Are UE Super.Fi 5 Pro considered a step up to Westone UM1s?

[Shaolinsword36]

My budget is about $150, and I was wondering if I could get the same performance out of Westone UM1, which are comfier anyways, and save about $50 and get a comparable level of performance to the Super.Fi 5's. I've got an amp, but if it's not a huge sound difference out of that + my iPod or laptop, I won't bring it around.

Any opinions on those who have tried both? I'm leaning towards the SF5P because they are competition for higher grade models, but many are happy with their UM1s as well.

Music tastes would be...rock, hip-hop, electronic but I'm not looking for too much bass.

 

[Shaolinsword36]

Oh, and I was thinking of picking up Yuin PK3's somewhere along the way just so I have something to wear that doesn't isolate.

 

[fraseyboy]

I didn't like the UM1's... I think it was the recessed midrange, cant remember much though. VERY comfortable, but the sound aint too good IMO.

 

[Ypoknons]

Absolutely, though to be honest the last time I listened to either was a year ago. More detailed, very different sound. The super.fi 5 is much more bass oriented, the Westone midrange. It's really just a step up, and back then the difference was closer to to $200, and I still said the difference is justified.

 

[NeObliviscaris]

FWIW, I went from UM1s to Super Fi 3's and never looked back. I only use my UM1s when I need to take my earphones in and out often (at work). In terms of comfort by all means UM1 wins hands down, with the ability to use the Shure Olives. Super Fi 3's (and assuming 5's which I will be getting in the next month), are uncomfortable at times, stick out (I don't care too much about that), and are earphones that you know are in your ears. The UM1s tend to dissappear after a while.

Soundwise? I hear the Super 3's boomier bass, and the highs aren't as shrivelling than the UM1s. I'd def go the Super 3's over UM1s, so you can guess what that means for the 5's

!

 

[Shaolinsword36]

thanks. purchased them today

 

[NeObliviscaris]

Awesome, where from and how much

I am looking at purchasing 5's as well!

 

[Shaolinsword36]

I bought them off eBay for $137 + $20 shipping, first class. They are the red version which I think look great.

 

[NeObliviscaris]

Awesome, I am tryn to get them second hand and use my Super 3's tips etc.

Red would look awesome - my 3's are red!

 

[Shaolinsword36]

Where did you get your dock? I've been looking for one, preferrably just the dock without a cable permanently attached to it since I won't want to always use my amp.

 

[vegeto626]

I owned the UM1's for awhile, i recently got my Super.fi 5 pro's. I am absolutely loving it, alot more fun because of the bass, and doesnt really need much EQing like the UM1's. I found the UM1's required some tinkering with. Comfort wise, of course UM1s win but honestly i forget that the 5's are in my ears like right now.