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Help me to choose my first CIEM

post #1 of 12
2/15/13 at 4:39am
Thread Starter 
I'm thinking about replacing my Klipsch Image X10i with Custom IEM by the end of March/Beginning of April.

I'm fed up with broken cables. With CIEM, I'll be able to change only the cable.


I previously owned couple of Klipsch intra IMage X10i, S4i, X10, CUstom 3, Custom 1, ...



I'll use the CIEM during transportation (train,subway,plane) to listen to music from my iphone 5 or to watch movies.

I'll also it for playing and recording guitars and keyboards.

Perhaps, I'll use it a couples of times on stage.


I would like to use one of the cable from JH Audio or UE with mic and iphone control with it
I'd like too to have custom artwork on the shell.



I took a look at thread around here and found couple of CIEM that can do the job :

1964 ears : Q or V3
Clear Tune Monitors : CT-200
Audio ears : AUD-4X
JH Audio : JH5 Pro
UE : 4 Pro Custom
Alclair : Reference or Tour
Unique Melody : Aero or Marvel
Heir Audio : Heir 3.A

I mostly listen to Rock, Pop, Blues.

My budget is something like 300-500 $



Do you have any advice or feedback to help for the choice ?
Edited by neozecat - 2/22/13 at 4:37am
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post #2 of 12
2/15/13 at 6:03am

If you're just fed up with broken cables you can buy universal IEM that has removable cable, you know. Saves you the hassle of getting CIEM and of course cheaper. Unless you're very sure about getting custom IEM.

 

And don't forget that the base price for CIEM usually doesn't include ear impressions/audiologist cost, the shipment of the impressions, the shipping of the finished CIEM itself, customs, taxes and the like. And this is before counting custom artworks, which will also cost you extra. So realistically you might be paying $100-$200 more than the base price of the CIEM; make sure you count those extra costs in your budget.

 

Anyways, If you live in France, why don't you consider EarSonics? It's a fine brand for universal IEM (and their universal IEM has removable cable), and they also make custom IEMs. You know, buying local might save you the hassle and extra cost that you'll have to pay if you're ordering from abroad.


Edited by Deadlovestory - 2/15/13 at 7:26am
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post #3 of 12
2/15/13 at 7:10am

Don't forget Heir Audio...  The 3A might be good for you, as your previous IEMS are bass heavy.  

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post #4 of 12
2/15/13 at 7:58am
Thread Starter 

Thank you.

 

I'll take a look.

 

I'm not particulary looking for bass heavy.

 

For sure I don't want a flat one but not an heavy one.

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post #5 of 12
2/15/13 at 11:58am
Quote:
Originally Posted by neozecat View Post

Thank you.

 

I'll take a look.

 

I'm not particulary looking for bass heavy.

 

For sure I don't want a flat one but not an heavy one.

 

I also have the Klipsch X10's, and love the sound. The Shure SE535's have a replaceable cable, have a great sound (which is a purely subjective statement of course), and will be cheaper than customs. Just my thoughts.

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post #6 of 12
2/19/13 at 3:28pm
Thread Starter 

Others feedbacks or advices ?
 

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post #7 of 12
2/22/13 at 4:55am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Deadlovestory View Post

If you're just fed up with broken cables you can buy universal IEM that has removable cable, you know. Saves you the hassle of getting CIEM and of course cheaper. Unless you're very sure about getting custom IEM.

 

And don't forget that the base price for CIEM usually doesn't include ear impressions/audiologist cost, the shipment of the impressions, the shipping of the finished CIEM itself, customs, taxes and the like. And this is before counting custom artworks, which will also cost you extra. So realistically you might be paying $100-$200 more than the base price of the CIEM; make sure you count those extra costs in your budget.

 

Anyways, If you live in France, why don't you consider EarSonics? It's a fine brand for universal IEM (and their universal IEM has removable cable), and they also make custom IEMs. You know, buying local might save you the hassle and extra cost that you'll have to pay if you're ordering from abroad.

I'm really sure about getting custom IEM.

 

I'm thinking about it for couple of years.

 

I did sure take into account that for all the extra custom I'll have to pay $100-$200 extra bucks.

 

I don't consider EarSonics because 50% of my use will be to listen to music in transportation (plane, train, subway) so I really need a smartphone cable to go with it and ES don't make it.

 

I bought lot of music stuff (including pricey one) from foreign suppliers so I use to manage it.

 

But there is so many companies that make CIEM that it's a jungle.

 

Anyway, thank you very much for your help.

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post #8 of 12
2/22/13 at 5:32am

Alclair Reference is flattish with slightly warmer bass, so sounds perfect for you, it ill be amazing for recording and stage use too, and customer support is great.

 

Actually just seen your from europe, i will now highly reccomend Cosmic Ears BA3 or BA4, BA4 will only be available in April


Edited by randomkid - 2/22/13 at 5:34am
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post #9 of 12
2/22/13 at 8:34am

I'm extremely happy with my CT-500s.  Clear Tunes was a pleasure to work with as Cesar is extremely responsive.  It's likely worth your time to make some calls or shoot off a few e-mails to the various companies that interest you. 

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post #10 of 12
2/22/13 at 11:52pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by randomkid View Post

Alclair Reference is flattish with slightly warmer bass, so sounds perfect for you, it ill be amazing for recording and stage use too, and customer support is great.

 

Actually just seen your from europe, i will now highly reccomend Cosmic Ears BA3 or BA4, BA4 will only be available in April

 

I was thinking the Alclair Reference would be a good match for you, but also I would consider the aud-5X over the 4X if  you can budget for that.  Another option, but possibly too expensive, is the Lime Ears LE3 which has a warm, organic sound and very 3D soundstage with very capable but not overdone bass.  Don't get me wrong, I think CIEMs outperform equivalently priced universals, but you could just try a universal from Earsonics as they have detachable cables that fit the JH cable and see what you think.

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post #11 of 12
2/23/13 at 1:07pm
Thread Starter 
Thank you very much for your feedback.

I read lot of your reviews to help me to choose in the jungle of the CIEM companies.

What do you think also to buy à second hand CIEM and reshell it ?
Edited by neozecat - 2/24/13 at 3:11pm
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post #12 of 12
2/24/13 at 9:54am

That can be good, or it can be an issue.  If the CIEM you buy has issues, which CIEMs aren't immune to, you will have no warranty.  Plus, there is no guarantee the sound will be true to the original once reshelled.

 

Now, if you get a second hand Heir or UM product and have them reshelled by the original manufacturer, you should be fine.

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