how much of an improvement are the sf5s from the sf3s?

[turtleact]

i recently got a pair of s.f3s from costco and though i like it's sound quality and noise isolation, i find the low end lacking in "ooompf." i'm considering returning these and dropping $80 to get the s.f5s. will i be able to get a more rounded sound (and more "oompf" in the low end) from the s.f5s or should i look at other IEMs in the $100 - $150 price range?

 

[NeObliviscaris]

Welcome to Head-Fi, Sorry About Your Wallet!

I just upgraded recently and received my SF5's to days ago, this is what I posted in another thread:
--
Ok guys, initiall impressions: WOW!

The detail is so much greater than the SF3's, the bass is nice and dooofy and the vocals just shine!

Comfort wise it's the same, however, the ccable on the SF5's I bought were pretty roughed up, and all green from the oxidisation, so I swapped the cables. Also using it with flip-flop mod, and they stick out as much as the SF3s. They are a bit bigger as they are dual driver and have the little driver housing at the back:

SF5's (white, mine are clear)

The SF3s dont have that little 'hunchback' thing, its just flat.

I'm very satisfied with this purchase, at $120 I think I've done well.

The great thing, is I've jumped from earphone to earphone, so I can feel the difference, whereas people tell me 'just buy the best one', todate I've probably spent enough for Triple Fi's or soemthing, but I'm enjoying hearing the differences!

Back to the SF5's.

Delta Goodrem - Brave Face
Fantastic, her voice sounds perfect and the drums/bass in the back shine as a result of the dual driver. They don't over power the song, but they def sound awesome.

Louie Armstrong - What A Wonderful World
Never heard his voice in so much detail, was such an enjoyable track to listen to, with the jazz instruments in the background.

Sakin - Braveheart Theme (Trance Remix)
DOOF DOOF - the bass is there, no EQ, and a wonderful punch, very alive. Not boomy as the SF3's were, which puts a focus on the highs in the track (all the electronica). Absolute bliss.

Linkin Park - What I've Done
Feels like I'm standing with Optimus Prime at the end of Transformers! Wow, love it, the guitar sounds absolutely amazing, and all the instruments aren't drowned out, everything shines. Vocals, are very natural, feels like a concert in your head.

Enya - Only Time
I cannot even describe how wonderful I felt listening to this song, just sounded oh so natural, and so serene. Gosh!

I'm very very happy with this purchase, and probably going to sell off my SF3's - was considering keeping them as a backup phone though, will see how things go as I am expecting a few more phones soon!
--



SF3 = Single Driver and SF5 = Dual Driver, such a big difference, I am loving them so much, clearer tighter bass without losing quality in the highs!

 

[Jackson99]

It's a good upgrade - especially in the bass department. I would go for it!

 

[NeObliviscaris]

Yeah, bass absolutely shines with the addition of the extra driver, I am loving it!

 

[lqv2015]

I'm about to get mine in a few days.

Sony Fontopia => JVC Marshmallow ==> SF5Pro

I'm hoping I made the right choice for these over Jays q-JAYS.

 

[SBD]

One of those times when spending some more is a really good thing. The dual drivers will give you that ooomph you want.

 

[turtleact]

thanks for the welcome FeedMeTrance

my previous pair were JVC Marshmallows and i think they're a really good deal for ten bucks. i liked the oomph i got from those, too.

if only the s.f3 had a similar kick, i'd be a happy camper.

is the s.f5 the best choice for the price range or are there other bands i should consider?

 

[SBD]

I got Marshmallows too for 10 bucks. I went through the same thing except I wasn't as quick to get sf3's and decided sf5p after long thought. If you don't need the isolation or IEM portability, definitely go with Grado sr80.

FMT helped me through it (thanks!) and you can see in some other threads that we resolved this by sort of a long shot to get the sf5ps.

 

[NeObliviscaris]

LoL - SF5's seem to be the thing right now! I guess they are going at cheap so everyone jumping on!

OP, lucky for you, that you are used to how the UE earphones fit, so the comfort issue shouldn't be big of a factor.

 

[turtleact]

i found the s.f3s to be quite comfortable, so i hope the fit on the s.f5s isn't too different coz i just pulled the trigger on a pair.

SBD - i use the IEMs mostly at work and i do a lot of moving around so portability is a must. the Grado looks interesting, though. i've never had a pair of open air cans. i just use my MDR-XD200 when i'm at home for music, movies and gaming.

 

[SBD]

Well, maybe later you should think about the SR80 for home. A genuine, profes....well it comes in a pizza box and sounds pretty good!


It'd be pretty funny if everyone started buying s.f5pro's and brought attention to the media.