[tex thai]

 
There are so few reviews of Eartech Music custom in ear monitors, so I am adding my thoughts, hoping it helps. The 4 driver QUAD
 
Pros: They FIT!!!!
Rich, full bass and midrange; clear, articulate and extremely musical (fun, not analytical) sound. Comes with great accessories and good (removable) cord. Great customer service, warranty and customization. Good Price/Performance ratio.
Efficient powerful play, easy to drive with any likely player. Great isolation from others, perfect for the plane or rockin' out when she who must not be disturbed is asleep beside me.
 
Cons: A little lacking in high end “air”, resolution and refinement.
 
“Eartech Music is a custom in-ear studio dedicated to making the highest quality and most affordable in-ear products for musicians, sound engineers and audiophiles.”
In Eartech Music's “Who We Are” statement on their website (eartechmusic.com) they mention competitive prices, lower costs, affordable, etc. 9 times.
And if meeting that goal is a “home run” for EM, then I would say the 4 Driver (two bass, one mid and one treble) Quads hit it WAY out of the park!!! These are audiophile ciems, not just good enough “for the price”.
 
I am not a musician, but a music lover (audiophile? well no golden ears here!) who has to walk every day for health reasons. To make that walk bearable I need music on the go. I have tried 2 different sets of iems (listed below) and could not get any tips to fit. They break their seal and lose sound isolation and sound terrible only seconds after cramming them in tight. So when in the U. S. recently I bit the bullet and went to an audiologist and had custom impressions made of my ears, at a cost of $80. My search for custom iems was frustrating, as I did not find much info, not many reviews of affordable monitors. Then I found Eartech Music, and after speaking with Richard Trent there and exchanging some emails, I ordered their new Quads.
 
Their online “Design Studio” lets you customize the look in a staggering number of colors/options from custom art, laser etching to wonderful real wood choices. I like my Texans choice and the two different colors make it easy for me to get the right one for the correct ear.
 
Since I live in Thailand I was worried about the fit and the 30 day warranty. It would take more than 30 days to get them! But EM agreed to extend the warranty for me because of ordering overseas. Fortunately they fit perfectly, so no problem. Really, working with Richard, who was extremely responsive and helpful was like dealing with family. Only more professional.
 
What I got were the new, probably soon to be released in 2017 Quad prototypes. Stated specs for the Quads are 12Hz—18kHz at +/-20 ohms impedance. Sensitivity is 112 dB SPL/mW @ 1 kHz. And a -26 dB noise isolation. They have a passive tuning network and voicing. And Eartech stresses that they are careful to keep the phase correct, which I believe contributes to the openness and wide soundstage I experience. The sound is not just center of the head, but a clear left to right soundstage, wonderful!! And these babies are so efficient, they play LOUD and everything I tried can drive them easily and well.
 
The Quads come with a good, lightweight cable (with clear shrink wrap curved over-ear pieces, so micro-phonics are no problem)in a beautiful Pelican case along with a desiccant disc to keep out moisture, a cleaning tool, shirt clip and a free nice T-shirt as well, thanks.
The Quads are EM's most expensive ciem at $499 plus custom work and shipping. They also made a 2 driver Dual and a 3 driver Triple for less money. All use Balanced Armature drivers which is a first for me. I am comparing them with dynamic driver iems, the Shure SE215, RHA MA750 as well as HiFiMan HE400i headphones with over ear planar magnetic drivers.
 
I have broken them in with well over 150 hours so far playing mostly FLAC, WAV files or CDs. Even played a couple of low quality MP3s and a nasty digital sounding CD which still sounded nasty digital. I've listened to quite a few Hi-Res files but cannot swear I heard much improvement. I can say for sure that well recorded music always sounds better than poor recordings on the Quads.
 
I have listened primarily with the iBasso DX90 DAP, and less time with a Samsung Galaxy Tab, with Vincent hybrid tube/transistor headphone amp, headphone outputs of my computer and XMC-1 Pre-processor (with CD, movie and TV sources.) As I said, they are easy to drive, and the better the source, the better the sound. BUT they sound great with any source I have tried.
 
Eartech Music says the Quads are popular with bass players and drummers. So I expected boosted, exaggerated bass. They do have 2 bass drivers after all. And they do have bass; gorgeous, round, full deep bass. Just give Gary Karr's “Deep River” and “Old Black Joe” spirituals from 'Super Double-Bass: The Artistry of Gary Karr' a listen. Or “The Bottom” by Charlie Robison on 'Good Times'.
But what surprised me was the amount, quality and beauty of the midrange. Vocals are truly special on the Quads! I auditioned the usual Norah Jones, Lydia Gray and the amazing Laura Fygi (check out her beautiful “Bésame Mucho” for the REAL DEAL in awesome female vocals), all are perfect! No chestiness, etc. Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler, B.W. Stevenson and Bob Schneider (listen to “Digging for Icicles” on his 'Burden of Proof' album, another REAL DEAL), I have heard all these guys in person, and this is exactly how I remember they should sound.
 
