[Review] Impressions of the Sony EX1000 versus the FX700, GR10 and e-Q5 - Page 25

Quote:

Originally Posted by music_4321 

 

Dear Anax,

 

Can't remember just now how much you enjoyed the HD650s. I can tell you that the soundstage of the EX1000s is (from memory) better than the Senns. I never felt the HD650 had a massive SS, and I'm one of those who thinks the IE8's SS capabilities are somewhat exaggerated (same goes for the SM3's SS) - perhaps my hearing is more 2D than 3D? :) Doesn't feel like that outside the world of headphones, though.

 

Now, I haven't heard the HD598s, and they do sound pretty interesting, I have to say, though I'm not entirely sure 'Id actually enjoy/ prefer that type of 'real' sound. What I do know is that the EX1000s SS is the best I've heard. It's still 'in your head' as far as I'm concerned, but it has a coherence about it that seems to be more expansive. No other phone listed in my sig/ profile has given me this level of 'SS coherence', not even my ES3X. There's nothing artificial about it. The word that comes to mind is 'organic', but not sure that makes much sense.

650's don't belong anywhere in this conversation.  Other than solid FR balance and refined detail retrieval they do nothing spectacularly well or commit tragic errors.  Properly amped of course.  Not my cup of tea either at least if I have to lay down my own money.

Agreed on the SM3's, big turn off for me as I'm sure you know.  Nothing about the EX1000 sounded unnatural to me except for the treble spike I couldn't get rid of at the time.  The 598 SS is not unnatural either. Like I said, I don't like wide SS because it usually always sounds weird and unnatural, gimmicky even.  598 isn't like that, which is why I was impressed and many others are too if you check the thread.  Probably their greatest strength.  One of if not the best I've heard for orchestral symphonic pieces.  I know exactly what you mean by organic and natural, two words I probably wear out more than any others. Haven't heard the ES3X but I thought the W4 SS was a bit too artificial and unnatural to my ears.  Didn't like it for my tastes.  ES5 doesn't have that issue.  It's not congested or absurdly expansive but just natural, coherent, Goldilocks SS and insane imaging.  I'm all about natural, coherent sound over tricks and gimmicks.  The 598 is the first I've heard to do wide 'right' better than a kicker for the Buffalo Bills.

Yours truly,

Anax 

LOL that's not nice... I also <3 the HD598 though; I think Scott Norwood would appreciate them too...
 

I don't have them anymore and having withdrawl symptoms.  From listening to 1000s, I've realized that the seal doesn't have significant contibution to SQ.  I will be getting my 1964-T customs, I really don't expect it top the 1000s because of the already mentioned reason.  Great sounding universals can top the most expensive customs. 1000 is a very special IEM, no universal can compare to it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by High_Q 

I don't have them anymore and having withdrawl symptoms.  From listening to 1000s, I've realized that the seal doesn't have significant contibution to SQ.  I will be getting my 1964-T customs, I really don't expect it top the 1000s because of the already mentioned reason.  Great sounding universals can top the most expensive customs. 1000 is a very special IEM, no universal can compare to it.

Surprising to say the least that you decided to let the EX1000 go in this case.

Quote:

Originally Posted by High_Q 

Great sounding universals can top the most expensive customs. 1000 is a very special IEM, no universal can compare to it.

Two amazingly wild claims from someone that has yet to hear the 'most expensive customs'.  Stop making wild assertions.  Someone might believe you.

I've had a few days to listen to the Sony Ex1000 so I thought I'd throw in a few comments.

First, I've been listening via custom-fit tips, which are almost a must on the ex1000, at least for me. Hopefully that has given me a chance to really hear the ex1000's sound without concern for fit. I've listened out of my 5.5 gen ipod + ttvj slim mostly and a bit out of my home system amped by an indestructable beloved old onkyo. The ttvj slim has a nice synergy with the sony.

