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Earsonics SM3 with NWZ 729 Series Walkman

Oct 8, 2010 at 2:32 AM Thread Starter Post #1 of 9
ucrags84

ucrags84

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I've heard a lot of good stuff about the Earsonics SM3 in terms of soundstage, all around high & low, it just seems to be a great universal triple-ba.
 
My concerns are these:

1) I plan to use this with my Sony NWZ-A729 unamped, do you think this will make a difference. All files are in 320kbps MP3 LAME, ripped from EAC. So they will not be lossless.
 
2) Since these seem to be relatively new, they have not have been run through their paces yet right? Please correct me. The SM3 doesn't look like it has a detachable cable, does anybody who owns this think this is an issues, or is the joint reinforced well?
 
3) Overall I will be using this unamped, will these still provide a big jump in SQ from my current Klipsch X5 given the source material I outlined in point #1? There's a possibility I might consider an S:flo in the future, for now I'm happy with what i have. I don't want to carry around an amp, and extra equipment.


Thanks.
 
Oct 8, 2010 at 2:57 AM Post #2 of 9
1) I tried my SM3 on a Sony player and the synergy is excellent. No doubt about it, and no need for an amp
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2) The cable is of high quality, and if it came to break, Earsonics would replace them for about 40€ if I remember well. Of course, you must include shipping costs.
The are reports of some quality issues, but is concerns the housing more than the cable. And again, if I'm right, the problems have been solved in the latest batch.
 
3) Yes! 3x
 
Oct 8, 2010 at 3:13 AM Post #3 of 9

 
Quote:
ucrags84 said:
I've heard a lot of good stuff about the Earsonics SM3 in terms of soundstage, all around high & low, it just seems to be a great universal triple-ba.
 
My concerns are these:

1) I plan to use this with my Sony NWZ-A729 unamped, do you think this will make a difference. All files are in 320kbps MP3 LAME, ripped from EAC. So they will not be lossless.
 
2) Since these seem to be relatively new, they have not have been run through their paces yet right? Please correct me. The SM3 doesn't look like it has a detachable cable, does anybody who owns this think this is an issues, or is the joint reinforced well?
 
3) Overall I will be using this unamped, will these still provide a big jump in SQ from my current Klipsch X5 given the source material I outlined in point #1? There's a possibility I might consider an S:flo in the future, for now I'm happy with what i have. I don't want to carry around an amp, and extra equipment.


Thanks.
Click to expand...



1) Though lossless is the best way to go, your quality (320 kbps MP3) is not utterly bad--it's very useable. So not a big problem here.
2) The cable is very sturdy, no need to worry about this.
3) Unamped the SM3 sounds fantastic. With an amp they do not improve enough to credit an amp purchase, in my opinion. In fact, I prefer them unamped. And yes, they will sound better than the current IEMs you have.
 
Oct 10, 2010 at 2:54 AM Post #4 of 9
Cool thanks. I forgot to add one more question, it's not so much a structural concern as something I will need to sort out. What kind of universal tips work best on the SM3 (for you that is).

I've heard comply's muffle the treble's, and the double-flanges are good. I've had good luck with Olives in the past, I don't know what will fit on these, so would like to here what gives decent isolation and maintains the balance the SM3s are designed for.
 
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