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Replace/Upgrade Turbines - Looking for superior bass IEMs. Possily ATRIO?

post #1 of 14
2/4/12 at 12:49am
Thread Starter 

Hi All,

 

I am looking to spend good $ on IEMs with a solid, crisp bass, superior sound clarity/quality and good isolation. Ironically, the Turbines were left on a plane and I need new IEMs. I have read ljokerl's and cleio's theads and they have been immensely useful. I'd still like some advice and to be able to narrow down the choices. I was VERY happy with the regular Turbines.

 

Some rough criteria

  • IEM for commute. NON-Amped, using an iPhone/Laptop
  • Decent isolation (I can upgrade the tips if needed)
  • Bass-oriented sound
  • Reliability/quality
  • Pricerange: +/- 200 USD. After the Turbines, I'm happy to splurge if it's worth it.

 

My main music choices are bass-heavy: Electronic, house, Hip-Hop, some classical/jazz. I like a bass that packs a punch.

 

Currently considering:

 

  • Monster Turbine
  • Monster Turbine Pro Gold
  • Atrio Pro
  • Klipsch S4
  • ATH-CKS90
  • Hippo VB
  • Totally open for more recommendations

 

Leaning toward just getting more regular Turbines as they're going for around $90 on Amazon, but I'd really love to invest in some superior sound and nice, punchy bass, all within the constraints of using portable electronics.

 

Thanks for your advice and discussion. Love this place!


Edited by RuckDive - 2/4/12 at 2:58am
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post #2 of 14
2/6/12 at 12:02am
Thread Starter 

Bump? Sorry guys, but any advice is appreciated: Opinions, pointers, suggestions.

 

Thanks!

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post #3 of 14
2/6/12 at 12:20am

Atrio is the way to go. Also, consider the Sennheiser IE8 and Radius TWF-21 :)

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post #4 of 14
2/6/12 at 4:54am

I'm also interested. Subbed. 

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post #5 of 14
2/6/12 at 5:58am
The Yamaha EPH100, JVC FXT90, UETF10Pro, EX600, GR07 and MTP Gold are an upgrade over Turbine with better soundquality and deep punchy bass.
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post #6 of 14
2/6/12 at 7:02am

The Atrio is an excellent choice.

 

 

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post #7 of 14
2/6/12 at 8:51am

Ditto for the Atrio, buy from atrio.me with 50 % coupon code: CostProg50%

The Atrio fits your needs in bass and isolation and are great for the genres you listed

They pack a punch but do not have the biggest bass out there, its quality over quantity, sometimes i feel my monster coppers have more bass than them but thats because they have more mid bass, while the atrio's don't have a mid bass hump but a more pronounced sub bass

And you may want to buy some aftermarket tips for these as a lot of ppl complain they don't come with a solid tip package, thankfully for me the biflange fit me fine

 

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post #8 of 14
2/6/12 at 7:04pm
Thread Starter 

Awesome, thanks for the pointers, everyone!

 

After reading more and more, I've also come across the (legendary) Ultimate Ears TF10s. How do those fit into the picture.

 

I have to say...the ATRIO look sweet - is there only one model or one that would be recommended? I'm a little confused about the difference between ATRIO PRO, Signature, X-Series, etc... Website isn't toooo clear on the difference.

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post #9 of 14
2/6/12 at 7:11pm


 

Quote:
Originally Posted by RuckDive View Post

Awesome, thanks for the pointers, everyone!

 

After reading more and more, I've also come across the (legendary) Ultimate Ears TF10s. How do those fit into the picture.

 

I have to say...the ATRIO look sweet - is there only one model or one that would be recommended? I'm a little confused about the difference between ATRIO PRO, Signature, X-Series, etc... Website isn't toooo clear on the difference.


It took me all of a few hours to decide on the Atrio M5 MG7Pro. I was strongly considering the TF10 because of the clear vocals and much wider soundstage even if there's noticeably less bass..but decided to pass based on the fact that many people are having problems with fitment. I didn't want to take the risk. I also read a review on the not-so-great build quality, more specifically the stock cord that is pretty fragile. 

Plus the 50% off coupon from the official Atrio website with a 1 year warranty. Easy choice. 

 

Its the Pro lines you'd be looking at with the MG7 driver. 

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post #10 of 14
2/6/12 at 7:49pm

Don't bother considering the other Atrio lines, the MG5 with MG7 driver is a steal with the 50% coupon code. And if you're looking for lots of sub bass, they are definitely one of the best in universal IEMs. 

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post #11 of 14
2/6/12 at 9:09pm
Thread Starter 

Do any of you know what the BlueLink package includes? It's $20-30 more and seems to be some sort of Bluetooth connector.

 

The website isn't too detailed in what it does, what I'd use it for, and if it impacts sound quality, etc. Worth the extra $?

 

I emailed customer support and got an "out of office" reply.

 

http://www.atrio.me/products/COMBO-%252d-atrio-%26-Bluelink.html

 

http://www.atrio.me/products/Bluelink.html

 

Thanks for your helpful responses. I really appreciate it!

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post #12 of 14
2/9/12 at 8:32am
Thread Starter 

Sooo, I went to this great store that let me try the Atrio M5s, as well as some other IEMs, I also had the chance to use a small portable amp, which was fun. The bass is certainly present, but it's a very dark sound...I tried them with the included bi-flanges and then some Shure Olives.

 

Then the guy recommended I give the JVC HA FTX90 a try. WOW!

 

I understand now more than ever that different people have different tastes in what makes an IEM special, but the JVC blew me away - sparkly, exciting bass, wonderful clarity...I really preferred it!

 

What I'd like to know from you (anyone who cares to share their thoughts), is how do you think the ATRIO M5 and FTX90 compare? They're in a comparable price range to me.

 

Thanks for any advice :)

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post #13 of 14
2/9/12 at 10:13am
Quote:
Originally Posted by RuckDive View Post

What I'd like to know from you (anyone who cares to share their thoughts), is how do you think the ATRIO M5 and FTX90 compare? They're in a comparable price range to me.

 


I think you've got a pretty good idea since you got to try both personally. But simply put, the Atrios are quite dark, with better sub bass extension and rumble than the FXT90. The FXT90 has a brighter overall sound with more sparkly treble. The FXT90 have much more forward mids and that's one area that I really loved about them. I did find the FXT90 to be more musical and exciting. I think if you tried the FXT90 and it gave you the WOW feeling while the Atrios didn't, then you should probably go with the FXT90. 

 

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post #14 of 14
2/9/12 at 9:41pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by kckc View Post


I think you've got a pretty good idea since you got to try both personally. But simply put, the Atrios are quite dark, with better sub bass extension and rumble than the FXT90. The FXT90 has a brighter overall sound with more sparkly treble. The FXT90 have much more forward mids and that's one area that I really loved about them. I did find the FXT90 to be more musical and exciting. I think if you tried the FXT90 and it gave you the WOW feeling while the Atrios didn't, then you should probably go with the FXT90. 

 


 

You're right - I should follow my impression, that's what's important. I guess I just want to avoid making a newbie mistake as I'm still learning more and more about IEMs the longer I stay at HeadFi. So if there were a blatant "NO! You're making a mistake!" then it would be a different case. The FTX90 seems well respected, though :)

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