WOW! And, to think had strongly considered these before pulling the trigger on a UM3X purchase last night. No buyers remorse here.
Headphone Reviews and Discussion - Head-Fi.org
SoulSyde
rmappita
For me I just got a nice sound out of the SM3 with tips that are short and with large openings. In my oppinion the stock tips degrades the sound of the SM3. Today I tested the Sony hybrids using the core of a comply tips that come with the IEM and I liked a lot. I took this picture http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6073/6127149437_2c41209646_b.jpg
alphaman
SoulSyde: Don't know about UM3X ... never heard them nor any other Westone phone ... they may v. well sound worse (to my ears, anyway).
rmappita: I tried other tips, too, including Comply memory foams meant for Shure 530 and Shure orig. Yellow foam. I don't feel they change the FUNDAMENTAL charac. of this model's "core" sonic "profile." Bottom line: tips selection (as noted in my review and noted by others) affects (varies) the sonic subtleties/nuances of this model too much (not a good thing, because tip choice should only be for comfort or degree of isolation or canal diffs. among users) but the charc. sound is not really affected (e.g., no way to rescue the above-noted congestion or nasality).
rmappita: I tried other tips, too, including Comply memory foams meant for Shure 530 and Shure orig. Yellow foam. I don't feel they change the FUNDAMENTAL charac. of this model's "core" sonic "profile." Bottom line: tips selection (as noted in my review and noted by others) affects (varies) the sonic subtleties/nuances of this model too much (not a good thing, because tip choice should only be for comfort or degree of isolation or canal diffs. among users) but the charc. sound is not really affected (e.g., no way to rescue the above-noted congestion or nasality).
SoulSyde
Update - Although the UM3X are very-very detailed I felt like they lacked the "fun" I usually look for in an IEM. I purchased a pair of SM3s to I can do a side-by-side comparison. The lesser pair will be going back for a refund (less the 15% restocking fee). We'll see which is the most ideal for me.
Aero Dynamik
I think you might find this review rather interesting. Here is a small excerpt:
"---first time I stuck the SM3 into my ears, my initial reaction was that I absolutely despised their sound. All I heard was a muddy, veiled mess with exaggerated lower midrange, yet lacking deep bass, and no treble at all. I was shocked to say the least. Since the SM3 use balanced armature drivers, I knew they won’t change much – if at all – with some driver break-in, contrary to how many dynamic driver phones behave.---"
"---first time I stuck the SM3 into my ears, my initial reaction was that I absolutely despised their sound. All I heard was a muddy, veiled mess with exaggerated lower midrange, yet lacking deep bass, and no treble at all. I was shocked to say the least. Since the SM3 use balanced armature drivers, I knew they won’t change much – if at all – with some driver break-in, contrary to how many dynamic driver phones behave.---"
SoulSyde
Update #2 - I purchased the SM3 v2s and did a thorough A/B test between the two:
http://www.head-fi.org/t/572161/westone-um3x-vs-earsonics-sm3-v2-showdown-9-17-11
I didn't necessarily despise the SM3s, but the UM3X were better IMHO.
At the end of the day, I sent the UM3X back too due to cable issues with them. They have been replaced with SE535s which I will be keeping and am very happy with.
http://www.head-fi.org/t/572161/westone-um3x-vs-earsonics-sm3-v2-showdown-9-17-11
I didn't necessarily despise the SM3s, but the UM3X were better IMHO.
At the end of the day, I sent the UM3X back too due to cable issues with them. They have been replaced with SE535s which I will be keeping and am very happy with.
