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Originally Posted by KLS /img/forum/go_quote.gif
I have read many people saying the jump from a $100 universal IEM to a $300 top tier IEM is not as big as compared to the jump from a top-tier universal IEM to a great custom. In my opinion, to my ears, SM3 has its very own unique sound signature (of all IEMs I own, IE8 is the closest in sound signature, but not the same), and find that your decription on SM3's presentation now make sense to me.
IEMs which are entitled 'top tier' have their own strengths. If I want analytical and very detailed sound I'd go for CK10. Beautiful female vocal, e-Q7 (don't know why, I just love female vocal on e-Q7). IE8 for some emotional moments. TF10, currently in their silver case. SM3, a perfect pair of IEMs for my bedtime listening, and I precious this moment the most
Is SM3 a step up above the others? Hard question for a pair of untrained ears... Again every top tier IEMs has their very own sound signature and strengths, and it just happen to me that I prefer SM3 more and they perform well for my music taste. Not everthing is perfect, imperfection makes part of the beauty too, but SM3 just minimizes those imperfection to a tolerable level compared to other IEMs I have.
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I actually do think this is a fairly big jump from the others in at least one aspect, if not more. For example, while the width of the SM3 and IE8 is similar, the SM3 is much more 3D than the IE8 and has better clarity, instrument separation, and detail. CK10 images very well and is close in that (and offers better clarity), but the space is smaller and the bass, while not bad to my ears, if very lean in comparison without the proper reverb.
If I had to rank them I would put the e-Q7 in 2nd behind the SM3. And just when I think the transparency is better with the e-Q7 than the SM3 and A/B, it really isn't, they both have problems
The other top-tiers are still very good, but the SM3 is also what I prefer! But I also think that the better overall technical presentation and lack of perceived weaknesses (to me) of the SM3 makes them a cut above the rest.
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Comments based on stock tips |
I think a better fit will = that you are more impressed. I am most impressed with the triple flange and Ety Glider tips, which add something the shallower insertion foam tips don't. Althouth I do like the shallower insertion gel supertips.
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Originally Posted by soozieq /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Well, I think there's always some 'brain' adjustment to the different sound signature of a new phone, and I've never heard of BA's needing any kind of dramatic burn in.
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Originally Posted by MayaTlab /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Accordingly I read that balanced armatures don't burn in. So could it be both the cable and crossover ?
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I agree there with some brain burn in, but not that your brain will completely change the sound signature of an IEM (from overly warm and source dependent to amazingly balanced). And how much brain burn in could someone's brain have if they listened for 5-10 minutes a week ago and again yesterday, as happened with my coworker?
I would go with what MayaTlab said!
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Originally Posted by KLS /img/forum/go_quote.gif
I got a reply from Franck (have his permission to post this reply)
My second question:
By the way, is SM3 designed with stage monitoring in mind?
Franck's reply:
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Not really, our politic is to manufacture in-ears who reproduce the source with the maximum of fidelity. What you heard is what have been recorded (the original MIx)So, for us it's as important for stage use as audiophile listening..
sincerely,Franck Lopez. |
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Thanks for sharing. Franck's response seems to be spot on and what makes these sound so good to me!