TF10 Alternative: Atrio MG7 vs ATH CK90Pro vs JVC FXT90 vs Sony EX700 - Page 3

I love my Turbine Pro Golds and they can be had in that price range if you look around.  They are definitely an audiophile bass-head's IEM.  Don't exclude them in your search.

I'm not sure where you got the "too much" bit from... I've never heard the Atrios, so cannot comment on personal preference. See also the "I have read" bit. Apologies if I was unclear, I used the term "bass monsters" to describe a group of earphones which are known primarily for the strength of their bottom end. The Atrios belong in this group, and are well known for being amongst the best basshead earphones around. In that light, I'm not surprised you find their bass perfect. Perhaps the OP would too.

However, the OP did state that he wanted something more than just bass, with great mids and sparkling highs. From what I've read, the Atrios have slightly recessed mids, moderate highs and a comparatively darker sound signature than the Sony's or JVCs. Furthermore, he wants something which sounds like the TF10 (which has a very wide soundstage), so he may find the Atrios soundstage unimpressive.

I've heard some of the options you are tossing up.

The Atrios are very impressive and despite their very capable bass response they are still quite 'dry' sounding - slightly V-shaped sound that if you liked the TF10's I'm pretty sure you'd like the Atrios. For me I found them a little *too* dry though, as I always prefer a smoother sound when given the choice. That's not to say they were aggressively harsh though.

I have a pair of CK90Pros and they are incredible for electronic. They have a slightly dark, warm sound, they are extremely comfortable being so small. However, note timbre is a bit of an issue because they are so fast that decay times for notes are a bit off. So they have good bass - BUT it feels slightly off for some instruments. I still like them, but the cable is breaking on mine so I don't use them much.

The JVC FXT90 has a really rich, pleasing sound but probably a lot more mellow then the other options you are looking at. For the price though, and with their comfort, they seem a good choice.

Good that you eliminated the Sonys if you found the UE700's harsh.

I'd probably say go for the Atrios unless you listen to a lot of electronica, in which case the CK90Pro (or the CK90Pro Mk 2 which I don't think there are any reviews of yet) will be a lot of fun. :3

I owned a pair of the old Atrios and they were really capable IEMs. That said, the new MG7 drivers are reported to have much improved treble performance, and while often considered bassy and dark, I think they would be a great bet for what you want. Also, there's that 50% off coupon in the deal thread from atrio.me, making these an absolute STEAL at ~$100 usd.

Having said that...I just passed up getting the Atrios in favor of the FXT90s xD HOWEVER, this is mainly because I wanted to try something different. The FXT90s are also quite a bit more expensive.

So, my 2c :)

I got the FXT90 two weeks ago and I love their sound. However, they have somewhat shallow insertion and what I would consider poor isolation with silicone tips. I haven't tried comply foams yet, so I can't comment on those. They also must be worn with cables over ear to avoid microphonics. I was so torn between the FXT90 and Atrio MG7, that I ended up ordering both. The atrios should be here in a day or two.

When you said traveling, I assume you mean commercial airlines, so the isolation of the FXT90 may not be up to par for that. Like others have suggested, I would seriously consider having your TF10 remolded to custom. This should give the best isolation and comfort, along with retaining the sound signature you already know you enjoy. The only drawback is the higher cost, as you are looking at $150 worth of TF10 + $85-100 for a remold + extra if you want the impressions taken at a professional audiologist, vs $110 for MG7 or $130 for FXT90.

I don't want to disappoint Mad Max, but TF10s sound congested period.

Any of the IEMs listed above (FX700, IE8/IE80, EX1000) is a tier above, no discussion here.

TF10 may have a large soundstage but the sound is so congested that they sound over-detailed with very little separation (no really what I would call precision). No layering whatsoever... I never heard the 3D sound when I had them, even some cheaper HJE-900 were doing better at presenting a nicely structured sound.

I wouldn't quite say that FX700 have a large soundstage, it is good but not huge. But the excellent clarity, detail and separation make it sound ALIVE and clear.

Another candidate would be the Yamaha EPH-100. Clear, detailed, top-tier separation, flatter than the FX700 V shape, soundstage is similar but a bit more around you than FX700 (FX700 mainly put instrument in front of you). I like both EPH-100 and FX700 equally, they each are stronger with different music styles, and both make music so LIVELY!!!

EPH-100 are probably more within the OP budget than the others, they're barely more expensive than FXT90 (which must also be nice if they're anything close to FX700).

Go IE8.

the thing with the triple.fi is that alot of people hear triple and think 3 armatures which is a bit of a lie.

You have IEM´s like the SM3 or the Westone 3 which are true triple armature having a single low. single mid and single high. each one with its own crossover to filter out the frequencies for it.

While the triple fi has 3 armatures but in a 2+1 configuration. a single body dual armature for lows and a single armature for highs with 2 crossovers.

So its not a true Triple armature,

Like the Klipsch custom 2 vs the custom 3. the 2 has a single body dual armature. both armatures emite sound at the same frequency range.

While the custom 3 has 2 different armatures and  crossovers. each emiting sounds at their own tuned frequencies.

Technicly both have 2 armatures but you can understand why its not the same.

Personaly ? if you´re looking for soundstage and more full sound go dynamic. i went from the atrios to the Triple.fi to the IE8.

the IE8 was like the atrios with better highs and fuller sound. while the triple fi was all disapointment. the fit. the tips and the cables took all the joy out of them.

Anyway, back on to topic: RokYa, what is you're absolute maximum budget (sorry if you've said already)?

I guess different strokes thing applies here because I hated the S4s so much that felt bad even giving them away (which is what I did).

Then the FXT90s fit the bill perfectly. You will not be disappointed. Perhaps you could even spend the remaining £50 on an amp, or a selection of good tips?

I look forward to your impressions on the FXT90 thread.