^ Hi, I heard the Demo version of the Stage 4 in Frankfurt yesterday. Compared it to the UE18 demo. Both were very good but I preferred the Stage 4. Was quite impressed with them actually. They had the most solid bass I have ever heard. Very smooth and refined. However they sounded dark, with a rolled off treble. And the bass was too prominent and too overwhelming for my tastes. Mind you, I like deep powerful bass but in this case the quantity was too much, though I loved the quality. Your opinion may differ though. The UE18 was more balanced across the frequency range, but it did not sound quite as refined as the CM. Overall, if I had to choose between the two, I'd probably take the Stage 4.
Not to sidetrack you, but since you're spending this kind of money, I must mention that I much prefer the FAD BA-SS. Having heard the FAD's, I would not buy the CM or the UE. The BA-SS have that special quality that no other IEM I have heard has - the music just seems so much more unfettered and free through them, it breathes and flows. And it plays tunes so much better, I just find it far more musical. With a proper fit and seal, the BA-SS throws a superb 3-D holographic soundstage. Compared to them, the CM and the UE, or for that matter, any other IEM that I have heard, sounds forced. Money was no object for me so I could have chosen any IEM, my choice was the BA-SS. Of course they do not isolate as well as a custom IEM, but still the level of isolation they give is sufficient to allow use while travelling. By the way, these comparisons were made using a iPhone 4 which is what I would use them with. Results will of course vary depending on what source you intend to use them with.