ACS Encore Studio New 5 Driver CIEM!

[doctorjazz]

I just contacted acs, will send mine back to be checked...sure, sound preferences can play a role, but I have LOTS of headphones, they have different sigs, and I can pick out what I like and don't like, and if detail is present or not. My Encores are very rolled off at the top-I don't hear cymbals, the soundstage is congested, mids aren't clear, detail on my favorite tracks that I know inside out is just missing, like guitar riffs. The bass is present and strong, but I have a number of AT iems, they tend to be strong in the bass and I like it!. Shouldn't be all one hears clearly. I'm betting something is wrong somewhere...it happens.
I'll report back.

 

[session76]

Are they all made in the UK? I've noticed that those who aren't happy with theirs have purchased them from the American office.

I'm very happy with mine, and I got them from the NY office.  AJ and Adam are a pleasure to work with 
 
Nik

 

[session76]

+1
I just landed in Helsinki and it was the most pleasurable transatlantic flight I have ever taken. The Encores combined with the ZX2 is the highest level of portable sound I have experienced. Mindblowing! And I should mention the comfort, way beyond any acrylic CIEM I have owned. Yes, I'm in love.

I cant wait to use mine on a 17 hour flight to Korea I have planned for September!

 

[doctorjazz]

Dealt with AJ, he was a gentleman, have my return label, get it out the next few days.

 

[session76]

Doc what's your name? I look forward to meeting you at the Long Island headfi meet

Nik

 

[GuyDebord]

 
I'm very happy with mine, and I got them from the NY office.  AJ and Adam are a pleasure to work with 
 
Nik

+1

 

[robm321]

My interest is restored.

 

[session76]

My interest is restored.

They also come out to LA to do moulds if you are ever down there

 

[robm321]

Thanks for the info.

 

[doctorjazz]

So, one thing AJ told me to try was to press in the center of the Encore, that would make for a better seal...if the seal was the issue, I'd hear a big improvement. I didn't think it would make a difference, it felt like the Encores were fitting nicely into all the folds of my outer ear like they are supposed to, better seal than I had with the T1. But, I always have had seal problems with universals, have a mutant left ear canal, always seems to not be getting a good seal. Well, I tried it, and it did make a big difference! Mids no longer muddy, detail much better, still think the highs are a bit rolled off, but not nonexistent as I initially thought. Have to play more, probably still have to send them back to adjust the fit, but I'm hopeful...

 

[session76]

So, one thing AJ told me to try was to press in the center of the Encore, that would make for a better seal...if the seal was the issue, I'd hear a big improvement. I didn't think it would make a difference, it felt like the Encores were fitting nicely into all the folds of my outer ear like they are supposed to, better seal than I had with the T1. But, I always have had seal problems with universals, have a mutant left ear canal, always seems to not be getting a good seal. Well, I tried it, and it did make a big difference! Mids no longer muddy, detail much better, still think the highs are a bit rolled off, but not nonexistent as I initially thought. Have to play more, probably still have to send them back to adjust the fit, but I'm hopeful...

Great to hear! AJ is great


Nik

 

[Tony1110]

So, one thing AJ told me to try was to press in the center of the Encore, that would make for a better seal...if the seal was the issue, I'd hear a big improvement. I didn't think it would make a difference, it felt like the Encores were fitting nicely into all the folds of my outer ear like they are supposed to, better seal than I had with the T1. But, I always have had seal problems with universals, have a mutant left ear canal, always seems to not be getting a good seal. Well, I tried it, and it did make a big difference! Mids no longer muddy, detail much better, still think the highs are a bit rolled off, but not nonexistent as I initially thought. Have to play more, probably still have to send them back to adjust the fit, but I'm hopeful...

Mine just got back from ACS yesterday. I wouldn't have said that the mids I was hearing were mushy, but I noticed that the sound on the LHS did improve when I pressed it in with my hand. I initially thought the canal was too short and that having more impressions taken would be necessary, but all it needed was two layers of lacquer and now they're perfect.

 

[doctorjazz]

So, one thing AJ told me to try was to press in the center of the Encore, that would make for a better seal...if the seal was the issue, I'd hear a big improvement. I didn't think it would make a difference, it felt like the Encores were fitting nicely into all the folds of my outer ear like they are supposed to, better seal than I had with the T1. But, I always have had seal problems with universals, have a mutant left ear canal, always seems to not be getting a good seal. Well, I tried it, and it did make a big difference! Mids no longer muddy, detail much better, still think the highs are a bit rolled off, but not nonexistent as I initially thought. Have to play more, probably still have to send them back to adjust the fit, but I'm hopeful...

Mine just got back from ACS yesterday. I wouldn't have said that the mids I was hearing were mushy, but I noticed that the sound on the LHS did improve when I pressed it in with my hand. I initially thought the canal was too short and that having more impressions taken would be necessary, but all it needed was two layers of lacquer and now they're perfect.

