[XENOPHOS]

I have around a $350 budget for headphones and is the UM2 $100 better than the either the super fi 5 pros or the e4c? I've heard alot of good stuff about the UM2's but with that extra $100 I could buy like an ms-1 or something else

 

[Indygreg]

Cannot speak to e4.

IMHO, I preferred the SF.5 to the UM2 in terms of sound quality. It is more consistant (nearly every song sounds great) and I think it is brighter. I also think it sounds better at lower volumes.
The UM2 has a similar sound, but I think it needs to go a bit louder (not like over the top loud or anything) to really shine. Some songs just sound poor on them as well, right after a great sounding song - same source and not touching the headphones.

So the cheaper SF.5 sounds better . . . sounds like an easy choice, right?

Well, the other important factor is comfort and seal. The UM2 is a much much more comfortable IEM than the SF.5. It is very easy to get and keep a seal if you have all the Shure sleeves to try. It is very small and does not stick out. The SF.5 sticks out a bunch and for some (maybe many) it is tough to keep a seal. I always had to fiddle with mine and it drove me nuts. Had I decided to stay with a universal IEM, the UM2 would have been it based on all the factors.

That said, you can find a used pair of SF.5 for probably less than $100 . . . and get that money back out if they do not fit you.

 

[XENOPHOS]

what about the UM1? i've read some places that the UM2 isn't worth $200 more than the UM1 but how does the UM1 compare to the $180 shures and UE

 

[Superpredator]

Quote:

Originally Posted by XENOPHOS /img/forum/go_quote.gif what about the UM1? i've read some places that the UM2 isn't worth $200 more than the UM1 but how does the UM1 compare to the $180 shures and UE

From the limited time I had with the UM1, the UM2 is worth at least $100 more. Find a used pair and spend $220-$240 (I think).

I love the UM2 paired with my SuperMacro, but I might be inclined to look for a different pair of IEMs if I planned to pair them with a (seemingly) 'punchier' amp like the Tomahawk.

 

[wakeride74]

I've owned all three and I'd take the UM2 without looking back... easy call!

 

[mrdeadfolx]

I've tried the E4 and own the 5 Pro's, and have a set of UM2's on the way. I'll try them when they get here and let you know my opinion in this thread.

 

[nickknutson]

UM2! UM2! UM2! UM2!
The UM2's are THE most comfortable earphone I've ever owned...with comply tips anyway.

FYI
Also, Shure SE530's can be had for $335 on ebay right now.

 

[mrdeadfolx]

Just got the UM2's, and am now a FIRM believer. From an owner of both the 5 Pro's and the UM2's, its the Westones all the way baby.

 

[MaloS]

I take UM2 over er4s and e500...if that helps. Without looking back too, just love the percussion hits on um2.

 

[norseman8485]

From a short listen of the um2, I found it a tad too muddy for my liking. It would be nice if it had a bit more top end. Maybe I'm just not used to the bass coming from my um1.

 

[_M2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by norseman8485 /img/forum/go_quote.gif From a short listen of the um2, I found it a tad too muddy for my liking. It would be nice if it had a bit more top end. Maybe I'm just not used to the bass coming from my um1.

have you tried this mod?

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showth...&highlight=um1

hows the sq after the mod, since i dont have the um2s though?

 

[norseman8485]

I auditioned them at a shop so, no. But anyway, the larger canalphone tips don't fit my ears too well; I'd rather have small barrel IEMs that go deep.

 

[bonethugz]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Indygreg /img/forum/go_quote.gif Cannot speak to e4. IMHO, I preferred the SF.5 to the UM2 in terms of sound quality. It is more consistant (nearly every song sounds great) and I think it is brighter. I also think it sounds better at lower volumes. The UM2 has a similar sound, but I think it needs to go a bit louder (not like over the top loud or anything) to really shine. Some songs just sound poor on them as well, right after a great sounding song - same source and not touching the headphones. So the cheaper SF.5 sounds better . . . sounds like an easy choice, right? Well, the other important factor is comfort and seal. The UM2 is a much much more comfortable IEM than the SF.5. It is very easy to get and keep a seal if you have all the Shure sleeves to try. It is very small and does not stick out. The SF.5 sticks out a bunch and for some (maybe many) it is tough to keep a seal. I always had to fiddle with mine and it drove me nuts. Had I decided to stay with a universal IEM, the UM2 would have been it based on all the factors. That said, you can find a used pair of SF.5 for probably less than $100 . . . and get that money back out if they do not fit you.

hey, so far you're the odd one, but that's before i read this. i really feel the same. i guess this is probably come down to personal taste too. i just got the um2 for 2 months. and i don't like um2 at all. not detail as ety, and not as musical as ue. i guess i may even perfer metro fi or er6 to um2.