Mimouille
Headphoneus Supremus
A little bit of comparison today between the Prophile-8 from In-Ear and the S-EM9 from Earsonics. Both driven by the Sony WM1Z, the S-EM9 balanced and the Prophile-8 single ended because I don't have the adequate cable (nobody does at this stage).
First important difference is stage and music presentation. The Prophile has a wider stage that is much closer, surrounding you. You are in the middle of the music. The S-EM9 has a narrower stage, further in front of you. The music is still airy and well separated, but less involving and more laid back.
Mids have more or less similar clarity but due to the stage presentation, the voices on the earsonics sound more distant and very up close and intimate on the Prophile.
Bass wise, the S-EM9 has slightly more mid bass, but if you switch the bass on on the Prophile-8, the mid bass will have more impact than on the S-EM9. Subbass seems equally extended.
Highs seem similarly extended, but in neutral position Prophile-8 highs are slightly smoother, and if you turn on the high switch, they become similar, maybe even more edgy on the Prophile-8.
In terms of details the Prophile will have the edge, not that it had more details, but the fact they are more up close makes them easier to hear.
Finally in terms of speed, while the Prophile-8 is no slouch, maybe the S-EM9 has a very slight edge...if it does it is not obvious.
Overall, I would say that at this stage they play in the same category, but the Prophile drags you more into the music, and has the switch to adjust to preference.
Both among the top universals I have heard.
Keep in mind things could change if they were both balanced...
First important difference is stage and music presentation. The Prophile has a wider stage that is much closer, surrounding you. You are in the middle of the music. The S-EM9 has a narrower stage, further in front of you. The music is still airy and well separated, but less involving and more laid back.
Mids have more or less similar clarity but due to the stage presentation, the voices on the earsonics sound more distant and very up close and intimate on the Prophile.
Bass wise, the S-EM9 has slightly more mid bass, but if you switch the bass on on the Prophile-8, the mid bass will have more impact than on the S-EM9. Subbass seems equally extended.
Highs seem similarly extended, but in neutral position Prophile-8 highs are slightly smoother, and if you turn on the high switch, they become similar, maybe even more edgy on the Prophile-8.
In terms of details the Prophile will have the edge, not that it had more details, but the fact they are more up close makes them easier to hear.
Finally in terms of speed, while the Prophile-8 is no slouch, maybe the S-EM9 has a very slight edge...if it does it is not obvious.
Overall, I would say that at this stage they play in the same category, but the Prophile drags you more into the music, and has the switch to adjust to preference.
Both among the top universals I have heard.
Keep in mind things could change if they were both balanced...