FreQ or LiveWires ?

[Jazz+]

These are the only custom molded in ear monitors I know of that are $250.
What are the differences in quality between the FreQ and Live Wires ?

My intended application happens to be for live digital piano monitoring in a jazz trio setting (I am a professional keyboardist). The IEMs would be strictly for performance with my Roland FP4 digital piano which tends to be thin in the upper mids. I don't even own an iPod.

Tour De FreQ uses 2 speakers, $249

Live Wires uses 2 speakers, $249

 

[powertoold]

Right now, the wait time for LiveWires is very long. If you need your customs within 2-3 weeks from now, then I'd go with FreQs.

Most people who own LiveWires would say it is neutral in that it does not sound "fun". From what I've read, there isn't much bass from the LiveWires.

I have the SuperFreQ ($240 triple driver IEM from Music Lover's line). I would say it is great. Depending on the amp, the SuperFreQ may sound a little bass-heavy. Otherwise, the sound is clean, warm, and overall great.

The problem with FreQs is that they don't seem to be very durable compared to LiveWires. For example, if you look at the Music Maker line, the detachable connector looks like it can snap off easily, ie. while you are setting up your gear on stage or something.

If you have a concern about how durable the Music Maker connector is, you should call the FreQ and ask them about it. Otherwise, I don't have a FreQ Show or Tour de FreQ with me to comment on the durability.

However, if you want a great sounding IEM, I would choose the FreQs. Although some people love the LiveWire sound, it seems to be something you have to "get used to". It is not an instant love.

** Edit: I remember that you wanted to use the IEMs directly out of your Roland piano? If so, it might have a lot of background hiss because custom IEMs are well-known for their sensitivity.

Here is an example of bad connection:

 

[killkli]

powertoold, Livewire doesn't lack bass really.
It has very good and deep bass, and sounds full.
But it's not as engaging as SuperFreQ.
On some field Livewire sounds better than SuperFreQ, such as Piano.
SuperFreQ's piano has a bit too much treble resonance, which make it sounds a little electronic, though not as much as Ultrasone HFI-700(this phone really make piano become electronic piano )

Yet I'd also like to suggest SuperFreQ for the original poster. It's turn about time is a lot shorter than Livewires so one wouldn't have to worry about too long a time.

Also, Livewires is more expensive than SuperFreQ, even now.

Quote:

Originally Posted by powertoold /img/forum/go_quote.gif Right now, the wait time for LiveWires is very long. If you need your customs within 2-3 weeks from now, then I'd go with FreQs. Most people who own LiveWires would say it is neutral in that it does not sound "fun". From what I've read, there isn't much bass from the LiveWires. I have the SuperFreQ ($240 triple driver IEM from Music Lover's line). I would say it is great. Depending on the amp, the SuperFreQ may sound a little bass-heavy. Otherwise, the sound is clean, warm, and overall great. The problem with FreQs is that they don't seem to be very durable compared to LiveWires. For example, if you look at the Music Maker line, the detachable connector looks like it can snap off easily, ie. while you are setting up your gear on stage or something. If you have a concern about how durable the Music Maker connector is, you should call the FreQ and ask them about it. Otherwise, I don't have a FreQ Show or Tour de FreQ with me to comment on the durability. However, if you want a great sounding IEM, I would choose the FreQs. Although some people love the LiveWire sound, it seems to be something you have to "get used to". It is not an instant love. ** Edit: I remember that you wanted to use the IEMs directly out of your Roland piano? If so, it might have a lot of background hiss because custom IEMs are well-known for their sensitivity. Here is an example of bad connection:

 

[filipelli]

Quote:

Originally Posted by powertoold /img/forum/go_quote.gif Right now, the wait time for LiveWires is very long. If you need your customs within 2-3 weeks from now, then I'd go with FreQs. Most people who own LiveWires would say it is neutral in that it does not sound "fun". From what I've read, there isn't much bass from the LiveWires. I have the SuperFreQ ($240 triple driver IEM from Music Lover's line). I would say it is great. Depending on the amp, the SuperFreQ may sound a little bass-heavy. Otherwise, the sound is clean, warm, and overall great. The problem with FreQs is that they don't seem to be very durable compared to LiveWires. For example, if you look at the Music Maker line, the detachable connector looks like it can snap off easily, ie. while you are setting up your gear on stage or something. If you have a concern about how durable the Music Maker connector is, you should call the FreQ and ask them about it. Otherwise, I don't have a FreQ Show or Tour de FreQ with me to comment on the durability. However, if you want a great sounding IEM, I would choose the FreQs. Although some people love the LiveWire sound, it seems to be something you have to "get used to". It is not an instant love. ** Edit: I remember that you wanted to use the IEMs directly out of your Roland piano? If so, it might have a lot of background hiss because custom IEMs are well-known for their sensitivity.

