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SENN IE8 vs ETY ER-4P vs SHURE SE535

post #1 of 12
1/18/12 at 6:02am
Thread Starter 

Hey guys,

I have read the review thread at: http://www.head-fi.org/t/478568/multi-iem-review-214-iems-compared-jvc-ha-fxt90-and-ha-fx500-added-1-8-12

 

Needless to say it has opened my eyes to alot more potential ear buds.  Previous to reading that thread, I have really only owned shure IEMs.

 

I am looking for a new set (old set stolen) and would like something above and beyond what I had.

I am big into detail, clarity, and soundstage. (I enjoy the sound of martin logan home speakers)

 

From the reviews, I would come to believe the ER-4P or 4S would be the only choice.

 

My dilemma is the fact that I do like bass as well.  Sometimes I like to turn up the bass, but I want detail and control.  I don't need them to shake my head, but I do like the powerful impact of a snare drum.

If I were to order everything in relation to what is most important:

 

1. Big transparent soundstage

2. Detail and Clarity

3. Bass

 

I also read the ER-4P and 4S really liven up in the bass department when they are powered by a headphone amp.  I do my critical listening at home so this would not be a problem.  Does anyone have any experience with them amped and can comment on the bass?  

 

I have previously had shure e3c so if the bass is similar to those, yet have the clarity and soundstage I have been looking for, then I would be happy.

 

The title shows the 3 ear phones I have been considering.  If anyone has more comparisons between the 3, I am all ears.

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post #2 of 12
1/19/12 at 7:04am
Thread Starter 

Any comments?  See GR07 is a good candidate as well. but seems not as detailed?

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post #3 of 12
1/19/12 at 8:22am

I have the ER-4P and had the E3C several years ago, but have never heard the IE8 or SE535.  I would say, and you may know this by know, that the ER-4P and IE8 are probably opposites in terms of bass and soundstage.  ER-4P feels very intimate in terms of stage placement -- you are right there; and the ER-4P bass is very detailed and textured and with correct amping/EQ can generate decent bass impact.  But I've read that the IE8 bass is massive and detailed as well, not surprising for a good dynamic.  Also from reveiws, I gather the SE535 is about in the middle between the other 2 in all the categories you mentioned.  But it is by far the most expensive.

 

Have you looked into the newer IE80? 

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post #4 of 12
1/19/12 at 8:38am
Thread Starter 

I have not yet looked into that one yet.  I have been reading about this GR07 and what a great deal it is.  But I would love to have the immaculate detail that I hear the er-4p have.  Am i losing much detail / soundstage going with one of the others you mentioned?

The armature based drivers are the most accurate from what I gather from reviews. 

 

How does the amount of bass produced compare to your E3c you had?

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post #5 of 12
1/19/12 at 12:02pm
The ER4 have a very detailed and precise bass that reaches quite low but do not have much physical weight and slam. Treble sparkle the ER4 produces like no other iem I've heard (even better than my JH13). Soundstage is not big but instrument placement is good. The P has slightly more bass weight and slightly less treble sparkle and the HF model continue that trend onwards from the P
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post #6 of 12
1/19/12 at 12:17pm
Thread Starter 

Thanks for the feedback on them!  Do you have any experience with them hooked up to their own amp?  I read the bass really livens up with its own amp.  I believe I am going to put in an order for a set of these tonight. (er-4p) and pickup an adapter and amp in the future.

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post #7 of 12
1/19/12 at 12:33pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by no6thgear View Post

I have not yet looked into that one yet.  I have been reading about this GR07 and what a great deal it is.  But I would love to have the immaculate detail that I hear the er-4p have.  Am i losing much detail / soundstage going with one of the others you mentioned?

The armature based drivers are the most accurate from what I gather from reviews. 

 

How does the amount of bass produced compare to your E3c you had?

 

It has been too long since I had the E3c to compare it closely to the ER-4P, but it was similar to the ER-4P, just not as detailed as the ER-4P.  If you are looking for accuracy, no coloration, good but not big bass, you can't do much better than the ER-4P for less than $300 -- the SE535 and IE-80 are both closer to $500.  If you are patient, you can find a lightly used pair for under $200 -- several are on eBay right now.

 

And, yes, BA drivers will be generally more detailed, accurate, and leaner on the bass end -- but you can find dual- and multi-driver IEMs that generate a fuller sound, for a fuller price, of course.   And there are custom mades.
 

 

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post #8 of 12
1/19/12 at 12:49pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by no6thgear View Post

Thanks for the feedback on them!  Do you have any experience with them hooked up to their own amp?  I read the bass really livens up with its own amp.  I believe I am going to put in an order for a set of these tonight. (er-4p) and pickup an adapter and amp in the future.


The ER4 can really scale to silly extremes with amplification. Try to search for the thread about the worlds most extreme ER4 and you'll see what I did smily_headphones1.gif
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post #9 of 12
1/19/12 at 4:45pm

I was having all of them. If you want good bass, good soundstage and good space between instruments take a look on Sony EX600.

They are much better than IE8 in all aspects and in all music genres (maybe only not with hip-hop). EX600 loves all music.

Ety ER4p are very good, but they don't have a lot of emotions, they are very analitycal IEMs and they needs very powerful source.

If you will find good powerful warm source you will be happy.

SE535 are not good for your needs. Take a look on Westone 3, they has a very big soundstage, great bass (when deep insertion), good space between instruments. They are very melodical.

Also think about Westone 4, but you need to find a good source for them. Start iTouch 4G, more - amps. True China players (Teclast, HiFiman) sounds bad with them. On a powerful source you will hear lot of surprices.

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post #10 of 12
1/19/12 at 6:56pm
Thread Starter 

I can't imagine hearing those er4 with direct xlr jacks....that is def. impressive.

 

I placed my order today. (the ETY website charges tax so I purchased them from another online vendor)

 

I see a tube amp in the for sale section here for a little over 100 bucks.  I would expect that to be warm and powerful enough?

 

Would it be smarter to go with one of the digital amps with a usb connection so it acts as the DAC as well?  Or should I go with separate DAC, then tube amp?

 

I used to have separates in my home (sony ta-p9000es, acurus a200,Martin Logan Montage)  Amazing sound.  That is what I am trying to replicate here. (I am expecting a smaller soundstage though unfortunately)

 

I got overnight shipping so they should be here tomm.

 

 

 

 

 

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post #11 of 12
1/20/12 at 8:07pm
Thread Starter 

Wow.  Not even burnt in yet....and amazing.

Bass is there when the track calls for it.  

My only question......I was hoping for a larger soundstage.  Will it open up more after burn in?

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post #12 of 12
1/20/12 at 8:11pm
No. A single driver balanced armature iem does not require burn in
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