albertnam
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Nov 28, 2010
- Posts
- 128
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- 12
I've been happily experiencing aural bliss with the JH16s, but I need a pair of universals that I can use when the JH16s are not practical. I own the TF10s and hf5s currently, but both have drawbacks that make them less than ideal in my view.
I went back and used the TF10s for a while just now, and I found them to be rather "stuffy" in their sound (of course, this is to be expected coming from a set of customs), but also the mids were just too recessed. In addition, they are quite possibly the most uncomfortable set of IEMs ever. I cannot imagine how I was able to bear them for two years.
As for the hf5, it is typical of an Etymotic offering, and my opinion has not changed since I got them. The isolation is superb, and there are no complaints in that department. The mids are buttery-smooth, and are still great. Bass is "just-there". These phones certainly perform, but I don't think they can stand up to today's multi-driver systems.
And so, I have come down to the Shure SE535 and the Westone 4.
If anyone is lucky enough to own both of these IEMs, how do they compare? Are there any other IEMs that any of you would recommend?
I went back and used the TF10s for a while just now, and I found them to be rather "stuffy" in their sound (of course, this is to be expected coming from a set of customs), but also the mids were just too recessed. In addition, they are quite possibly the most uncomfortable set of IEMs ever. I cannot imagine how I was able to bear them for two years.
As for the hf5, it is typical of an Etymotic offering, and my opinion has not changed since I got them. The isolation is superb, and there are no complaints in that department. The mids are buttery-smooth, and are still great. Bass is "just-there". These phones certainly perform, but I don't think they can stand up to today's multi-driver systems.
And so, I have come down to the Shure SE535 and the Westone 4.
If anyone is lucky enough to own both of these IEMs, how do they compare? Are there any other IEMs that any of you would recommend?