These are not V shaped sound like some, not boosted bass like my old iems. When I first put them on and was amazed at the fit (they are hardly noticeable), I thought the sound was teardrop shaped with more mids, less but well rounded bass and short on treble. But soon the bass came on and with the right tracks it is warm and glorious to this bass-head! Lots of Bass and Mids, but where is the “air” the delicacy and resolution? After more play time I put on Janine Jansen “Vivaldi-Four Seasons” and there was a lot more treble than I realized. Pure, clean and articulate, very decent but still lacking in “air” and equal treble volume.
 
I would now describe the sound of the Quads like this: Vocals and midrange is King, Bass is Queen and treble is Jack. The ACE is the FUN/MUSIC!!!!
 
So, walking down the road the Quads sound wonderful!!! But as an audiophile wannabe, I have to sit down and listen critically as well. Playing one of the best albums ever for close listening, Jesse Cook's “Blue Guitar Sessions” is a revelation all the way through. It is close-miked and you can hear LOTS, TONS of detail. I “thought” I heard a little coloration or resonance that did not belong, perhaps? from the inside of the monitors? The B/A drivers are vented, so I wonder if there should be some cotton or something packed in around them (course that would ruin the great looks where you can see the drivers through the translucent bodies). To compare I played the same cuts through my HiFiMan headphones and my GoldenEar Tech. Triton One floor-standing speakers. I did not hear any coloration/resonance with them, and I realized the music was more refined, just a bit richer and better balanced. I don't know how mature the technology of these B/A drivers is. Likely not as well developed as that of my speakers or the planar-magnetic drivers in the headphones. Not a very fair comparison.
 
I am enjoying the Quads so much that I feel that they will likely be perfect for an aftermarket silver cable upgrade. The included cable is fine, and I like that it does not retain shape, is super light, but it does get tangled. My bet here (and it is a $400 bet, but I feel the Quads are worthy of it) is that the the new Whiplash Audio Dynamics TWag Litz V4 cable will bring out the treble and a touch more bass, such that the overall sound should be perfectly balanced.
 
I will wrap it up: The Eartech Music Quad is a nearly perfect custom in ear monitor for exercise, travel and late night private listening. They are musical, fun, involving and a little warm sounding. I really enjoy the sound of music through these monitors. I love vocals and bass, and that is available in spades here. The Quads look and sound great, so open and musical, never bright/harsh, sibilant or analytical. They may not offer the utmost in high end resolution/refinement but I hope to get them there with a silver cable
 
(I will report back on that later). And they are great value for money from a company that treats you like family. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for all kinds of music, Hendrix to Hooker, Bonamassa to Beethoven, Janice to Jarrett, and Pink Floyd.
 
I am not in any way affiliated with Eartech Music and I paid full price for my ciems.
I am not that great at writing so please feel free to ask any questions or make any comments.
Thanks, God Bless,
Tex Thai
 

 



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

[Burma Jones]

Thanks for the informative review. Can you describe what the soundstage and instrument positioning is like? It looks like a very good product for the price, unfortunately it's not sitting at the "Cool Kids" table and that is what imho think is the reason for not getting enough traction on online forum. Thanks for introducing the product, I for one am not a sheep so I would investigate this product further.

 

[tex thai]

Thanks Burma Jones, I just moved it, or made a copy of the review here hoping more will see it:
http://www.head-fi.org/products/eartech-music-quad-driver-custom-molded-in-ear-musician-monitors-headphones/reviews/18149?utm_campaign=subscription&utm_source=subscription_immediate&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=website&utm_source=sendgrid.com&utm_medium=email
 
Not sure that is the "Cool Kids" table, probably not.  I never get to sit there, ha ha!!!
Yeah, you are right to investigate all you can and make your own informed decision.  My problem with that was there was little info on EarTech Music, although I searched a LOT.  AND there is NO WAY to listen to custom in ears.  My experience with the 2 universal in ears that I tried was a miserable failure.  When they don't fit and seat properly in your ears, they do not sound right.  And I never could get a good fit.
That is why at the top of my review I say, THEY FIT!  In my small experience, getting a proper fit is probably half the battle.
OK, you asked good questions and I can only give subjective answers.  In my experience, so many of the top recordings of the songs people like to listen to, to judge audio equipment, put the singer, say Norah Jones, front and center.  So when I listen to her with these ciems she is in the middle of my head.  If the recording is that way, I can't see how it can be any other way.  Often the band members are recorded center too.  But when they are not, when they are spread out on stage, then I can hear them spread out on stage.
The best recordings of a piano concert, with a symphony behind give the best soundstage.
I have never heard better from an in ear, but these are bested by my better headphones/amp combo and well bested by my way more expensive speakers in my home theater.
To me, these ciems with a good DAP are audiophile sound quality walking down the road, which is amazing.  More than I figured was possible,
Hope this helps, 
Wayne

