Earsonics sm3 V2

[i2ehan]

I didn't want to keep the

 feeling all to myself, so to every SM3 EDM fan, give this track a listen:
 

 
Nothing brings out Emma's voice quite like the SM3's do!

 

[Freefallr4545]

Quote:

I have the 530s. Can't stand 'em, after over 2.5 yrs of IE8 use, and think they are lost cause -- uh, no matter which tip (including custom molds) one may fit on to them. (Heck, even the older E2C and freebie Teclast R8s that came with my T51 DAP are better than the 530s, IMHO of course) .
Dunno about IEM brands/models I haven't heard (like the much acclaimed W4s, UEs, A-T, Monster, Ortofon, etc.) ... but despite my overall disappointment with EarSonics SM3v2 (and more's a comin' as the burn-in process does not seem to be helping that much; and I'm hearing more stuff that I don't like or stuff that the device is lacking) IEM technology has come a long way. The SM3s are way, WAY better than SE530s.

Yeah but my question was about the politeness of the 535's 530.s I NEVER liked either.Actually I should write I never liked the highs of the 530's. The Mids have been superb. the 535's fixed that perfectly, along with richer more defined bass
 

 

[go0gle]

alphaman you are killing me man... I ride(cycling) a lot, and I was hoping to find the perfect sound tool for that  in the face of the sm3v2 ... we shall see 
 
i2ehan great track.. i will give a try for sure

 

[Freefallr4545]

Quote:

I didn't want to keep the

 feeling all to myself, so to every SM3 EDM fan, give this track a listen:
 

 
Nothing brings out Emma's voice quite like the SM3's do!

Thanks for sharing. I have to admit, the music style is not for me, but that voice is hypnotic. (even with my 535's) lol.Sry for the ignorance, is this trance? 
 

 

[i2ehan]

Trance indeed my friend. At it's very best!

 

[alphaman]

Quote:

alphaman you are killing me man... I ride(cycling) a lot, and I was hoping to find the perfect sound tool for that  in the face of the sm3v2 ... we shall see 
 

For cycling, dancing, raving, or any activity -- or chores! -- where you need tunes that get you to move -- motivated -- the SM3 ain't gonna cut it. Not by far. I've been criticized by many in this thread for buying (and then dissing) these cans ...guilty! But, your honor, I was partially (but perhaps not deliberately) misled: so many reviews (both here and on other sites) point to "speed" and dynamics as one of the SM3's strong points. In fact, my Teclast R8 (came free with T51 DAP) are better when you need pace, tempo, dynamics. Better yet, get a pair of USED (but not abused) IE8s. Used because they need 100s of hours of break/burn-in time (for Chrissake, this is Sennheiser! They know about cans as much as anyone. ++). I think this is where most "reviewers" of IE8s (probably others, too) completely miss the boat. Yes, I'm pointing to all those who review dozens (even 100s) of IEMs, en masse, like popcorn**. 
 
SM3's may not be all that detailed, either. The IE8's acoustic images are smaller (not as bright) but much more focused IMO -- note: I'm not referring to soundstage here; rather, the images of individual sound-producers (instruments, cars, birds, dogs, human voice) within the larger dimension of the 'stage. They SM3s image, especially treble, is grainer and (undelicately) bigger. This may be what you want. In astronomy and other micro-/macro-optics, a researcher may deliberately unfocus an image to make it bigger (and more visible -- to see hues better). (Astronomy example here: Step 5: Star-test, out-of-focus ) . In the acoustic universe, I think this is roughly what the SM3s do. With the IE8s, one can use a good headphone amp (I DIY'd my own as the commercial jobs are never as good as DIY for the $) and pump up the gain a bit. Bingo: you get detail and delicacy.
 
 Now that they've been burning in continuously for 4 days, using the XLO CD burn-in tracks ... Another few strikes (against the IMO over-rated SM3, v2's or not) I've come to notice are: grainy un-/under-refined treble and "compression" of macro-dynamics. I'm not gonna point out the positives of these cans -- too much of that goin' 'round.
 
