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Sensaphonics 3MAX Reviews?

post #1 of 4
1/28/12 at 3:41pm
Thread Starter 

Why is it that it seems I can't find any reviews on the 3MAX on here? Can someone help point me to some or explain why there aren't any?

 

I've been a Shure owner for some time with first the e5, then se530. The Shure's are decent, and mostly comfortable ever since Shure added the black foamies. But, I do notice some discomfort after a few hours. Up until now, I've always used the Shures only for travel, but now my wife is going to grad school and I decided to get some really good headphones so I can enjoy music, movies, games, etc. without interrupting her studies.

 

I've always enjoyed 'warm, musical' sounding full size speakers (Vienna Acoustics, Sonus Faber, etc) and I'm wondering what kind of profile the 3MAX's have. I'm mostly interested in the 3MAX's because they use silicone...cramming hard acrylic into my ears for several hours each night just doesn't sound like fun, based on the discomfort I get from the Shure's after a few hours.

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post #2 of 4
2/1/12 at 2:57pm
Thread Starter 

Bump, anyone?

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post #3 of 4
2/1/12 at 7:33pm

Right or wrong, Sensaphonics stays focused on the market our products are designed for -- touring musicians and sound engineers. When we speak with audiophiles (which does happen), we typically recommend the 2MAX dual-driver, designed for accurate reproduction across the spectrum. The 3MAX has a more aggressive bass response (triple driver 2-way system with twin bass drivers).

 

Your comment on soft silicone is right on. It's a significant advantage over acrylic both in terms of comfort and isolation.

 

The 3MAX was designed for rock musicians who specifically want that extra bass and hotter output. The early (and enthusiastic) adopters of this model were bands like Bon Jovi and ZZ Top, which should tell you a lot.

 

As to why there are no reviews of the 3MAX, that's a fair question. Sensaphonics doesn't actively pursue the audiophile market, and typically does not provide free review samples. So it hasn't happened.

 

There's a very thoughtful and positive review of the 2MAX done by Chris Martens in Playback in late 2010, in which he compares it quite favorably head-to-head with the 8-driver JH product. It's a great testament to the power of proper holistic product design.

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post #4 of 4
2/2/12 at 4:16pm
Thread Starter 
Jack,

Thanks for the response, the review was very helpful.

Question - I usually prefer musicality and warmth over outright accuracy. Do you still recommend the 2MAX for me?

FYI I strongly prefer the Shure 530s to the 430s...I find them to be much warmer and more musical, and the 530s are dual bass driver while the 430s are single. Not sure if the 3MAX v. 2MAX is even similar, which is why I'm asking the question.
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