[JimBob1971]

Hi,

I've never owned a pair of customs before, and was considering the UE11s...

I own a TF10pros and Shure E500s. I think overall I prefer the warm sound of the Shures. There seems to be more detail in the TFs, but it is like watching a black and white tv at times, if you know what I mean, whereas the E500s are in colour, but less sharp. Anyway, how do the 11s sit in comparison to these two? Are they closer to the Shures or TFs, and would there be a benefit in the midrange and overall sound if I upgraded?

Also, If I am listening through an iPod/iPhone without an amp would there be any point going for the 11s?

Thanks!
[Side note: I read in an iLounge review that the TF10 pros had changed since shipping of the original batch - mine were in this batch-. I asked UE and they said this was rubbish.... but the possibility remains that my TFs are somewhat different to other owners]

 

[EyeAmEye]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimBob1971 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hi, I've never owned a pair of customs before, and was considering the UE11s... I own a TF10pros and Shure E500s. I think overall I prefer the warm sound of the Shures. There seems to be more detail in the TFs, but it is like watching a black and white tv at times, if you know what I mean, whereas the E500s are in colour, but less sharp. Anyway, how do the 11s sit in comparison to these two? Are they closer to the Shures or TFs, and would there be a benefit in the midrange and overall sound if I upgraded? Also, If I am listening through an iPod/iPhone without an amp would there be any point going for the 11s? Thanks! [Side note: I read in an iLounge review that the TF10 pros had changed since shipping of the original batch - mine were in this batch-. I asked UE and they said this was rubbish.... but the possibility remains that my TFs are somewhat different to other owners]

If memory serves me correctly on the SE530 and TripleFi10, the UE11 will give you:
1) Highs that are equal to or slightly better than TripleFi
2) Midrange less recessed than TripleFi but more recessed than SE530
3) HUGE bass. If you think SE530 has more bass than you prefer, avoid the UE11
4) Soundstage width about on par with TripleFi but with a bit more depth
5) Very full, robust, almost full size sound
6) Very easy to drive from almost any source. It's better with an amp, however, tames the bass somewhat and brings out some of the midrange detail that can get overshadowed at times
7) Warmer than TripleFi but perhaps not as warm as Shure (not 100% certain on the Shure)

If money isn't an issue, I say go for it.

 

[mrdeadfolx]

Quote:

Originally Posted by EyeAmEye /img/forum/go_quote.gif If money isn't an issue, I say go for it.

Bingo. If you have Triple .fi's and SE530's already, honestly I say dont bother with the 11's. They don't sound $1,150 better than either of those headphones. They sound better than both of them sure, but they sound about 25-30% better to my ears, which imo is not worth the price leap. If you buy them, sell both of your other pairs to contribute to the proceeds.

 

[Spyro]

Yea, why bother? You are getting a better sounding IEM in TFpro for 1/3rd the cost. I have heard a couple other people say that UE11 is too bassy and that TFPro actually sounds more neutral and accurate. EyeAmEye comments confirm part of this. Unless you are wearing them all day long I couldn't justify it.

 

[monolith]

Do they still make the UE10 Pro?

From everything I've read, they have a much more balanced response.

 

[Spyro]

Quote:

Originally Posted by monolith /img/forum/go_quote.gif Do they still make the UE10 Pro? From everything I've read, they have a much more balanced response.

Yes, that's what I heard too.

 

[Luckyleo]

JimmyB1971,

I must say that the UE-11's are the best sounding IEM's I've ever heard. That being said, the base may be a bit more than some people like. For me, the bass sounds closer to a live concert sound than I've heard before.

I wasn't concerned about the $$ when I bought them and would recommend them to you only if you're lucky enough to be in the same position as I. If you aren't in that position, keep what you have and enjoy them. They're great sounding pieces of equipment and won't let you down.

If you want want an improvement (as mr. dreadfox stated) you will definitely be better off with these babies. Let us know what you decide.

 

[JimBob1971]

Thanks for the replies guys.