I'm really enjoying these! They are nicely detailed, and their slightly treble or upper mid focus brings an impression of clarity to the sound. Mike from headfonia describes the sound pretty much as I hear it http://www.headfonia.com/japanese-flagship-sony-mdr-ex1000/2/, except that I hear the soundstage as being nicely coherent as well as spacious. Maybe the bottom line is that I could see most people being very happy with these. I think rather than weaknesses, there are mainly just differences in taste that might lead a person to this or another top universal fit earphone (with isolation being a key thing that should be considered). The sound is a little more thin compared to warmer iems, that's not a criticism, just an observation. The bass is reasonable and I like the texture and clarity in the bass and overall. One reviewer on head-fi was claiming great sub-bass (maybe in comparison to the ba-driven competition?) which is not true at all, but it's really quite nice.It does lack extension when compared to the very capable bass of the Future Sonics universal fit Atrio and custom MG6Pro Ear Monitor, but that's to be expected. I don't have my mtpcs at the moment, but I think the ex1000 and mtpc would make a good comparison.

Even custom-fit tips seem to not fit as well on the ex1000, that's the power of their anti-ergonomic design! I think that's really just the venting and isolation that gives this impression, though. The isolation is not a strength of these, and I'm fairly tolerant of vented dynamics.

These really aren't subway iems. I've been thinking about that as I compared them to the mg7-driver FS Atrio (with FS Softerwear custom sleeves) and it's more than just the isolation. The ex1000 has a thinner sound, less warmth and a more treble emphasis with a bass that lacks the depth robustness of the Atrio. This sound sig isn't quite as suited to subway or outside background noise and sounds a little less engaging and less focused on the midrange than the Atrio. The north of center emphasis on the sony also makes them slightly less real sounding than the Atrio. However, the Sony does sound more delicate and refined in a quiet environment.

The Sony ex1000 will definitely appeal to those who like a refined, clear sound and have a quiet place to really enjoy them. They deserve to be considered by anyone looking for top-tier universal-fit iems.

Quote:

Originally Posted by High_Q 

I don't have them anymore and having withdrawl symptoms.  From listening to 1000s, I've realized that the seal doesn't have significant contibution to SQ.  I will be getting my 1964-T customs, I really don't expect it top the 1000s because of the already mentioned reason.  Great sounding universals can top the most expensive customs. 1000 is a very special IEM, no universal can compare to it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaxwellDemon 

Surprising to say the least that you decided to let the EX1000 go in this case.

High_Q: "The ex1000 is a very special iem and better than the best customs so you should buy it now from me. Please buy it. Pay me a lot for it. I only sold it because it was so good that I wanted to share it with you."

Quote:

Originally Posted by music_4321 

 

Interesting impressions, Kunlun.

 

I believe I may be that "reviewer on head-fi was claiming great sub-bass (maybe in comparison to the ba-driven competition?)". I definitely don't consider myself a reviewer and, just for the record, these were my exact words: "Bass varies on type of music, but the Sony's bass, overall, is EXCELLENT. I guess there is slightly more mid-bass on the W4s and slightly more sub-bass on the Sonys. Don't know to what extent that affects the mids presentation, but on the whole I guess in the lower mids/ upper bass region the 4s deliver a more pleasing sound to these ears"

 

Overall, I do believe the EX1000s have EXCELLENT bass - they don't necessarily have a sub-bass emphasis, but I do think the whole low end is presented remarkably well, in a very, very convincing way AND with excellent extension. From your description I have a feeling I would somehow not enjoy the Atrios as much as the Sonys - a good example when it comes to the Sonys 'proper' rendering of bass frequencies is a rather unknown Radiohead track called The Amazing Sounds of Orgy; any more sub-bass in this particular track would just be wrong sounding to these ears. Of course, as you know, I'm truly open to seeing/hearing if what you say re the Atrios really is the case; you know I'm not the fanboy type. Perhaps I will try the Atrios one day. The Atrios & Etymotic E4-RP are 2 IEMs I've yet to try.

 

Another observation with regards to seal/isolation - from the moment I tried the EX1000s I was fortunate enough to get a great fit. Granted (and stated already), isolation is not the EX1000's strong suit, but SQ does NOT get any better - in my case, at least - with better isolation; when I push the earpieces deeper (and get more isolation that way) - and they can indeed go deeper in my ears - SQ is hardly changed, and it is, in fact, for the worse!

