Westone Audio MACH 70

Note: A few personal biases regarding my purchase that you should take into account -
1.) I bought this for a real mean discount, like $700? when the full price is double that I believe
2.) I am picky with treble, the less emphasis, the better I perceive the overall tonality of an iem
3.) Not only is this the first Westone iem I've ever bought, this is the first ever "Audiophile iem" I have ever owned; I'll be comparing tonality and techs against a simple 1DD
4.) The sound signature I enjoy the most is Mid-centric (mild sub and mid bass, 5-7db ear gain, and subdued treble so vocals can pop forward)

Albums I've listened to for my review -
Arco - Coming to Terms
Athlete - It's Not Your Fault
Eric Carmen - All By Myself
Geordie Greep - The New Sound
Home - Odyssey
Interpol - Turn on The Bright Lights
Shiner - The Egg
Thom Yorke - ANIMA
TV on The Radio - Return to Cookie Mountain, Young Liars
Beck - Everybody's Got to Learn Sometimes (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is PEAK)

Sources -
Surfans F20
Apple Dongle

Henlo, my name is Qeoe (pronounced Key-Yoo-Ee). A simple reviewer new to the hobby and just as new to writing my thoughts on iems. Forgive me if I come off as dry or blunt. I'm not a big fan of flowery language.

Tonality -
Well, it's laid back, realistic, musical, but I would not call it warm. It's not like bass is absent, it's more like it and the mid range never mix with each other like how they would on a 1DD. With a regular fit, you get a signature that doesn't favor any range of the spectrum. A slightly deeper fit, and you get a slight emphasis in high treble which gives cymbals an extra shimmer. A little more on the bass, you only get a punch to it, not much rumble. It's not much an issue, personally, as sub-bass isn't extremely necessary for the music I listen to.

This graph represents how the Mach sounds, with the long blue silicone tips, when fitted correctly. (measured with Generic 711 Clone)

Biggest Strength? -
S p a c i o u s n e s s - Every time I would read about experiences of sound stage here before my purchase, I'd roll my eyes and groan, but now? I'm a believer! On a 1DD, layering is a lot more sobering and intact. On my Mach 70, things do feel pushed back, pulled wider. This is a phenomenon that's difficult to explain with words and I'm too lazy to recreate it through MS paint so I'll leave it at that. Though I do get used to it so I like to switch back to things like my Quarks or EPZ G10 so the Mach 70 stays special to me.

Accessories -
I am well satisfied with what I got: Solid ear tips, a case that can fit players, a cable, though noodle-y, is light and makes no sound, and the pouch with the microfiber cloth on it's back which I use for my player and phone screen. No complaints here!

Yes, my player is gross. No I won't clean it.

Conclusion -
You're probably going to ask me why I'd buy a Westone iem in [current year] when there's so many other options? "Are you some kind of Westonian cultist?" Did you even read the notes? The answer's 'No.'

It's a mix of a lot of things, one I'm sure will be an unpopular view, but I prefer a low-key design compared to this ubiquitous, borderline gaudy design philosophy every Chi-Fi company has adopted where their whole line-up looks like jewelry. With Chi-Fi also comes bulkier designs, which I just couldn't get over the hump and bite the bullet on something that graphed "good," get it weeks later, and then- "oh, it's bigger than I thought" (that's what she said). The Mach 70 seemed the safest option: Tiny build, tiny nozzle, how comfy!

And now with a "Hi-Fi iem" in my collection, I don't quite know what next to acquire. Maybe a custom? Boutiques with exotic drivers? Too pricey. So uh- probably not, hopefully not. Well... maybe...

Large and wide extension with a smooth top end and commanding bass is what to expect from MACH 70s impressive soundstage: a listening experience perfect for all people and music genres.
The MACH 70 features a proprietary seven-driver system with single low, dual mids, and quad highs and a 3-way passive crossover.

TECH SPECS

3-way Passive Crossover
DRIVERS: Seven Balanced-Armature Drivers
FREQ RESPONSE: 5Hz – 22kHz
SENSITIVITY: 110dB @1kHz
IMPEDANCE: 42 Ohms @1kHz

The Westone Mach 70 comes in a well decorated box with ample information, inside is the hard case, in the case is a large assortment of accessories, a carabiner, the Mach70 unit, Estron ULTRABaX stock cable, a large number of tips both silicone and foam, a velveted pouch, tool for cleaning, cable organizer, and warranty card with a sticker. The Mach70 itself is made of a high impact plastic with a gray and black matt finish. light and durable, I found them comfortable. Isolation is very good; this product is for performers, so it has to be. The huge case is a great touch. everything is well made; however, while the Estron ULTRABaX cable is one of the thinnest upgrade cables with 224 strands and a quad-twisted design. It also has an ultra-low impedance rating of 0.6Ω, this is so it won’t color the output and it is well made but it also doesn't offer a balanced connection. The foam in the case can be customized to fit your needs.
The Mach70 is very lightweight even with the included cable. It provides excellent isolation and comfort.

The sound impression:
Bass:
The Bass is tip dependent but with the right fit you'll find it is much different from the Mach 60 and 80.
Sub-Bass is deep and powerful but yet doesn't stand in front of the other frequencies. There is a nice lower rumble with good details and control. The Mid-Bass is more prominent with an impressive slam and good speed. Despite there being only a single BA driver for the lows it is fun and dynamic sounding. The bass in general is well controlled and doesn't fall apart on heavy boosted recordings like some BA configurations.

Mids:
The Mids present with a nice thick lush tone. The Mids do not suffer recession despite the Bass and vocals are forward center, vocals have good body and male vocals really sound impressive.
There is great separation throughout and the Mids here are warm with excellent emotion. The details are a little more smoothed than the more reference oriented M60.

Treble:
The Treble presents open and airy with good energy and smooth details. Its more energetic to match the Bass prowess of this unit. The highs are well balanced in the mix and sparkle but roll off quick and naturally. Treble sensitive will enjoy this, as it is never harsh or fatiguing.

Soundstage:
The stage is naturally open and well placed. It handles the busiest of recordings with ease. There is no penalty from the Bass or heavy boosted music. It has accurate details and is organic in its shape.


Conclusion:
The Westone Mach70 Is well made and more than suitable for a fun sounding monitor but also has that engaging midrange, smooth pleasant Highs, and enjoyably fun Bass too. The M70 is made well and comfortable for all day use.