Earsonics SM3 Appreciation Thread - Third Time is a Charm?

[RapidPulse]

Thanks.  Just placed my order for the SM3 

 

[Gilly87]

Get ready to enjoy. If you like the surround capabilities of the ASG-1 and EPH-100, be prepared for something that separates as well as both, but sounds less disjointed than the ASG-1, and has a much more realistic overall sense of space than the EPH-100. The really enchanting thing about the SM3 is their ability to make vocals very clear and place them at the center of your attention, but without the need for the mids to be as forward as the ASG-1, and with a very realistic sense of overall space that is filled in very coherently, everything is separated and spaced but still well-blended. The overall sound is a little deeper than anything but the X10, and they retain that nice BA quickness like the X10 in the highs and mids, while the bass driver is just a tad slower to give more of a filled-out feel to the bass. Its not as textured as the X10 in the bass, it doesn't sound like a dynamic driver, but its very natural bass in terms of quantity IMO.

 

[RapidPulse]

 
Gilly: Just got my SM3, and it is not what I was expecting at all...to the point where I believe mine may be defective. At least I hope so.
Right now, I am hearing bass that has less weight than my Etymotic HF3. It almost seems like the BA responsible for the lower frequencies is just not working.  I was not expecting ASG-1 levels of bass, but I was expecting more than the Etymotic!
 
More of the story: When I opened the box, the right earpiece was put on incorrectly. I had to unplug and reverse.  It also has a little red blob on it...which would be fine if it was to indicate the right earphone, but it looks so haphazard and poorly done that it doesn't look intentional. Do you have that on yours?
 
What do you think?  I should get these exchanged, right?

 

[Gilly87]

The little red blob is supposed to be there, Red for Right. The SM3 definitely should have more bass than the Etys for SURE, are you certain you're getting a good seal? Maybe try the Comply P series to make sure the seal is good, if the bass weight is still no good, just contact Earsonics customer service, mention the serial number and Head-Fi and I'm sure they will treat you well If they give you any trouble I am here to help

 

[mongol]

Quote:

The little red blob is supposed to be there, Red for Right.

 
The red dot on my SM3 is toward the inside - on the exact opposite side of what Rapid Pulse shows.  Never pulled the plug.  Does it matter which side?

 

[olear]

After more listening, I prefer SM3 over UM3X. Instrument separation is the only advantage (to me) of the um3x.
The um3x is more midcentric with smaller soundstage and is more intimate.
 
The sm3 has better quality and quantity bass, more quantity treble with better extension. I find jokers statement (found in his sm3 review)
exactly how I hear it in that the sm3 sits in the middle of the um3x and tf10/w3.  I've had tf10 and find his impression so true.
 
To me, for full enjoyment of music, the sm3, for listening how the instruments sound separated out, which I found interesting, um3x.
 
I find sm3 to better with pop, rock, and electronic and um3x definitely not as good for these genres.
 
I am using Future Sonics MG7 double flange tips and getting a good seal.  What other tips work well? Olives?
I think Comply's would diminish the highs too much and make the phones sound too warm.

 

[Gilly87]

I'm really glad you're liking them now. I'm really excited to hear the TF10 some day, I am hoping to hear a similarly large soundstage like the SM3 with more bass extension and quantity with a clearer sound (less resolution/detail I'm sure, but I'm guessing less warmth as well).

 

[olear]

Quote:

I'm really glad you're liking them now. I'm really excited to hear the TF10 some day, I am hoping to hear a similarly large soundstage like the SM3 with more bass extension and quantity with a clearer sound (less resolution/detail I'm sure, but I'm guessing less warmth as well).

When you can, audition the EX1000. These are my favorite IEMs. 

 

[olear]

The FX700 is another phone that you might like. It has better bass extension, greater quality and quantity and has a large soundstage.
The sound signature is V shaped (much more than EX1000).

 

[Gilly87]

interesting. I had never considered the Sonys but they are out of my price range, as are the jvcs. 

 

[RapidPulse]

Quote:

The little red blob is supposed to be there, Red for Right. The SM3 definitely should have more bass than the Etys for SURE, are you certain you're getting a good seal? Maybe try the Comply P series to make sure the seal is good, if the bass weight is still no good, just contact Earsonics customer service, mention the serial number and Head-Fi and I'm sure they will treat you well

If they give you any trouble I am here to help

Ok...just got my replacement pair. As I was strongly suspecting, the first pair had issues.  Now these sound like I have been reading about!  Will post some impressions later.

 

[Gilly87]

Ok...just got my replacement pair. As I was strongly suspecting, the first pair had issues.  Now these sound like I have been reading about!  Will post some impressions later.

Yay! Glad you're getting the real SM3 experience now

 

[olear]

I was listening to the um3x for about 30 minutes and then half way throught the same song I switched over to the sm3 and immediately I heard the deeper,rounded bass, with a fuller, richer sound and much wider soundstage. They are both excellent, but I'd give the sm3 the upper hand.

 

[lesale08]

hey, new member here. signing in with my custom sm3!

 

[lesale08]

I was listening to the um3x for about 30 minutes and then half way throught the same song I switched over to the sm3 and immediately I heard the deeper,rounded bass, with a fuller, richer sound and much wider soundstage. They are both excellent, but I'd give the sm3 the upper hand.

I fully agree with you! In my case, I only use my um3x when I go jogging! lol
The sm3 sound very natural and better in my music preference.