lwells
100+ Head-Fier
Sound signature wise, I don't think the Westone W4r's were too far off. They were definitely more grainy though.
Sound signature wise, I don't think the Westone W4r's were too far off. They were definitely more grainy though.
What happened to the studio4?
I was just looking at these the other day on there website.
Can anyone with the studio4 make further impressions? I'm hoping to see reviews at some point or an impressions thread for it. How does it compare to others? Especially the Ultimate Ears Reference Remastered if anyone has heard the 4 as well as that. I'm looking for the best reference monitor possible. Not bright "reference" but just accurate to how music is intended to sound, following the harman target curve. From the few impressions of the studio4 I assume it's accurate like the UERR and not cold or sterile.
Great Review! Nice to see you like them. I have the RSMs and for quite a few years now and love them and what a great company! What source did you use for your review, and for daily use with your Studio4?Hey guys, I recently picked up some Studio 4s from the Black Friday sale last year and wanted to share my impressions. I've been listening to them for nearly a month now, and I've got to say they sound absolutely amazing.
First, a little backstory. I was in the market for some CIEMs for several months doing an excessive amount of research and was actually pretty much sold on Hidition NT6s. I read every review and thread I could find, looked at measurements from several sources, and even EQ'd a couple of my headphones to mimic the sound signature of the NT6. I really enjoyed that sound signature, and my only real concern with them was having to deal with an overseas company with a less than stellar translator. After trying to get in touch with Hidition and receiving no response, I started to shy away.
Not long after, I reached out to Alclair to see if I could get some measurements and more info about their RSMs and Studio 4s. I'd been reading a lot of great things about their CIEMs, but I'm always hesitant to buy audio products without first seeing some reliable measurements. While they couldn't provide any measurements, they were very responsive, friendly, and helpful. I also liked their above average warranty, reasonable pricing, and that they're US based, which keeps the shipping fast and cheap for any refits or warranty issues that may come up. As you may have already figured out, I decided to pull the trigger on the Studio 4, albeit somewhat reluctantly due to the lack of available measurements.
It took me about a month to receive my headphones, which I think is more than fair considering that it was the holiday season and I ordered them on the very last day of their Black Friday sale. This is my first pair of customs, but I'd say the build quality, fit, comfort, and isolation are all excellent as you would expect from a CIEM at this price point. The wood case is a nice touch too, although I personally prefer something more portable. No complaints there.
The Studio 4 sound is very unoffensive as well with a warm yet balanced character. Initially they actually sounded a little mellow or dull to my ear, especially relative to my headphones that I EQ'd to sound like the NT6, but after spending some more time with them, I've really grown to appreciate their tonality. I do notice a subtle 1 or 2 dB emphasis in the upper bass and slightly recessed upper mids and treble, but the frequency response is among the smoothest I've heard and more than adequately extended on both ends. They don't have that super crisp sound and exciting, in-your-face detail that you get from something with a little more upper-mid and treble emphasis (e.g. Hidition NT6). The detail and airiness is definitely still there, though. On the other hand, I feel like the slightly gentle treble actually enhances the sense of space giving them good stage width and depth especially for an in ear. It also makes for a very pleasant, non-fatiguing and fairly forgiving sound without giving up any of the detail. At the other end, the bass is tight and weighty. It can occasionally sound a touch boomy due to the aforementioned emphasis in the upper bass, but never enough to really detract from my enjoyment. I can't really fault the mids, and the imaging certainly isn't the most accurate I've experienced but still very good too.
Overall, these are excellent IEMs from an outstanding company. While they aren't exactly what I was originally looking for, I quickly grew to love their lush, non-fatiguing sound. They probably aren't the best at any one thing, so if you want really exciting treble or fun bass, then these aren't likely to satisfy. What they are is great all-arounders that do well with any genre and are great for long listening sessions. If that's what you're looking for, then I'd definitely recommend giving these a listen!
Great Review! Nice to see you like them. I have the RSMs and for quite a few years now and love them and what a great company! What source did you use for your review, and for daily use with your Studio4?