Multi-Custom In-Ear Monitor Review, Resource, Mfg List & Discussion (26 reviews: UM PP6 added... - Page 164

Quote:

Originally Posted by average_joe 

 

The leading characteristic of the 5-way is that it changes based on the way the track was recorded, so much more so than other CIEMs.  I believe this is in part due to the ability of the 5-way to change its note presentation to that of the track.  Some tracks sound thick and warm while others sound crystal clear, making it a difficult CIEM for me to compare as other CIEMs don't change anywhere near the extent of the 5-way.  Are you experiencing the same thing?

 

As far as the 4-way, I believe the sound signature is closer to the 3-way joker reviewed, but with technical ability similar to the 5-way.

Not at all, the SE-5 is just boosted midbass (100-300Hz, centered at 160 Hz). If a track doesn't have much or any midbass, it won't be audible, obviously. That's the only place where SE-5 has a boost - it has cuts elsewhere, including some deep subbass cut (but not as much as many other BA IEMs, starts at 32 Hz). Plus the bass has a sharp, but correct decay quality.

The "chameleon" quality is due to flatness 500-3 kHz, then major cut 3k-8k. So depending on the track, it will be neutral, dull, sharp, soft, hard-hitting or bass boosted.

Highs are BA-like "over"crisp but quiet compared to lows. Not a veil, but highs are kinda shelved - no less extension though.

SE-5 *note presentation* stays the same all the time. Sharp but bit too thick bass with correct decay (it's hard to describe... perhaps a tiny bit of harmonic distortion?), good thickness mids, slightly thin treble.

That is unlike Westone 4 (the closest sounding universal), which had shorter bass decay, softer impact, thicker treble.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AstralStorm 

Not at all, the SE-5 is just boosted midbass (100-300Hz, centered at 160 Hz). If a track doesn't have much or any midbass, it won't be audible, obviously. That's the only place where SE-5 has a boost - it has cuts elsewhere, including some deep subbass cut (but not as much as many other BA IEMs, starts at 32 Hz). Plus the bass has a sharp, but correct decay quality.

The "chameleon" quality is due to flatness 500-3 kHz, then major cut 3k-8k. So depending on the track, it will be neutral, dull, sharp, soft, hard-hitting or bass boosted.

Highs are BA-like "over"crisp but quiet compared to lows. Not a veil, but highs are kinda shelved - no less extension though.

 

SE-5 *note presentation* stays the same all the time. Sharp but bit too thick bass with correct decay (it's hard to describe... perhaps a tiny bit of harmonic distortion?), good thickness mids, slightly thin treble.

That is unlike Westone 4, which had shorter bass decay, softer impact, thicker treble.

I also find a boost around 16-18k. well compared to all my other earphones (not headphones).

It's not a boost, it's actually almost flat. (-3 or -4 dB) Most other IEMs have a rolloff by then.

Got my UM Platform Pure 6 in today. Wow, that cable is a beast. The hardware box is surprisingly light weight though, which could make up for the cable if someone truly intended to use it as a portable. I'll probably do more "transportable" type use though. 

It's strange seeing the innards of the CIEM portion minus the crossovers. Looks a bit empty, until you count the drivers and make sure that it really is a 6 driver setup. As usual, UM did a fantastic job with the build - I'll grab some pics and post them when I get a chance. 

Hey Joe, another one to add to the overall list - http://www.head-fi.org/t/647328/ultimate-hearing-protection-systems-uk-soundear-pro-3-new-uk-custom-iems#post_9080324 - a new option for those of us in the UK.