Quote:
Originally Posted by
MegaMind 
Hello guys, i've been using hippo vb for a few months now with my ipod nano & i just love the way it rumbles. But i find the highs to be a bit shrill at high volumes,,
I'm planning on an upgrade to the hippo vb. I can spend around ~$150, i need the bass similar to hippo VB with wider soundstage, better highs & instrument seperation..
Kindly help me out in finding the right IEM for my ears..
Sound source to be used : Iphone 4s.
I've had both the old and new versions of the Hippo VB before and was really amazed at the sub bass it can produce. I understand the shrill you're talking about especially it's treble can be quite sharp in certain tracks. The VB given it's sheer amount of bass can produce a pretty wide soundstage is somewhat impressive.
I had an upgrade after 1 year of usage with the VB and decided on the TF10 as my first upgrade into the entry level of the audiophile IEMS. Coming from a bassy IEM, definitely the bass of TF10 cannot match that of the VB. But I do find that I actually enjoyed the bass of TF10 more as it is much more controlled, textured and it does have the "rumble" as well. Clarity was much improved and the soundstage is wider as well. Instrument separation is good and sounds very lush and emphasized on; though can't match that of the UM3X. Highs are well captured too. The V shape sound of TF10 definitely brings back memories of the VB and a huge upgrade.
You can also save up for a Lune cable and match it with the TF10 bringing it to another level improving the SQ by quite a margin. IMO, you can try out the TF10 as a jump from the VB. It fits your budget as well. After the TF10 you'll definitely be craving for more wonders of the IEM realm.
