[REVIEW] Heir Audio 8.A: 8-Driver, 4-Way Crossover Custom Fit In-Ear Monitors - Page 5

I'll throw Spiral Ear (Poland based) into the mix when talking silicone based. Ref-5 is amazing from what I hear

The Merlin is a really cool IEM but technically the performance of the ES5 is another level up at least compared to the demo set I had.  So you pay for the difference  Where the Merlin was fun to listen to the ES5 is spiritually intoxicating by comparison.  Project86 heard the same Merlin demos I heard and has a full custom as well so he could provide good feedback.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anaxilus 

The Merlin is a really cool IEM but technically the performance of the ES5 is another level up at least compared to the demo set I had.  So you pay for the difference  Where the Merlin was fun to listen to the ES5 is spiritually intoxicating by comparison.  Project86 heard the same Merlin demos I heard and has a full custom as well so he could provide good feedback.

Well, I listened to the Merlin and Miracle for half an hour each and found the merlin to be really fun to listen to as compared to the miracle.

Found it to be punchy and I find myself tapping to the songs I am listening to without myself realizing it.

So in your opinion, for mixed genres of music(rock,jazz,classical,electronic,pop,..), which will you recommend(8a,es5,merlin or even jh16)?

From the post by Project86, he mentioned the 8a being more "fun" to listen to so i'm assuming the 8a is better suited for me?

Something tells me that I should purchase the merlin and be contented but this mystery with the 8a is holding me back(no budget constraint).

As this will be my first pair of customs so I'm having abit of dilemma considering I am only able to demo the UM customs.

Thanks for your inputs.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kunlun 

 The hybrid vinyl-acrylic shell of the ES5 might give it better isolation (just from reading about it), so maybe that's your choice.

 

 

I was just about to post the same thing. I have it on the ES3X and it really does make a difference (minor, but it is there).

I personally don't find a standard acrylic shell to be lacking in isolation, but I know certain circumstances would require heavy isolation. The Westones are good for that, as are any full-silicone designs. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kunlun 

I've been listening out of my TTVJ Slim, but let me try out of my ipod. Well, the 8.A is actually very nice straight out of my 5.5 generation ipod. In fact, it's great--the treble shines with a Haydn string quartet, huh. Synergy is an interesting thing.

 

Of course, I'm sure with some monster amp any top-tier custom will scale, but it's a question of whether you need it. I'd say it's not necessary for commuting, but if you really want that last bit of perfection...that's true of all the customs I've heard.

So you're the other guy with a Slim;) Definitely considering the 8.A, so I'd like to hear your thoughts on synergy with the Slim. I currently use it with a Classic and Ultrasone Edition8 commuting, but I'm looking for a smaller/lighter alternative. I use LCD-2 at home(heavy), so this could serve as a break from those as well. Not sure if you're familiar with the sound of either of these full size cans. Great review, btw. 

Guys, I'm about to head to the audiologist to get my ear impressions in a few days time and apparently they do not use a biting block.

I've got a sweet box which I can use as a ghetto biting block. Its a rectangular case with a 2cm and a 3cm side, which side should I be biting on to?

Thanks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matter 

Guys, I'm about to head to the audiologist to get my ear impressions in a few days time and apparently they do not use a biting block.

I've got a sweet box which I can use as a ghetto biting block. Its a rectangular case with a 2cm and a 3cm side, which side should I be biting on to?

 

Thanks.

What are you going to use it for? If you want to keep the best seal when speaking/singing, pick the larger side. If you want to feel less stuffy when just listening, pick the smaller one. Wrap your box in tissue paper, to absorb the drool.

[Edit:] project86, in his post below, is correct. I don't know why I was thinking one inch. -_-"

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matter 

Guys, I'm about to head to the audiologist to get my ear impressions in a few days time and apparently they do not use a biting block.

I've got a sweet box which I can use as a ghetto biting block. Its a rectangular case with a 2cm and a 3cm side, which side should I be biting on to?

 

Thanks.

A 2 inch bite block is a common recommendation. So even your 3cm side is on the smaller end of things. But better than nothing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sinocelt 

What are you going to use it for? If you want to keep the best seal when speaking/singing, pick the larger side. If you want to feel less stuffy when just listening, pick the smaller one. Wrap your box in tissue paper, to absorb the drool.

The drool is made worse if you're excited. Try to be as unenthusiastic about getting ear molds as possible, and avoid seeing attractive members of the opposite (or same) sex prior to getting molds done.

Parotid gland efferent innervation is controlled by the parasympathetic nervous system. Then again, if you're too nervous, your ear canals might tighten up, and that's not a good thing, either. So make sure you don't have dry mouth as well, because that might mean you're really nervous.

I'm trying to straddle the line between tongue-in-cheek and completely serious. Don't know if I achieved that effect.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomscy2000 

The drool is made worse if you're excited. Try to be as unenthusiastic about getting ear molds as possible, and avoid seeing attractive members of the opposite (or same) sex prior to getting molds done.

 

Parotid gland efferent innervation is controlled by the parasympathetic nervous system. Then again, if you're too nervous, your ear canals might tighten up, and that's not a good thing, either. So make sure you don't have dry mouth as well, because that might mean you're really nervous.

 

I'm trying to straddle the line between tongue-in-cheek and completely serious. Don't know if I achieved that effect.

What I know is that you've achieved a high level of sadism. The poor guy is gonna freak out during the whole, actually painfully simple, process.

Thanks for the replies and advice everyone, decided to use the 3cm side. Wonder if the 2cm difference between the recommended 2in(=5cm) will make a huge difference in the shape of the impressions?

And I certainly hope I do not freak out!

Don't want to risk sending the set back for multiple refits.