W4 versus UE900 - Page 2

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spyro 

 This seems like stating the obvious but really an important statement.

 

I have owned all Westone universals except UM1 and to me it seems Westone is always very aware of making sure their IEM's have sufficient bass or bass impact.   UM2, W3, UM3X and W4 to a certain extent all have ample "weight" to the bass and they don't distort!.  For anyone finding the W4 bass lite...I am using "jazz" eq setting on Ipod Classic which just slightly tips the bass and treble upwards.  Some of you may cringe at this premise but I think it adds some excitement to the presentation without screwing anything up. 

 

Hard to imagine UE900 vocals being even better!  Just listened to the entire Diane Krall, Live in Paris (superbly recorded cd!) and was mesmerized even though I have played it 50-60 times previous.  It was better than being their live...no kidding either.

 

W4 is the only universal in my signature that is clearly a step up from my JH5 which is saying a lot.  But this goes back to personal preferences too. 

I appreciate all the comments and contributions on this thread.  Good stuff.  I think, I too, would have to take UE900 off my short list of future purchases even though I'd still love to try it out.

Westone W4 does vocals better, I think I said that in my comparisons as well (another member said the vocals on the 900 are better, but I don't entirely agree with it :p).  The UE900s more neutral than the W4 (neither are neutral though).  You are right with you assertions about bass though concerning the W4.  It has a nice weight to it ;)

Yes I must agree with you, because with two BA dedicated for the bass in W4, it sounds more fuller to me.

somehow when I start to use the W4, I noticed that the sound of the guitar strum is bit recessed / veiled, because mostly I listen to my acoustic and instrumental music with my UE700 which has got bright sparkly treble (high).

But now I'm a happy Westone W4 user paired with my Fiio E11 amp.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnSantana 

Yes I must agree with you, because with two BA dedicated for the bass in W4, it sounds more fuller to me.

 

somehow when I start to use the W4, I noticed that the sound of the guitar strum is bit recessed / veiled, because mostly I listen to my acoustic and instrumental music with my UE700 which has got bright sparkly treble (high).

 

But now I'm a happy Westone W4 user paired with my Fiio E11 amp.

Actually, the W4 does create a slight veil over the mids (which results in a loss of clarity at times).  The UE 900 also have 2 bass drivers, 1 midrange, and 1 treble.  But that's not really what matters.  The size of the driver itself is what makes the difference.  It's the reason why the W3 can have more bass than the W4 (even though the W3 has 1 low driver and the W4 has 2; ditto goes to the Heir Audio 4.Ai vs 3.Ai).

yes, that is the case with my first few minutes listening to the Westone W4, but the good thing is that my ears is not fatigued after hours of listening to my music collections.

Therefore I can compensate this minor issue with iOS graphical Equalizer apps called DENON audio app for free :-)

Anyone know how either of these compares to the 4Ai?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doc-holliday 


So by that logic you would consider the W4 to have +5 or +6db bass emphasis? I would have to differ. My ears don't hear even remote emphasis on bass with the W4.  
Oh I will try them for sure at some point. So they fall somewhere between an Ety and W4 in terms of body is what you are basically saying I guess?
I guess being very happy with the W4 as my more neutral sounding IEM, I am not in as much as a hurry to try them but I do appreciate the info.
If anything they are the coolest looking UIEM out there IMO you can grant them that.

 But it's so blatantly there? I mean, everyone's bass thresholds are different, but there is an audible mid-bass emphasis on the W4, immediately more noticable when you switch between stuff like the ER4 and 334. It's more subtle compared to bass phones, but still very much there. 

Very much looking forward to try a pair of the UE900s though. Also related, this definitely made an interesting read: http://rinchoi.blogspot.ca/2012/10/ultimate-ears-part3-in-depth-analysis.html

I actually thought the UE900 provided a bit more detail in female vocals, but overall I enjoy the W4 more. I agree too that UE900 does strings quite well, but the overall fullness of sound and instrument separation belongs to the W4.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doc-holliday 


I stand corrected..... I supposed that is a bit of an exaggeration to say none.. but +6db??? No sir.

6dB isn't actually as much as you would think, in terms of headphone colouration. Roughly gauging with some frequency sweeps, it should be around that number, maybe less (+/-1-2dB depending on tips)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doc-holliday 

I can see my confusion and I guess you are both right and I am mistaken. I presume you are both talking +6 as measured on a graph?
I suppose I am not as technical and scientific about all of this. When I refer to "emphasis" I am referring to emphasis on one of the frequency ranges over the others. When a headphone is bassy to my ears, i consider that emphasis on bass. Trying to measure the amount of that is an estimation based on my perception of sound volume.
Beyer DT770 have emphasis on treble -- in reference to lets say the midrange. I am referring in my mind to emphasis over what I personally consider to be natural or neutral not a completely flat (unobtainable, nor would anyone want to obtain) graph IN REFERENCE TO WHAT I HEAR.
But anyway, I get it, and I'm not arguing because it seems I am the one with the confusion but all I am saying is I consider the bass quantity of the W4 to be quite natural and not the emphasis in design over lets say the mids. If that makes any sense. Apparently this conversation is over my pay grade......

This is perfectly fine, to have your own references.  However, you have to also remember to consider, natural to one person is not natural to another.  One person may find recessed treble more natural than flat treble, while neither agree that a resonance peak in the treble region would sound natural :p  Same idea goes to bass.  Some people feel a 6 dB boost in the sub-bass is more natural while others feel the flat should be natural. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doc-holliday 


You really like to argue! (and stick your tounge out at people).
Yes! I am saying I AGREE with you. That was kinda my whole point. You are now arguing with me agreeing with you lol.

Then I misread your post...