This is my first post here, I participate in other audio/video enthusiast communities. I haven't completed a profile yet but will do so.
Before posting, I've used 'search this forum' and read every word comparing PM3 to Sine in this thread. After many years only using only OEM buds with iphone I recently purchased two different BT wireless on-ear headphones to test drive the basic feeling. I wear glasses and a small stud type earring in one ear. One pair of the BT phones I cannot wear even without glasses for more than an hour. It never really gets comfy. However, they don't have 'microphonics' or 'bone conduction' issues for me. Now on the other hand, I CAN wear 2nd pair, some S*l Republics for extended periods but I'm aware they are there. And these I DO have microphonics and bone conduction feedback with. If I walk with them each step creates a vibration boomlet in the ear cups. I find adjusting it and if at least a little 'air' is allowed in, that reduces the effect. I've read up on that, and it seems it's more common with IEMS, but it does happen with cans as well. So it's good info to know. So I'm one of those people who may be more prone, or it's the headset, or both. In every other respect S*l Republics surpassed expectations. Seamless iOS integration. I stream via sp*tify subscription and listen to my own tunes from iPhone. I plan to make use of the 30 day Tid*l free trial when I make up my mind.
I have read so many reviews of Sine and PM3. I live in NYC and even here I think it's still impossible to demo both PM3 and Sine simultaneously in one retail location. Even if you could, for an hour, that's not the same environment I'd be enjoying them in. The cool thing is in NYC there are lots of Apple stores which have Sine's available for same day pick-up. Which means they're physically in store. Even if I can get them on my head before purchasing, I'm not sure that's 'let me walk around for an hour in them' without paying. I'm going to call around and ask the various stores if they have a demo unit. For a pair of phones at this price, 'on ear,' it's really important to know fit factor. I knew pretty quickly which pair of the 'test' models I got to play with a bit didn't fit right away. And I know it can take a little while for headphones to 'mold' a bit to your shape. And I also always have the option of buying them, and if they aren't comfy, returning them. The cipher lightning cable/DAC appeals to me re: not purchasing a separate DAC. At least not right away. On the other hand I do wish the Sines only had one cup cabled, not both. For me that seems like a lot of extra cabling with the Sines! The PM3s are wired on one side, not both.
So I have these three questions for more feedback please. I do know which thread I'm in - but -
1) reading what many of you have said, PM3s does seem to be consensus pair for "more comfortable" for extended listening. Comfort is a practical thing for me and I don't go out walking without my glasses on. Can anyone with glasses or not, comment on which is more comfortable?
2) Has anyone else experienced microphonic / bone conduction issues with other headphones and can comment on whether PM3 or Sines more or less likely to produce this effect?
3) My home stereo system took a long time to put together, but finally includes Klipsch reference speakers. One comment in this thread described M3's having a "wall of sound" signature, and that's exactly how I'd describe Klipsch The thing is I don't use my home stereo in the living room if I want to listen to music in my bedroom, or in the backyard. I'm totally over the little bluetooth portable speaker solution - lame. That's where the nicer headphones come in. So if I'm looking for a similar sound profile in my first set of 'nicer' headphones, where 'comfort' and 'fit' are very high priorities - and I like the Klipsch "wall of sound" signature, which ones will best meet needs?
I understand this is asking a lot in one product, but I'm curious what ya'll have to say. I don't think there's much stock of 'refurb' Sine's but sometimes there are refurbed PM3s - and then we're talking a very significant 'discount' to give Planar design a try. I need to verify even refurbed' PM3s get a 30 day return window, but just can't make up my mind yet.
Thanks in advance for any replies.
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