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Neutral Sound Universall IEMs

post #1 of 10
11/30/11 at 6:13am
Thread Starter 

Hello there, i'm currently searching for a flat-neutral sounded with the less effective emphasis on any range iems, analytical, with as less as possible need of amp. I want them for my ipad, that's why i'm avoiding the use of an amp, what i see as the best choice, reading reviews here, is the westone 4. i mostly listen to all kinds of music but i mostly tend to listen to classical and brass ensembles. In addition i'm upgrading from re0, it's impossible to test them at a store so i'm in your hands! 

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post #2 of 10
11/30/11 at 6:49am
The Westone 4 are great upgrade over RE0 with the soundsignature you are looking for in IEMs and few more IEMs are recommended like Sony EX1000 has wide soundstage and present all frequencies equaly well but isolation is (above average) not great as W4. The RE272 are also very detailed in mids, highs and has good bass response with fairly wide soundstage.
Edited by ZARIM - 11/30/11 at 6:51am
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post #3 of 10
11/30/11 at 7:10am

RE252 also if you can find one

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post #4 of 10
11/30/11 at 10:21am

The RE272 is the most suitable candidate in my opinion.

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post #5 of 10
11/30/11 at 12:15pm
Thread Starter 

i haven't even considered the re272! all the reviews about re272 were so so...the w4's reviews were all pointing out at the neutrality and the refined effectiveness throughout all the range...what i apreciated the most! in what way the re272 are preferable to w4? Concerning the ex1000 they're too expensive for what they are,aren't they, additionaly wouldn't they be a bit harder to drive w/o amp?I had in mind the sennheiser ie8 and westone 3 and 4. All monitors are on the table...and the price is relatively secondary...thank you guys for the help...

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post #6 of 10
11/30/11 at 12:49pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Objetsingulier View Post

i haven't even considered the re272! all the reviews about re272 were so so...the w4's reviews were all pointing out at the neutrality and the refined effectiveness throughout all the range...what i apreciated the most! in what way the re272 are preferable to w4? Concerning the ex1000 they're too expensive for what they are,aren't they, additionaly wouldn't they be a bit harder to drive w/o amp?I had in mind the sennheiser ie8 and westone 3 and 4. All monitors are on the table...and the price is relatively secondary...thank you guys for the help...


I consider both the RE252 (now discontinued, unfortunately) and RE272 to be closer to neutral & analytical than the W4, which conveys a hint of warmth in it's overall presentation. Nothing wrong with that of course, but as far as absolute neutrality is concerned, I'd give the nod to the RE252 and RE272, and also the ER4S for that matter. The ER4S is the very epitome of a dead neutral, analytical sounding in-ear, but I personally wouldn't recommend it without an amp.

 

Considering the price of other high end flagship, such as the SE535 and W4 (among others), the price of the EX1000 is (now) well justified IMO. It's seen a SIGNIFICANT price drop since it was first introduced. Beach Audio has sold it for as low as $305 in the past, and even now, it's priced at $311, which is well within reason considering competitor costs. As per driving them, the EX1000 does not require an amp to be driven efficiently. I wouldn't let anyone convince you otherwise. I've used them effortlessly with many sources, unamped, including my iPad, sister's iPhone, Clip+, my previous HTC G2, and now my Galaxy S II.

 

Between the IE8, W3, and W4, only the latter two approaches neutrality, while the former two are warm and colored (to differing degrees). The IE8 and W3 are still excellent in-ears, but if it's neutrality you're after, of the aforementioned, my recommendation is as follows): ER4S > RE272 > EX1000 > W4. Just my 2 cents. smile.gif

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post #7 of 10
11/30/11 at 2:31pm

HiFiMan RE272, HiFiMan RE0 (not a huge upgrade), Etymotic HF5/2/3, EtyKids 5/3

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post #8 of 10
11/30/11 at 3:40pm
Thread Starter 

the best choice by far seems to be the etys, of course i have to buy an amp too now! Any recommendations? Thank you all for the help!

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post #9 of 10
11/30/11 at 3:44pm

Have a look at the Neutral/Balanced thread (at my sig). There is a list of neutral IEMs. Btw, you do not want the W4 for classical - trust me on this. smile.gif

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post #10 of 10
11/30/11 at 4:20pm
Thread Starter 

rofl....thanks mate...i'm still rofling with what i read....with what do you drive the er4s?

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