[fuhransahis]

When it comes to 1) dynamic driven bass, 2) vocal body 3) clarity/resolution-driven signature, I think this is one of those situations where you have to pick 2 out of 3. At least, I can't think of any iem that will match all 3 requirements. A brighter signature will automatically come at the cost of vocal body, and there still aren't many hybrids in the top-tier segment.

If you want to go for dynamic bass and high detail, maybe Rhapsodio iems (Galaxy or Zombie) or Dita (Dream, Truth, Answer).
If you want vocal body and detail, maybe EE Zeus-XIV, Jomo Flamenco or VE VE5/VE8. Or, for ultimate transparency the 64 & MS Soundwriter.
If you want dynamic bass and vocals, perhaps 64Audio N8t. Or maybe W900 would indeed suit you.

Bonus cheap option: Dunu DN-2000j. Not a vocal specialist by any means, but it combines dynamic bass with high detail and just might suit you based on your description.

The N8t sounds more and more like the future companion to my Phantom.

 

[Deezel177]

The N8t sounds more and more like the future companion to my Phantom.

Great minds think alike.

 

[NewNeophyte]

Hey Nick, I know you’ve reviewed the both the Rooth LS8 and the Perfect Seal Deca. I have an LS8 and just bought a Deca (hasn’t arrived yet), so I’m wondering how they compare. Hopefully the Deca’s noticeably better and I didn’t just waste all that money lol

 

[galangerz]

hey guys, I just became a happy owner of a Legend X wanted to ask if there's any way of preventing scuffs on the surface. they're universal and I've been keeping them in their EE protective case and I still noticed some micro abrasions. a friend of mine once used clear nail polish. dunno how that would fair with these :/

 

[flinkenick]

Where would you say the other members of the EE X-series lineup feature with regards to these 3 criteria? This is very helpful, thanks

I thought we all agreed this was what Daniel was for

It's a bit complicated I guess. The hybrids are primarily geared towards bass, rather than vocals or detail. Vantage, Nemesis, and Legend all have sufficient vocal density, with a relatively neutral size. Which means they aren't necessarily thick or forward, but also not thin and diffused. Rather, they differ mostly in their tone. The Vantage has the warmer, more natural vocals, due to its relatively laidback upper treble compared to Legend. Similarly, Vantage has an instrumental sounding mid-bass, which sounds truer for bass guitars and kick drums for instance. Because of the Legend's brighter treble tuning, its (sub)bass has more definition and impact, but is less organic. And of course, it is the most detailed of the three. Nemesis has a bit of an in-between signature from memory. It has slightly warm vocals and bass, but also an upper treble peak that adds a touch of brightness to its treble. So it is in between the other two when it comes to detail.

Hey Nick, I know you’ve reviewed the both the Rooth LS8 and the Perfect Seal Deca. I have an LS8 and just bought a Deca (hasn’t arrived yet), so I’m wondering how they compare. Hopefully the Deca’s noticeably better and I didn’t just waste all that money lol

Hi buddy I never heard the LS8 unfortunately. I only briefly owned their hybrid 5 driver in the past, LS-X5 or something. So we're going to need to rely on your impressions instead Maybe it would be better to hope for something different rather than better, so they are complimentary? Unless you are planning to sell the other one.

 

[Deezel177]

hey guys, I just became a happy owner of a Legend X wanted to ask if there's any way of preventing scuffs on the surface. they're universal and I've been keeping them in their EE protective case and I still noticed some micro abrasions. a friend of mine once used clear nail polish. dunno how that would fair with these :/

Clear nail polish is similar to the lacquer used on most IEMs today, but you'd run the risk of uneven coating, bubbles, etc. if you aren't skilled and careful in application. Micro-abrasions usually stem from impacts against hard surfaces. Have they possibly been knocking into each other within the case or while in use? Usually, I'd recommend regular wipes with a microfibre cloth to keep the surface shiny, plus some isopropyl alcohol every once in a while to get rid of residual earwax or oils. You can then lightly cover or wrap them in the cloth like a tarp within the case so they don't knock into each other or the case's interior in transport.