 

[tex thai]

Eartech Music Custom Six Driver “Hex” IEM Review

Pros: Superb fit, well made/robust, easy to drive/pair with any player, full range balance, spacious soundstage, excellent customer service and follow up, great customization options, very good price/performance ratio, and BASS.

Cons: For some they may lack air”

Background:
After trying several universal iems with none of them fitting/working properly for me I finally broke down and went to an audiologist, got fitted for and bought a pair of the 4 driver “Quads” from Eartech Music.
The thing is, you cannot listen to custom in ear monitors before you buy. So you have to do a good job researching before you order a pair. I chose Eartech Music because they make ciems for musicians and do so on a reasonable price basis, a very “value” oriented approach.
So I got my Quads and love them! I am a wanna be audiophile and have a lot invested in my home theater and music listening.
My ciems are for listening when exercising and late night listening without disturbing my darling. But the ciems must sonically measure up to what I hear with my GoldenEar Tech Triton One tower speakers, and music reproduced by my HiFiMan HE 400i headphones.
I was thrilled to report that the Quads did measure up in every way that I believe ciems can compared to speakers and good open back headphones with a good amp. I stay in communication with Richard Trent from Eartech Music and let him know how totally pleased I am with my Quads. The great fit makes all the difference in the world for great sound! It almost entirely eliminates outside sounds, isolating me a great deal from the sounds along the country highway where I walk. And there is no leakage whatsoever when listening next to my wife in bed or on the plane.
Audiophile quality listening on the go and late night! I shared with Richard that although these ciems are made for bass players and drummers, I find them totally satisfying for purist audio listening. But did admit that I am a 'bass-head' and more bass would be welcome.
I want to say that Richard is very professional and helpful, super responsive when emailed. He makes dealing with Eartech Music a joy. He wrote some time later and told me that my Quads were top of the line when I bought them, but had been superseded by a five driver, Quint and that now they were looking at introducing a six driver Hex as their top model, and it would have more bass. Did I want to be a Beta tester for a pair? Heck yeah!
Richard knew I would give them a good work out, and part of my testing was for reliability/durability during exercising and extended use, which is great BTW. But I hope he was wanting me to review them for their musicality as well.
In use:
You can customize the colors and look, the fit and finish is super impressive! Love the look! I got mine with wood to be totally unique, but they do whatever laser art, etc. you might want. The ciems arrive in a great little pelican case, very well protected. The cable is a smallish, twisted cable with a 90 degree plug, with a bit of clear plastic tube shaped for over ear wear, perfect. The cable sounds very good, is not noisy, not too prone to tangling either. They are packed with a desiccant and ear wax cleaner. I played them constantly for over 400 hours to burn them in, but the sound did not really change noticeably after around 25 hours.
I will not compare them to my previous iems, the Shure SE215 and RHA MA750, both good sounding iems when I hold them manually pushed into my ears, but since they never seal/fit, and customs do perfectly, there is no comparison!
I had just retired my iBasso DX90 in favor of my newer Cowon Plenue M2 DAP. The PM2 is way smoother, less fatiguing, more analog sounding, MUCH more musical to me. The fact that it has almost world class Jeteffect7, BBE, and equalization has sometimes come into play with my EM Quads, occasionally improving the sound. BUT is never needed AT ALL with the new Hex! I did play the Hexes with both the iBasso and the Cowon, heck, I even connected them to my Galaxy Tab S (big phone) and could not believe how great my Tab could sound! The Tab only has FLAC files on it, so it should sound OK, but I was amazed at how well that little power was able to move me through the new Hexes. The iBasso was clean, articulate and powerful sounding, but just too analytical and harsh for my tastes. That is my take through the Quads as well, the reason I went for the Cowon PM2. The sound with the PM2 is rich, full, round, sweetly musical, balanced and without fault.
Yes, I said, balanced, even though the bass and sub bass are amazing, deep and full. And the treble is a tad laid back, lacking any sibilance but also lacking some “air”. I do not like dry, analytical sound, I prefer music! Poorly recorded “digital” sounding recordings still sound poor and harsh with the Hexes, just not quite as painful as they could sound. Vocals and mid range music comes through wonderfully, voices are reproduced perfectly.
