Westone 4R vs Shure E535 vs UE900

Considering the prices of the 3 IEMs you listed, I'll just throw in the Audeo PFE232 just because.

I did a comparison between the UE 900 and the Westone W4R.  It's linked in the OP of the UE 900 thread.  In order to really help you, I do need more information though...  Personal sound preferences (if any), genres being listened to, etc.

I would look into the SE535 LTD Edition as it has a more extended treble than the regular SE535. TBH, the W4 might sound too dry and sterile for your tastes, as it sounds boring to me. That's why I went with the PFE232 over the W4 because the PFE232 has excellent bass and treble. UE900, I haven't had the opportunity yet but I did try, and own, the TF10 and hearing how it's mildly based of the TF10 sound but improved, I have high expectations for it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jazic 

Ya I'm looking at them now (PFE232). Never heard of em. 

 

The one thing I always loved about the e500's the short time I had them was how airy and open they felt. I could always tell each instruments location around my head which always blew my mind because it was much larger sounding than an IEM should.

The PFE232 surely hit the IEM scene with a bang as it has quite the beefy price tag of $600, but comparable to a lot of high-tier IEMs like the AKG K3003i. I only remember trying the e500 a LONG time ago so I can't remember quite how they sounded like..

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jazic 

I'm watching some reviews on youtube of the PFE232 and everyone gushes over them. How is the isolation? The replaceable filters have me worried that it wouldn't be good for isolating outside noise.

I'd say isolation is average for IEMs.  It'll work well if you're not in a dense crowd, otherwise, you may want to look elsewhere :p  For your genres I'd recommend depending on your musical tastes:

• PFE232

• Westone W4
• Heir Audio 3.Ai
• UE 900
• Heir Audio 4.Ai

I haven't heard the 535, so I can't comment there. 

the shure se535-ltd-j asian edition is probably the best universal iem. 

first i bought the se535 bronze and i love thee quality of the build, hated the cable, loved the sound , hated the treble roll off.

then i bought the asian se535-led-j reds, still great build quality, slightly better cable but this can still be improved with a cable upgrade. the se535 reds took care of that treble roll off and the extension of the treble was imo greatly improved.

i cannot comment on the westone 4s, however i should be getting my westone 4r's in tomorrow or the next day so i can give you a comparison between the 535 and 4s

as far as the ue900 i didnt feel they were on the same level as the westone sound quality or the shure se535. they just seemed to be a more improved tf10 but still dont feel they are of the audiophile quality of the 535 or 4s