Do all IEMs sound thin?

[zdkaiser]

I don't have a lot of experience with IEMs... I have only owned the Shure E2c, se310, and currently the se530.
 
Everyone of those IEMs has sounded very thin and weak to me. The se530s are supposed to have the best bass response of them all, and they still, to my ears, sound weak in the bass department.
 
My current listening: Foobar>Lossless FLAC>USB>Ibasso D4 Mamba dual DAC/AMP>Shure se530.
 
I should note, I have a good seal using the large black foamies.
 
Is this how all IEMs are? Am I just used to a fuller sound from larger cans? I was expecting more from the se530s, as they do sometimes retail for close to $500! Lunacy!
 
-z

 

[azncookiecutter]

Nope. Give some of the dynamic IEMs a try (Turbine Pros, IE8).

 

[batpig]

not if you get the right ones! 

 
check out the Munitio SITi, they don't sound "thin" in the slightest!  25% off right now with holiday promo code (coupon code "vibrato").  https://munitio.com/products-page
 
now, physics are physics and it's going to be easier to get a "full" sound from full-sized headphones... just like a tiny sub/sat setup with 6-inch tall speakers cannot sound like a movie theater when cranked up for HT use.  Whereas big dynamic tower speakers can accomplish this more easily.  So, you can probably get equal performance for less money with full-sized.  But the best IEM's can sound pretty awesome, and of course the major trade-off is vastly improved convenience.

 

[warp08]

The SE535s have a mid-forward sound signature, which is their strength.  The Westone 3s have more of a "V" shaped frequency curve.
 
In terms of customs, the JH16s offer comparable performance closest to that of full-sized reference cans, like the HD800s.

 

[ClieOS]

I think the question to ask is, what headphone does the OP consider to be 'thick and strong'?

 

[melomaniac]

moving to a custom IEM is worth it. but far below that price range, you can get fine universal IEMs. I still like Etymotics ER4P with an S adapter. but I'll confess that I will be getting custom tips for that one, too

 

[cn11]

May also want to search/read up on: Sennheiser IE8, JVC FX-700, Monster Miles Davis Tribute...... just more food for thought. All of those are dynamic driver IEM's.
 
One balanced armature IEM which sounds nice and warm, laid back, and with a nice bass presence, is the Earsonics SM3. But it won't have quite the impact of those three dynamics mentioned above. 
 

 

[Confispect]

Yeah try a dynamic you'll get what you want. 

 

[fallingreason]

Definitely try a dynamic for a thick sound.  Though, even in the BA realm, I have found that Shure IEM's have the thinnest sound by FAR.  The Triple-Fi, Westone 3, and Custom 3 all sound much fuller to me.  (the SE530 is an exception, but only sounds thick in the mids.

 

[JackKontney]

Sounds like another case of improper insertion to me. Despite noting "a good seal using the large black foamies," key phrases like...
 
"I don't have a lot of experience with IEMs...
"Everyone of those IEMs has sounded very thin and weak to me.
"....supposed to have the best bass response of them all, and they still, to my ears, sound weak..."
 
...fairly scream bass leakage. No disrespect intended, zdkaiser, but I see it all the time -- even among musicians who have used IEMs for years. People are convinced they have a "good seal" when, in fact, they don't.
 
I strongly recommend that you check out the Sensaphonics Audio Seal Test.
 
http://www.sensaphonics.com/test/index.html
 
This will tell you if you're hearing the low frequencies that the drivers are delivering.
 
Full disclosure: Sensaphonics is a client of mine. But the test is universal; works with any IEMs.

 

[zdkaiser]

well, i tried the sensaphonics test. i definitely have a good seal. the issue isn't the seal. i follow shure's recommendations. squeeze the foam, pull the ear up, slide into ear canal and hold IEM in place until the foam expands. i have them in, snap my fingers, and it is highly muffled.
 
i think the issue is my interpretation of how IEMs sound.
they seem to me to sound shallow and thin. maybe it is just the lack of soundstage and my inability to clearly explain what I am hearing.
 
in regards to me saying "I don't have a lot of experience with IEMs", I meant, I have not heard a lot of different brands/models. i have heard three Shure models, that is it. i was more curious as to whether what I am hearing from these se530s is comparable to other 3 driver IEMs on the market. Moreso, I guess I was expecting more from them, as they are sold for $500 (given, I didn't even pay half of that).
 
 
 

 

[Kunlun]

Quote:

well, i tried the sensaphonics test. i definitely have a good seal. the issue isn't the seal. i follow shure's recommendations. squeeze the foam, pull the ear up, slide into ear canal and hold IEM in place until the foam expands. i have them in, snap my fingers, and it is highly muffled.
 
i think the issue is my interpretation of how IEMs sound.
they seem to me to sound shallow and thin. maybe it is just the lack of soundstage and my inability to clearly explain what I am hearing.
 
in regards to me saying "I don't have a lot of experience with IEMs", I meant, I have not heard a lot of different brands/models. i have heard three Shure models, that is it. i was more curious as to whether what I am hearing from these se530s is comparable to other 3 driver IEMs on the market. Moreso, I guess I was expecting more from them, as they are sold for $500 (given, I didn't even pay half of that).
 
 
 

Like others are telling you, try a dynamic driver iem like the Monster Miles Davis.
 

 

[Spyro]

None of those IEM's the OP has heard has much soundstage at all which could be contributing to the problem.  Try a Westone 3 and I would be shocked to have you come back and say they sound "thin."

 

[wind016]

Monster Turbine Pro Golds are your answer