When I first heard the bass though, compared to my beloved Quads, I thought the Hex was bass heavy. I REALLY enjoyed the bass, but there was a depth I was not used to hearing. Yet, the more I listened, the more I realized that this is what music is supposed to sound like, it needs, must have this foundation to be grounded and sound right. This is balanced to me!
I went looking for tracks with deep bass. My old standby reference music, Jesse Cook, Blue Guitar Sessions sounded better than ever! Gary Karr “Super Double Bass—The Artistry of Gary Karr” came alive like I never heard before. I could finally play Virgil Fox and hear the organ as it SHOULD sound even with ciems. I found Johannes Moser “Works for Cello and Piano” playing Rachmaninov and Prokofiev on a DSD file, just amazing! I found an album by the Aeon Trio called “Elegy” as a DSD download, featuring the cellist Maya Fridman, just blew my socks off!
Full on orchestral music never gets congested, it is all presented with layers of sound texture. Like the latest Reference Recordings Mahler's Sym #8 with the Utah Sym Orch. and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir with two SATB choirs and lots of soloists, the sound is HUGE but well articulated.
I could go on, I have discovered the most wonderful sounding music with these Hexes. I never play low quality recordings, but CD quality and better, Hi Resolution FLACs or DSD files really bring out the best in both player and ciems. Now I haunt labels like Pentatone, Channel Classics records, TRTPK, and sites like nativedsd.com, or HD Tracks.
Again, the main customer for Eartech Music is a stage musician. And for these ciems, drummers and bass players. Check out those instruments on Alabama Shakes “Sound and Color” the whole album. Not only the power, resolution and clarity of those instruments, but the separation and soundstage, the WIDTH of the performance is awesome. Beth Hart's “Fire on the Floor” from that album, and “Love Is the Baddest Blues” on Bang Bang Boom Boom. Kaleo A/B the whole album but especially “Way Down We Go” what fun! Guitar players, piano/keyboards, vocalists, heck everyone in the band needs these Hexes!
Audiophile quality:
And so do audiophiles. Music through these sound like my great speakers and headphones. Really for two channel music, these ciems have made me virtually retire my speakers (used now only for multi-channel) and headphones.
Comparison:
Let me draw a comparison to headphones if I may, that may help. IF you love the sound of the Audeze or the HiFiMan (planar magnetics) or the Fostex TH 900 Mk 2 headphones, then I believe you will love the Eartech Music Hexes!!! IF you love the sound of the Sennheiser HD 800s then I don't think you will like the EM Hexes, or the Quads for that matter.
That is just my opinion, and remember I am not representing Eartech Music, nor speaking for them, not affiliated except as a satisfied customer.
How to compare the new Hexes to my BFF Eartech Music Quads? That is difficult as the Quads are way more efficient, running at around 16 ohms. Whereas the six driver Hex is more like 30 ohms. (The Quints, which I have not heard are around 20 ohms I am told). So volume matching before comparisons is quite difficult and hard to do on the fly. The Quads are probably what most audiophiles would call a balanced or flat frequency response from top to bottom. I love music through them, could have been totally well-satisfied with them forever. Until I heard the Hexes, there is just more refinement there, a little more micro detail, more fun there. And more bass. I am sure there will be some premium to pay for the extra bass as well when these come out. They will be more expensive, and they should be. The Quads are great, the Hexes are AWESOME!
Sound summary recap:
Treble-- with my Cowon DAP is thrilling, musically delineated, never dry or clinical, but absolutely ALL THERE! What is missing, IF you want it is the last bit of “AIR”. No hiss, no sibilance and yet harsh digital recordings still come through as just that, especially through the iBasso DAP. But Hi Res files shine!
Midrange/vocals-- sound sweet and just right. Here is where you might think the Hexes a bit laid back and yet piano plays evenly up and down the keyboard. AND female vocals are to die for. Male voice for Tenors and Baritones sound spot on. No chestiness whatever. See next for the big boys.
Bass/sub bass—The likes of Leonard Cohen or Johnny Cash never sounded so good, and natural. Bass instruments are the real treat here, upright basses, electric basses, bass drums, tympani, organs all form the fundamental the foundation of the music. Rock solid bass. Not exaggerated to me, natural.
Highly Recommended:
For the performing musician and audiophile alike, custom in ear monitors are the way to go, and Eartech Music makes some excellent ones. I love the Quads, great all around players. But the new Hexes are giant killers, world-beaters. Play at least good quality files, or better yet, Hi Res files, with a well capable DAP and you will have fantastic sound for traveling, work, exercise and might even find you prefer them to a full sound system. They are just that good!