Wanted to make sure I posted a review on the 252s, and I find my thoughts match many other HF members (ClieOS, HPA, mark2410) who reviewed these phones (though my review may not match some of the more esoteric written POVs on the 252s).
How’s it fit?
For me, the RE25s fir pretty well, I just don’t care much for the design. I had the RE3s before these, and had to cut the concha appendage (sounds disgusting, no?) off with an exacto knife to use them (they caused pain, in short). But these gummy bear 252s cause no such pain, though they are not a deep-seated phone. After trying some of the stock tips, I went right for my trusty large Sony hybrids, and they were fine, both fit and SQ-wise. Of course, ear shapes vary so much, these may not fit you so well and could cause pain, but it should dissipate over time cause they are so soft.
The 252 isolation is fair with the hybrids. My main problem is the wires come so close to my cheeks that they do cause some microphonics. Also, at least with the Hybrids, the 252s won’t substantially block out plane/subway/train noise. So they are not really cut out as commuting phones.
How’s it sound?
I tried the 252s with my limited sources, but ended up using them mostly with my Sony X because for me, these need bass EQ, which was also true of the RE3s. I listened to the usual assortment of test tracks: Hotel California from Hell Freezes Over, The Way You Look Tonight, Sinatra’s Nothing but the best CD, Diana Krall Live in Paris, some Zep and other classic rock, some new Beatles remasters, etc.
Treble is excellent, sparkle sans sibilance. I still favor the TF10s overall, but it’s just a personal thing.
In the middle, again the 252s are strong, certainly closer than the TF10 but not in your face. Although I will agree with others in that it certainly is the most dominant sound frequency for this phone, by a slim margin over treble and more over bass.
Bass-wise, much like the RE3 and RE2, Head-Direct phones need some help for me to enjoy them. I clicked the Clear Bass to +2 and that seemed to do the trick. I don’t have an amp any longer, save for the Amp3 (hiss with 252s), but the 252 won’t be confused with the CKS70 or IE8.
The RE252 soundstage is fine, with excellent detail, instrument separation. But again, no IE8 or other IEM know for soundstage. I also preferred the TF10 on this front.
I guess you can say that after trying a few “neutral” IEMs, I am more a fan of the colored sound, more along the lines of W3, S4, TF10 and (soon, I hope, they are en route) the Westone 2s. I sold my UM3X recently, in fact. I suppose the 252s also sound much different with the right amp, but to me, while I understand their excellent rep and reviews, I am not going to be using them as one of my main IEMs. It’s just a personal preference thing, certainly not a reflection of the SQ the 252s are capable of delivering.
Balance is the thing with these phones, with outstanding treble extension and detail, mids that deliver, but bass that while there, isn’t quite “there” for my tastes, if that makes any sense. Yet, with a little good EQ (or an amp with bass boost features), I am sure they can really have some added punch.
Finale
As noted, I recently sold my UM3X to try the Westone 2. That pretty much says it all re my view of the RE252s. For those who want detail, balance and a fine IEM, the 252s are a good choice. Also, while they were a good value during the $99 sale, I am not sure I would pay $199 for them now. There are so many worthwhile, less costly competitors out there (and with CES, the list is growing), it’s getting harder to spend $200 on phones (though I did on the W2s. Go figure).
