Dream Earz aud-5X Custom IEM Review: Pure Value @ $565 - Also the appreciation thread! - Page 31

does anyone have any comparison of the dream earz 7x and 8x in comparison to the Heir Audio 8.A, 4.A, or the 1964 v6?

 

Any input would be appreciated =3

I had the 4.A.. I'll be able to offer some comparisons to the 7X once I'm back in town (on vacation currently).

Thanks a bunch!

Well I've had the chance over the holidays to wear the Aud 7X extensively.  In addition to my earlier comments praising the sound and noting the improvement vs the 5X in mids and highs, I'm now pleased to say they fit comfortably.  The first set I got really hurt to wear after only 10 or 15 minutes.  I sent them back to Mitch to have him grind them down a bit but this only helped a little.  A new set of impressions (from a different audiologist) along with re-shelling seems to have done the trick.  Now they are a pleasure to wear.

 

These are my first set of IEM's so I did not know what to expect or what a good fit should be.  Based on what I've seen in this forum it is clear that getting a good fit with IEM's is a tricky business.  But worth the effort!

edit: disregard

Edited by anoxy - 1/12/13 at 5:25pm

Update on the 8x, the bass has opened up as they are very proficient and true to the track based on my ears

But I think I might have a fit issue, cause my ears hurt after wearing them for too long... So I will need a re-fit..,

Welcome to the re-fit club Xingz!  Well at least Mitch is very nice about it and is easy to deal with.

Ugh, this wait is ridonkulous. Mitch said 2 1/2 weeks to reshell my right monitor, and tomorrow will be 3 weeks since they received them =/

After reading about all the above fiit issues, I'm grateful that my audiologist got it spot on first time. At the time, I thought "ouch... it supposed to be going this deep... is it supposed to hurt?" But fit has been flawless from day one (7 months ago). So, Average_Joe, would you say that depth of impression (and the associated discomfort) is an indicator of eventual increased ciem comfort? I ask, as a novice, and because Mitch specifically instructs audiologists to go past the second bend of the ear canal.

Going back to the 7X upgrade, which I'm still considering... come on with your impressions Flysweep! ;-)

I'd say depth is the most important part of the impression. I think my problem was because the audiologist I went to specializes in hearing aids, which don't go as deep. I may be wrong though.

My audiologist was a hearing aid specialist too... indeed, I was his first ever customer that requested impressions for CIEMs. 

 

Anyway, I just came across some impressions I sent to Flysweep some time back (before he pulled the trigger), in response to treble. Potential buyers may find it of interest:

 

"I'm still very much enjoying the AUD-5X. With regards to treble, my context is limited due to the relatively short amount of time I've had this interest, but I'm sure you'll take that into account.

 

I'd say that of the phones I've owned, treble quantity (relative to the bass and mids) is closest to the GR07, albeit a bit more forward. Not at all forward like the DBA-02 or FX-700, but also worlds away from the recessed SM3 or ASG-1. The balance achieved in quantity is to my ears, near on perfect.

 

With regards to quality, I'd say they're technically on par with the DBA-02s and FX-700s, albeit smoother and less fatiguing, whilst losing no detailing. Texturing and layering with the Dreamearz exceed the other two by quite a bit, which is somehow accompanied by greater coherency. Whilst I'd say that the bass, mids and soundstage set a new standard to me, the treble did not. It is however still easily up there with the best I've heard.

 

I've tried 2 aftermarket cables so far, and am about to receive a third. The Silver Dragon added a touch more sparkle, with noticeable improvements in air, space between instruments and sounstage depth / width. The other was DIY SPC toxic cable (see thread for pics) which sacrificed a bit soundstage depth / width, as well as sparkle, for a greater sense of warmth, impact, and elevated mid-bass. That's not usually my sorta sig, but I really liked it with the AUD-5X, preferring it to the SD. My next is going to be a pure silver toxic cable, which should prove interesting!"

 

Well after over a month, I finally got my 7X back today. I originally sent them back to just get the left monitor re-shelled, but Mitch said he didn't like the right one either so he re-did both of them. And boy am I glad he did, because the fit is spot on.

 

Won't comment on the sound just yet as I still need to get acquainted and log some hours. I'll most likely write up a review after midterms when I get some more time. 

After abt 1 mth plus with my 8x, I'm really starting to like the sound of the 8x! Though I mentioned that it was previously bass light, now the bass has opened up abit and it's just nice. It really is a neutral IEM.

And the 8x is very good with EQ, added a little more bass on my E17 and the bass comes out nicely and it doesn't affect the rest of the frequency spectrum.

Also, previously I mentioned about fit issues, but it was very very minor, I'm comfortable with the fit now!

Looking forward to Joe's review and any others who have gone for the 8x as well!