Thank you UE for supplying these review sample and Snugs for the excellent 3D scanned ear impressions.

Intro



Never before I have struggled so much to describe a pair of headphones, describing the Ultimate Ears Reference Remastered (UERR) custom in-ear monitor is like trying to describe a bottle of spring water water connoisseurs feel free to grill me on this. It’s natural, flowing and does not impart a distinct flavour to the sound. The UERR shows that driver counts should not be the deciding factor of getting a pair of CIEM.
For those who are looking for a pair of clear and natural sounding CIEM that is often over looked and want a real solid performer at the 1k USD mark, the UERR is well worth looking into.

Sound

Transparent, separation and resolution are what the most apparent character when first listening to the UERR. Unlike some detail orientated headphone, the UERR maintain the impressive detail presentation without reverting to boosting the treble.
The UERR does improve with a good source and shines with good recording.

Mids (9.5/10):
To my ears, the vocal of the UERR is the strongest strength of the rather rounded package. Vocal sounds extremely realistic and never drown out by the bass or treble.
Unlike my FitEar MH334, which sweeten and smooth out the vocal, the UERR doesn’t impart any extra flavour the sound but is extremely resolving in the midrange and have one of the most breathtaking vocals that I have heard from a pair of IEM.

Lows (8/10):
This is where opinions can divides. The bass of the UERR extends well, have surprisingly good texture and is lightning fast. However it does not slam anywhere as hard as the competition at the price range. It’s not unlike bass presentation of electrostatic headphones but the slam on the UERR is noticeably lower when stacked up to other in ears, especially when played at a low volume.
The predecessor of the UERR, the UERM have issues lacking in bass, especially outdoors.
The UERR have enough bass to not sound thin and bright in noisy situations but if big bass impact is vital, look elsewhere.

Highs (9/10):
The highs just simply extends and flow, it never shows harshness unless it is already apparent in the source recording. It is unlike the brighter predecessor UERM where the bright treble can be a bit too hot,
If you liked the overall sound of the UERM but the hot treble of the UERM made you looked elsewhere, the UERR should be on your list.

Soundstage (8.5/10):
Another highlight for me, the UERR have a relatively good soundstage depth forward and wide soundstage width for an IEM. It sounds precise and has enough depth to project sound in front, instead of an in-the-head sensation.

Packaging & Storage

Storage with the supplied “hockey puck” case is secure and classy, due to the metal construction it is a relatively heavy case and doesn’t comes with latches but uses an O-Ring to secure the top.

Fit & Isolation

The UERR have great long term comfort and typical isolation for a custom in-ear monitor.
The UERR unit I received is very well fitted. It is shallower fit and overall less tight than my FitEar customs, the looser fitting helps with maintaining a good seal when there is extreme jaw movement. In fact, I wasn’t able to break seal when fitted correctly.
However, the hollow shell on the UERR along with the looser fit does means that while the noise isolation level is higher than most universal in-ears, the isolation is inferior when compared to a fully filled CIEM or silicon CIEM.
Quirks?

Here are some of the characters/features that only might not be apparent in a short demo.
Source scaling (recording to source gear)

The UERR is not a flattering CIEM by any measures. To hear it at its best will require decent recording and capable source gear. I found the UERR sounded best out of the RNHP headphone amp connected to the Chord Mojo acting as a DAC, listening at moderate volume.
It’s not like the UERR will just fall apart when the user’s intention is to just use a smartphone and only really listen to poorer recordings. The transparent character will still shine through but compared to other IEMs that are tuned with a more flattering sound signature will perform better in this usage case.

Small diameter sound bores

Here is a topic that cannot be avoided if you wanted your CIEM to be in top notch condition, cleaning and maintaining!
I personally have easy to clean dry ear wax and not much of it, cleaning is a breeze but do note that 2 of the sound bores are very narrow in the UERR, care must be taken to keep it clean at all times.
The included cleaning kit (wire end) can only fit the largest of the 3 bores and the smaller bores will need to be cleaned out by the included brush instead of the wire tool.

Long listening sessions

As mentioned earlier, the UERR is still a very source dependent IEM compared to other IEMs tuned purely for music enjoyment. The blood of a professional mastering tool stills very much so flows within the UERR.
I found that if listening to well recorded music, the revealing character of the IEM is not an issue but adds a welcoming layer to the listening experience. I can hear details that were not revealed to me before, it is a pleasant experience throughout and it is when the UERR certainly shine the brightest.
However when listening to poorly recorded music, especially when straight out my phone, music sound less dynamic that most consumer focused IEM and flaws are ruthlessly ever so present. Depends on the quality of the recording and the playback chain, it can be a bit tiring to listening to for a long period of time on poor recording. A smooth and mellow IEM will be a better choice in this saturation, if minimal harshness with poor recording is a must.

