure SE530 Sound Isolating Earphones
Sennheiser IE 8 In-Ear Headphones
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post #2 of 18
7/27/10 at 12:44am

Better earphones/headphones first, then a good amp.

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post #3 of 18
7/27/10 at 4:16am
Thread Starter 

Thanks for the input - and then it might be good to "just" start with the RE0 or RE-Zero as they seem to get a lot of praise and is a rather limited investment.

Can always hope for the SM3 to drop in price. :-)

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post #4 of 18
7/27/10 at 4:43am

Yeah I always feel like a bit of a wanker when I say this but I think my sig might be of some help to you.

 

EDIT: And by the way, do you realize you can currently get the SM3s for less than $300 USD shipped from Sound Earphones? To me that's a pretty big price drop.


Edited by Hero Kid - 7/27/10 at 4:45am
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post #5 of 18
7/27/10 at 5:15am

Ooo, they look like they ship international! :D ...less than 300USD? O.o

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post #6 of 18
7/27/10 at 5:22am

Grab it while you can, says I....  I love me some SM3 whenever I get chance.
 

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr Joboto View Post

Ooo, they look like they ship international! :D ...less than 300USD? O.o


 

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post #7 of 18
7/27/10 at 5:26am

Hmm, they are USD359 without shipping.. hmm

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post #8 of 18
7/27/10 at 5:44am

to me go for a great iem than later on upgrade if you need it. idk to me it seems like either between getting a sleek ferrari or a honda super souped up.


Edited by tacomn - 7/27/10 at 5:56am
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post #9 of 18
7/27/10 at 6:04am
Thread Starter 

And which IEM would you then consider a good step up/compliment for my SE530?

With a budget of roughly 400 dollars +/- and interested in getting a different sound (not that I dont like SE530, would just like something different as well) and to be used with rock and electronic music.


Edited by Banko - 7/27/10 at 6:05am
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post #10 of 18
7/27/10 at 6:15am

probably sm3. I just bought the dba which are definitely one of the iems that are most appealing to me. But If I had the extra dough and was to upgrade then I would go for them.


Edited by tacomn - 7/27/10 at 6:38am
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post #11 of 18
7/27/10 at 7:55am
Thread Starter 

I pulled the trigger on the RE-ZERO to begin with, hard to resist at that price and those reviews.

 

Planning on getting W3, IE8 or SM3 at a later point in time but for now I will be sensible and "settle" with a headphone getting great reviews and at a 3rd of the price of the ones mentioned before.

 

Thanks for all the input.

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post #12 of 18
7/27/10 at 1:50pm

hope you like them

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post #13 of 18
7/27/10 at 2:01pm

I think that is a good choice. I think they are quite good even though they have that balanced plug which I'm not a fan of. From my reading of the SE530 I'd think they are different signatures but no way for me to confirm that. I like them a lot. Since I got them they are in my bag that I use when I leave the house so they get plenty of use despite that stupid adapter.

 

Also I think you should reconsider an amp if the RE-Zero is the only one you are going to use it for unless the SE530 will also get time with it as well. $100 earphone and $300 amp doesn't make much sense to me not including the IC cable.

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post #14 of 18
7/27/10 at 3:19pm

RE-ZERO/RE-0/RE-252 very well deserve better than a cheap amp, much better.  What little the expensive amps do (clean up, refine the sound a bit), the cheaper stuff does even less or not at all.

 

Consider them $300-$400 earphones your paid $100 for. 

Does that make you feel better?

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post #15 of 18
7/27/10 at 8:00pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr Joboto View Post

Hmm, they are USD359 without shipping.. hmm

 

I'm considering getting a pair sent out here to Aus. Oh and for the price they have a 15% off coupon (Site15) at the moment.

They also have the coupons "7410" and "FG15" which I'm not sure if they still work. Their new site confuses me :/


 


Edited by Hero Kid - 7/27/10 at 8:02pm
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Gear mentioned in this thread:

Shure SE530PTH Sound Isolating Earphones with Push-To-Hear Control
Shure SE530 Sound Isolating Earphones
Sennheiser IE 8 In-Ear Headphones
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