Help me upgrade my portable audio setup!

[Brooko]

One of the problems you have is identifying your ideal sound signature.  The second is getting a good fit.  The problem is that if you spend a lot now, and you get it wrong, then it's hard to correct unless you can resell.  What I did was try a few IEM's first - and found the signature that suited me.  I'm still experimenting - but I do know I like the Shures (fit and signature).  My next step is likely to be the SE535 ( I have the SE425 currently, and have had the 315's previously).
 
One way you could proceed - without outlaying too much.  Try the Shure SE215's.  From what I have read here (I haven't had the opportunity to try these ... yet), they have quite a forward warm signature - reasonable bass for an entry level, and not bad detail. .  The SE215's should have a taste of the Shure 'signature mids' as well.  More importantly - they should be relatively cheap - and they have the same shape and approx size as the others in the range (SE315, SE425, SE535).
 
If you go this route and like both the fit and the base signature - you can then move further up the scale.
 
If not - you can then sell the 215's (without losing too much $$), and try something else.
 
Once you've tried a few different brands - you can then more accurately describe exactly what you like (signature and fit).  Then it's easy for the experts here to give you some better options.

 

[JonesyS]

Quote:

One of the problems you have is identifying your ideal sound signature.  The second is getting a good fit.  The problem is that if you spend a lot now, and you get it wrong, then it's hard to correct unless you can resell.  What I did was try a few IEM's first - and found the signature that suited me.  I'm still experimenting - but I do know I like the Shures (fit and signature).  My next step is likely to be the SE535 ( I have the SE425 currently, and have had the 315's previously).
 
One way you could proceed - without outlaying too much.  Try the Shure SE215's.  From what I have read here (I haven't had the opportunity to try these ... yet), they have quite a forward warm signature - reasonable bass for an entry level, and not bad detail. .  The SE215's should have a taste of the Shure 'signature mids' as well.  More importantly - they should be relatively cheap - and they have the same shape and approx size as the others in the range (SE315, SE425, SE535).
 
If you go this route and like both the fit and the base signature - you can then move further up the scale.
 
If not - you can then sell the 215's (without losing too much $$), and try something else.
 
Once you've tried a few different brands - you can then more accurately describe exactly what you like (signature and fit).  Then it's easy for the experts here to give you some better options.

I would like to know one thing before I go this route, and that is whether there are IEM tips that are as comfortable and provide as good a seal as Comply tips, but last longer? If this is not the case, I won't even consider another pair of non-custom, non-universal IEM's. I just have the bad luck of not being able to get a good fit with any of the silicone tips. Also, as I currently own the UE700's, are the SE215's a step down? I'm afraid that if they are, I will mostly just notice the difference in sound quality instead of the different in sound signature.
 

 

[Brooko]

Quote:

I would like to know one thing before I go this route, and that is whether there are IEM tips that are as comfortable and provide as good a seal as Comply tips, but last longer? If this is not the case, I won't even consider another pair of non-custom, non-universal IEM's. I just have the bad luck of not being able to get a good fit with any of the silicone tips. Also, as I currently own the UE700's, are the SE215's a step down? I'm afraid that if they are, I will mostly just notice the difference in sound quality instead of the different in sound signature.
 

 
I can answer the tips question.  Shure has their "olive foams' - you can google them for images.  I find them extremely comfortable and seal really well.  I look after mine and keep them very clean.  A pair typically last me a year.
 
Re the UE700 - I haven't heard them - so I can't give a good answer.  Maybe someone else has heard both?  Check out the SE215 appreciation - and see if someone has both.  The problem is that if you start with Shures dual or triple driver (SE425 or SE535) - what if you don't like the signature .....
 
Maybe ask someone like Joker (in his big IEM thread) for some ideas?
 
 

 

[JonesyS]

I had the opportunity this week to try out the SE530. Comparing it to my UE700's:
-The bass is uncomparable, much much better on the SE530, although maybe even a tiny bit too much for my taste.
-I find my UE700's sound "shrill" sometimes. I have very sensitive ears, and the UE700's just make them hurt with some high tones. I hate the treble. The Shures are much better in this aspect, they seem to just roll off those tones or something, they don't sound shrill.
-I do not like the Shure signature mids. I like the crystal clarity of the UE700's, and their true-to-life sound.
 
At this point the ideal combination of these two for me would be the bass of the Shures, the mids and overall sound signature of the UE700's (crystal clear, true-to-life) and the highs of the Shures. I think I don't like "fun-sounding" earphones, I listen to almost all genres of music and want each and every one of them to sound the way they are supposed to sound, including classical music. I always try to pick out as much detail as possible, I'm a very active listener. I really do hate high shrill tones.
Any recommendations for a next pair to try out?

 

[Brooko]

I should have my Brainwavz B2 in about 2-3 weeks.  They are supposed to be very clear and balanced.  Sound closer to what you may be looking for.  There's a big thread on impressions:
 
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/540222/brainwavz-b2-impressions-discussion-thread
 
And another one with some more pics:
 
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/551434/brainwavz-b2-pictures-delicious-in-red
 
They are dual armature - and supposed to be very similar to the Fischer DBA-02.  I can't tell you anything about them for a few weeks - but the balanced signature might be worth looking into - and the price is definitely good!

 

[JonesyS]

Thanks for the links, I read the first post of the impressions thread and Joker compared them to the UE700's
However, this lead me to believe they are not for me. He says they can still sound harsh and sometimes sibilant (he calls the UE700's capable of razor-like sibilance, I totally agree...). I would very much like a pair of IEM's that are not that harsh/sibilant/bright, as I am very sensitive to that and easily fatigued by it.

 

[Brooko]

Might pay to check with Joker and see if his B2's were the review model with the silver cable.  The production model is going to use copper instead.  The reason for the change was to tame the highs.
 
Otherwise - might pay to get into contact with either Clieos or Joker.  They have miles of experience with IEMs - and can probably give you a few options.  The other one I can think of here (he's had a lot of IEMs) is JoeyRusso.