[mastershake2393]

Check out more high-end universals, then, once you know what sound signature you really like, go the custom route. Just know that the law of diminishing returns comes into play, and you won't be able to sell the customs for anywhere close to what you paid for them.
 
Also, looking in the FS thread for customs is another worthwhile venture; I've seen JH13's go for $450. You would have to get them remolded tho...

 

[Mini0510]

hows the treble compared to Sony EX1000?

 

[Mini0510]

But Im looking to spend more than $400. Aren't the three I listed better? like the Rooth LS8 is pretty warm.

 

[Mini0510]

 
Anyone has any of these who would like to give some impression?
 
1. Rooth LS8
2. UE18
3. JH13Pro
4. UM Miracle
5. Westone ES5

 

[rroseperry]

There are threads with review for all these customs. Aside from the fact that they're customs and not cheap, they don't seem to have tons in common.

 
Anyone has any of these who would like to give some impression?
 
1. Rooth LS8 average joe's review
2. UE18 - Jude's Review from last year. He compares these to the JH13, different sound signatures apparently, but you should read it yourself.
3. JH13Pro
4. UM Miracle |joker|'s review, scroll down a bit.
 

 

[Mini0510]

Quote:

There are threads with review for all these customs. Aside from the fact that they're customs and not cheap, they don't seem to have tons in common.

ya, I did read the reviews. I narrowed it down to these. I just still can't decide. I ranked my choices.
 

 

[rroseperry]

It's going to be which of these different phones is closest to what you like in a sound sig and only you can decide that.

 

[Eric_C]

headphoneaddict will be one of the few people with both JH13 and ES5.

 

[Mini0510]

I can't afford to buy 3 pairs of custom IEMs and compare them. Even if I can, I wouldn't because I would be unable to sell it at a good price.

 

[Eric_C]

Mini0510, can you get yourself to a Head-Fi meet? Or to a store that has demo units for at least some of these customs?
 
If the above 2 options are unavailable to you, the reviews linked to/referenced are as much as info as you'll ever get on them. You'll just have to be sure what your preferences are.

 

[Hawaiiancerveza]

+1  Completely agree.  
 
Quote:

The best is subjective.

 

 

[Mini0510]

Where is Head Fi meet? Im in Toronto, I don't know any stores that has these customs on display. I guess I can't go wrong with either one.
and thanks, I contacted headphoneaddict.
 
These are my ranked choices:
 
 
1. Rooth LS8
2. JH13Pro
3. UM Miracle
 
I dropped UE18 because it warm + bass emphasis (dont like) and Westone ES5 doesn't have excellent music instrument separation. Also, the bass might be a little weak for me. But I'm not sure about that.