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D marc0's Journal: My Head-fi Journey
Mar 27, 2014 at 10:49 PM Post #301 of 562
@waynes world yeah, I've been reading a lot of praise for the 850's. Unfortunately, I don't have the funds to widen my interest.
So for the mean time, hybrid is where my heart wallet is...
 
Mar 27, 2014 at 11:21 PM Post #303 of 562
+1 
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Mar 27, 2014 at 11:51 PM Post #304 of 562
Unique Melody 3X Review and Comparisons
 
 

 
 
Hybrid IEM’s are getting more attention these days. I have a feeling that we’re about to enter the golden age of hybrids; the reason is manufacturers are closing the gap to the perfectly balanced sound signature may it be neutral, u-shaped, or even v-shaped. I’m a huge fan of these hybrids because I admire the combination of the natural bass texture from dynamic drivers and the exceptional clarity/resolution from balanced armature drivers. The best I’ve heard so far is the Tralucent 1Plus2 but we all know that it is a top-of-the-line hybrid with a very pricey tag. What I’m really looking forward to are the mid-tier hybrids that are performing better than what their prices suggest. Sony has the XBA H3, Dunu with the DN-1000/2000, T-PEOS brings the H200/H300, Aurisonics’ popular ASG 2, and for this review: Unique Miracle 3X. Djvkool has organised an Australian Tour and I’m quite fortunate to be included. So without further ado...
 
SETUP:   Colorfly C3 > JDS Labs C5
                iMac 2011 > Stoner Acoustics UD110v2 > JDS Labs C5
                16/44 FLAC, ALAC, and 256kbps AAC
 
 

NOTE: The UM 3X pairs really well with the Colorfly C3 because it tames the sub-bass a bit.
 
 
BASS: This defines the entry level for a bass head’s IEM. Sub-bass rumble doesn’t go unnoticed as it’s always there even when not called for. I’d say that this is not suitable for bass enhanced recordings because the sub-bass would mask some detail on most occasions. Most of the time, I find it too much for EDM, Hip-hop, and RnB. However, I do find the quantity just right (borderline) for other genres especially pop and rock recordings in the 70’s and 80’s. Decay and speed is enough to keep up with double-bass kicks in heavy metal but not as fast as T-PEOS H200/H300. As a result I find the other hybrids to be more clean sounding but on the other hand, the UM 3X has more impact and quite visceral. As for the mid-bass, I don’t hear any emphasis because I hear more from the sub bass and the lower midrange. Detail retrieval is quite good when playing bass guitar and drum passages but falls a bit short when things get more complex like in some metal tracks. Timbre is quite natural except for the extra rumble that isn’t normally heard. Listening to live performances really highlights the UM 3X’s bass prowess - full bodied, well textured, layered, with plenty of authority. A great IEM for well mixed/mastered tracks that don’t have any emphasis on sub bass.
 
 
MIDS: I find the mids quite forward especially in the upper mid-range. A lot more forward than the T-PEOS H200 or Noble 4. Timbre, clarity, and detail are very good with vocals sounding full, rich, and quite emphasized. Unfortunately, this bump in the upper mid-range causes sibilance on artists with full sounding vocals in the upper octaves between 3kHz and  5kHz. Instruments sound excellent, full, and rich… especially guitars yet trumpets and saxophones are too emphasized and can be hot at times. In spite this limitation, when played at a lower volume plus a well mixed/mastered recording the UM 3X can really sing; thanks to its excellent transparency, clarity, and resolution. The presentation is really nice, with lots of air and the feeling that everything in the mid-range floats over the rest of the sound.
 
 
HIGHS: Treble presentation can be great depending on the quality of the track/recording. The lower treble is a bit edgy and little bit splashy making harsh recordings a lot more aggressive. Fortunately, the upper treble is quite smooth and extends well. So if the music is of great quality, the treble region is pleasant on the UM 3X. Cymbals ring naturally and decay is just a little bit longer than desired. Lots of air in the background providing an excellent presentation of space and adds more character to the UM 3X’s sound signature.
 
