[supersonic1414]

I have been debating getting a pair of $200 to $300 IEm's, but really want either the sensaphonic 2x or U-10p. Can anyone who has these let me know if I decided to go this route, will I ultimately be pleased?

Or should I just pick up either the new Shure E500or ue-XXX? I will predominantly use my video ipod and nano with them, and maybe a hornet amp.....

 

[Jam_Master_J]

Shure e5000? I must be behind the times, I'm still drooling over the e500

.

I listened to the e500 and they sound very full and big straight out of my Nano.

 

[2426]

Quote:

Originally Posted by supersonic1414 I have been debating getting a pair of $200 to $300 IEm's, but really want either the sensaphonic 2x or U-10p. Can anyone who has these let me know if I decided to go this route, will I ultimately be pleased?

The sensas and the ue-10s are way above your $200-300 spending limit. Just so you know. I would try to get the e500 if funds would allow.

 

[RedLeader]

even the e500 will retail at $499 to start off. Perhaps you're better off looking at other lines, or in the headfi spirit increasing your budget

 

[jjcha]

Quote:

Originally Posted by supersonic1414 Can anyone who has these let me know if I decided to go this route, will I ultimately be pleased?

Well, what do you like from your sound? It's hard to make a recommendation without more information on your preferences, as well as a better sense of how much want to spend and when you want to make the purchase.

Best regards,

-Jason

 

[supersonic1414]

Sorry, my post was not clear. I am aware of the cost of the Shure E500's, Sensa's and Ue-10's is between $500-$1000. My initial thought was to spend around $200-$300, but than I figured why not save a bit and shell out for what I really want.

I listen to lots of indie and alternative rock, as well as country rock, etc...Like nice tight base, crisp highs, and balanced mids...Hope that helps.

 

[jjcha]

Cool. Yeah, in the old days, before the E500, I would have recommended saving for the big guns, because I found myself upgrading anyway. I started with E5c and eventually got Sensaphonics 2X-S, and kinda wished in retrospect just going straight to the top.

Or another option is just going budget (Shure E4c/UM2/super.fi 5 Pro/Ety ER4P/S) and just stopping with these. These are fantastic preformers and great values.

With the E500 and XXX the equation changes. I'm not convinced, based on brief listenings at the national meet, that the E500 reaches the level of the custom IEM, as some have claimed. I did like it a lot though. But at the national meet, what I really wanted was to get a UE-10 Pro, as I found it does sound different from my Sensaphonics, and I'd like to have both sounds.

Well, where does that leave you. My advice - buy used. Buy a used UM2/E4c/super.fi 5 Pro/Ety or even Shure E5c. Then wait. Wait until the E500 gets out to more people who already own the custom IEM. Wait until the XXX is released. Save your money. Then when you're ready, sell your temp IEM (I love E4c with the nano, btw) and go for the big guns. This will also let you explore what you like about IEM sounds with your music, and make a more informed decision.

Good luck! Portable rigs are one of the most rewarding out there, and there is a lot of great product.

Best regards,

-Jason

Postscript: Heh, I know I'm a fan of the E4c, but out of all the IEM I've owned or had, I find with the iPod Nano (and less so with the Video) they do have nice tight bass, crisp highs and slightly exaggerated/forward mids. I also listen to alternative pop/rock and some pop-country.

 

[Alex M]

Quote:

Originally Posted by supersonic1414 I have been debating getting a pair of $200 to $300 IEm's, but really want either the sensaphonic 2x or U-10p. Can anyone who has these let me know if I decided to go this route, will I ultimately be pleased? Or should I just pick up either the new Shure E500or ue-XXX? I will predominantly use my video ipod and nano with them, and maybe a hornet amp.....

I think that you should first decide if you want customs or universal fit IEMs. Customs would give you better isolation, comfort, possibly better sound, a nice feeling of exclusivity...

Universal fit headphones have a decent resell value, give you the ability to change tips, and may last longer.

If you want customs, then you can just get them now. If not, you need to decide whether you can wait several month before making a purchase. If you can, I suggest waiting till both E500 and UEXXX are available so that you can try them out and compare, or at least read enough reviews by others.

If you have to get something now, buying a budget pair as recommended by jjcha seems the best option.

 

[Funkij]

As a side note... does anyone have any more info on the UE triple x?

I've heard that it's coming out in June '06 and has 3 drivers but that's all I know

Cheers,

K¬

 

[warpdriver]

I would skip right past the $200-$300 IEM's. I think all of them are flawed in some unacceptable way. The jump to the $399 E500's would definitely be worthwhile because the sound quality rivals full sized headphones.

 

[ITZBITZ]

$399 e500? I understood they were to cost $499.

And waiting for the used e4c's to show up in the marketplace might be a good idea. That's where mine will be.

 

[PeeeMeS]

Is there a market for used custom IEMs? You could get them for the cheap and it shouldn't take that much work to make them fit for you.

Heck there are even kits to make your own custom molds.

 

[warpdriver]

Two of the popular Headfi vendors have them for $399 Intro price (add to cart or email for price)

 

[wolfen68]

Quote:

Originally Posted by warpdriver Two of the popular Headfi vendors have them for $399 Intro price (add to cart or email for price)

And if you are willing to wait a short while...I'm sure the E500's will be available for $330-350.

 

[supersonic1414]

I talked to UE today. they said the UE-XXX should be avail the early part of July and MSRP is between $350 and $400.....They sound like they will be impressive!