Similar sounding system

UERR sounds detailed without the typical treble boost that a lot of the more detail oriented headphones tends to exhibit.

Here are some full size headphones that I think that sounds similar:

• STAX systems, quite a similar presentation to the Lambda.
• Sennheiser HD800S

Summery

The UERR is like a blank canvas, it relies solely on the music that is being played to bring out the colour and will shine brightest when quality recording is played through it. It also scales decently with source components but doesn’t sound bad when played straight out of a smartphone.

At just under $1000USD, it provides excellent value in the current market of CIEM, providing transparency and resolution are what really matters to your listening. UERR shows that getting good sound is not at all about chasing numbers!

Equipment

UERR
FitEar MH334
STAX SR404LE
Fostex TH-X00 Purpleheart
Audio Technica W3000ANV
Audio Technica AD1000PRM

Chord Mojo (Optical In or USB in with UAPP)
Neve RNHP with linear power supply
STAX SRM-727A

One of my regret back in 2012 was not being able to secure a pair of W3000ANV when it launched. Luckily I was able to pick up a second hand pair in excellent condition lately.

W3000ANV is one of the many products Audio Technica made in celebration of its 50th Anniversary. Limited to only 2000 pieces worldwide.

Equipment used and listening preference

Source: Asus Xonar Essence ST (3 X LME49720HA)

Headphone amps: Clarity III SE, STAX SRM-727A

Interconnect cable: Zonotone 6NAC-3000 Meister

Headphones:
Audio Technica ATH-AD1000PRM
Audio Techinca ATH-A2000X
Audio Techinca ATH-W3000ANV
STAX SR-404 Signature with SR-507 earpads
Sony MDR-SA5000
FitEar MH334 CIEM

Listened at low to medium volume (mostly low)

Build quality



Audio Technica is making a statement here and they are putting all their effort in it. Totally out of the world build quality with exquisite natural material and sheer craftsmanship. The W3000ANV will not look out of place in an art exhibition.

The lush traditional Japanese Echizen lacquer-finished Hokkaido Asada cherry heartwood ear cups proudly displays the heritage of the county of origin. I have heard the cultivation of cherry wood is strictly limited, making it the only Audio Technica headphone that is using this rare wood since the last W1000 rolled out the production line. Pictures simply do not do justice to ever changing finish.

The attention to detail does not stop there. The ear pads are handcrafted from Spanish lambskin leather, the frame from magnesium, the dual entry 7N headphone cord braided with none other than 100% silk. All of that is finished off with the 6.3mm jack with matching wood inlay and the “Made in Japan” mark.

I can go on and on about the unrivalled build quality of this headphone. I must say, this is a near perfect blend of precision engineering available in large corporations and traditional craftsmanship that Japan is very proud of themselves.

Fit and comfort
The “hit or miss” fit of the newer Audio Technica headphones is still present in the W3000ANV.

It can be difficult to get a perfect seal without any adjustment, at least for me that mean I have to manually bend the headband to fit my head shape and adding a hairband to increase tension on the 3D-wing system, which I fit a bit too weak and making the headphones slide down over time.

That being said so; the fit without any adjustment is one of the best from the new line up. I do not have to resort to extreme yoga bending that my A2000X have to go through being getting an acceptable seal and the earcup is of a good size and depth to comfortably accommodate my ears.

However, for the faint hearted, forcefully bending the headband to shape in a headphone as expensive and rare might be a bit too much to take.

Overall sound impression
So how does it sound?
Well extended treble that does not sound harsh, deep bass that slams quite well, signature forward and lush mids, medium sized soundstage with good position definition, and excellent texture across the whole frequency range. Overall a mid centric, slightly warm and thick headphone, but have lightning quick response while still has a thick bass decay.

Throwing statements like “most accurate representation of recording”, “technically superior”, “best THD measurement” totally out the window. Instead of trying to be technically correct, Audio Technica focused on creating a headphone simply for the sake of music enjoyment.

I have not been wowed by a pair of headphones for a long time, the W3000ANV did it for me. Even after hearing “technically superior” headphones like SR-009, LCD-X, I found the sheer musicality of the W3000ANV even more spectacular than superior technical ability of other modern flagship headphones.

It is very accommodating in terms of recording quality and music type. From high quality audiophile recordings to low dynamic range modern pop; the W3000ANV never sounded harsh even on the worst recordings. Anything thrown at it you are getting an inviting and musical experience, with many of the modern flagships, it is simply not possible when they are presenting the cold hard truth back.