++ Okay, I may be guilty of using an argument-from-authority logical fallacy here. But Sennheiser is one of the few companies that I respect almost implicitly.
** Case-in-point:
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/554427/fs-sm3-w4-se535-mtpc-shipping-worldwide-prices-dropped
i2ehan ... love your posts and contributions and insights, man, but  like those evil school teachers of our yesteryears, gonna call to up to the front of the class and set an example...
You note: 
 

Monster Turbine Pro Copper: They were used for maybe 10 minutes, just to see how they compared to the Miles Davis. They're practically still brand new [...]

One can't really get best (= realistic) performance out of most NEW transducers -- especially dynamic/MC and BA; electrostatic, not as much an issue -- after 10 friggin' minutes! All that said, I like your review thread and wish it wasn't locked (again!).

 

[Freefallr4545]

Quote:

For cycling, dancing, raving, or any activity -- or chores! -- where you need tunes that get you to move -- motivated -- the SM3 ain't gonna cut it. Not by far. I've been criticized by many in this thread for buying (and then dissing) these cans ...guilty! But, your honor, I was partially (but perhaps not deliberately) misled: so many reviews (both here and on other sites) point to "speed" and dynamics as one of the SM3's strong points. In fact, my Teclast R8 (came free with T51 DAP) are better when you need pace, tempo, dynamics. Better yet, get a pair of USED (but not abused) IE8s. Used because they need 100s of hours of break/burn-in time (for Chrissake, this is Sennheiser! They know about cans as much as anyone. ++). I think this is where most "reviewers" of IE8s (probably others, too) completely miss the boat. Yes, I'm pointing to all those who review dozens (even 100s) of IEMs, en masse, like popcorn**. 
 
SM3's may not be all that detailed, either. The IE8's acoustic images are smaller (not as bright) but much more focused IMO -- note: I'm not referring to soundstage here; rather, the images of individual sound-producers (instruments, cars, birds, dogs, human voice) within the larger dimension of the 'stage. They SM3s image, especially treble, is grainer and (undelicately) bigger. This may be what you want. In astronomy and other micro-/macro-optics, a researcher may deliberately unfocus an image to make it bigger (and more visible -- to see hues better). (Astronomy example here: Step 5: Star-test, out-of-focus ) . In the acoustic universe, I think this is roughly what the SM3s do. With the IE8s, one can use a good headphone amp (I DIY'd my own as the commercial jobs are never as good as DIY for the $) and pump up the gain a bit. Bingo: you get detail and delicacy.
 
 Now that they've been burning in continuously for 4 days, using the XLO CD burn-in tracks ... Another few strikes (against the IMO over-rated SM3, v2's or not) I've come to notice are: grainy un-/under-refined treble and "compression" of macro-dynamics. I'm not gonna point out the positives of these cans -- too much of that goin' 'round.
 
++ Okay, I may be guilty of using an argument-from-authority logical fallacy here. But Sennheiser is one of the few companies that I respect almost implicitly.
** Case-in-point:
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/554427/fs-sm3-w4-se535-mtpc-shipping-worldwide-prices-dropped
i2ehan ... love your posts and contributions and insights, man, but  like those evil school teachers of our yesteryears, gonna call to up to the front of the class and set an example...
You note: 
 

Monster Turbine Pro Copper: They were used for maybe 10 minutes, just to see how they compared to the Miles Davis. They're practically still brand new [...]

One can't really get best (= realistic) performance out of most NEW transducers -- especially dynamic/MC and BA; electrostatic, not as much an issue -- after 10 friggin' minutes! All that said, I like your review thread and wish it wasn't locked (again!).

