[ozkan]

Are the IM70 that much better than the IM50?

+1. Also interested in the differences other than similarities.

 

[xedjflowx]

   
I am a big fan of the sound of the Shure SE215s - the 215 LTDs are still my backup IEM - but the IM70s are definitely better imo. I listen almost entirely to electronic (mainly trance and techno) and they are just perfect for this. The bass it at least as powerful as the SE215 LTDs and goes just as low, but the mids sound much clearer and it's altogether a fuller, more 'complete' sound. My only complaint with the IM70s so far is the isolation is not quite up to the level of the Shures - I'm still searching for the perfect tips - but insertion is quicker and getting a good fit seems easier.
 
My housemate actually bought the IM50s recently, so I might see if she'll switch for a couple of days to let me compare now I'm fully used to the IM70s.

I actually have the same two IEMs which are fairly new to me. I haven't fully broken in the ATH-IM70s but I don't think the SE215LTDs are necessarily worse than the ATH-IM70s. Reason being the ATHs definitely have enhanced bass and you're listening to electronic just as I am. When I'm out and about, I prefer the ATHs undoubtedly because I won't be paying much attention to detail and that's where the enhanced bass of the ATHs give that complete sound that you say - it's really just  the 4-to-the-floor kick and drums that get us going.
 
EDIT: But when I'm sitting down and able to focus on my music wholly, I do prefer the SE215LTDs sound over the ATHs because they seem to be clearer IMO in the mids and highs. To me, they sound more lively in those areas and so for music which isn't dependent heavy on bass, I do prefer the SE215s for the overall sound.

 

[FiJAAS]

So is AccessoryJack a legit site? Are they authorized dealer for Audio Technica products? Where are they stationed at? Also, if I order the IM50 from them how do I check to see if the product is real/genuine?

 

[ozkan]

So is AccessoryJack a legit site? Are they authorized dealer for Audio Technica products? Where are they stationed at? Also, if I order the IM50 from them how do I check to see if the product is real/genuine?

Yes, they are one of the most reliable sites around. The other one is cdjapan. I bought mine from Cdjapan.

 

[Fadem]

So is AccessoryJack a legit site? Are they authorized dealer for Audio Technica products? Where are they stationed at? Also, if I order the IM50 from them how do I check to see if the product is real/genuine?

AccessoryJack is operated from Hong Kong. They are considered as a gray market reseller (not official reseller). I've dealt with the customer support there several times; Johnny (the owner) is very friendly and is quick with replying to queries as well. The products are legit. Shipping with normal Fedex shipping option takes about 10 days from Hong Kong to mainland Europe and 3 days via express shipping. I've ordered UE900s and IM70 from there by the way.

 

[FiJAAS]

Received the IM50 today. How do I remove the ear cushions?

 

[FiJAAS]

Also, how many hours do I need to break them in?

 

[asarin]

Frankly, don't worry too much about that.  While entirely subjective, arguably, its largely our brain that breaks in.  Just plug in and enjoy.  If you find your enjoyment increasing on day 2 and then some on day 10, no harm done!  

 

[FiJAAS]

Frankly, don't worry too much about that.  While entirely subjective, arguably, its largely our brain that breaks in.  Just plug in and enjoy.  If you find your enjoyment increasing on day 2 and then some on day 10, no harm done!  

Thanks. Also do you know a proper way to remove the earphone cushions? I don't want to destroy then trying to take them off:

 

[asarin]

Thanks. Also do you know a proper way to remove the earphone cushions? I don't want to destroy then trying to take them off:

If you mean the foam that keeps earwax out of the IEMs, I have not attempted this (why would you?).  But if it is tips you are talking about, the silicone ones are pretty much indestructible.  Foam tips are easier to remove when cold, so place the IEM in a sealed ziplock baggie and place them in a freezer for about 15 minutes.  Much easier to pull them off that way.  

 

[FiJAAS]

If you mean the foam that keeps earwax out of the IEMs, I have not attempted this (why would you?).  But if it is tips you are talking about, the silicone ones are pretty much indestructible.  Foam tips are easier to remove when cold, so place the IEM in a sealed ziplock baggie and place them in a freezer for about 15 minutes.  Much easier to pull them off that way.  

The default tips that were on the headphones were too large to fit into my canal and I was losing bass because of that. Since there were extra tips in the box that were smaller I wanted to try those. I couldn't figure out how to install the smaller tips by audio technica but I successfully installed the comply tips and is pleased. Now they sound so good. I'm so happy!

 

[asarin]

I've heard these compared sonically to the top of the line Shure SE846 (by Joey on this thread if memory serves me), which is saying a lot given the reference costs almost 8x as much.  Have not auditioned the SE846, but i do find myself picking up the IM70 over my UE900 or SE215.   

 

[Fadem]

I'm also often prefering my IM70 over the UE900s (poor in bass, but extends better in the treble region, brighter). If I'm in a basshead mood I do grab my IE80 though. I guess the IM70 is the closest I have to a reference IEM then!

 

[FiJAAS]

Could anyone recommend some ear tips that allows clear vocals and bass? I'm using the ATH-IM50.

 

[Fadem]

Could anyone recommend some ear tips that allows clear vocals and bass? I'm using the ATH-IM50.

Bass quantity depends on how good your seal is. I'm not sure to what extent different tips influence the sound on other points. If you're having fit issues, you might want to look into this post.