Sensaphonics has some mp3s that users are supposed to use to hear if they have a good seal or not: Sensaphonics / Seal Test

Do IEMs need an amp? In general, no. IEMs are high efficiency devices derived from technologies used in the hearing aid industry. If you have a crappy amplifier or crappy source, expect to hear hiss. The Etymotic ER4S has a sensitivity of about 100 dB/mW. All custom IEMs are more sensitive...

Quote: Originally Posted by SteveM324 I was thinking of getting the Ue-10's as an upgrade to my Ety 4P's until I read this quote. If the Ue-10's are anything like the HD650's then they are off my list. I've owned the 650's for 2 years and they are currently the least favorite of the...

Quote: Originally Posted by backbaychef To this end I have come to you. Are the UE-10s what I want? I want: -something that will be comparable with the 650s -something that will work with my total bithead amp (the UE-5's gave a hiss when attached directly to the amp, and with the...

Quote: Originally Posted by ChicagoPhil When the impedance switch is in the down position, with the UEs plugged in but no source connected, I get a faint hiss/noise. It gets slightly louder as the volume control is increased. When I switch the impedance switch to the up position, it goes...

Quote: Originally Posted by d_wilson Here is a link to information on how we measure accuracy. http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/er4-hwmra.aspx Don Wilson Etymotic Research How do you define the target response? Presumably, the loudspeaker that you use to measure the response at...

Quote: Originally Posted by d_wilson Do you need a dual driver IEM, or did some marketing genius convince you that two drivers are better than one? The arguement for multiple drivers holds water when there are physical limitations to filling a large room with sound, and not a 1.4cc...

Quote: Originally Posted by viper32 I was wondering if some of you out there that own a Headroom Micro amp. If you have a high noise floor (hiss) or what you would call excessive with IEM's. I was using mine with the UE5c's last night and with no source connected and the volume all...

Quote: Originally Posted by TheSloth I still suggest you e-mail jamey... with an impedence of 100 ohms, there shouldn't be any audible hiss generated by the amp. Please tell us what power source you are using, and if it makes a difference switching from the brick to batteries and vice...

Quote: Originally Posted by jamey The suggestions to switch to the low gain setting are right on the money. If you're still hearing some noise, send me an e-mail. jamey@headphone.com I'm using the low gain setting. The hiss is very subtle---I can tell when the amplifier is on or...

I just noticed this, but with my Headroom Micro Amp (with the desktop module) and the ER4S, there's a little hiss. Has anybody else experienced this? I noticed it when I was in a quiet room.

Quote: Originally Posted by LBC I just received my UE-10's on Friday. Besides being overjoyed with the sound, I had this weird problem: after listening for not too long a time, I got a dull headache and mild stomach discomfort. When I first got my UE10's I also felt a bit seasick...

Quote: Originally Posted by CaptainChet Hi All, However, I do feel some new pressures on my ears that I never had before. I did wear them for a few hours straight and was not in any 'pain' per se, just not all that comfortable. Also, I'm not 100% sure I'm getting the total...

Quote: Originally Posted by msflsim Sorry if this has been discussed before, but im curious as to how long you use your pair of foam sleeves before you throw them away and start using a new pair? This goes for all IEM's that come with the foam fitting option. Also which is the best...

Quote: Originally Posted by jjcha Isn't sensitivity more relevant? The E5c are more sensitive and louder than any other canalphone or headphone I've used. I listen quite loud, and most of the time my Shure E5c was at 50% volume from my iPod. Much more and it's earbleeding levels. Best...