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Shure 215 vs westone UM1? also some questions about AMP usage with either of these

post #1 of 10
10/1/12 at 7:03pm
Thread Starter 

I've been browsing around for a set of quality IEMs within the $100-$200 price range and came across the shure and westone series. I was wondering which of these will perform better while using an AMP? Also what are some advantages and disadvantages to both? I know that shure sells a special cable with a mic for android use, but haven't been able to find one for the westone. Although it's not a primary concern to be using either of them with my phone to make and take calls. Any advice would be appreciated~

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post #2 of 10
10/1/12 at 7:19pm

Both are good IEMs. SE215 is on the bassy side with warm mids and slightly disappointing treble. The UM1 is fairly flat sounding with slightly forward mids. The SE215 cable is rubbish in my views because they are both too thick and too long for my needs and the UM1 is much better, but with that said, the SE215 is replaceable cables while the UM1 is not... For both, it's hard to get so much into the package because they are both very limited as "entry" level IEMs, but for the price, I think the Audeo PFE112 is the best value IMO. The PFE112 has comparable bass to the SE215 without being as muddy, open and clear mids like the UM1 and has the treble the SE215 is missing. Also, they are the most ergonomic to my ears compared to the SE215 and UM1. I still have the SE215, I sold the UM1, and I gave away the PFE112 so I have a good deal of experience with all three.

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post #3 of 10
10/1/12 at 7:21pm

I agree with Plax, I have owned the westone 1 (essentially a um1), se215, and the PFE112 last. I regretted not listening to people who advised getting the PFE over other IEMs for the exact reasons Plax mentioned.

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post #4 of 10
10/1/12 at 7:28pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by monoglycer View Post

I agree with Plax, I have owned the westone 1 (essentially a um1), se215, and the PFE112 last. I regretted not listening to people who advised getting the PFE over other IEMs for the exact reasons Plax mentioned.

 

FYI, I'm planx not plax lol. And the Westone 1 and UM1 do sound different. I find the UM1 to have more of emphasized mids while the W1 is not as emphasized. The PFE112 is a great IEM under $150 and it does justice with every genre.

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post #5 of 10
10/1/12 at 7:29pm

Also, none of the 3 need amps, but they do benefit. For instance, I find the SE215 has cleaner bass with amps like the Fiio E11.

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post #6 of 10
10/1/12 at 7:30pm

I like the SE-215 cable and they fit me like a glove. Isolation is second to Etymotics. Fun sounding; good bottom, forward mids; highs that do not tire.I have analytical and balanced IEM's to fill those needs if and when music warrants. Shures to me are a rugged on the town, running errands IEM.
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post #7 of 10
10/1/12 at 8:23pm
Thread Starter 

Alright thanks for the input, but I'm wondering if any of you have used aftermarket cables on a set of Shure 215? I was wondering which would be a recommended cable if one would choose to go that way?

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post #8 of 10
10/1/12 at 8:25pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by aerodrew View Post

Alright thanks for the input, but I'm wondering if any of you have used aftermarket cables on a set of Shure 215? I was wondering which would be a recommended cable if one would choose to go that way?

 

Not many people do aftermarket cables for Shures, especially the SE215 etysmile.gif

 

But the DHC Symbiote does have the Shure option.

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post #9 of 10
10/1/12 at 11:44pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by planx View Post

 

Not many people do aftermarket cables for Shures, especially the SE215 etysmile.gif

 

But the DHC Symbiote does have the Shure option.

OK thanks again, looks like I can cross the Westones off my list for now. I've just one more question, would there be any more suggestions on IEMs in this price range with any of the modular qualities of the previously discussed models?

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post #10 of 10
10/2/12 at 5:04am

Agreed with one of the above posts. Shure SE-215 is what they are. Fun sounding what you see is what you get. Not a connoisseurs IEM that invite sound tailoring via cables. It's just Shure's VALUE IEM that offers replaceable cables and Ipod-style controller alternative cables. They come with a 2 year warranty.

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