Upgrade recommendations from Westone 4? - Page 4

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fimbulvetr 

I got a W4 recently to compare to the TF10. For me, the TF10 is really comfortable to me with hybrids + flip mod while the W4 hurt my ears till I used it with hybrids on Westone tip stems. W4 is clearly more detailed than the TF10 and I'd say its flush with your ears. Also, the W4 is less bassy and the midrange is more forward.

Thanks for the input. I also did the flip mod and it helps, but I can usually only wear them for a couple hours before they become too discomforting. The W4 being more detailed is good to hear. I have a FiiO E17 to boost the bass if needed.

Quote:

Originally Posted by hkppl 

If you go along the Westone product line, the "upgrade" to W4/R would be ES5. Otherwise, I think you could try those hybrid universals such as AKG3003. And I agreed that the ER4 series is fun to have for audiophiles as their sound signature is quite unique from other IEMs, but I don't think the ER4 would be an "upgrade" to W4....

Yes this is imply because ER only got 2x BA while Westone 4 got 4 BAs ?

I have the Westone 4s and many other excellent IEMs in my growing collection.   They are all so different that it is hard to rate them without taking into consideration so many factors.  To name a few,  1) the type of amp(s) used, 2) style of music, and 3) personal taste ( the dark horse in this race).

1) Some amps work great with one IEM and not another etc.  You will just have to check this out for yourself.    If your  can’t, you will not go wrong with the Ray Samuels Audio Shadow, or hornet ( or anything else he creates).  Also check out the  the Arrow (personal favorite),  Pico Slim ( too cool - great leather case and oh! so small)  and the TTVJ Slim among many others.   These all sound great.
2) Music type is a huge factor as well.  Do you listen to only classical, or do you like all kinds - rock, jazz etc.?   For instance I like the 4s for classical but find they are a bit flat for rock.   
Last, personal taste is personal taste and that is the hardest to define.  

3) Everybody’s taste is different.   Take Shure's venerable SE535,  the Westone 4 blows them away in terms  of technology.   The 4s are also cleaner, more precise and I think a better fit for my ear,   but I still  like the Shure 535 better ( I got the Comply P-100 which helps).   They sound more artistic, and true.  The overall design seems better thought out.   The cable is also a huge improvement over the 530.  As I mention (above) depending on what type of music you listen to, that is a huge factor in what IEM works best for you.   I listen to all types music and  I feel that the SE 535s are more forgiving and  also handles low BIT rates better than the Westone 4s.   I have a huge disc and digital music collection and not all my rips are lossless ( although I am getting there).   Are you getting the picture her?  Lots and lots of factors to consider.   Just to put this in perspective I feel the Shure's are only 5-7% better.  We are spitting hairs at this level of IEM.

If this was not enough, the Westone 4 are so good  that you will not see a drastic change in quality as you purchase any other universal IEM,   until you step up to customs.  And if you do, the JH13 or the JH-3A are  really the only way to go.  Jerry is a genius period.  That said,  I was slightly disappointed that the step up in fidelity does not seem to match the huge leap in price.  Keep in mind,  on top of the $1,800 I paid  I spent an additional $200 to get a great audiologist to make perfect ear casts.   Sure, if you have the money to burn go for customs you will not regret them, I don’t.    I am just managing expectations.   It takes a lot of technology,  once you are at the Westone 4 level to beat them handsomely.  That is my point here.     

Now, to answer you question:  If you really want  something that will really blow your mind.  Something that can cut across all the BS out there, there is one set of phones that clearly sits above the rest.    Check out the Audeze LCD-3 and Ray Samuels' Dark Star balanced amp( perfection).   I know this is not an IEM, but it is pure heaven and that is what he are all striving for.  The LCD-3 and  it’s sibling the LCD 2s are open  planar magnetic drivers and this is the pinnacle in our field.    Full, pure sound that surrounds you.    These are open sets so you will hear stuff in the room,  but that  is really a must at this level.   For $2K + $2K for the amp (which is not really that bad)  This will - absolutely,  positively, 100% without a doubt blow you, your Westone (and your wallet) away... and it is worth  every, damn penny.       You may not be able to do this now $$, but  that is certainly the final destination ( this year at least).  Last this is just my  personal opinion.  There a people on this site with way more cans, amps and knowledge, not to mention free time - I just had to say that :-)   Good luck, man.
 

Maybe you can look into the Tralucent 1plus2 Hybrid but its also around the $1.2k mark

check out the thread:

http://www.head-fi.org/t/623514/new-custom-iem-company-tralucent-audio

and the musicaacoustics order page:

http://www.musicaacoustics.com/wp/headphones/in-ear-earphones/tralucent-1plus2/

Quote:

Originally Posted by AstroTurf 

Etymotic ER-4 Series IEMs...

 

They belong in every True Audiophiles kit.

 

Best of the Best.

 

Jim

Yep good one!  ER4S or the P version?

Quote:

Originally Posted by lazuline 

 

 

I've had the W4R since release and have been pretty happy (and barely on head-fi)... I'm not sure what an IEM upgrade would be, having tried the other top-tier universals... I agree that if you haven't tried the ER-4P you might want to give that a shot.

Agred!  Confort and little lack of bass (low end) and a Franky style look, is the only down side! :P

ViperLeader:  You make some great recommondations but I take it you have yet to hear UE900?

The more I read the more I think I need to own this IEM.  Many think it "kills" W4 in many areas and I am a full-fledged Westone guy so we all need to check UE900 out.

If $400 UE900  gets me what a custom $1,150 gets me?  Total no- brainer...  

If you want absolute transparency with a near-neutral signature, JH13.

If you want absolute transparency with a punchy low end and untouched midrange and highs, JH16.

If you want extreme transparency that can move you with midrange and vocals, ES5.

If you want it all, Spiral Ear SE 5-way.

Spyro,

UE900 are really sweet.   Nice design as well.    If I had purchased these,  I would not have spent the dough on customs.  Do you have a pair?

Have you played with the Arrow 4g?   Thinking about that gem.

-VL    
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by ViperLeader 

Spyro,

 

UE900 are really sweet.   Nice design as well.    If I had purchased these,  I would not have spent the dough on customs.  Do you have a pair?

 

Have you played with the Arrow 4g?   Thinking about that gem.

 

-VL    
 

Waiting for them to arrive.  Bought from Rakuten (Buy.com) and they are slower than a snail.  Really irritated.....  Been almost a week and still not shipped?  WTF?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inks 

If W4 is modded properly there are only side-grades.

id say there is only side grades to the W4.  the W4 is pretty flawless but its a tad boring.  actually id say that once you hit a certain level there really is only side grades.  finding a sound that pairs well and suits the listener is far more important than getting something that is "better"