 

 
 
IMAGING AND SOUNDSTAGE: Soundstage is quite wide just trailing behind the Dunu DN-1000. Height is excellent with sufficient depth resulting to a 3D-like imaging though still not as expansive as the DN-1000. Imaging is really good with excellent distance in between instruments; making good use of the space in the stage.
 
 

 
 
CONCLUSION: The UM 3X has the potential to be a great hybrid; personally I’d like it to have a tamer sub-bass, mid-range, and lower treble. Otherwise, those who like to play around equalisers will find a gem in the UM 3X because the drivers in this hybrid are very capable and a few tweaks can definitely make them sound worthwhile. As a side note: those wondering about fit because these IEMs are HUGE need not worry... I have relatively small ears and yet the design of the UM 3X allows for a snug and tight fit.
 
Special thanks to @djvkool for making this tour happen. Good on you mate!

 
Mar 28, 2014 at 11:13 AM Post #306 of 562
Mar 28, 2014 at 5:42 PM Post #308 of 562
don lehrer said:
H d-marc0s, I was a couple weeks away and came back just to find your great work, I like the way you write your reviews, it´s kinda amousing, hopefully you get even more!
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Thank you! I'm glad you like them...
 
Mar 28, 2014 at 8:45 PM Post #309 of 562
Yup, awesome review buddy! (as usual)
 
Now if you could get that H300 review done by the end of the weekend, it would be greatly appreciated! 
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Oh, and it's nice to see your little C3 in action :)
 
Mar 28, 2014 at 11:12 PM Post #310 of 562
waynes world said:
  Yup, awesome review buddy! (as usual)
 
Now if you could get that H300 review done by the end of the weekend, it would be greatly appreciated! 
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Oh, and it's nice to see your little C3 in action :)
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Cheers mate! I'll try my best...
I'm still at the stage of tip rolling and I want to make sure I find the best for them. Getting pretty close I reckon.
 
The C3 is my best buddy! 
beerchug.gif
 
 
Apr 5, 2014 at 8:55 PM Post #311 of 562
T-PEOS H-300 Review: The Could've Been...
 
 

 
 
T-PEOS is back with their new flagship hybrid! The H-300 is getting heaps of mixed impressions from everyone who got their hands on them during the pre-sale promotion. Some ended up selling theirs in a few  days, others are still figuring out if it’s a keeper, while a handful of people claim that they sound really good! My first impression of them was great that I ended up selling my beloved H-200. That is really a drastic move considering how much I value the H-200, my favourite IEM for heavy metal. Whether I'll end up regretting my decision or rejoice that I’ve finally bought myself a pair H-300 will be revealed at the end of this review. Special thanks to Kwon Sungoo and T-PEOS for making the Australian H-300 Demo Tour happen and @H20Fidelity for facilitating this.
 
SETUP:   Colorfly C3 > JDS Labs C5
               iMac 2011 > Stoner Acoustics UD110v2 > JDS Labs C5
               16/44 FLAC, ALAC, and 256kbps AAC
               Using the stock coloured cable + Comply TS200 foam tips.
 
 

 
 
BASS: WOW! WOW! WOW! I love the bass on these. Goes deep, with just enough sub-bass rumble that doesn’t linger too long with its decay. Punch may not be as hard hitting as the H-200 but it definitely has enough impact coupled with speed to keep you happy with your EDM and Metal favourites. Bass heads may not find this their ideal bass monster but the quantity is at a level where it can’t be ignored. Detail is the best I’ve heard so far… enough to make me forget the Astrotec AX-60 and KEF M200. Containing all that detail will need a lot of speed to avoid congestion and the H-300 delivers no matter what genre you use to put it to the test. It seems like all the boxes in the bass department are ticked; but wait, there’s more: TIMBRE! Bass that sounds so natural that it just keeps you wanting for more!
 
 
MIDS: At first I was like: dang! it’s a bit recessed... thanks to the emphasised lower treble, the mid-range gets left behind because that's just how it is with v-shaped sound signatures. Fortunately, only the vocals are greatly affected; making them sound a bit contained and weird like there's a very thin veil over them (not from the bass but from the treble). Despite the restrained vocals, instruments still sound excellent; full and rich especially when you listen at high volume levels to bring up the mid-range. Detail, timbre, and clarity is amongst the best I’ve heard. When volume matched, the mid-range is almost as good as the Noble 4. Yes ladies and gentlemen, pretty close to Noble 4! Now why would I get to that conclusion when the H-300 vocals sound a bit restrained? The answer is in the next section... 
 