WOW!!! Extremely Well written. 1st off backwards then forward. I Love I2ehan, because he has a deep love for his music. I'm new here, but I noticed Way way way too much knocking on IEMs. How bad would it be If I were to tell I2ehan "man why would you listen to that crap music with such a nice piece of Machinery (IEM) When I was 15, I would have said that ignorantly. While I grew deeper into the love of music, I found, wow all of a sudden the Jazz that sucked, is totally changing my life, like Led Zep and Jeff Beck did. Classical Piano also just blows me away. Before, anything that didn't have railing guitars Satrianish, I wouldn't give it a listen. Weather Report changed all that. 
  So I don;t hear people knocking other peoples choices of music here, and thats a good thing, Because it;s a truly personal choice, JUST LIKE IEM's. 
   Anyways I2ehan is one of my most respected Hifiers here period. His reviews are honest yet without being negative, and when he says IMHO he knows what the "H" stands for. Joey Russo was also my most respected Hifiers here until he left from all the whinning (like I am doing right now) 4,3,2,1 is under the impression that people decide to choose some of their IEMS (the He doesn't like) because their mind talks them into it. That's a cool trick, if you sm3 lovers are indeed doing that, please let me know how it's done so I can go back to my apple buds for 3 dollars, and save up on some scratch 
 

 

[Freefallr4545]

Besides, The W3's are the best IEM ever and if you don;t notice this, you are either deaf, or have a bad set of ears LOL

 

[music_4321]

Quote:

 
  So I don;t hear people knocking other peoples choices of music here, and thats a good thing, Because it;s a truly personal choice, JUST LIKE IEM's. 
 

Not quite. While a Lady Gaga CD may cost the same as a Bach CD, you can get $5 earbuds and $500+ universal IEMs. There are other differences that have nothing to do with taste, but I won't discuss them now.
 
 
Quote:

 
4,3,2,1 is under the impression that people decide to choose some of their IEMS (the He doesn't like) because their mind talks them into it. That's a cool trick, if you sm3 lovers are indeed doing that, please let me know how it's done so I can go back to my apple buds for 3 dollars, and save up on some scratch 
 

 
I suppose you're referring to music_4321. I won't waste my time trying to convince you that you're quite wrong.

 

[i2ehan]

I'm still here for the very reason that brought me here to begin with; my love for music and my passion for seeking out the sound that's best suited for my ears; the very reason that I'm slowly but surely leaning towards customs in the distant future. Sound IMO is the most subjective of our senses. Thus when I first discovered head-fi, I knew all too well what comes with the territory. Live and let listen, simple as that!

 
Oh, and with regards to the Copper's, the ones I have up for sale are the second pair I received. The first ones, on which my impressions were based, I was able to spend a few hours with, until they crapped out on me unfortunately. Nonetheless, a few hours time may not be enough for some listeners, while others would argue that if they're content with the sound out of the box, it should only improve with time, be it brain-in/burn-in. Luckily, the very same seller had two up for sale, and was kind enough to send me a brand new replacement the very day I sent back the faulty pair; and it's the new replacement that went used for maybe 10 minutes, and is now being sold here. However, I'd kindly request to not discuss any of that here, with respect to the OP. I always check my PM's, and respond as soon as I'm able; so if anyone wishes to discuss it, I'm but a PM away.

 

[Freefallr4545]

Quote:

Not quite. While a Lady Gaga CD may cost the same as a Bach CD, you can get $5 earbuds and $500+ universal IEMs. There are other differences that have nothing to do with taste, but I won't discuss them now.
 
 
Quote:

 
4,3,2,1 is under the impression that people decide to choose some of their IEMS (the He doesn't like) because their mind talks them into it. That's a cool trick, if you sm3 lovers are indeed doing that, please let me know how it's done so I can go back to my apple buds for 3 dollars, and save up on some scratch 
 

 
I suppose you're referring to music_4321. I won't waste my time trying to convince you that you're quite wrong.

Yes I was referring to you. I DO understand what you mean. Like Brittany Spears sold more Albums than Mike Stern so her music must be better. But isn't it just as bad to dislike or trash an IEM because it is highly popular, as it is to simply buy one because it is  popular? ( I can only speak of W3' and 535's as thats what I own) In another post you imo trashed the 535's for being bass anemic. That is not even close to being accurate. Also using the Westone Flex Tips on the 535's is the brightest sleeve you can use, even brighter than the Shure flex sleeve. The Olives and the Triflanges along with the yellow foamies give a much more balanced tone for the 535's. The only time I use Westone Flex tips is on my W3 at extremely low volumes. So as I'm trying to decide whether to purchase an SM3 now or in the future, I do not take your opinions on them to seriously as a result.
 

