[whyandhow]

Considering dropping a few hundred $s on IEMs, but want to know if custom fit monitors are wort it.  Anyone have a life changing experience when making the switch?  I mainly use my portable rig when traveling on the subway (NYC), in my office, and when I travel for work (airplanes, hotel rooms etc.)  So in the train or on airplanes, there's a lot of outside noise to contend with.  At my office, I don't want any noise bleed in the other direction.  
 
Any thoughts or comments would be helpful.  It shouldn't be too hard to get a mold done.  There's a hearing specialist very close by to where I live that does them.  

 

[EpicAnthony]

With the hassle of impressions being made then shipped. Then waiting for your ciem's to arrive. I can assure you that's it's worth it I'm just like you I'm a NYC native so back then it was me and my portable rig with my westone 3's. I got some jh16's done and it definitely was life changing for me.

 

[eaglex3]

I am in a similar situation like you when it comes to UIEMs, however taken the plunge and can't wait to experience it CIEMs.
 
I find that my Shure SE425s have a slight fatiguing feeling after a listening for a while where my canals feel strained, I feel that CIEMs will solve my problems as they should fit perfectly for my ears whilst Enhancing my audio experience dramatically. 
 
I will update you

 

[ProtegeManiac]

 
I find that my Shure SE425s have a slight fatiguing feeling after a listening for a while where my canals feel strained, I feel that CIEMs will solve my problems as they should fit perfectly for my ears whilst Enhancing my audio experience dramatically. 

 
This is because the usual universal IEM shell relies on the eartip not just for the seal but also basically to hang on to your ear. A CIEM or a universal with a CIEM-type shell primarily relies on the shell at the outer ear area to anchor to your ears, and bore or tips for the most part only seal the ear canals.

 

[eaglex3]

   
This is because the usual universal IEM shell relies on the eartip not just for the seal but also basically to hang on to your ear. A CIEM or a universal with a CIEM-type shell primarily relies on the shell at the outer ear area to anchor to your ears, and bore or tips for the most part only seal the ear canals.

 
As you mentioned about the CIEM shell type. Do you think that will solve my problem ?

 

[Slashfury99]

As you mentioned about the CIEM shell type. Do you think that will solve my problem ?

It most probably will, unless you just hate having things inserted into your ears.

 

[joncirca57]

Personally, I really think custom IEMs are worth it.  What I like the most is that every time I put them in they sound the same.  On top of that they go in much easier than any stock IEMs that I have had.  I have two pairs that go back over 9 years and still work great.  

 

[ProtegeManiac]

   
As you mentioned about the CIEM shell type. Do you think that will solve my problem ?

 
A universal with a CIEM-type shell will very likely solve your problem as long as itching isn't a problem, however, be aware that there is another risk regarding the fit, sorry I forgot to mention it earlier. In some brands like the Red Giants, the CIEM-type shell was chosen so as to fit two huge dynamic drivers in there, plus the air space (as on a speaker) they need for more bass, so someoen with a smaller outer ear will find them too large. On the Aurisonics, the CIEM-type shell was, if I remember correctly, based on the average of 90% of the molds they've done, so if you're within the 10%, it might cause some fit issues. The first ASG-1 version actually had a protrusion that helps anchor it if it was a full CIEM, but on one that is expected to fit as a universal, it caused problems because that area of the outer ear varies widely within that 90%. That has since been fixed. My version 1.2 fit perfectly (barring a custom job, of course) and no one who has tried it at local meets reported fit issues, so basically don't let that 10% thing absolutely deter you, just be aware of it (take it like fine print).
 
Still, if shipping isn't really an issue and you're not going to skip meals saving up around $600 for a CIEM (the CIEM, ear mould, shipping, etc), I'd say it's worth it. One of the reasons I didn't get one is because I'd have to skip a few steak nights, especially grill parties with friends, as I'm the one who shops for steaks 

 Call it what you want but for me personally not eating steak is nearly as bad as actually starving.

