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orionstone said:

  wow what a useful guide, this has the potential so save so many people from buyers remorse! 

 
jelt your passion for this hobby is unquestionable!
 
is the hype for the k10 justified? 
 
I mean score #5 is not a bad but with the price tag of it, I would have bet on a top 3.

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It's a pretty awesome comparison, and comparisons can be evil to a degree. I did note the comment about the K10 being a great all-rounder versus a pair of IEMs that are detail-oriented. It is worth noting jelt2359's preferences in this regard. I have quite a few headphones (and I've encountered the odd amp) that is more entertaining than resolving. The most resolving headphones I've owned weren't the best all-rounders.  I'm the kind of person who'd be inclined to get a pair of K10s (I've heard them at meets) because I'd be using them on an airplane where having that last bit of resolution is pointless, and the circumstances call mostly for pure enjoyment. Used at home most of the time (or in an office cubicle) I might choose something different, if I were stuck to using IEMs due to noise constraints. 

currawong said:

It's a pretty awesome comparison, and comparisons can be evil to a degree. I did note the comment about the K10 being a great all-rounder versus a pair of IEMs that are detail-oriented. It is worth noting jelt2359's preferences in this regard. I have quite a few headphones (and I've encountered the odd amp) that is more entertaining than resolving. The most resolving headphones I've owned weren't the best all-rounders.  I'm the kind of person who'd be inclined to get a pair of K10s (I've heard them at meets) because I'd be using them on an airplane where having that last bit of resolution is pointless, and the circumstances call mostly for pure enjoyment. Used at home most of the time (or in an office cubicle) I might choose something different, if I were stuck to using IEMs due to noise constraints. 

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Great post! This is exactly how I hope the comparisons be used- especially by someone who knows what they are looking for. That's not always the case (heck, I sure know it wasn't for me when I started on this hobby) and so I include rankings cos' that's what I would have appreciated, but these rankings are just a result of an average of the individual scores. But then therein lies the rub- not everyone will agree with 1) the components I chose to rate 2) the way I weigh them. For example, 'balance' to me is just one component in the 'overall' category, but I do know of people who think that's the end-all-be-all in audio. 'far as I'm concerned, that's a perfectly legitimate preference and choice too!
 
One other thing, fantastic point about context. I travel a LOT, and I understand exactly what you mean about use on an airplane. Often times I just play my IEMs straight out of my Phone in such situations. This is why my DAPs don't get much playtime these days. I just don't really have a use case for them. For what it's worth, my reviews typically get written in a silent hotel room, normally after work and usually during the witching hours

@ jelt2359, just thought I'd chime in and say I love your writing style. Normally I skip through reviews but your writing is ace and this is the best comparison thread I've come across!

Can't wait for the rest of 'fit for a bat'!

Updated with IEM ranked #4!

http://www.head-fi.org/t/769843/fit-for-a-bat-flagship-iems-shootout-reviewed-8-ct6e-7-h8p-6-jh13-5-k10#post_11647613

jelt2359, BIG typo. It's supposed to be #4, not #5 *fixed*
Cheers. Keep up the great work. :thumbs up: 
 

Fixed!

Imo your reviews are the closest thing to having a chance to auditioning those iems myself...

Some people are capable of describing food in such a way, that while reading about it you can almost taste it in your mouth...I guess you are the audio equivalent of that

I wish I had your skills....and iems

Thanks!

benholmes said:

@ jelt2359, just thought I'd chime in and say I love your writing style. Normally I skip through reviews but your writing is ace and this is the best comparison thread I've come across!

Can't wait for the rest of 'fit for a bat'!

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Thanks for your support!

kerouac said:

Imo your reviews are the closest thing to having a chance to auditioning those iems myself...

Some people are capable of describing food in such a way, that while reading about it you can almost taste it in your mouth...I guess you are the audio equivalent of that

I wish I had your skills....and iems

Thanks!

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Thanks for the positive words!

Indeed, your reviews are beyond amazing!  Very educational and a pleasure to read!  Also, I think everybody can agree after reading that comparison to A12 - it's very obvious who seals the deal to be at #1

Didn't know anyone listened to happy hardcore outside of Holland
 
Such a great read, very easy to picture what it sounds like. Intrigued by certain aspects of the Lear, less so by others. And the comparisons are a great teaser to what's coming!
 
Btw sounds like the bass of the AAW W500 is pretty phenomenal; how does the bass of the Omega compare (in short), since it's been left out? Read it was pretty good, but I'm not sure if it was the most reliable place - the Earwerkz website.

Another awesome review Jason!! Lear has been on my list for a while, I think it will be my first custom. Although, the AAW sounds interesting as well. Being a bass head, I'm leaning towards the Lear, plus I love adjustable bass. Thanks again for your hard work and awesome reviews.

Rin Choi got the universal version of the Lear BD 4.2 and did measurements.
 
The spike at 6Khz is my concern. Can you do some logarithmic sine wave sweeps to see if you hear that. The bass boost starts high up at 1Khz which is not ideal either.

Supposedly the problem is with the universals, the customs have been well received. Lots of complaints about the universal models unfortunately.

Guys, can you give some insight into how big of a jump it's going to be for me going to a good DAP (ZX2/AK/etc) from an iphone? Looking at getting one next year.