UM3X vs. SM3 v2: Advice Appreciated!

Go for the UM3x if you absolutely love it already. The SM3 is quite a polarizing sound and the V2 sounds the same as the V1. It's a very good IEM but if you are already satisfied by the UM3x, by all means go for it.

why not go for a used SM3 v1 . If you prefer the sound or do not, you should be able to sell it for the similar used price you bought it and then get the SM3 v2 ( sounds the same) or the UM3x.

No financial loss besides postage costs and you get to know which you hear as the best .

Presuming you can find a used SM3 v1, though used ones have been increasing since the V2 launch .

I would go for UM3X.  I thought the SQ and fit worked well for me.  It is very sensitive, so no amp is needed to get good SQ from headphone out.  I could not get a decent fit for SM3, and there were standing waves to certain tones.

I had both the UM3x and SM3 and preferred the UM3x 

It depends on the kind of sound you are looking for. Both are technically proficient, excellent triple-driver flagships, but with quite different sound signatures. If you are looking for the warm, thick presentation of the SM3 then it might just be the best universal out there for you, as some have experienced. For me, I cannot stand the SM3's signature, whereas the UM3X sounded amazing to my ears. No one will be able to tell your ears "this one is better" at this price point IMO.

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Originally Posted by Omnirai 

It depends on the kind of sound you are looking for. Both are technically proficient, excellent triple-driver flagships, but with quite different sound signatures. If you are looking for the warm, thick presentation of the SM3 then it might just be the best universal out there for you, as some have experienced. For me, I cannot stand the SM3's signature, whereas the UM3X sounded amazing to my ears. No one will be able to tell your ears "this one is better" at this price point IMO.

Was it the thickness that turned you off?

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Originally Posted by prestigetone 

I think Westone is the way to go. 

 

Any reason to look into the W4? Should not having removable cables freak me out?

 

I am careful with my stuff but will be using these for some active outdoor activities. At the end of the day the W4 is not that much more given the price point. I am already crazy for spending this much.

Forget about the price. Everybody on the Westone 4 Appreciation thread love their W4's and prefer them over their UM3X's. And the same goes for nearly everybody here on Head-Fi too. In my honest opinion I would go for the Westone 4, but it's your choice if you care more for convenience (the UM3X RC) over better sound quality (the W4). Good Luck!

Here's a link the thread I mentioned: http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/527694/westone-4-appreciation-thread-and-reviews-a-k-a-westone-4

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freefallr4545 

Was it the thickness that turned you off?

Indeed. Everything about it sounded off. I could acknowledge that it was technically a good IEM and that it probably deserves its place in the top tier of universals, but I didn't like how my music sounded with it. In particular, I crave a level of treble energy that the SM3 did not provide, and the famous SM3 mids did not do it for me either. I pretty much prefer nearly every other "top-tier" universal over the SM3s, but of course that's just me and my ears.

For the W4s, I wouldn't say they are strictly better than the UM3X. If I absolutely had to choose between the 2 I'll go with the W4s, but it is definitely not to say that the UM3X are any kind of bad or far behind. The UM3 has this way of presenting the instruments that I have not heard in any other universal.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Omnirai 

Quote:

Indeed. Everything about it sounded off. I could acknowledge that it was technically a good IEM and that it probably deserves its place in the top tier of universals, but I didn't like how my music sounded with it. In particular, I crave a level of treble energy that the SM3 did not provide, and the famous SM3 mids did not do it for me either. I pretty much prefer nearly every other "top-tier" universal over the SM3s, but of course that's just me and my ears.

 

For the W4s, I wouldn't say they are strictly better than the UM3X. If I absolutely had to choose between the 2 I'll go with the W4s, but it is definitely not to say that the UM3X are any kind of bad or far behind. The UM3 has this way of presenting the instruments that I have not heard in any other universal.

 

Thanks Omnirai, I too enjoy a treble energy also. I really feel that my Romancing a Pair of Sm3's are over. I love the Mids so much on my 535's and read how so many people love the Sm3 mids, but I think the Level of lush thickness would not be a good fit for me

Also Prestigitone; From what I've read about the W4's the Mids are there but not fully engaging or emotional. Maybe liking the UM3X you may feel you're missing something.Love the Westone 3;s I have also, but I seem to always long for the Shures Mids when using them. But True There are alot of W4 Lovers here and UM3X's as well. The Problem is, is that these damn things are all so nice

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Prestigetone I think it must be noted that "High_Q" isn't exactly in favor of the Westone 4 and it be better you discover for yourself why that is (Westone 4 appreciation thread). But there is proof right here that SOME PEOPLE would and have gone for a W4 for their own reasons. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Omnirai 

 

For the W4s, I wouldn't say they are strictly better than the UM3X. If I absolutely had to choose between the 2 I'll go with the W4s, but it is definitely not to say that the UM3X are any kind of bad or far behind. The UM3 has this way of presenting the instruments that I have not heard in any other universal.

 

I just hope it's understood that my advice can be trusted, I've kept up with the entire Westone 4 thread, but it be best if you experienced for yourself the W4, UM3X, or SM3 to make your decision on which you love the most. Either way you surely won't be disappointed, Thanks.