[shw24]

Hi guys, Now I'm torn between UM-1 and IM716. If UM-1 let say I can get around $20 more expensive than IM716, in terms of isolation, comfort and SQ (for classic, pop, and jazz) which one I should get? which one is more fun and let me enjoy the music?

Thx Guys.

 

[kite7]

You might also want to consider the fact that Altec Lansing stopped supporting the im716, therefore you can't buy more filters

 

[shw24]

Yup, I aware of that. But I think there are thread to DIY your own filter for IM716... I don't know how this is change the sound, but yup, this is the problem with IM-716 and keep my hand not to pick IM-716 in the first instance.

 

[Nuwidol]

I've never heard either although i own a pair of er6i which are very similiar to the im716. I am however aware that the um1s are completely different. A lot warmer & some people describe them as a bit boomy in the bass department. A complete contrast to the detailed bass shy altecs. Its up to you to decide how you want your music sounding. Both choices are good.

 

[ak40ozKevin]

I only have the UM1 and have never heard the im716 or any etymotic but I don't find the UM1 bassey. Especially compared to the Mylar X3 which people in the Mylar thread don't even find bassey.

I will say however that I was kind of unhappy with the UM1 connected to my old iPod by itself and that I enjoyed them more with a amp. Now I have a Kenwood HD30GB9 and it synergizes really well with the UM1 and responds to equalization exactly how I want it to.

In case you were looking at any other IEMs especially cheaper ones, I will say that the UM1 has far more clarity than my Mylar X3 and that if you have a nice source it is such a better phone than that.

Soryy if this post is a little inconcise as I've had a lot to drink tonight.

 

[shw24]

emmmm.... sound like it is good to me (the UM-1) since it got bass, but not bassy, and many said about its comfy and durability superior....hmmm... I think I'll go for UM1 unless there are any other opinion that posion me more on IM716....lol...

Btw, I like the clarity, but I prefer the fun sound as it would be my earphone on the go, I don't think that I will have time for critical listening... but as long as it is fun, and detail and clear enough... that would be my choice.

 

[Jon118]

The iM716 is very accurate and a good headphone, but I would go for the UM1. I think if the first in ear phone I had bought was the UM1 instead of the Vibes I would have saved some money and time. But that was before I discovered this place and cared about the difference between balanced armatures and dynamic drivers, but that's a whole other story.

 

[1967cutlass]

The UM1 is more comfortable and has marginally more bass. Overall it's muddy and uninspiring compared to the altec. The altecs are at least a notch above.

 

[scompton]

I have both and use both. The im716 is more detailed but less comfortable. The UM1 just barely goes into your ears, more like canal phones. Because of that it doesn't isolate as well either. Unlike the rap on Etys, which I've never heard, the im716 has plenty of bass for me. The UM1 has a little more, but I don't find it boomy. Of course, I listen at low levels, it might sound boomy if you're listening loud. I always where the im716 when I need the most isolation, cutting the grass, working with power tools, etc. For my commute I alternate between the two. I'll wear the im716 for a couple of weeks, until my ear canal starts to get irritated by having something shoved up it for an hour and a half a day. Then I'll switch to the UM1. I ride the DC Metro to work every day. The average background noise on the trains is 95dB. It's not noticeable with the im716. I can hear the background noise with the UM1 and can't listen to quiet music. If you get the im716, get the Shure black foam tips. It takes a little effort to get them on, but they do go on and they're a lot more comfortable than triflanges or the stock foam tips. You can wait on the Shure tips if you buy the UM1, although for me, the stock comply tips don't give me a seal. I needed the large Shure tips. With the im716, I need the medium tips.

 

[shw24]

Poison...poison...lol.....

Scomton... do you find comfortable if you need to wear IM716 around 4-6 hours a day? How the build quality of IM716 compare to UM1? As for the sound, I think everybody agree that IM716 is a class better than UM1. But which one has fun sound as well as good clarity?

 

[lutwey]

can somebody here discess the isolation of um1???

 

[scompton]

Quote:

Originally Posted by shw24 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Poison...poison...lol..... Scomton... do you find comfortable if you need to wear IM716 around 4-6 hours a day? How the build quality of IM716 compare to UM1? As for the sound, I think everybody agree that IM716 is a class better than UM1. But which one has fun sound as well as good clarity?

With the Shure black foam tips I think I could wear them for 4-6 hours without a problem. I don't know that I've worn them for more than 2 hours. I wore my old Shure e3c for 5-7 hours on numerous long plane rides without a problem. This was with the old yellow foam tips which are not as comfortable. I've not had any long plane rides since getting the im716. I have worn them for 2 hours numerous times though. It's the repeated use day after day that eventually bothers my ears. That's why I only wear them when I need portable isolation - commuting, planes, gym, etc.

I have worn the UM1 for long periods of time. I've gone to bed wearing them. They sit flat in your ear so they won't be jammed farther in your ear if you
rest the side your head on something, like a pillow or a airline head rest.

As for a more fun sound, probably the UM1. I listen to all types of music and my library breaks down approximately like this

classical40%
jazz 22%
rock 22%
world 10%
country 2%
electronica2%
folk 1%
R&B 1%

Because of the type of music I listen to, I really like a balanced sound. My favorite full sized cans are the higher end AKGs. With this in mind, I prefer the sound of the im716. It's not a sound everyone will love though. It's not a strong preference, just a preference. I have been wearing the UM1 every day for the past 2 weeks because my allergies are making my ears feel funny. I doubt if the im716 would feel all that good in my ears right now.

If they are your only isolating option, and especially if you plan on wearing them 4-6 hours a day often, I'd get the UM1.

 

[shw24]

Thx Scompton, ACtually your music library might similar to me except I will change rock portion with pop, and last 3 to 0%...lol. Well, the problem is I will use bus to go to work 2-3 hours one way, so it would be around 4-6 hours everyday and 3 hours flight every month. That's why comfy and durable as well as isolation actually plays important role here apart from SQ, because that will not serve my purpose if it is not comfy, durable and isolate well to let me enjoy music in low volume.

Actually my ear cannot stand with loud volume..i.e. normally in the office I will just use 25% of my IPOD volume while using EC7. 50% at the most if I want to do critial listening.

I'm open to superfi 3, shure E2C, mylar but not to atrios though, and of course my budget is below $100, unamped. And my initial thought after reading lots of thread, IM716 superior for SQ, and UM-1 for comfy, and therefore now I'm torn, and seek help for anybody who can comment on the compromise between all factors to suit my need. Any other opinion?

 

[UltraEvo]

I always thought that X3 sounds better den the UM1 and im716 is the best among them. But seem like many users like UM1 rather.

 

[lutwey]

um1 should definitely sound much better than x3 since um1 are developed for professional musician as suppose to the common consumers.