flinkenick's 17 Flagship IEM Shootout Thread (and general high-end portable audio discussion)

[mythosaur]

I already liked the SE5U a lot when I had it (even twice) on a loan over here for some weeks, years ago...

As you can see in that pic I cut the hearts out of some silicone black tips and put them around the nozzles to get a good seal and comfortable fit. But that worked totally fine for me at the time

When both Nebulas are even an upgrade (in sound) over the SE5U, then I bet that they must sound fantastic indeed!



I'm also not a specialist in taxes. But I interpreted that VAT was meant as import taxes here and I've never paid (extra) import taxes for anything that I ordered/bought within the EU (incl. Poland). On the other side, I had to deal often with import taxes afterwards when I ordered/bought something from outside the EU.


Now, if this part is correct, then I can understand that Spiral Ear charges that extra 23% to their local and EU customers. But at the same time it seems that other Polish IEM companies like Custom Art or Lime Ears don't do it that way. They show exactly the same product prices for all of their customers on their websites, no matter where they're located. So, because of that, this different approach of Spiral Ear just came across as a bit strange to me initially

Nice to know you could make DIY universals out of it and points for ingenuity. I wouldn't have thought of that and I'm definitely not that skilled.
No idea here and I've never had a chance to listen to their previous CIEMs.

Points taken. Perhaps a differently established legal company structure can allow that? Don't really know.

I may have a possibility to audition CFA Clara in the next few weeks and I'll be taking DX 260 with me. I'm really content with my current setup, but just for kicks and getting more experience. What source could you recommend for best synergy?

 

[Kerouac]

I may have a possibility to audition CFA Clara in the next few weeks and I'll be taking DX 260 with me. I'm really content with my current setup, but just for kicks and getting more experience. What source could you recommend for best synergy?

Nice! I've read a lot of positive things about the CFA Clara so far. I'm also curious how you will like them (if you get that chance) compared to your SE Nebulas

I haven't heard them myself, so I can't recommend a source for synergy. But maybe some other member(s) can jump in who has/have heard Clara...

 

[Wyville]

Btw, nice to see some HF 'oldtimers' pop up in this thread over the past weeks. Hope everybody's still doing fine (and enjoying their music) these days!

It's starting to feel like old times in here. I have barely touched my gear over the past few months, but now I am starting feel like it would be nice to dust it off, listen to my favourites and compare to something new. Not that I need new gear of course...

psst... ​

 

[proedros]

It's starting to feel like old times in here. I have barely touched my gear over the past few months, but now I am starting feel like it would be nice to dust it off, listen to my favourites and compare to something new. Not that I need new gear of course...

psst... ​

time for a pic of your lovely dog perhaps ?

 

[Wyville]

time for a pic of your lovely dog perhaps ?

Of course...


I think he finally stopped growing.

We had a big scare last week when he suddenly couldn't get up and it looked like he couldn't use his hind legs. Luckily it turned out it was just one leg he hurt somehow (no idea what he did) and it has been recovering well over the last few days. Still really scary to see him like that and to have to lift him to get him to the vet. Now he is happy and able to go for a (short) walk in the woods. Should be all fine within a week or two.

 

[Metalboyy]

I sent an email to Spiral Ears. Apparently they only accept physical ear impressions. Not digital scans (stl files)

 

[EagleWings]

Nice to see you all. Hope all you guys are doing great. Miss the old times.

 

[aaf evo]

Ahhh.. this thread

 

[Wyville]

Nice to see you all. Hope all you guys are doing great. Miss the old times.

Hey, my good friend! How are you? Hope you are doing well.

Ahhh.. this thread

Feels like home, doesn't it?

 

[Mimouille]

Feels like home, doesn't it?

Crazy home

 

[Kerouac]

Feels like home, doesn't it?

To me it feels more like some kind of 'time machine' (trip down memory lane) thread...

I even started listening to my almost 10 yrs old RSD Solars again last week...

...and was quite amazed how good they still sounded (imho) after all these years

Oh well, I guess Napoleon Dynamite and his cool brother were just very lucky to find such a wonderful machine on the internet

Cheers to ya'all and enjoy the weekend!!!

 

[Wyville]

Crazy home

Exactly, just like my real home.

To me it feels more like some kind of 'time machine' (trip down memory lane) thread...


I even started listening to my almost 10 yrs old RSD Solars again last week...

...and was quite amazed how good they still sounded (imho) after all these years

Oh well, I guess Napoleon Dynamite and his cool brother were just very lucky to find such a wonderful machine on the internet


Cheers to ya'all and enjoy the weekend!!!

Good memories. Maybe see about catching up with Nic again. It's been a while since I last spoke to him.

 

[mythosaur]

I sent an email to Spiral Ears. Apparently they only accept physical ear impressions. Not digital scans (stl files)

Yes, they require physical impressions and when placing my order I was instructed these are more detailed and precise than digital files for their hand crafting process. I had my Empire Ears Legend X made previously from STL a few years ago and the fit was ok, as far as I could tell.
I wasn't able to compare it side by side, but from memory my current silicone CIEMs provide noticeably greater comfort while wearing and more isolation. This way I can also have more quality ear time in very comfortable conditions.
Both of my CIEMs also have longer reaching canals and deeper fit. I guess they call it a musician's fit.

 

[Mimouille]

Look what the cat dragged in. My Spiral Ear SE6 Nebula. I won't do extensive comparison, because the fit is better on my Nebula as my ears have changed, but it seems to be in the same spirit as the SE6 Edge, but with upgrade on resolution and bass detail, and a massive upgrade on soundstage.

 

[Kerouac]

Look what the cat dragged in. My Spiral Ear SE6 Nebula. I won't do extensive comparison, because the fit is better on my Nebula as my ears have changed, but it seems to be in the same spirit as the SE6 Edge, but with upgrade on resolution and bass detail, and a massive upgrade on soundstage.

And here I was, thinking that you were one of the few members that had found a way to resist that damned upgraditus madness...

No need to blame the cat though

Anyway, that SE6 Nebula seems like a worthy upgrade, reading your description => congrats!