Rockit Sounds R-50 Review/Impressions/Appreciation - Page 28

My intial impression of the R-50 (after a few hours of listening) is that it's a bright iem that can be slightly sibilant.  Detail is great, bass is tight but not extended and the mid range sounds very slightly recessed, it doesn't sound at all warm.

Unlike the Hifiman Re-262 I got at the same time the R-50 can be driven easily by my Clip Zip.  Strangely unlike the Re-262 it doesn't appear to benefit from my Firestone Fireye Mini.  I haven't tried a different amp yet.

Compared to the Etymotic HF2 (same as the HF5 with a mic) I find it less compelling.  This might be because I like how HF2 handles the midrange which sounds more forward, open and detailed.

Other notes: I'm using stock tips that came with R-50 as the Sony hybrids I tried didn't seem any better.  Build quality appears to be average though I can state I do not like the braided cord (gimmicky) and memory wire.  Isolation with the stock tips isn't great though comfort is very good.

Additional listening with different tips (Comply usually works best for me in most cases) is required before I'll be able to more fully judge this IEM.

Originally Posted by dw1narso 

Originally Posted by Swimsonny 

For me

Imaging = TDK BA200 hands down
Separation = Fischer Audio DBA-02

The R-50 and the UE700 are good but these both have it.

In both areas R-50 > UE700 though.
 

Hi Swim, did you mean that both R50 and UE700 have both good imaging and separation?

There's actually three versions of the UE700, which is an issue, Swimsonny did you get a new or used pair?

Anyway, it's plastic and people say not very good construction quality.

CK10 is better than the UE700 in imaging, haven't heard the TDK.

How much is the CK10 in the US these days? Worth buying vs.the UE700 or the R-50 if I'm on a low budget?

Months back I compared the B2 with the Phonak PFE 122; I ended up taking the Phonaks home (grey filter).  I recall the B2 sounding shrill.  The R-50 is definitely less so but it is a bright IEM.  I like it very much but if I had to choose between the R-50 and the similarly priced HF2 I'd take the HF2.  Throw the Hifiman Re-Zero into the mix and it might get the overall nod.  None are bad IEMs and I enjoy owning them all.

At the moment the R-50 and the Re-262s are providing my ears a lot of enjoyment.
 

Originally Posted by Jupiterknight 

 

How much is the CK10 in the US these days? Worth buying vs.the UE700 or the R-50 if I'm on a low budget?

Discontinued in the U.S. a long time ago, then discontinued in Asia, it's only sold in Japan now, around $260.

If you want completely flawless construction quality and ultraviolet laser imaging, you know which IEM it is.

Originally Posted by Techno Kid 

 

They still have the CK10 on Amazon but they're over $300 which is over priced imo, they sound good but not worth $200 more than the R-50.

 

Heres the link, http://www.amazon.com/Technica-ATH-CK10-Balanced-Armature-Headphone/dp/B000ZHU0H6/ref=sr_1_1?s=aht&ie=UTF8&qid=1342246454&sr=1-1&keywords=CK10

12 sellers, all in Japan ...

Anyway, reshelling is the trick to the true next level in sound, CI-22955 x2 + TWFK is above any universal IEM in total sound.  I say total sound to discount delicate differences like RE272, etc.

With UM then right?  I'd still go for R-50 --> UM Mage if it was me.  I'm skeptical to too many drivers after hearing the JH16.

If they design the crossovers correctly, it's not too many.  The Miracles are really nice, unlike my JH16 demo.  Rockit R-50 into CI-22955 x2 + TWFK is still the quickest path into top sound though I think, with UM or anyone else who make high quality CIEM's.