 

[eaglex3]

   
A universal with a CIEM-type shell will very likely solve your problem as long as itching isn't a problem, however, be aware that there is another risk regarding the fit, sorry I forgot to mention it earlier. In some brands like the Red Giants, the CIEM-type shell was chosen so as to fit two huge dynamic drivers in there, plus the air space (as on a speaker) they need for more bass, so someoen with a smaller outer ear will find them too large. On the Aurisonics, the CIEM-type shell was, if I remember correctly, based on the average of 90% of the molds they've done, so if you're within the 10%, it might cause some fit issues. The first ASG-1 version actually had a protrusion that helps anchor it if it was a full CIEM, but on one that is expected to fit as a universal, it caused problems because that area of the outer ear varies widely within that 90%. That has since been fixed. My version 1.2 fit perfectly (barring a custom job, of course) and no one who has tried it at local meets reported fit issues, so basically don't let that 10% thing absolutely deter you, just be aware of it (take it like fine print).
 
Still, if shipping isn't really an issue and you're not going to skip meals saving up around $600 for a CIEM (the CIEM, ear mould, shipping, etc), I'd say it's worth it. One of the reasons I didn't get one is because I'd have to skip a few steak nights, especially grill parties with friends, as I'm the one who shops for steaks 

 Call it what you want but for me personally not eating steak is nearly as bad as actually starving.

Im from Australia, and have ordered the 1964 V8s - moulds done and shipped. costing about double what you have said as I am rush ordering mine, would rather spend extra for the speed as I am quite impatient lol.

 

[Slashfury99]

Im from Australia, and have ordered the 1964 V8s - moulds done and shipped. costing about double what you have said as I am rush ordering mine, would rather spend extra for the speed as I am quite impatient lol.

Do tell us whether you like them or not, once you receive them.

 

[ProtegeManiac]

  Im from Australia, and have ordered the 1964 V8s - moulds done and shipped. costing about double what you have said as I am rush ordering mine, would rather spend extra for the speed as I am quite impatient lol.

 
Nice - actually I was also considering those, then came across an irresistible deal for a used ASG-1.

 

[meringo]

  Considering dropping a few hundred $s on IEMs, but want to know if custom fit monitors are wort it.  Anyone have a life changing experience when making the switch?  I mainly use my portable rig when traveling on the subway (NYC), in my office, and when I travel for work (airplanes, hotel rooms etc.)  So in the train or on airplanes, there's a lot of outside noise to contend with.  At my office, I don't want any noise bleed in the other direction.  
 
Any thoughts or comments would be helpful.  It shouldn't be too hard to get a mold done.  There's a hearing specialist very close by to where I live that does them.  

 
I know this is an old thread, but what did you end up doing? I just ordered my first pair of customs from Vibro Labs. Can't wait.
 
Primary reasons for going custom:
1. I too live in NYC and the isolation will benefit me greatly
2. Fit. I have always had trouble with universals. It's a pity, too, because I feel universals can sound just as good as customs twice the price. Aurisonics Bravo series, along with Trinity audio have been eye openers.

 

[HiFiChris]

  Considering dropping a few hundred $s on IEMs, but want to know if custom fit monitors are wort it.  Anyone have a life changing experience when making the switch?  I mainly use my portable rig when traveling on the subway (NYC), in my office, and when I travel for work (airplanes, hotel rooms etc.)  So in the train or on airplanes, there's a lot of outside noise to contend with.  At my office, I don't want any noise bleed in the other direction.  
 
Any thoughts or comments would be helpful.  It shouldn't be too hard to get a mold done.  There's a hearing specialist very close by to where I live that does them.  

 
If you don't have any comfort, fit and isolation issues (the latter with fully closed shell type in-ears) with universal fit in-ears, there is no real need to go the CIEM route. If you however often struggle to get a decent seal and comfort with universal models, a CIEM is well worth a consideration, or if you want to achieve a special sound signature that you haven't found in a UIEM model but in a CIEM demo version (having mentioned the latter, I highly recommend to borrow a demo version of the CIEM(s) you are eyeing, to see whether the sound signature and overall sound suit your tastes; if your ear canals don't have a too strong bend and work well with UIEMs, the sound of the final CIEM version will be mostly identical).
 
As I usually get a really good fit, comfort and seal with UIEMs, I prefer them over my custom UERM, fit- and handling-wise (CIEMs have to be roughly cleaned each time after use and feel different in one's ears).

 

[thejammonster]

For me it was an issue of my "end-game" IEMs not fitting well enough that I could be happy with them for years to come. The nozzle on the universal version is too big for my ear canals so I had to go with CIEMs. The price difference thankfully isn't huge so I can make most of my money back on the universals.