Every once in a while, one of these threads pops up calling for comparisons. I just like to tell the OP to do the research. Use the search button. You can't possibly make a decision to get custom headphones which have no resale value based off a few hits of advice. It is just best to cruise the California Dreamin' thread and the Freq thread, OP.

I'm not sure who describes the LW as neutral powertoold. In fact, I feel they are analytical, on par with ety related IEMs. Moreso, I think they are very dynamic, and crisp. They have been compared to grado IEMs by more than one person. I am also not sure where you get your broad generalizations of getting accustomed to the LW sound.

I think I have cruised the same threads as you, as well as did research beyond a year ago on the LW before I got my own set. The consensus I gathered certainly differs from what you report. The main issue I would agree with you upon is the wait time, and also the possibilities of refits - although that is something dependent on the impression.


Thank you for sharing the picture though...I had no idea freq has been having issues with the music makers connectors. No doubt they will fix this soon, as the company seems to be on the right track with their custom IEM business.

 

[HeadphoneAddict]

My Livewires were instant love. And if you live in the USA the wait for Livewires at 4 weeks is not much longer than the 3 weeks for Freq.

 

[powertoold]

Quote:

Originally Posted by filipelli /img/forum/go_quote.gif Every once in a while, one of these threads pops up calling for comparisons. I just like to tell the OP to do the research. Use the search button. You can't possibly make a decision to get custom headphones which have no resale value based off a few hits of advice. It is just best to cruise the California Dreamin' thread and the Freq thread, OP. I'm not sure who describes the LW as neutral powertoold. In fact, I feel they are analytical, on par with ety related IEMs. Moreso, I think they are very dynamic, and crisp. They have been compared to grado IEMs by more than one person. I am also not sure where you get your broad generalizations of getting accustomed to the LW sound. I think I have cruised the same threads as you, as well as did research beyond a year ago on the LW before I got my own set. The consensus I gathered certainly differs from what you report. The main issue I would agree with you upon is the wait time, and also the possibilities of refits - although that is something dependent on the impression. Thank you for sharing the picture though...I had no idea freq has been having issues with the music makers connectors. No doubt they will fix this soon, as the company seems to be on the right track with their custom IEM business.

I wouldn't say the wait time is the only problem, as exemplified by many people in the LiveWire thread. For example, some people have complained about the sound not being as good as their TF10 or Ety4P. But since I don't have the LiveWires, I can't confirm any of that. However, that's just a small problem compared to the instances where they recommended the user sand their own LiveWires to make a better fit. I can't name any other instances on the top of my head, but it seems that recently, the service at LiveWires has been going downhill, especially at the Nashville (?) headquarters. Personally, I think this is bad customer service.

As for neutral, I probably meant analytical, which to me, is almost the same as neutral, except more boring?

As for the FreQ Music Maker connector, I don't know if it's a "problem", but from the looks of it, it sure seems like it's not very durable. This is why I told the OP to call them and ask about it. The people who have gotten the FreQ Show so far have not said anything about a poor connector. In fact, they have said it is very durable. Since the OP is using it for stage work, where I think a lot of possible tugging can occur, it is nice to have a good connector.

 

[powertoold]

Quote:

Originally Posted by killkli /img/forum/go_quote.gif powertoold, Livewire doesn't lack bass really. It has very good and deep bass, and sounds full. But it's not as engaging as SuperFreQ. On some field Livewire sounds better than SuperFreQ, such as Piano. SuperFreQ's piano has a bit too much treble resonance, which make it sounds a little electronic, though not as much as Ultrasone HFI-700(this phone really make piano become electronic piano ) Yet I'd also like to suggest SuperFreQ for the original poster. It's turn about time is a lot shorter than Livewires so one wouldn't have to worry about too long a time. Also, Livewires is more expensive than SuperFreQ, even now.

The FreQs aren't more expensive than LiveWires because the OP probably wants the Music Maker's line.

Also, the amp has a lot to do with the sound, so I'm going to give up making conclusions about sound heh.

Gah, it's difficult to recommend anything these days. I guess the OP should flip and coin, just get one, and we'll leave it at that.

I'm just going to pull the "people who have both LW and FreQs prefer the FreQ sound" card, so if you like good engaging sound, I'd go with the triple driver FreQs! If you want a good connector, go with LiveWires! If you want both, go UE10, which is outside your budget.

