[joincoolkidclub]

Well, the title really says it all:

If one was interested in comparing Westone 3, triple.fi 10, SE530, etc could not audition them, would the UM1, super.fi 3, E2C/E4C accurately reflect the sound signature exemplified in higher end models?

Thanks in advance for any thoughts on the matter,
NICK

 

[oak3x]

Yes, many times this is the case...

The top of the line IEM in a series is typically designed to appeal to the mass markets preferred sound signature (warm, with heavy bass).

The middle of the series, many times is more accurate in spectrum reproduction (ex. Shure se310, Sennheiser IE7, Westone UM1)

 

[imademymark]

mms i dont really agree though, i guess you could make that point with the se420 vs the 530s, but definitely not with the 310s or the ue3 vs the tf10

 

[thekid22]

in the case of the UE metro.fi series vs the higher end super.fi or triple.fi, definitely not.

 

[joincoolkidclub]

Thanks to all who responded and I look forward to hearing more from others.
NICK

 

[Kibble Fat]

design goals for each model will be different just like car models. A particular set of headphones will be designed to satisfy a specific market need, which either "high-" or "low-end" might feature an accurate sound reproduction or it might not.

I think slightly more high-end headphones designed to accurately reproduce sound would be available than low-end headphones, simply because with the higher project budget, a more neutral frequency response can be achieved through more rigorous testing.

This may or may not be the case, but I think you'd find more truly accurate headphones in the higher price range

 

[Kibble Fat]

PS, I may have answered a question that wasn't asked.

 

[Nocturnal310]

Low end ? whats that?

 

[Libertad]

Panasonics line up of the RP-HJE300, RP-HJE550/500, and RP-HJE900 all sound nothing alike. The 300 sound very bassy and muddy compared to the 900. Id say that judging the line up based on the low end model doesn't necessarily give you a good impression of what there higher caliber gear sounds like its always best to audition them for yourself.

 

[imademymark]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nocturnal310 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Low end ? whats that?

now this just sounds snobbish

 

[FrederikS|TPU]

Quote:

Originally Posted by oak3x /img/forum/go_quote.gif Yes, many times this is the case... The top of the line IEM in a series is typically designed to appeal to the mass markets preferred sound signature (warm, with heavy bass). The middle of the series, many times is more accurate in spectrum reproduction (ex. Shure se310, Sennheiser IE7, Westone UM1)

Not really the case. Especially the UM1s fall far from the sound of the W3s. I agree that there is a "house"-sound to some extent, but you cannot say the less expensive models have a more faithful frequency response. For instance the UM1s are severely rolled off in both ends of the spectrum, which is not the case with the W3s.

 

[joincoolkidclub]

Sorry if the wording was confusing- I meant the "house" sound.

 

[Young Spade]

I think that it does, but only to a certain extent. WHen you are listening to a lower end model (sub 200 price range), you are skimping on some of the things that the higher end models include.

IMO, there are a handful of GREAT IEMs and cans for under 200 (Phonak, Etymotic, Yuin) that preform well and do some things better than the "top brands".

 

[joincoolkidclub]

Yeah- I guess when you move from the realm of single drivers to doubles and triples, there's a whole new range of sound and space available.

Well, I guess I'll just buy high and return what I don't like until I find what I'm looking for!