Still unsure what to do - The exchange rate over here is still quite good, so I could order from the US for about £615 pounds, compared to the UK price of about £880! (Assuming I don't get stung by customs)

If they were returnable I'd definitely give it a shot. I'm just concerned that I prefer the Shure E500s sound signature to that of the TFPros, and that I'd spend $1150 on something that no-one would ever use! The TF pros have amazing details at times, but the balance of sound for the most part just feels wrong to me (I end up listening to cymbals rather than vocals for example). I was kind of hoping the UE11s would marry the best bits of both phones. I.E highs of UE11s and bass and mid of E530s, with the added benefit of better isolation than either.

 

[Nuwidol]

I was in the same boat as you & after reading as many reviews/opinions as I could on the 11s I decided to sell both the triples & the 530s.

I'm now waiting on my 11s to show up (they were sent off almost a month ago) & I can let you know what I think then if you like.

They actually cost a bit more than £615 too once you take delivery into consideration (UE charge $70 to ship to us Brits!) then you've for the cost odthe impressions & the cost of sending them to UE & (hopefully not but maybe) customs.

 

[JimBob1971]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nuwidol /img/forum/go_quote.gif I was in the same boat as you & after reading as many reviews/opinions as I could on the 11s I decided to sell both the triples & the 530s. I'm now waiting on my 11s to show up (they were sent off almost a month ago) & I can let you know what I think then if you like. They actually cost a bit more than £615 too once you take delivery into consideration (UE charge $70 to ship to us Brits!) then you've for the cost odthe impressions & the cost of sending them to UE & (hopefully not but maybe) customs.

Thanks, keep my posted. Shame you've sold both your other sets, so you can't compare side by side.

Out of interest, how much were the impressions?

 

[Nuwidol]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimBob1971 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thanks, keep my posted. Shame you've sold both your other sets, so you can't compare side by side. Out of interest, how much were the impressions?

I can still compare to the SE530. I bought my brother a set last Christmas

Impressions cost me £45. You can get them (a lot) cheaper but I wanted to hopefully get them done right first time & went to an audiologist who specialises in 'musicians hearing' in Harley Street, London. While I was there & talking to her she asked me what type of music I liked & what bands etc. She had done IEM impressions for one of the bands I spoke of so I felt quite confident in her services. Only time will tell though...

 

[JimBob1971]

I revisited my TF10 pros last night in an effort to make a decision. I generally use my E500s or SF5pros to listen on the go (using an iPhone)

What became apparent is that, with my 5g iPod, they need to be amped. Running through a Hornet-M they had far better weight, resolution and space, making them really fun to listen to. When I switched to my iPhone then unamped iPod I wasn't really impressed, much preferring the other 2 phones I mentioned, so to my ears the TFs need to be amped.

Given these findings, I'll probably hold back on the UE11s until I can find an amp that is portable enough to use with my iPhone (i can't see myself making calls with a Hornet attached!)

Nuwidol, let me know when you receive yours though. Cheers.

 

[JimBob1971]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nuwidol /img/forum/go_quote.gif I can still compare to the SE530. I bought my brother a set last Christmas

Nuwidol, you get yours yet? I'm itching to ask you stuff!

EDIT: Incidentally, I've been spending more time with my TFs in the last week. Last night i think I finally achieved a decent seal (flip-flop, Shure modded olives) and I have to say they sounded fantastic. If the UE11s can improve on this I'd be delighted and would definitely go for a pair. The only one downer is that i find the sound changes when out in busy streets, and I lose some of the lovely midrange which is present in quiet environments. Still, I'm sure the same can be said for any IEM.

 

[Nuwidol]

Just got them about 30 mins ago.

You were itching to ask me questions. Imagine how itching I've been for the past month lol. Especially when the Fed-Ex tracking number tells you it will be delivered on the 20th & nothing shows up!

I'll be going round my brothers on Saturday so I'll be sure to do a comparison then with the SE530.

What else would you like to know?

All in they cost just over £800 (impressions, shipping & £130 at customs

)

 

[JimBob1971]

Nuwidol,

I'm wondering how the midrange compares, as well as how the 11s perform unamped (I'll be using an iPhone)

£800 would buy me an excellent set of over the ear phones (as well as a decent amp-although I already have a Hornet), but I'd obviously lose portability. So I'm also wondering at what level the 11s perform in terms of OTE phones.

Cheers