The W3000ANV is not any world beater if you take apart individual component of sound and start comparing. That is not what this headphone is about, if you are after an inviting and non-fatiguing musical presentation, the W3000ANV excels at making any music enjoyable. If you are looking for another audio microscope or for use in music production, look elsewhere.

Conclusion
Headphone designed from ground up for music enjoyment, while not lacking in technical abilities, it is not a winner in that department.

A speedy headphone while unusually having an enjoyable thick bass decay. Detail is at least on-par with other headphone in this price range; you won’t feel like you are missing much listening to it.

Excel for long listening session with the inviting and non-fatiguing sound, it is very involving headphone, yet being relaxing at the same time.

I guess I have to use the dreaded terms, Lush , Euphonic and PRaT.

For those are familiar with the FitEar MH334, it have a similar signature. The W3000ANV is less warm tilted than the MH334 and have more treble presence too.

Recommendation
Unlike AD1000PRM, AD2000, the mid coloration on the W3000ANV makes it suitable for both male and female vocal.

Great for vocal and long low volume listening sessions, natural instruments. Woodwind sounds exquisite on this.

I found my other headphones which have a faster bass presentation more suitable for electronics music.

Source: iPod Touch 3G ALAC filled
Amp: iBasso D12
 

 
 
Overall sound impression:
As somewhat a treble head and one that crave for mid-range, I have always found getting suitable portable headphones rather difficult. Most are either flat out studio headphones unsuitable for portable use or simply more that I am willing to pay for a pair of portable. Aside from the ES series from Audio Technica and Ed8 from Ultrasone, the portable line up for audiophile has always been rather thin and sparse. Sennheisser bought me hope when they announced the Amperior but the price difference from HD25 left me wanting for more.
 
I got to try out the Momentum a few days after launch and was convinced that I was what I had waited for years, something with sound quality and (socially acceptable) style, I think DT150 is stylish after all.
 
It was until the MDR-1R show up, it really did strike me in a way that the Momentum never did, in both the stunning looks and the comfort.  If I say the sound quality is as good as great home headphones, I will be just lying. It isn’t, and neither is the Momentum. However the sweet mids did strike me, as not many portable headphones tend to have this quality. 1R has this electrostatic like smoothness all across the frequency range that some thought it is not detailed due to that.
 
Momentum on the other hand impressed me with its deep and rich bass, it wasn’t over the top. In fact, the bass emphasis makes it the ideal choice for usage out in the streets. It has good isolation and comes with a very flexible (very thin) cable. I believe this headphone will be the ideal one for more audience than the 1R, with its well textured bass and non-offensive sound signature.
 
 
Build and comfort:
MDR-1R is one of the most comfortable headphones I have ever wore, including various giants like SR-009, TH900. Just that factor alone have made me love the headphones even more. MDR-1R is mostly a plastic build with the centre section made from metal. If only it used natural sheep skin leather, it will be full marks on comfort for sure.
 
Momentum is equally well built with even better material. It does subtract from the comfort by using a more “stylish” steel headband with thinly padded leather, lack of clicker extender and small earcups. The sheepskin leather is one of the best done leather pad however, very supple indeed.
 
Both headphones fits well enough to not move around on the move, even with long hair.
 
However both headphones have concerns somewhat related to the cables
 
MDR-1R users, including me have reported loose cable connective at the headphone end, it is only secured by the 3.5mm jack’s friction and grip. Cable can rattle against the outer casing on the headband or spin. Causes noise when moving.
 
Crude fix: http://www.head-fi.org/t/640127/
 
Momentum have extremely thin cable that doesn’t feel well built at all, there is some springiness when stretched, which is never a good sign.
 

 
Using both standard, non phone cable as comparison. The Momentum's cable is noticeable thinner and lack of good strain relieve.
 
 
 
In very short...
 
MDR-1R: Great vocal performance, especially female vocal. Relaxed, smooth presentation with good speed.  More open sounding of the two.
 
Momentum: Typical slightly U shaped sound, deep and well textured bass. Somewhat narrow and focused sound stage.
 
 
Who should give MDR-1R a try:
Female vocal lovers, who is into slower more mellow music, listening in quiet locations
 
Who should give Momentum a try:
Who wanted good bass performance, wanting a more exciting experience, listening out in the streets
 
 
I can’t recommend both headphones more myself, just that my personal choice favour the MDR-1R, the Momentum is great as well if you prefer that type of sound.
 
Well priced, good sound, good looks, it is what I have been looking for in portable for years, good job Sony and Senny.