 
HIGHS: Oh how I wish this ended differently. The treble although not as extended as the Sony MH1 is still great because the roll-off is only noticeable beyond 14 kHz. Resolution is exemplary in the H-300; you get to hear micro-detail you’d normally miss with most average IEMs. Unfortunately, I hear a peak from 7 kHz to 10 kHz and its severity will depend on how the track is mixed/mastered. Reminds me of the Astrotec AX-60 but the H-300 is more refined and detailed. Tracks from artists such as Daft Punk, Avicii, Earth Wind & Fire, and Dream Theater don’t get sibilant at all. What’s disappointing is that it’s quite common to have bright sounding tracks in one’s library. Artists such as Van Halen, The Used, Train, Phil Collins, and Chicago can be too much for someone’s tolerance to cymbals shimmer or vocal sibilance. The peak also affects timbre and as a result cymbals sound a bit too thin for my liking.
 
Now here’s the kicker… if you can somehow get rid of that extra shimmer, edginess, and aggressiveness from the peak between 7 kHz and 10 kHz, the H300 can stand amongst the best out there. As a matter of fact, it sounds near perfect to my preference when the peak is tamed a bit. With the treble peak reduced, vocals will no longer sound restrained, cymbals will ring naturally, and clarity is better than ever. I’d be hard pressed to choose between the H-300 and Noble 4 because they complement each other really well. Reducing the peak can be done in several different ways: one can use foam filter mod as a damper or do the old fashion EQ tweak. My preference is about 7db reduction from 7 kHz to 9 kHz which can easily be done with Parametric EQ or to a certain degree with foam filter mod + Comply TS200/TSX200. Just enough to get rid of the harshness without changing the tonality of the H-300.
 
 

 
 
IMAGING AND SOUNDSTAGE: Soundstage is really wide and can easily keep up against the Dunu DN-1000. Height is above average with sufficient depth yet not as expansive as the DN-1000. Imaging is excellent coupled with instrument placement that’ll immerse you into the music. Such an excellent presentation that can sound like its coming from a decent full-sized headphone.
 
 

 

 
 
CONCLUSION: So what does clarity, resolution, natural timbre, amazing bass, nice mid-range, and peaky lower treble compound into? It’s T-PEOS H-300: the could’ve been! It could’ve been one of THE BEST out there if not for the peaky treble. T-PEOS is getting there and hopefully will close the gap to perfection when they release their next flagship: H-400 maybe? For now I’m happy with the H300 but not rejoicing... not just yet.
 
Apr 5, 2014 at 10:36 PM Post #312 of 562
d marc0 said:
 
T-PEOS H-300 Review: The Could've Been...
 
*SNIP*
 
CONCLUSION: So what does clarity, resolution, natural timbre, amazing bass, nice mid-range, and peaky lower treble compound into? It’s T-PEOS H-300: the could’ve been! It could’ve been one of THE BEST out there if not for the peaky treble. T-PEOS is getting there and hopefully will close the gap to perfection when they release their next flagship: H-400 maybe? For now I’m happy with the H300 but not rejoicing... not just yet.
Click to expand...

Great review!  I agree with you completely!
 
Cheers!
beerchug.gif

-HK sends
 
Apr 6, 2014 at 1:54 AM Post #313 of 562
Apr 6, 2014 at 3:43 AM Post #314 of 562
Great review yet again mate, superbly done.
 
Personally I think this is a keeper, I'm starting to 'ignore' the vocal restriction and just love everything else about it 
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Apr 6, 2014 at 11:17 AM Post #315 of 562
djvkool said:
  Great review yet again mate, superbly done.
 
Personally I think this is a keeper, I'm starting to 'ignore' the vocal restriction and just love everything else about it 
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Thank you!
 
haha! I knew you're gonna get used to it...
I'm really liking the H300 more and more that's for sure.
 
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