[Review] Heir 3.Ai and 4.Ai - Page 6

Quote:

Originally Posted by AnimalChin 

Anyone try the 3.Ais with classic rock? I'm looking for a fun pair of headphones in this price range. A pair of IEMs with good midbass and nice lows where the vocals are forward and the soundstage is nice and wide. Looking to listen to bands like Jethro Tull, Yes, George Thorogood, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, etc. 

3.Ai work very well with rock.  Most vocals sound forward, but in reality, it's really the high vocals that end up more forward.  They do fit your description though, fun pair of headphones with a good mid-bass and nice lows and larger soundstage (most V-shapes tend to fit this by default).

3.Ai's are awesome with classic rock. That is the #1 genre where I feel they are better suited than the 4.Ai .... the bands you mentioned 3.Ai walks on the 4.Ai.. Nice lower end punch, smooth and detailed mids. The highs have just the right amount of edge for screeching guitars and raspy vocals. 

Now if you start to get into more dynamic classic stuff - Pink Floyd, Fleetwood Mac, Steely Dan, Crosby Stills, Nash & Young - the 4.Ai has an edge. The 3.Ai still does great, you won't be disappointed - but to a/b them the edge goes to the 4.Ai.

Now you cut Neil Young loose of CSN and put on a live Crazy Horse album - 3.Ai all the way

Every time I read posts like this about how good the 3.Ai is gets me so pumped for Monday when I get them.

Wow thanks for the quick responses guys! Anyone have any experience with this IEM and classic rock versus the Westone 4/um3x or the Earsonics SM3 with the criteria that I outlined above? Just trying to find a IEM in this price range that is right for me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AnimalChin 

Wow thanks for the quick responses guys! Anyone have any experience with this IEM and classic rock versus the Westone 4/um3x or the Earsonics SM3 with the criteria that I outlined above? Just trying to find a IEM in this price range that is right for me.

I'll relisten to the W4 tomorrow morning, a little late right now.  Can't do UM3X or SM3 though. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by tinyman392 

 

I'll relisten to the W4 tomorrow morning, a little late right now.  Can't do UM3X or SM3 though. 

Thanks a bunch!

I'm going to make a suggestion based on needs really. 

• Vocals: W4
• Midrange detailing: W4
• Midrange clarity: 3.Ai
• Mid-bass quantity: 3.Ai
• Sub-bass texturing: 3.Ai
• Controlled treble: W4
• Treble detailing: W4
• Sparkling treble: 3.Ai

Both do very well with rock songs.  I think the main differences will actually come down to preferences.  So I just gave what is technically better than what at what level.  Take a look at the above and make a decision.  Also wait for other suggestions as well (some people may not agree with the above). 

Quote:

Originally Posted by AnimalChin 

Wow thanks for the quick responses guys! Anyone have any experience with this IEM and classic rock versus the Westone 4/um3x or the Earsonics SM3 with the criteria that I outlined above? Just trying to find a IEM in this price range that is right for me.

I own the Heir 4.Ai and the UM3X and I've spent time with the SM3v2 (I know you're asking about the 3.Ai, but this might help). For me, the order is definitely 4.Ai > UM3X >>> SM3v2. The UM3X is definitely more intimate with soundstaging and has more forward mids, but the 4.Ai is way more natural with everything. It's faster and clearly (the UM3X definitely is a bit muddy due to the thick midrange... the SM3 is even worse). The SM3 has more of a "in your head" type soundstaging and sound and is a bit thicker too. The timbre is a bit better than the relatively sterile UM3X, but I didn't love the presentation. I listen to mostly indie with quite a bit of classic rock and I didn't like the SM3s for that.

I'd say if you have the money, spring for the 4.Ai instead of any of your choices. Of course, I'm a bit of a mid-head and I really like my natural/forward voices, so I really dislike V-signatures.

Just ordered the 3.Ai. Hopefully they sound good. :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by AnimalChin 

Just ordered the 3.Ai. Hopefully they sound good. :)

They are definitely good :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sorensiim 

Both do good vocals and bass. The 3.Ai does bass better than the 4.Ai and the 4.Ai do vocals better than the 3.Ai.

 

Wow that made no sense at all.

 

If you want deep, punchy subbass, get the 3.Ai. If good, punchy bass is good enough then get the 4.Ai. For me, the 3.Ai wins for pop (Lady Gaga, Sting, Everything But The Girl), rock and casual listening. When I want to actively listen to the music and every little bit of sound (including flaws) I reached for the 4.Ai.

In term of sound stage and vocal/instrument separation, which is better 3.Ai or 4.Ai? Which one has a good "QUALITY" extended deep bass?

Can you rate them in the scale of 10?

Quote:

Originally Posted by thegrobe 

Also..it's kind of difficult to put a "out of 10" on the bass quality, if that is what you meant. As far as quantity and a fun presentation, the 3.Ai is more at the top of the scale. If you want an accurate reproduction of the bass register, the 4.Ai has it. So your rating has to take in account of which style you are looking for...both are good in their own way.

Let's say I want to have the best listening experience for the "Hotel California Live" from Hell Freezes Over album or Gary Moore's guitar play, which is the best choice?

Quote:

Originally Posted by cyberalpha11 

In term of sound stage and vocal/instrument separation, which is better 3.Ai or 4.Ai? Which one has a good "QUALITY" extended deep bass?

The 4.Ai is more neutral and accurate; the 3.Ai has a V-shaped sound signature, with more bass and highs. The 4.Ai has faster, clearer bass, with better texture; the 3.Ai has more bass quantity and weight, with slightly more impact. I personally prefer the 4.Ai, most of the time. I’ll make an exception for Phil Coulter’s “The Great O'Neill”: the drums hit low, the flutes sing high; the composition seems to expand more freely around you.