[UPDATE 2/27/2017]:
So here's the update. Still sounds great. However, for various reasons (i.e. QC issues, fit issues, mmcx connector issues, dual-bore feature not done correctly, inconsistent techs finishing the IEM in different ways (e.g. rounded corners vs. sharp edge corners), and inconsistent transition of material from flex material and acrylic), I've had to return these monitors around 8 times already! 8 TIMES! They've been at the shop for more time than I have actually used them on stage! That's unbelievable!
I'm glad they spend the time to be very apologetic about these inconveniences. I just don't have all the time in the world to be packing, traveling, shipping, and waiting every single time just to find out that a few weeks later, there's going to be another problem with them. I have a couple of other pairs of custom IEMs and have not had to return them not even once (UEs and JHAs).
I know Westone has a good reputation. But I really must have just gotten the lemon on this one. Either that, or their techs just don't care about quality. I'm hoping it's the former.
This last incident, I just got my monitors back from a warranty repair of faulty mmcx connectors and I open the package and find that the faceplate has a crack right down the middle. Should this be the type of quality to expect from a $1000+ pair of custom IEMs?
I do stand with my previous statement that these are some of the best CIEMs I've heard. Though only ever so slightly better than my JHAs (I bought their most inexpensive model at the time). My UEs fit the best, at the time. Then my ears have changed which is why I bought these Westones.
I have the Westone AC-20s as well which I use mainly for working out and those have been fine. But just to be safe, I will probably avoid Westone going forward.
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[Original Review]
I feel that because there are newer, flashier companies now making custom IEMs, people tend to forget the grandfather company that may have started the trend to the popularity of CIEMs. With that said, I only really have the UE CIEMs from 10 years ago to really compare these to. I can say, without a doubt that the sound and comfort level are much better on the Westone ES60s. But that doesn't say much as the UEs only have 2 drivers in each ear versus my new ones which have 6 drivers in each ear. So that's not really a fair fight.
Where the big difference is in the fit. Though I admit that it took several tries of sending these IEMs back and forth just to get the fit right, I'm glad I sent them back as much as a did (including getting a re-mold of my left ear) because now they fit perfectly. It did cost a lot to send these back and forth. Where the Westones become really comfortable is that the ear canal portion of the IEMs have a flexcanal material. The canal portion becomes softer once your body heat heats it up and it makes for a very comfortable fit.
Isolation is great. Design is great. Highs are slightly tapered which makes for a more relaxed sound which is what I like so that works out. Lows are prominent but not overpowering. Although, I bought these for casual listening, I think the sound is flat enough to suffice as being reference monitors.
My next IEMs will most likely be a company located closer to home though (San Francisco) as sending the package back and forth proved to be way too annoying.
Again, the sound is great on these but customer service can be a little iffy sometimes. And it makes a huge difference which person is making them for you. I've found that being overly descriptive and getting on the phone with them helps them realize better what your requirements are.
So here's the update. Still sounds great. However, for various reasons (i.e. QC issues, fit issues, mmcx connector issues, dual-bore feature not done correctly, inconsistent techs finishing the IEM in different ways (e.g. rounded corners vs. sharp edge corners), and inconsistent transition of material from flex material and acrylic), I've had to return these monitors around 8 times already! 8 TIMES! They've been at the shop for more time than I have actually used them on stage! That's unbelievable!
I'm glad they spend the time to be very apologetic about these inconveniences. I just don't have all the time in the world to be packing, traveling, shipping, and waiting every single time just to find out that a few weeks later, there's going to be another problem with them. I have a couple of other pairs of custom IEMs and have not had to return them not even once (UEs and JHAs).
I know Westone has a good reputation. But I really must have just gotten the lemon on this one. Either that, or their techs just don't care about quality. I'm hoping it's the former.
This last incident, I just got my monitors back from a warranty repair of faulty mmcx connectors and I open the package and find that the faceplate has a crack right down the middle. Should this be the type of quality to expect from a $1000+ pair of custom IEMs?
I do stand with my previous statement that these are some of the best CIEMs I've heard. Though only ever so slightly better than my JHAs (I bought their most inexpensive model at the time). My UEs fit the best, at the time. Then my ears have changed which is why I bought these Westones.
I have the Westone AC-20s as well which I use mainly for working out and those have been fine. But just to be safe, I will probably avoid Westone going forward.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Original Review]
I feel that because there are newer, flashier companies now making custom IEMs, people tend to forget the grandfather company that may have started the trend to the popularity of CIEMs. With that said, I only really have the UE CIEMs from 10 years ago to really compare these to. I can say, without a doubt that the sound and comfort level are much better on the Westone ES60s. But that doesn't say much as the UEs only have 2 drivers in each ear versus my new ones which have 6 drivers in each ear. So that's not really a fair fight.
Where the big difference is in the fit. Though I admit that it took several tries of sending these IEMs back and forth just to get the fit right, I'm glad I sent them back as much as a did (including getting a re-mold of my left ear) because now they fit perfectly. It did cost a lot to send these back and forth. Where the Westones become really comfortable is that the ear canal portion of the IEMs have a flexcanal material. The canal portion becomes softer once your body heat heats it up and it makes for a very comfortable fit.
Isolation is great. Design is great. Highs are slightly tapered which makes for a more relaxed sound which is what I like so that works out. Lows are prominent but not overpowering. Although, I bought these for casual listening, I think the sound is flat enough to suffice as being reference monitors.
My next IEMs will most likely be a company located closer to home though (San Francisco) as sending the package back and forth proved to be way too annoying.
Again, the sound is great on these but customer service can be a little iffy sometimes. And it makes a huge difference which person is making them for you. I've found that being overly descriptive and getting on the phone with them helps them realize better what your requirements are.
