Rings true for me, for the ones I've tested, EXCEPT I think you're analysis is kind of, well, analytical and omitting gut impressions. I find myself gravitating back to the UM2 for listening pleasure. I owned Shure 530 and had no gripes about them except that I did not want to play music...

I compared UM2 to Shure 530 over a number of days and it's just like a lot of high end audio stuff. If I compare them analytically - which sounds more detailed, extended in high end, etc., the Shure won. But when it came to sheer listening pleasure, I could not wait to get back to the...

Latest nano sounds awesome! I ripped my collection of cds twice each: 256 for smaller devices (e.g. shuffle or nano) Apple lossless for larger devices or playing via iTunes on a pc. I only use 128 for spoken items like a seminar or a book. Since I have every song in my database twice, I...

I plan to attend. What are the hours? Also, at the last event I attended, was it June 2007 in San Jose, there were vendors displaying earphones for testing. Will vendors be at this event? Thx Art

They thought they were close, and they were excited about it. They shared their excitment with us. It turns out they were wrong. Hey it happens. I am SO GRATEFUL for my UM2's that I have trouble getting up much energy to be angry at Westone. IMHO, UM2's fit more comfortably than other...

I noticed the following on the Westone Web site today. (And I apologize in advance if this has already been mentioned in this forum, which, I'm not following carefully): "Westone 3 Update - May 9, 2008 Dear Westone Customers: I would like to apologize for the delay in releasing the...

Once in a while I call or email the Westone company. The customer service staff are totally tight-lipped. They are also NOT ENCOURAGING. Words like "hope to release in 2008". My personal conclusion is that: 1. They decided to scrap the design they demonstrated at the show last June, and 2...

Ok, if we're talking deals...... earphonesolutions dot com is an authorized dealer, so warrentee is good, and last time I checked, the coupon code "SH15" will get you 15% off the Shure series. So $449 become $383, including shipping. You pay sales tax in Florida. I have no business connection...

I found that playing the SE530's via an iPod, without an external amp, the midrange seemed a tad dry. That said, they are teh best 'can's I've heard in most respects. My personal preference is for Westone UM2 over SE530, because the Westone has an uncanny naturalness to it. SE530 has more high...

What's the latest word on when to expect them? At the June show they were my favorites Art

1. Make sure you are using the Shure Black Foam tips. 2. Don't even listen to new earphones until you have run them in for several dozen hours. Just leave your player on "repeat". 3. The SE420 and SE530 are very revealing in mids and highs. They do not have the natural euphonic sound that a...

Wow, your reactions to these cans are like my reactions, but on steroids. For example, I enjoyed the 210 and 310 a lot, even that they sounded much smoother, with less treble detail especially, than the 420 and 530. I found the 420 and 530 in a completely different class and like you, I felt the...

1. I have Mylar X3 and XB - these are great values IMO and for most people, probably all they would ever need or want. I find the Shure SE series and the Westone's to be noticably more refined in sound. Mylar have coolest look IMO :-) 2. I tested SE210, 310, 420 and 530 at the San Jose show...

I heard the SE 420 at the San Jose show and thought they were outstanding. You might prefer them over the SE 530 if you find the 530 a bit bass heavy. Both of these Shures had a lot of treble detail, seemed linear and musical, with good bass detail. I'm pretty happy with my UM2's, but the UM2's...

I've been worried about the X3 being over-hyped. Most people don't want to spend even $100 on a pair of earphones for their ipod and for them, the X3 strikes me as an amazing deal. It is very balanced and relatively refined for the price, and a staggering upgrade over the stock earbuds. They...

M2 and M3 serve different purposes. M2 is bassey, awesome for rock and roll on the treadmill. Not so awesome for regular listening to natural music, like classical, jazz, voice, IMHO. M3 has a very natural balance, nicely detailed, and the bass is not emphasized. UM1 is, to my ear, slightly...

UM2's are among the best. Very refined and very profound bass, not quite as detailed in the high end as the Shure 420 and 530. There is a new model Westone 3 (NOT UM3) due soon that will be a little more linear and detailed in the highs, probably a little more shallow bass, but roughly $100...

I picked up the Mylar MB and Mylar M3 at the recent San Jose show and I have a lot of experience now with both. (now renamed XB and X3 I surmise). Actually it was at the show that "Uncle Wilson" first seemed to decide to rename the bass-heavy ones MB instead of M2. Anyway, to my ear they are...

Black foamies rule!

Both. Sorry. I need a killer pair for critical listening, like on the airplane or coffeehouse. I need a cheaper pair to keep in my gym bag for rock and roll during workout. I say: Get what you need to match the application.

MB (M2?): I continue to find the Crossroads Mylar MB (M2?) excellent for the gym, due to deep bass bias is really nice and dynamic for rock. Also my younger nephew who loves rap music and rarely is happy with any earphones seems very happy with the MB. His other favorite is the V-Moda Vibe...

Uncle Wilson, do you read these? If yes, I like your idea of renaming the M2 the MB, since it's a little bass-heavy and the name should communicate that. I encourage you to import both the M3 and the MB since they are for slightly different audiences. My nephew loves his MB and he plays mostly...

I don't think that the E500 comes with the black foamies. The new version of the E500 (simply repackaged as SE530) does come with them, as I understand. Personally I am blown away by the black foamies, finding them far and away the best for comfort, and the sound is fine as far as I can tell...

At the headfi show in San Jose, I tried a variety of the very small portable headphone amps with my nano and shuffle, and found there was modest improvement with any of the headphones I was using (Shure, UE, Westone or Crossroads). This surprised me. Often I found it was a tradeoff e.g. a little...

One full day is possible but tough, and kind of a chore. I'd recommend going on two of the three days, at least. You know, if you find one system that you really like, and want to get to know, that can easily be an hour right there. There are 100 rooms. A handful of the rooms end up with...