How similar in sound are the UM2s and UE Superfi 5 pros?

[4metta]

Has anybody here actually tried both these earphones? The descriptions make them sound so similar and I'm trying to decide between the two. Or if I should just amp.


I'm trying to decide between the two for my 3g ipod. I import all my songs in 300 aac format. If I had the space I would do lossless but my iPod is only a 20gb model. I may get a portable amp in the future but do not have one right now. I just returned the Etymotic 4ps I purchased because while I loved the detail, there was not enough low end for me. So I grabbed some Super fi 5 pros and, obviously, had to adjust to the totally different sound character. Being a bass player I enjoy the more pronounced bass but when I listen to my fav bass album --Blood Sugar Sex Magik from the Red Hot Chili Peppers--I have a harder time distinguishing the notes Flea is playing now than through my e4ps. So now I have a great full sound but less note separation. I guess you can't have it all huh? Would the UM2's provide a bit more separation or are they so similar in sound signature that a better decision would be to just get a small amp and that would help define the low end on my Superfi 5 pros?


While I do listen to funk, r&b, elecronica, etc, I also enjoy jazz so I want a balanced sound that still delivers low end but has detail.


Thanks in advance for the advice.

 

[MKAL]

I'm curious too.

 

[cheechoz]

This is just my opinion, but have you looked into the Shure E5c's? I found them better then both the IEM's you mentioned. The bass is awesome, but not blooted, but rather controlled. They also have very good detail, and will run right out of an iPod, very efficiently.

 

[Dunbar]

I've listened to both, but not back-to-back (I own the UM2). Both have strong bass but the superfi's seem to have more emphasis on the low-end relative to the mids and highs. The UM2 stands out as being slightly more midrangey. Whereas the superfi's stood out as having a recessed top-end. My criticism of the superfi's was that the bass just felt too overwhelming. That's why I chose the UM2 (plus they're loads more comfortable/portable.)

BTW, MKAL, you can always drive down to Irvine and demo the superfi's (and UE-5c's and UE-10's.)