I've heard a number of you here talking about the various Shure tips and how they are the best thing since sliced bread. I thought I'd give them a shot because between the hard silicone(clear tips) & the complys I'm stuck between comfort and proper isolation. What do you guys recommend and how...

Quote: So if I am understanding this right - my original train of thought is along the right lines? The only thing I am going to get out of a UE 11 vs a 1964Q is going to be marginal or at best, a matter of personal preference in that certain people maybe in fact appreciate the sound...

This may be a really stupid and novice question. But what is, essentially, the difference between the UE11 & 1964-Q that justifies more than double the pricetag. I mean if it is one of those things like buying a off brand vs brand handbag or other article of clothing - then that's fine I...

Really...no replies? Bump.

For those of you who have been following my other thread - you are probably going to think I am some sort of a maniac, as I just got my Westone 4s yesterday and here I am already talking about customs. But I figure that I am ready to make this move within the next 1-2 months. At this time, I...

Thanks for the congrats everyone - Day 2 so far, so good! Sounding better and better as we progress so far!   Quote:   Thanks for the tip! They def did open up a lot after the first hour, so I agree with your point completely. Probably my brain getting used to them :-)     PS...

Okay - so after checking and re-checking the delivery status like a obsessed little child - I was very recently just connected with my Westone 4s   I've only been playing around with them for about an hour so far.....but I figured I didn't want to make you guys wait - and I will give some...

Quote: Thank you! This is an excellent resource!   Quote: I guess quality is generally better than quantity - I don't want the sound to feel like it is "forced' if you catch my drift. I am wondering, if I really end up liking the sound of the W4s and want to increase...

Quote: Again, I am amazed at the poor offerings in what some consider the best city in the world...I've been told I cannot come in and try earphones even if they do have them -- I mean these people really expect to sell $450 IEMs to the general public without offering a demo? Health...

I know I created another thread and all....I figured I'd just update this one also in case anyone comes wandering through....   So after all the consideration, I just ordered the Westone 4   At the end of the day, it came down a toss up between the W4 and the SM3, and it seems like...

Well, I went ahead and placed an order for the Westone 4s   I mean, it got down to the point where it was really a toss up between these and the SM3s. It almost seems like either way I might have been okay - but I guess time will tell. Hopefully I like the sound signature of these the...

I know i should probably have a better handle of this, but can you elaborate on what you mean when you say more airy? Do you mean wider soundstage? It seems like it is almost a 50/50 toss up between these two. Yes the SM3 is a bit cheaper, but i am still concerned over the fitment issues and...

I am still perplexed....my poll is exactly 50/50....ohh man. I am scouring the net for W4 deals....if you guys know any please feed them my way. I am leaning to the W4 to be honest....I just don't want to deal w/ RMA issues with a overseas company :-(

Quote: Another thing pushing me to the W4 - is the build quality (or lack thereof) on the SM3. I've heard reports of the casing falling apart, the cable's Y-Connector being too short and getting in the way of active use....and being that the company is based in France - I don't want to...

Quote: So let me see if I have this correct. Becuase I am really trying to make a decision today - I am wasting soooo much **** time with all this!   Your preference = SM3 > Westone 4    But UM3X > SM3   So you also prefer UM3X > W4 ??   Every time I try to make a...

Quote: Agreed. I do need to find a shop that will allow me to audition them. Unfortunately, I cannot, despite being in NYC - how crazy is that?? Most places I've called up must think I am trying to pull a fast one on them and not interested in purchasing the IEM or who knows what. Most...

Quote:   I'm noticing a trend here....you consistently give good advice, and seem to really know your stuff. I do agree with you, I mean I am a huge technology snob, so I know there will always be newer and better things out there. I think I'm on my 3rd smartphone in the last 12...

PS: I do want to go to Custom IEMs at SOME POINT, don't know when. Could be later this year, or in 2 years.....but I am TINKERING with the idea of the UE4, since it's in the same price range. So if you really want, you can help me compare that against the last 2 choices. Just as a Side Note...

Side Note, I have another thread which I created a few days ago, and it's got a lot of information in it if anyone feels like getting more detail. But for sake of simplicity, I am going to go ahead and ask in this new thread since I've searched and I haven't really found a good comparison of...

Quote: I just noticed earlier today that B&H carries them for $449. Do you know if they also demo the IEMs there before you buy them? I've demoed some IEMs at J&R, but they don't carry any Westone products.         Also, I've been doing some more research online, and I am...

  Ohh man!! I swear since I have come to Head-Fi, I've found so many more choices that I did not even know existed- I guess thanks to all of you for the recommendations. I have been doing a lot of online research to see which one really fits the bill for me, so here is what I've narrowed...

Quote: Hey, Townyj - Sorry! I did not overlook your post...I did follow the link and check out your recommendation. To be honest I already feel like I am so overwhelmed at this point with all the IEM selections I have on my plate. I thought I'd sift through those first, and then take...

@mvw2 - Thanks for your very carefully crafted response. It is a big help!   I guess I can go ahead and scratch the 535s off my list then. As it is, I thought that $500 is an excessive price tag, especially considering I feel I can get so many other options within the same price range. I...

Okay, let me ask a question so I can get a better feel. I understand what you mean when you say they lack the lower end bass....that is totally fine. But now on the 425s what do you mean when you say Shure it trying to keep their people happy that liek their sound signature the way it is. I...

I think I will have to decide on a pair of phones first, and then the tips I am sure I can decide afterwards. Where would you say is the best place to order the W4s, directly from Westone? Seems it's hard to get them anywhere else....also I noticed these don't have a removable cable like the UM3XRCs