[FullCircle]

 

[zenpunk]

  CIEMs = Time  
 
Some CIEMs can require up to 40 hrs to build
 
Building CIEM's require rare skill sets, & rare skill sets require a premium payment. Consider this, statistically speaking, you are more likely to bump in to person that can fly a plane, than meet a person that can build a CIEM.
 
 

Could that be by any chance due to the fact than slightly more people fly on planes than use CIEMs??? 

 
I am sure building ciem require skils but it isn't rocket science, sorry, or is that your head getting bigger? 

 

[Fungus]

  Could that be by any chance due to the fact than slightly more people fly on planes than use CIEMs??? 

 
I am sure building ciem require skils but it isn't rocket science, sorry, or is that your head getting bigger? 

I agree 

 

[Fungus]

   
OK.  After reading subsequent posts, it sounds like you're comparing universals and like custom products/models from 1964 ears and possibly Noble Audio, not general universals vs customs.  It's only a matter of time before the Wizard chimes in, but "perfect fit" between universals and customs can be like apples to oranges.  Although, I'm not that versed with "tip rolling" there seems to be a consensus that different tips can effect the sound, for better or worse.  Same goes with customs or reshells.  My first custom/reshell was the TF10 and despite the great fit on the first try, it sounded different.  However, that endeavor only costed me less than $200 ($99 Amazon BF+ $85 reshelling service special).
 
Also, before you purchase your hard and earned cash, it's in your best interest to first try and audition the particular model in universal form, if possible.  One possible solution is to reshell your UM3x in a custom shell.  This way, you get to try first hand if the custom route is right for you especially when it comes to fit and comfort, and if not, your wallet will thank you unless you go nuts with all the possible options.
 
Other than the sound, my reason for going custom is for consistent fit and long term comfort.  It's also nice not having tips getting stuck in your ear canals, losing them, readjusting, and constantly buying them.

I love my um3x rc to death.
Not only is it the best universal iem I've heard or owned, it's also the most comfortable to wear... same size as a um1 with only one driver.  
The plain medium sized shure tip fit my ears perfectly that I never have to adjust them whilst eating or yawning. I don't even feel them when worn for extended periods.

Converting them into custom is definitely out of the question. I'm not going to have somebody break open the beautifully crafted limited edition blue shell and end by with a housing twice as big.
The shape of an ear canal is simply enough for a universal to provide a good fit. Maybe for those people who claim to not get a good fit should try out other compatible tips not included in the box.
It's mainly the tip that provides the fit and isolation. The diameter of an ear canal is only about half a cm so any additional just add unnecessary weight. 
I think manufacturers should start introducing custom tips.   

 

[FullCircle]

  Could that be by any chance due to the fact than slightly more people fly on planes than use CIEMs??? 

 
I am sure building ciem require skils but it isn't rocket science, sorry, or is that your head getting bigger? 

 
 
 
 
I in no way stated that building CIEMs is rocket science, what I stated is that it is a rare skill set and rare skill sets are expensive.
 
Plumbing isn't rocket science either, but plumbers do not work for cheap. ($90+ an hour)
 
I'm not sure where the size of my head fits into this topic....
 
 
Personally I use universal IEMs as I find them to be more practical.  Different strokes for different folks

 

[Marshal Banana]

I must be the only guy in the world who doesn't fit acrylic CIEM. I tried 3 times with 2 different maker (one known for its awfull after service, and an other known for the excellence of their fit and finish). No matter what my left ear doesn't fit customs. I get through a lot of refit (maybe over 20 in total with the 2 makers!), a lot of different ears impressions (about 10 different impressions), and a lot of time (about 2 years). I have a nerve in my left ear canal making it very sensitive. I can get a comfortable fit by filing the nozzle, but if we do that, I get a left and right imbalance issue. So i'm basicly screwed.
I don't have any of those issues with universals because of the flexible nature of the eartips.
So for me, universal fit is a way better than acrylic custom fit. true story!
 
PS: if any custom maker who read this and wants to try to take up the chalenge of making me a good fiting CIEM, feel free to contact me by PM.

 

[FullCircle]

  I must be the only guy in the world who doesn't fit acrylic CIEM. I tried 3 times with 2 different maker (one known for its awfull after service, and an other known for the excellence of their fit and finish). No matter what my left ear doesn't fit customs. I get through a lot of refit (maybe over 20 in total with the 2 makers!), a lot of different ears impressions (about 10 different impressions), and a lot of time (about 2 years). I have a nerve in my left ear canal making it very sensitive. I can get a comfortable fit by filing the nozzle, but if we do that, I get a left and right imbalance issue. So i'm basicly screwed.
I don't have any of those issues with universals because of the flexible nature of the eartips.
So for me, universal fit is a way better than acrylic custom fit. true story!
 
PS: if any custom maker who read this and wants to try to take up the chalenge of making me a good fiting CIEM, feel free to contact me by PM.

 
 
Yes sir, it is very possible that your ear canal has a shape that is just not conducive for a CIEM.  We audiologist often see this with hearing aid clients as well.
 
I can use CIEMs, but my ear canals have a harsh bend to them, and removing them is a chore, so I use universals. 

 

[Marshal Banana]

My bend wasn't so harsh (it was actualy harsher in the right ear, the ear with no issue), I puted them on and out with no difficulty.
 
As a specialist, do you think that silicon custom could be the answer?

 

[FullCircle]

  My bend wasn't so harsh (it was actualy harsher in the right ear, the ear with no issue), I puted them on and out with no difficulty.
 
As a specialist, do you think that silicon custom could be the answer?

 
 
Silicon comes with its own set of problems, if they are worn for an extensive period of time the ear canal starts to "sweat," but they may be a possible solution to your situation.

 

[Marshal Banana]

Thank you for your answer!
 
I'm really looking forward to try out your K10 Universal. I hope I will be able to at the Fujiya Avic Headphone Festival at the end of the month.

 

[FullCircle]

  Thank you for your answer!
 
I'm really looking forward to try out your K10 Universal. I hope I will be able to at the Fujiya Avic Headphone Festival at the end of the month.

 
 
I do believe it will be.