Personally, I think the only way to know that your sound is "right" is to go to a live orchestra or jazz concert (won't work with vocal concerts because their voice is fed through an equalizer + tons of bass!), then come home and compare. I've done it, listening to the same piece, and I'm going to say that the FreQs are bass heavy and lacking in space, but IEMs don't really do space well. Also, the highs on the FreQs are not as good as real. In comparison to the real thing, I wouldn't rate the FreQs very high, but it's better than all the other IEMs I've heard. I bet the LiveWires would do better at depicting the "real" thing.

Also, I agree with Killkli, "SuperFreQ's piano has a bit too much treble resonance", but I wouldn't say it sounds electronic. It just doesn't sound as good as it should

If and when I get my Music Maker's, I'll settle this once and for all!

 

[killkli]

Quote:

Originally Posted by powertoold /img/forum/go_quote.gif The FreQs aren't more expensive than LiveWires because the OP probably wants the Music Maker's line. Also, the amp has a lot to do with the sound, so I'm going to give up making conclusions about sound heh. Gah, it's difficult to recommend anything these days. I guess the OP should flip and coin, just get one, and we'll leave it at that. I'm just going to pull the "people who have both LW and FreQs prefer the FreQ sound" card, so if you like good engaging sound, I'd go with the triple driver FreQs! If you want a good connector, go with LiveWires! If you want both, go UE10, which is outside your budget.

IMO, for the price of UE10, I can have both SuperFreQ and Livewires, and there would still be enough money to buy a decent amp.
So I didn't bother to consider UE10......

 

[Jazz+]

Quote:

Originally Posted by killkli /img/forum/go_quote.gif powertoold, Livewire doesn't lack bass really. It has very good and deep bass, and sounds full. But it's not as engaging as SuperFreQ. On some field Livewire sounds better than SuperFreQ, such as Piano. SuperFreQ's piano has a bit too much treble resonance, which make it sounds a little electronic, though not as much as Ultrasone HFI-700(this phone really make piano become electronic piano ) Yet I'd also like to suggest SuperFreQ for the original poster. It's turn about time is a lot shorter than Livewires so one wouldn't have to worry about too long a time. Also, Livewires is more expensive than SuperFreQ, even now.

That comment about LiveWires being suitable for piano is very interesting to me because my intended application happens to be for live digital piano monitoring in a jazz trio setting (I am a professional keyboardist). I don't use earphones for recreational listening and I don't even own an iPod. The IEMs would be strictly for performance with my Roland FP4 digital piano which tends to be thin in the upper mids.

 

[powertoold]

Yup, we would have to get a Music Maker owner in here to comment on the piano performance. Otherwise, you should go with the LiveWires for piano.

 

[-=Germania=-]

I have the FreQShow and I can say that the connector is actually very secure. You can't bend it at the connector.

Actually, I think that any IEM's would crack and break before the connector did.

Would I prefer recced? Yes.

Then again, I have small ears (girl) and thuse the components barely fit to begin with. There isn't space for a reccessed connector. Even UE doesn't do recessed on every persons order ad I think it just ha sto do with having large enough ears to do so.

If you are going between the two... it could be a hard decision - I was in the same place not too long ago and I went with the FreQ because of the more *fun+neutral* sound along with the ability to customize. The LW's just looked bad to me with the gold connector. It just wasn't my style - and that is important to me when it it something that I will be walking around with in my ears.



About classical.....

I am a really big classical listener. I like a lot of Opera and large orchestrations.
I literally cried listening to Tristan and Isolde ( the first thing I listened to them with).
I would say that they handle these things exceptionally well. In fact, I prefer the FreQ's for those genres because the vocals sound great and the extra detail over my k400's.
I feel like mids are more emphasized than the other parts of the spectrum just a bit and that works out great for what I listen to.
Overall a good play between fun and neutrality!

 

[slowth]

Powertoold, whose freq is that? Don't think i've seen that colour before.. it's pretty cool, mind telling me or PM-in me what colour that is.

Based purely on waiting time, I'd say FreQs too. It's v apparent here in SG. Ppl have been waiting more than 2 months for theirs.

I wouldn't mind listenin to some piano pieces once I get them and informing ppl here, used to play classical myself. =)
My Freq impressions have already reached Fl and I assume they'll start work today and they ship it back DHL express so sometime next wk? which will be 3 weeks.

 

[powertoold]

Quote:

Originally Posted by slowth /img/forum/go_quote.gif Based purely on waiting time, I'd say FreQs too. It's v apparent here in SG. Ppl have been waiting more than 2 months for theirs.

I believe you are referring to the 2 month waiting time for international LiveWires.

 

[slowth]

yeah international.. international's supposed to be longer?
never knew.. well 2 months is long...

 

[Jazz+]

I am not familiar with the word "fun" in terms of audio. What does it mean?

Here is a link to audio terms:
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Words for describing audio quality