I thought we all agreed this was what Daniel was for

It's a bit complicated I guess. The hybrids are primarily geared towards bass, rather than vocals or detail. Vantage, Nemesis, and Legend all have sufficient vocal density, with a relatively neutral size. Which means they aren't necessarily thick or forward, but also not thin and diffused. Rather, they differ mostly in their tone. The Vantage has the warmer, more natural vocals, due to its relatively laidback upper treble compared to Legend. Similarly, Vantage has an instrumental sounding mid-bass, which sounds truer for bass guitars and kick drums for instance. Because of the Legend's brighter treble tuning, its (sub)bass has more definition and impact, but is less organic. And of course, it is the most detailed of the three. Nemesis has a bit of an in-between signature from memory. It has slightly warm vocals and bass, but also an upper treble peak that adds a touch of brightness to its treble. So it is in between the other two when it comes to detail.

Hi buddy I never heard the LS8 unfortunately. I only briefly owned their hybrid 5 driver in the past, LS-X5 or something. So we're going to need to rely on your impressions instead Maybe it would be better to hope for something different rather than better, so they are complimentary? Unless you are planning to sell the other one.

Hey, he asked you directly man; I ain't picking up your slack. But yeah @Layman1, I generally agree with Nic's thoughts. The Vantage is the fuller, warmer and lush-er sounding of the four, while the Nemesis and Legend X are similar in their portrayal of dynamics, impact and clarity. I reckon the Nemesis' emphasis is around 12kHz because of its effect on hi-hats, while the Legend X has a more linear treble region overall from memory.

 

[NewNeophyte]

Ah, I could’ve sworn I saw a review for the LS8 on your site. Yeah, the plan is to sell, so I hoping for “better” in a purse sense. I’ll post my impressions when I’ve had a chance to compare them!

 

[Mimouille]

Just FYI, just got this in, very promising source. And with Bluetooth.

 

[flinkenick]

Ah, I could’ve sworn I saw a review for the LS8 on your site. Yeah, the plan is to sell, so I hoping for “better” in a purse sense. I’ll post my impressions when I’ve had a chance to compare them!

Yes you are right, average_joe did impressions of the lineup way back. Looking forward to your impressions!

 

[Mython]

Clear nail polish is similar to the lacquer used on most IEMs today, but you'd run the risk of uneven coating, bubbles, etc.

Just a word of caution:

It's wise to choose nail polish/lacquer products with great care, as toxicity can be an issue, which you don't want in your delicate ear canals, especially as sweat is common there and may increase leeching of chemicals from the lacquer.

Try searching this thread for the word 'toxic':

www.head-fi.org/threads/home-made-iems.430688/

 

[fiascogarcia]

hey guys, I just became a happy owner of a Legend X wanted to ask if there's any way of preventing scuffs on the surface. they're universal and I've been keeping them in their EE protective case and I still noticed some micro abrasions. a friend of mine once used clear nail polish. dunno how that would fair with these :/

Clear nail polish is similar to the lacquer used on most IEMs today, but you'd run the risk of uneven coating, bubbles, etc. if you aren't skilled and careful in application. Micro-abrasions usually stem from impacts against hard surfaces. Have they possibly been knocking into each other within the case or while in use? Usually, I'd recommend regular wipes with a microfibre cloth to keep the surface shiny, plus some isopropyl alcohol every once in a while to get rid of residual earwax or oils. You can then lightly cover or wrap them in the cloth like a tarp within the case so they don't knock into each other or the case's interior in transport..

If you're really serious about DIYing acrylic ciems, I'd recommend using Fotoplast and a nail UV dryer that you can pick up on Ebay for $10 to $15. Applies easily and smoothly and is safe for this kind of use. Not suggesting going the DIY route, but this is probably your safest option.

 

[Mython]

...and (as a general precaution) try to avoid skin contact or inhalation until after resins or lacquers have been fully cured

Oh, and never look at a lit UV bulb with the naked eye. It never ceases to amaze me how many people blithely stare at powerful UV bulbs without a care in the world (it happens a lot with koi-keepers, for example, but head-fi noobs to UV resins might also be unfamiliar with the risks)

 

[Mimouille]

...and (as a general precaution) try to avoid skin contact or inhalation until after resins or lacquers have been fully cured

 

[Mython]

Basically what I'm saying is you need to hold your breath for several minutes, until you've finished using the lacquer

 

[deafdoorknob]

it will definitely make everything sound a lot more "euphoric"