ok guys, I'm ready for customs. So far, only enjoyed unis. Because it's my first time, and I don't know what to expect with my ear anatomy (no idea how 'challenging' it is) I'm inclined to stick with a US company (64 etc). Is that generally the recommended approach for first timers? I have to believe that 'refits' within the quality guarantee period are easier to navigate when keeping it stateside.
Secondly, I'm a bit nervous about dropping coin on something I can't resell easily. I'm pretty sure I can't go wrong with the A12t based on impressions and graphs (and the fact that I love my U10), BUT... I'm very used to using IEMs with foam tips as they attenuate spikes and make treble more linear. Going with customs would be closer to using silicone tips but with treble spikes shifted higher due to the resonance change with less volume between the nozzle and the ear drum. Presumably, that's what's going to happen, and the higher up the FR chart the spike/resonance is, the more tolerable it is for me. Then again, you never know based on my anatomy (2nd bend to drum etc) where this resonance will end up.
So, perhaps the path here is that I get a decent IEM that's not too expensive my first time around? Simply because I don't know what to expect with customs. Or, perhaps there are IEMs that have tech that reduces the effect of these resonances, which would give me a bit more confidence going custom.
Anyway, advice is much appreciated and I thank you guys in advance.
In terms of the impression-taking process itself, it really is crucial for you to find a quality audiologist. Try looking at the websites of US-based manufacturers like 64Audio or Noble and see whether or not they recommend any audiologists in your area. The better your impressions are, the better the customs will come out. To be honest, I find the fear of fitting issues to be rather overblown nowadays. Out of the 20+ customs I’ve had, only one or two have miniscule fit issues (whicch my ears can adapt to in minutes) and I’ve never
had to send one back for refit.
Read the manufacturer’s guidelines and take note of anything you might have to tell the audiologist (like whether or not to use a bite block, how deep the impressions have to be, etc.). And, when taking the impressions, try your best to sit straight and look ahead of you; turning your head excessively may cause the ear canals to slightly contract/expand and affect fit. For 64Audio specifically, I’d suggest requesting for a more relaxed fit, because their default fit is rather tight; tighter than most companes I’ve experienced. It’s excellent for isolation and professional use, but not the most ideal for casual, daily use. The ears do adjust after a week or so of daily wear, but you might as well ask for a relaxed fit and skip the adjustment period altogether.
As far as sound changes go, it really depends on how they manufacturers have tuned the IEM relative to both tip pairing and the custom version itself. For example, Joseph Mou of Jomo Audio recommends bi-flange tips for the closest custom-to-universal comparison. Piotr of Custom Art retuned the universal FIBAE 3 by ear to sound as close to the custom as possible. So, it really is case-by-case. With the A6t, I noticed that the custom had a peak that was closer to 7kHz than the 8kHz on the demo, but my colleague Nic heard a 7kHz peak on the universal, so again, it’s about finding the right tips for your ears. Generally speaking, Final Audio tips or JVC Spiral Dots are known to provide a custom-like sound.
And don’t forget, the magnitude of a peak matters more than the placement. I’ve hardly ever heard a universal that sounded worse in custom form; in the treble especially. The custom form instead tends to refine it, so you get the same amount of energy and detail, but it’s easier on the ear. One sonic benefit that a custom fit will guarantee versus a universal fit is the removal of the vacuum effect. Because a tip isn’t lodged in and pressing against the ear, you get a more relaxed, free and effortless sensation. Your ears aren’t as tense all the time, so the music comes through in a more natural way.