I guess ciems are a different animal, this is the first I've had. I'm used to fit issues changing the sound, but the usual effect with my universals (and I have a bunch, and very often have fit problems on the left, try many tips generally to get a decent seal) is that the bass goes AWOL, but I've not found that the whole character of the headphone changes. JELT2359 reported hearing his similarly when he received, them. I'm guessing that acs gave him the same advice, haven't heard from him in a bit (sent him a PM). I'm noticing since I did try pressing the center, I'm getting much clearer sound, at least the short time I was able to listen yesterday, if I play a bit I can get back SOME treble, though still rolled off to my ears. I suppose, as these go in much further than universals, there are more ways to have a bad fit, and maybe the different ways can sound different than what I'm used to (just guessing here). Anyway, AJ did mention the possibility of adding laquer to improve the fit and sound, and I'll be boxing it and sending it over in the next few days. I'm getting hopeful again...man, for this money, it was a shock to put them in, feel like I got a good seal, and have it sound lousy. On to the next step.
Glad to hear yours are now perfect (both for you and selfishly for me), enjoy!

 

[Tony1110]

I guess ciems are a different animal, this is the first I've had. I'm used to fit issues changing the sound, but the usual effect with my universals (and I have a bunch, and very often have fit problems on the left, try many tips generally to get a decent seal) is that the bass goes AWOL, but I've not found that the whole character of the headphone changes. JELT2359 reported hearing his similarly when he received, them. I'm guessing that acs gave him the same advice, haven't heard from him in a bit (sent him a PM). I'm noticing since I did try pressing the center, I'm getting much clearer sound, at least the short time I was able to listen yesterday, if I play a bit I can get back SOME treble, though still rolled off to my ears. I suppose, as these go in much further than universals, there are more ways to have a bad fit, and maybe the different ways can sound different than what I'm used to (just guessing here). Anyway, AJ did mention the possibility of adding laquer to improve the fit and sound, and I'll be boxing it and sending it over in the next few days. I'm getting hopeful again...man, for this money, it was a shock to put them in, feel like I got a good seal, and have it sound lousy. On to the next step.
Glad to hear yours are now perfect (both for you and selfishly for me), enjoy!

For me the RHS was painful for the first few days of using them. The canal felt too long but over time it went away so I attributed it simply to my ears adjusting to CIEMs. Then I started to notice that I wasn't getting quite the same level of detail out of the left earpiece and that pushing them in by hand improved this. The seal never broke but it felt like it was always on the verge of breaking. Honestly, when folk state the importance of having a good seal they're not exaggerating. It could be that you just need the same fix they did for me to make the seal a little tighter. If that's the case, I think you will see a definite improvement.

With regard to the treble, that is not their strongest area. I'd describe it as conservative rather than rolled off. The mid-bass is their most prominent characteristic. I don't think they'd be a good choice for trebleheads.

 

[doctorjazz]

I guess ciems are a different animal, this is the first I've had. I'm used to fit issues changing the sound, but the usual effect with my universals (and I have a bunch, and very often have fit problems on the left, try many tips generally to get a decent seal) is that the bass goes AWOL, but I've not found that the whole character of the headphone changes. JELT2359 reported hearing his similarly when he received, them. I'm guessing that acs gave him the same advice, haven't heard from him in a bit (sent him a PM). I'm noticing since I did try pressing the center, I'm getting much clearer sound, at least the short time I was able to listen yesterday, if I play a bit I can get back SOME treble, though still rolled off to my ears. I suppose, as these go in much further than universals, there are more ways to have a bad fit, and maybe the different ways can sound different than what I'm used to (just guessing here). Anyway, AJ did mention the possibility of adding laquer to improve the fit and sound, and I'll be boxing it and sending it over in the next few days. I'm getting hopeful again...man, for this money, it was a shock to put them in, feel like I got a good seal, and have it sound lousy. On to the next step.
Glad to hear yours are now perfect (both for you and selfishly for me), enjoy!

For me the RHS was painful for the first few days of using them. The canal felt too long but over time it went away so I attributed it simply to my ears adjusting to CIEMs. Then I started to notice that I wasn't getting quite the same level of detail out of the left earpiece and that pushing them in by hand improved this. The seal never broke but it felt like it was always on the verge of breaking. Honestly, when folk state the importance of having a good seal they're not exaggerating. It could be that you just need the same fix they did for me to make the seal a little tighter. If that's the case, I think you will see a definite improvement.

With regard to the treble, that is not their strongest area. I'd describe it as conservative rather than rolled off. The mid-bass is their most prominent characteristic. I don't think they'd be a good choice for trebleheads.

I wouldn't call myself a trebelhead...I'd just say I WANT IT ALL!!!!! I love good detail, but not at the expense of coherence. I want to hear the airs/soundstage, dislike it when I have to focus in to hear the bass lines (in real life, bass is just there). What I'm mostly missing here is the sound of cymbals, especially in jazz, where the ride cymbal is a major aspect driving the music. At first it was totally gone. Now, after pressing and hearing what it's like with better seal, it is back somewhat, but I still feel I have to listen in to hear it, instead of it being there, if that makes any sense. Still, could be that the seal I'm getting with pressing is better, but still not all the way there.