 

[music_4321]

My answers in blue
 
Quote:

 
Yes I was referring to you. I DO understand what you mean. Like Brittany Spears sold more Albums than Mike Stern so her music must be better.
 
You clearly don't understand.
 
But isn't it just as bad to dislike or trash an IEM because it is highly popular, as it is to simply buy one because it is  popular?
 
Again, you do NOT understand.
 
In another post you imo trashed the 535's for being bass anemic. That is not even close to being accurate. 
 
Apart from me, quite a few people have stated that the bass on the SE535 is less than adequate.
 
In another post you imo trashed the 535's for being bass anemic. That is not even close to being accurate. 
 
Says who?
 
Also using the Westone Flex Tips on the 535's is the brightest sleeve you can use, even brighter than the Shure flex sleeve. The Olives and the Triflanges along with the yellow foamies give a much more balanced tone for the 535's. 
 
I tried all those tips and my ears did not hear what your ears seem to hear. The sound with the tips you suggest was even worse. FYI, I never go round telling people which tips they must use. I only speak of the ones that work for me.
 
The only time I use Westone Flex tips is on my W3 at extremely low volumes. 
 
Good for you.
 
So as I'm trying to decide whether to purchase an SM3 now or in the future, I do not take your opinions on them to seriously as a result.
 
Good. I think I can manage to live with that.
 

 

 

[Confispect]

 

[Freefallr4545]

Quote:

My answers in blue
 


 

 
In another post you imo trashed the 535's for being bass anemic. That is not even close to being accurate. 
 
Apart from me, quite a few people have stated that the bass on the SE535 is less than adequate.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
I guess its now appropriate that majority rules.
 
Also using the Westone Flex Tips on the 535's is the brightest sleeve you can use, even brighter than the Shure flex sleeve. The Olives and the Triflanges along with the yellow foamies give a much more balanced tone for the 535's. 
 
I tried all those tips and my ears did not hear what your ears seem to hear. The sound with the tips you suggest was even worse. FYI, I never go round telling people which tips they must use. I only speak of the ones that work for me.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No, but you seem to get offended and sarcastic, when people choose a phone that you don't like, and make THAT opinion well known. Why go on an SM3 thread and trash it, and suggest the only reason people love certain phones is that there mind is telling them to do that. How does this help the "Newbie" that you're always defending. I'm trying not to make this personal, but many people here respect what you write, and IMO you need to be more graceful with your words...Just sayin' I'm done

 
 

 

[munkyballz]

Quote:

For cycling, dancing, raving, or any activity -- or chores! -- where you need tunes that get you to move -- motivated -- the SM3 ain't gonna cut it.
 
 
** Case-in-point:
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/554427/fs-sm3-w4-se535-mtpc-shipping-worldwide-prices-dropped
i2ehan ... love your posts and contributions and insights, man, but  like those evil school teachers of our yesteryears, gonna call to up to the front of the class and set an example...

 
Just to clarify, I don't find the SM3's necessarily slow, in terms of the combined pool of universal IEMs.  Just more laid back and technically not as fast as other sparkly IEM's such as the brighter DBA et al.  It is in general, still a fast earphone, probably at least as fast to any dynamic IEM out there, if not and likely faster.  For example, the FX700, a top tier dynamic, but still slower (quite noticeably) than the SM3, to my ears.  There is more natural decay, timbre, emotion in dynamics usually, at the expense of speed and technical brilliance.  The gap between the differences the two have gotten narrower and in some cases, razor thin due to new tech, but speaking generally, that is the basic ideal of each type.  If you're comparing directly say between the FX700 and the SM3, I would say basically the same applies, even though both are unique in that they "borrow" few traits from the other side's pool of characteristics here and there.
 
As for i2ehan, I think he owned the IE8's for a couple years or so, before getting a new set to direct compare in his now rip comparison thread.  I'm not sure about the Monsters though.