[Kanashimu]

I've got $900 to spend on a custom. I have maybe $100 more in headroom to spend for shipping fees and such. Further extension isn't really possible. I already have impressions.
 
I'm upgrading from ES10s. I'm pairing it with the HM-601 to try at first, but if its not a good match, I can try similarly priced players. HM-801 though is out of reach.
 
What I need:

-solid isolation. not vented.
-lack of microphonics
-excellent build quality
-good warranty. I prefer to not have to ship to anywhere other than North America or Europe.
-overall noticeable sound quality improvement over ES10s
-doesn't hiss
-comfort for use 10 hours a day
 
For sound, I prefer natural, musical and organic. Midrange is my favorite. Balance would be very nice. I prefer if it isn't too cold and analytical, but detail and clarity is definitely appreciated. Soundstage I can sacrifice if necessary. 

For bass - its preferable if it hits hard if the recording does, but doesn't seep into the midrange. I find too much punch in bass very fatiguing to listen to. Something that is clearly bass light isn't great either.

 
UM Miracle:

-Stephen Guo is a great guy, and he's done so much for me. I really want to buy them, but the fact that I have to ship back to China is a huge problem for me. I've lost $1000 when audio equipment I shipped back was confiscated. Shipping to China seems to be a no-go for me.

Westone ES5
 
-It seems like these are great IEMs, but the 124 db sensitivity looks SCARY. I fear that it can hiss with anything I use them with. However, the audiologist offering the ES5s apparently have good service backing these up, and they offer warranty through them, which is very reassuring on an expensive purchase.
 
UERM
 
-Its a bit expensive. Perhaps too analytical for me? I need musicality.
 
 
Thanks for any input.

Edit: It'd be great to save money. I was also interested in the aud-5X, but I question how much of an upgrade it is over my ES10s, unfortunately. I want a clear upgrade.
 

 

[nikp]

Take a look at JH customs. Jerry Harvey is known to make great musical IEMs.

 

[Mython]

If you're looking for good value for money, have you considered the Minerva Mi-3?
 
 
http://www.minerva-hearingprotection.co.uk/triple-driver-custom-ear-monitors.html
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/549495/minerva-mi-3-custom-iem-review-and-thoughts
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/559924/minerva-mi-3-review-3-driver-3-way-custom-iem-in-silicone
 
good customer service, fast turnaround, and might leave you with enough change to go for an HM-801..?

 

[Kanashimu]

Quote:

Take a look at JH customs. Jerry Harvey is known to make great musical IEMs.

Hrm, JH13 is just out of my reach (I honestly can't extend that far) and I'm sort of worried about anything lower than that, considering all I've read on HeadFi is praise about 13/16 :|


Quote:

If you're looking for good value for money, have you considered the Minerva Mi-3?
 
 
http://www.minerva-hearingprotection.co.uk/triple-driver-custom-ear-monitors.html
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/549495/minerva-mi-3-custom-iem-review-and-thoughts
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/559924/minerva-mi-3-review-3-driver-3-way-custom-iem-in-silicone
 
good customer service, fast turnaround, and might leave you with enough change to go for an HM-801..?

Hrm. According to Averagejoe's review, the price took a big jump. With many other IEMs on sale and coming with promo offers, I question its value.
 

 

[Tronz]

You favor the midrange frequency? Westone ES5's is your IEM.

 

[Kanashimu]

Quote:

You favor the midrange frequency? Westone ES5's is your IEM.

What about hiss though? I mean, I can potentially get another player (HM-601 atm) but I'm not quite sure whats at the same SQ level as the 601.

 

[Tronz]

Quote:

What about hiss though? I mean, I can potentially get another player (HM-601 atm) but I'm not quite sure whats at the same SQ level as the 601.

With my HM-801 and iPod Touch, there's zero audible hiss.

 

[chef8489]

I had no hiss with my es5 out of my ipod or ipod with amp.

 

[RockaRolla]

same here, my es5 has no hiss with J3 and stepdance

 

[Kanashimu]

Interesting, though I hear that the HM-601 in particular is problematic. Maybe I'll drop some Westone reps a few inquiries.

Any more opinions?

 

[Maxvla]

Finding my UERMs to be very involving in the music, what most probably mean when they say 'musical'. They are neutral and accurate, but not cold and lifeless. The treble is clean and clear, the mids are sweet and smooth, the bass is effortless and present, but not overpowering. Listening to 'bass test' tracks on youtube, these things can pound with the best, but don't cover mids or treble even with so obviously programmed tracks emphasizing bass. The soundstage is quite large, and extremely accurate. The center image I get from these is very good.

Listening to Hotel California live on Hell Freezes Over on these really transports me to the audience. It's very lifelike.

You can find my impressions of other demo customs I tried at RMAF in my signature. These include JH13, JH3a, ES5, Miracle, Merlin, and Mage.