I considered them before but there has been almost no impressions... Could you compare them to other IEMs that you have and/or write your impressions?
Well, I am a rookie at writing impressions but here you go:
I have generally been using Sonys quite a lot due to their widespread availability in and around Singapore. I have been using the Sony XBA-Z5 for over a year now and absolutely love them. So please excuse me if my sound impressions are biased (I prefer a slightly warmer sound signature).
However, I was quite intrigued by and compelled to listen to the Shure 846s by one of my friend and I went on to try them.
As luck would have it, the retailer had the N40s in stock and I wanted to listen. I also had the WM1A on hand to try out so it was a blessing in disguise.
My first impression was the build quality and the packaging. The unboxing experience is super premium (probably more so than the Z5s) and they come with 4 sizes of stock tips which are fantastic.
They also come with sound 'filters' and come pre-fitted with the 'reference' sounding one. Also supplied are a bass-heavy and another filter which enhances the highs.
I loved the reference sounding filter and that became my choice although the filter that enhances the highs is also quite good.
The mid-bass on these is tremendous. It is also slightly uncontrolled especially if you listen to it from a poor source.
The sub-bass is quite good although not XBA-Z5 level good but the focus is on mid-bass and mids in general.
The highs are subdued well in the sense that they aren't piercing but rather pleasant.
If you listen from a good-great source or with a suitable amp, the sound is refined further. The mid bass is controlled and the highs get clear-er. I loved the sound of these with my WM1A.
Comfort wise, I would rate these 9/10 as they fit extremely well and at no point is the cable under pressure.
They are also built well. You get two cables in the box: one with a inline mic and one without.
Compared to the Z5, I'd say these are better value for money. The Sonys are amazing in their own right but the fit and isolation are poorer compared to these.
If you are intending to purchase these, I would highly recommend you try these with all the sources that you have and then decide.
Hope this helps
I have had the N40 for about a month now. They pretty much have determined that every other IEM I currently own , have owned in the Past, or have Auditioned in Recent memory are rendered OBSOLETE.