 

I was actually thinking of someone else!

Yes, I agree with you that the Sonys have a nice bass. I like the detail and texture and it does quite nicely, though I wouldn't rate it quite as highly as you, it is unquestionably good. I miss the sub-bass rumble and extension a bit in subways, etc. I believe you do your listening in quiet places. The Atrio sub-bass is something I certainly miss it if it's not there, particularly in a noisy environment (the Atrio were developed as universal fit stage monitors). My review of the Atrio notes that I found them to be slightly bass-forward until the diaphragm settles (and even after, compared to the Sony) and I didn't always like the lower treble bump they have--so I think I have to turn in any fanboy credentials. The ttvj slim pairs very nicely with them, though and the treble bump is smoothed nicely.

I listened to the Radiohead song you mentioned (on youtube out of my laptop). Yes, there is a lot of nice sub-bass with the Atrio. When the youtube comments mention "play indoors and watch the lights shake", I have a sense of what they mean on the Atrio which I wouldn't really have with other earphones. It is a different song on the sonys, with the bass in the background. I think things might sound wrong at first but with a bit of time, you might miss the sub-bass extension of the Atrios. I certainly wouldn't say the Atrios are "better" earphones, though. In a quiet environment, the Sonys are more refined and many will prefer them.

It's awesome that you got a good fit right off the bat. I have a feeling some people will not take the time to really get a perfect fit and that'll be a shame because the Sonys are very nice top-tier iems.

I think I mentioned the sub-bass in my review as well. So, maybe it was me?

But anyway, great impressions, Kunlun. I mostly agree with what you said... though maybe it is my lack of IEM experience (having owned 6 IEMs only) that makes me think that EX1000 has a really good sub bass.

In regards of isolation, I believe that it is due to the EX1000 being vented (the vent is slightly above the SONY logo on the IEM). Being vented would actually, in my opinion, explain a lot of things for the EX1000, it is also probably be why driving it deeper just makes it sound worse.

That explains why I do not need a tight fit to get such a great SQ.  When I first got them, I was very sceptical of them because the fit wasn't tight.  The vent is very thoughtful design IMO.
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaxwellDemon 

I think I mentioned the sub-bass in my review as well. So, maybe it was me?

 

But anyway, great impressions, Kunlun. I mostly agree with what you said... though maybe it is my lack of IEM experience (having owned 6 IEMs only) that makes me think that EX1000 has a really good sub bass.

 

In regards of isolation, I believe that it is due to the EX1000 being vented (the vent is slightly above the SONY logo on the IEM). Being vented would actually, in my opinion, explain a lot of things for the EX1000, it is also probably be why driving it deeper just makes it sound worse.

It is 2 weeks since I got my EX1000 and after listening to a whole range of music genres and many different albums I can now say for certain that the Sony MDR-EX1000 is the finest universal IEM I've ever heard and it is the only universal IEM to be 100% (at the moment) equal SQ-wise to my $850 custom Westone ES3X - yes, the EX1000 is indeed a fantastic sounding IEM.

Two years ago I started a thread called "Are Custom IEMs Overrated?" At the time I hadn't yet tried the Sony MDR-EX1000, Westone 4, ATH-CK100, Shure SE535, Earsonics SM3 or Sennheiser IE8. I can now only state once again what I said 2 years ago in my opening post - namely that (high-end) customs, in my view, are overrated. True, the only high-end custom IEM I've heard is the ES3X - and no doubt some will say "Well, you haven't heard the JH13, JH16, ES5, UE18, etc." - but I remember two years ago how the ES3X, UE11 & UE10 were regarded by many as a BIG step up from top-tier universals. I still remain VERY sceptical of such (over the top) assessments. The EX1000 is just an incredible sounding IEM and the only one I can say is 100% 'on equal footing' when compared to my ES3Xs. My W4s ultimately felt more like 95% - already very, very close - but the EX1000s I feel have got to the very top.

Yep, I agree very much  Compared to my UM3x, I can see how far IEM technology had progressed since.