Westone 4 vs. JH5 - Page 3

I don't know what their current turn-around is. couple years ago when i got my jh5s they quoted me 4-5 weeks, i received them in 3 (If i recall correctly). I wouldn't start worrying about it before the 4-week mark.

Mine was under 2 weeks.  But once they start them it is fast.  Just a day or 2.

i ordered mine 4 weeks ago called monday i should have them early next week.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laslo 

Is the bass overpowering in the JH5 though? Ive listened to a couple lower end earphones and the bass was decent but thats basically all they had going for them. They overpowered everything else and I dont want that. I like bass but im not looking for only bass
 

I found the bass intolerable on the JH5.  It livened up a bit amped, but straight out of an iPod it was terrible.  It was more boomy than an unamped pair of AH-D2000 headphones.  I think it is primarily a drawback to a dual crossover design.  Listen to Maroon 5 and you can hear the vocals beat with the bass.  It becomes so bad at times that I would not consider buying a pair of JH5 customs.  I went for the JH 10 x3 Pro.

(disregard my earlier post in this thread.)

These are my two current IEM's.  Can't compare them as they are "apples and oranges".  JH5 is the Mustang GT and W4 is the Lexus.  Both awesome but different.

I could call both great "all arounders" but the JH5 is rawer and more robust, full, in your face.  Good clarity, good midrange, good bass but it's mid bass more than deep bass.  Typical JH sound.  Big, full, robust...but fairly balanced.  (JH5 actually brighter sounding than W4)

W4....Total refinement, bigger soundstage and better extension.  Much more the audiophile's choice.

Forgive me for jumping in, but I was wondering how one goes about trying out custom IEMs? Other than taking people's words for it, how else could I listen to the sound of say the JH or Heir etc etc?

I currently own the W4 but I want to make the jump to CIEM

JH5

Quote:

Originally Posted by kookoo 

Forgive me for jumping in, but I was wondering how one goes about trying out custom IEMs? Other than taking people's words for it, how else could I listen to the sound of say the JH or Heir etc etc?

I currently own the W4 but I want to make the jump to CIEM

Check yellow pages for "audiologist."  Call and ask if they can make impressions for a custom earphone. Be sure they have experience as this is different than taking impressions for hearing aids.  Call around to a few places as prices can vary

Go get impressions.   Could cost anywhere from $25-100.  Anyone that is charging over $100 is ripping you off.  I paid $25 for mine.

Place your custom order and ship them your impressions with a copy of your order form.

Thanks Spyro,

but how can I test out the IEM before buying? Or is it a leap of faith that this will be the sound signature that i will like?
 

I'm not aware of anyway you can so it's a leap of faith.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spyro 

I'm not aware of anyway you can so it's a leap of faith.

Ah so that's the part where my wallet hates you all. XD. In the end I guess it's always fun to try something new. I always see new headphones/ IEMs as different rather than bad, that way I'm always seeing things in a good way rather than bad.

The headfi community has been great at giving good feedback on any particular gear so it should make things easier.

Have done some traveling lately.  Took the W4's one full weekend and took the JH5 the next weekend.

There is certainly a mental placebo at work when comparing 2 drivers to 4 drivers in that the 4 drivers MUST be better, flagship Westone product, etc....but after the newness of the latest purchase wears off it is easier to judge the 2.  I still find it shocking what the JH5 is capable of.

In 10 years as a member on HF the JH5 is still the best money I ever spent.  Jerry Harvey was an absolute genious in choosing and tuning the 2 drivers that provide this amazingly full, lively, punchy, brite sound.  The JH5 also has independent sound bores for each driver.  Like W4 I DO recommend amping the JH5 for better clarity but if you were to put a gun to my head and say pick one (sound quality only)....I would take the JH5.

Side notes:  The JH5 has more bass weight than W4.  The JH5 midrange/vocals is just as good as W4 but W4 is a bit more forward.  Treble is about the same.  Soundstage might be slightly larger with W4 but there is absolutely no veil with JH5 so consider it a trade-off.

They are both great IEM's but for $400, people should really consider the JH5.  I swear if mine went dead or got stolen I would order another pair immediately even though I have had mine for 2 1/2 years now.  They are bullet proof as well.

Not sure how anyone could have a gripe with it other than someone that prefers a flat neutral sound.