Heir Audio 4.Ai - Appreciation/Impression/Review Thread - Page 32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Qazz 

I think what we need is a 4.ai vs TG334
They seem rather fairly technically matched but the price difference is huge.
Have to see how well the 4.ai can hold its name aginst the TG334.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swimsonny   I think Tomscy2000 will be doing this soon!

Yes, but I haven't had much time to sit down and write.

Short summary: The 334 is clearly superior, but the 4.Ai holds its own when you take into account the price point. It is the 4.A (custom) comes quite close to the 334 in performance, so if you can get the optimum fit, angle, and isolation with the 4.Ai, you might not be missing much. For the ultimate in a universal IEM, the 334 is still better, though. You just need to spend 3x the price, for more accurate vocals, better centered vocals, taller soundstage, and more precise imaging. I prefer the bass on the 4.A/4.Ai, but I have a feeling most people will prefer the bass on the 334.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swimsonny 

Thats fair enough. 

 

That is very interesting. From this i gather that your not getting the most ideal of seals with the 4.Ai? Or you are but it can just get to that of a full custom. 

I'm getting a great seal with the Ai --- the full custom seal is just better. Also, a full custom doesn't need to contend with the differences in sound between various tips. With regard to the 334, the sound does vary with tip change as well, but it seems designed precisely to still sound great, even with silicone tips and more varied isolation (I don't want to say inferior isolation, because silicone seals better than acrylic, but the isolation is less even across the frequency range).

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swimsonny 

Yes i thought this, i just have not experienced a full custom seal yet (not long until i will though :D). I had also thought of that fact that i have managed to get slightly different sounds depending on what tip i stick on the 4.Ai. Personally i just prefer to use the stock red core tip.

 

What have you been using with the 4.Ai.

 

I love that designed to 'sound great'. I would love to try them for just a bit. I should be getting a rather short loan of the K3003 which should be very exciting.

It has a lot to do with the shape that the 334 was designed with (big), with a very shallow insertion tube, but a very wide-mouthed opening. Bass and lower midrange will vary quite a bit when tips are changed, but upper mids and treble seem to stay more on character (meaning vocals stay sounding great), and I suspect that has something to do with the titanium sound tube attached to the high driver.

I prefer the red core tip as well. It's the easiest to work with. I think the double flange tips are a bit soft. If they were firmer, I'd like them more. I've actually used the red tips on the 334.

With regard to the 4.Ai and the 4.A, the simple answer is that the 4.A gives dimension to instruments and voices much better than the 4.Ai, and for that reason, I prefer the 4.A to the 4.Ai. Sinocelt also feels the same way, if not more strongly. Extension is also just easier to palpate with the 4.A, which is likely a byproduct of that more complete, more even isolation of a custom acrylic shell. Instrument and vocal dimension differences are likely caused by both the tips and the depth of insertion.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swimsonny 

Okay, you said that the size difference of these two IEMs was rather big because i am still as surprised as everybody else i show these too on how small they are. 

 

I only got two pairs of red tips with my 4.Ai as it was very early on so i cant comment on the other stock tips, just other IEM tips and the red core are the best.

 

It was only because another member (i think Polimandres) said that he put is 4.Ai on par with his 4.A which i was a bit unsure on. Yes tips do change those things rather easily and i guess both the 4.Ai and 4.A have some things over each other, the 4.Ai more physically and easiness while the 4.A have the sound upper hand.

 

So have you no longer got the 4.Ai and has the packaged been passed on to Sinicelt?

The 4.Ai are almost dwarfed by the TO GO! 334; I took a picture, but it's a bit ugly because I didn't have a low-light capable camera, and the angle doesn't really show the true difference in size. However, I find the two on equal terms for comfort; more people will get a better fit with the 4.Ai because of its smaller size, but considering how large it is the 334 is quite comfortable.

I mentioned this in my brief segment on tips; the red tips are good because the core section is very stiff, and therefore doesn't deform easily, and higher density silicone, in my experience alters sound less than soft silicone.

Even then, tips definitely change the sound quite a bit. The 4.Ai might sound similar to the 4.A, but in my opinion only a fully-custom 4.A can represent the full extent of the capabilities of this driver setup and design. There are definite benefits to having the 4.A in a custom mold.

Actually, the package is still with me, even though I haven't been using it. Sinocelt has been sick, so we're only doing the exchange tomorrow.

I know its not a direct comparison, between 4.Ai and TF10 bass, which one is more lacking?

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomscy2000 

With regard to the 4.Ai and the 4.A, the simple answer is that the 4.A gives dimension to instruments and voices much better than the 4.Ai, and for that reason, I prefer the 4.A to the 4.Ai. Sinocelt also feels the same way, if not more strongly. 

I've spent only minutes with the 4.Ai, but yes, my first contact was disappointing; I couldn't believe those were the same drivers as my 4.A. This may be due to the much shallower insertion and the gargantuan size of my ear canals, however. I'll have to at least try more tips before I pass judgement.

I'll get the testing package tomorrow.

Fun fact: On spoken voice, the TG!334 sounded more like my 4.A than the 4.Ai did.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swimsonny 

Hmmm, neither are lacking by any means. The TF10 has a fair bit of bass actually and is considered by some (such as the basehead club) as a phone easily suitable for bassheads and i can easily agree with that. The 4.Ai has less bass in answer to your question but it does not have dipped mids like the TF10 and the bass as better texture and timbre on the 4.Ai as well as never being boomy like with the Tf10 which can touch on boomy at times. This is all as the TF10 sounds with stock cable by the way!

Thanks for your reply, I am actually considering between 3.Ai and 4.Ai. I want something like clarity 50% and bass 50%?

Quote:

Originally Posted by webbyboy 

 

Thanks for your reply, I am actually considering between 3.Ai and 4.Ai. I want something like clarity 50% and bass 50%?

if that is the case 3Ai for you

Not sure how to quote posts from other threads, but for those of you who are interested, CNET's Steve Guttenberg (The Audiophiliac) has released his review of the 3.Ai and 4.Ai. Link here: http://cnet.co/ORs1mt