[Comradejohndoe]

I've been looking into the above 2 in earphones, and have a huge problem decididing which one to get. Cost is not an issue, just basically which one would be a better option. Many thanks!

 

[facelvega]

if cost is not an issue, why not get something better than either? If cost is an issue after all, then why look at two things with a price difference of a factor of two?

The short answer, easily gleaned from the reviews on the forum so I'm sure you already know it, is that the Mylarone X3 had the engaging sound of a dynamic driver and leads the price/performance ration, while the UM1 enters into the precision of an armature and possibly wins by a nose, but not so much that personal taste (do you want the bass of a dynamic?) wouldn't matter more.

 

[Jon118]

I've heard some people say that while the X3 is good, it simply can't measure up to true balanced armature IEMs, I believe the UM1 was specifically mentioned. Between the two the choice would be clear for me. UM1 all the way. But it is kind of an odd comparison.

 

[norseman8485]

I beg to differ. I have both, and the um1s are now with my girlfriend. They were still seeing some limited service before, but after I've gotten the UE super.fi3, they just couldn't get any usage time between the x3 and the sf3.

Based on the sound alone, they lose out to the x3. They aren't as accurate, nor as extended. There's a very bad treble roll-off. The things they win hands down on are the comfort, build quality and isolation. X3 has a better bass AND better treble. But if your tastes run that way, the um1s have a smoother sound sig, probably helped by the lack of treble.

But against the sf3, especially with the ES cable, they just can't cut it. Even though the fit and seal are not as good, the quality is on par and the sound of the sf3 is simply amazing in this price range.

 

[jdimitri]

x3.. i even liked it better than the um2 while i had it
It sounds more dynamic.. you'll know what i'm talking about if you've tried them both

 

[Comradejohndoe]

thanks so much guys,
my hunch is that you guys all agree that the mylars are definitely more price worthy than perhaps most of the earphones in that league.