[Alucard77]

Hi All,
 
So I have been doing some research on ACS, and I think I want to get a pair, but I am very confused by the answers I am getting from ACS in the US.
 
I called the ACS in the US to ask them some questions in regards to getting a custom mold for my Mc5s.  This is how the conversation went:
 
a- I have the Mc5 iems and I was wondering if I can get the mold to be over the ear, instead of hanging?
ACS US Answer: I am not sure sir.  I think that the if your iems are hanging, then the molds are hanging only, but I really don't know.
 
b- I saw online that I can get a mix of colors in the sleeves, is this possible?
ACS US Answer:  I have not heard of that, so I am not sure.  I am sorry.
 
c- How does the proccess work, I get a mold and ACS will contact me after they get the mold?
ACS US Answer:  Yes sir.  Most likely it will be me who will contact you.
 

" title="

" width="1" />d- How long do the molds take to complete?
ACS US Answer: 3 weeks.
 
So I am really confused here. I hate when I talk to customer service and they answer with I don't know.  That is not much of an answer.  Can you get some one who knows?  I am about to shell out $100 here for a pair of custom items.  Can you please know?
 
It is really making them not trust them at the moment.  So could you guys answer the above?  Can I turn my hanging earphones to over the ear with the mold?  Also, it seems that the process is now 3 weeks vs. 2 weeks which is ok.  However if it takes 3 weeks every time a remold is needed, I hope it fits well the first time.
 
Also, I know most people here are from the UK.  So I wanted to get some feedback from people in the UK and the US.  I wonder if the US is new at doing this and have no clue on what they are doing yet.  This scares me a bit.  So could you please state the following
 
1- Where did you buy your molds? US or UK
2- Did you have a tight fit/proper fit?
3- How was the client service?
 
I just want to make sure I am not doing something dumb.
 
Thank you,

 

[swayne]

I bought mine from the UK offices, went there for the impressions too as they aren't far from me.
 
I didn't know they had a US office.

 

[Alucard77]

From what I understand, I get the fitting at the audiologist.  The audiologist sends the molds to the US office.  They scan the molds and send them to the UK where they are created.  They then send it to me directly.
 
I called back, and told them I wanted some concrete answers, and she said she would call me back.  I hope she does.
 
Also, kind of interesting.  In the states, I pay the audiologist $35 and I pay ACS $65.  Also, the woman on the phone said there was a rumor that as of late October, it will be $35 to audiologist and $100 to ACS.  That's a bit much if you ask me.

 

[mark2410]

they have a US office?
 
if its all actually getting done in the UK why not just email the UK office then?  to me it sounds like they just have a dealer in the US hence the cluelessness

 

[Alucard77]

The woman did get back to me, and she did provide the correct answers.  I guess I would rather this whole thing go through the UK, instead of dealing with people who are clueless in the US.
 
The only thing is $100 UK is like $130 US.  This is not taking into account shipping to UK and delays if any.

 

[mark2410]

Quote:

 
The only thing is $100 UK is like $130 US.  This is not taking into account shipping to UK and delays if any.

eh?

 

[swayne]

According to xe.com 90GBP = 140USD
 
Probably + postage.

 

[Anaxilus]

ACS US?  That would be awesome.  Did you say $65 w/o impressions?!  I'd save the money and chance it here.  If they mess up its their fault not yours.
 
Can we get a US link or your contact number?

 

[Reima]

Quote:

Can we get a US link or your contact number?

Check them out at the Etymotic web site.
RC
 

 

[TCD1975]

My guess is that ACS US doesn't exist. It's just some clueless reseller.

 

[Anaxilus]

Quote:

My guess is that ACS US doesn't exist. It's just some clueless reseller.

It appears to be an arrangement between ACS and Etymotics using various local certified labs.  

 

[rawrster]

That's what I got. If I ever need custom tips for Etymotic type nozzles I'll know where to go as it's much cheaper than  UM56 for me since there are no Westone dealers near me.

 

[Reima]

Is it worth it to get custom tips for the ER4P/S?
For years I used to use the Triflanges but the always caused discomfort after a couple of hours, I recently swithed to the small Shure Olives but they also cuase discomfort after about 3 hours.
With the customs improve both the comfort and sound of the ER4?
RC

 

[Anaxilus]

Quote:

Is it worth it to get custom tips for the ER4P/S?
For years I used to use the Triflanges but the always caused discomfort after a couple of hours, I recently swithed to the small Shure Olives but they also cuase discomfort after about 3 hours.
With the customs improve both the comfort and sound of the ER4?
RC

My poor mans fix was the Klipsch bi flange oval gels.  That takes care of the point of contact but thats not the real problem w/ the ER4 IMO.  The problem is the small tube housing.  Because its so small there is a gap between the driver and the space around your ear canal.  Gravity exerts itself on the driver and the driver wants to collapse that open space and fall against your ear canal.  This angle change increases the pressure of the nozzle tip against the top of your ear canal over time resulting in discomfort.  I only realized this after using the MC5 which pretty much fits perfect in my ear and cant move around.  So Custom sleeves that would surround a good portion of the driver, not just the nozzle would work.