"Real seal" is not needed for the i4 to sound great. I actually feel that if I get a really good seal (comply tips..) they become a little bit to dark, and the bass is not so well articulated an controlled. These are mini speakers, IMO they need air around them to work properly.
I know you tried them very briefly in store, but can you compare them with the Tia Fourte?
The Fourte is on my list for some time but I didn't have a chance to audition them as there are no distributors where I currently live.. ordering a 3,5k $ IEM without trying (and falling in love!!) is out of the question.
I don’t know if Nogi has the Tia Fourte, but in his previous post he was referring to the Piano Forte I think.
But if it can be of any help, I had the opportunity to try the Tia Fourte in an HiFi show in Beijing, and I found that they were fantastic sounding iems. Very fun and deep bass, clear mids and trebles, great staging and very extended on both sides. I found them more enjoyable and fun than the tsar.
But in the end I personally prefer the i4 for the unique openness and incredible staging.
If you need more isolation though they can take the edge over the i4.
But personally I don’t think they worse the premium over the i4.
After, if money is no object for you, you can go for it, I don’t think they will disappoint.
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