IEM in perspective, compared to normal headphones

[Aevum]

ok, the issue is this, i like IEMS, i have a pair of Mylarone X3 (canalphones), and im thinking about upgrading to q-JAYS or Triple.fi 10 pro, the thing is that im seeing alot of comments on how limited IEM´s are, and that even the most expencive shure E530 or UE Triple.fi 10 pro, pale in comparison to $150-$100 DT990 pros or Yuin PK1´s,

so im wondering, are IEM´s really that limited in quality, can i get the same quality i get from a Super.fi 5 pro from a pair of PX100´s that cost 1/3 ?.

 

[Matteman]

Good question!

I've been trying to figure this out also, and there have been a lot of threads where people just say "cans" because they are better from a technical point of view or whatever. There seem to be many here advocating cans rather than IEMs. I sometimes wonder if this is just because IEMs are kind of a new thing, while full sized cans have been around since man discovered fire. Many have grown up with headphones.

I am an IEM guy. Although I love the sound of the Senn HD650's and 600's, I find myself liking my SF 5 Pro's about as much. There seem to be something with IEM's that appeals to me.

Sure, cheaper IEMs doesn't extend as far in the frequency responce and often lack soundstage. But as for the UE-10s or 11's, they seem to have it all - frequency extension, soundstage and, most of all, a clarity and texture that is very hard to beat with most very costly cans. I personally would go for UE-10's rather than GS-1000's or similar.

 

[ClieOS]

Price/performance wise, IEM will never be able to match up with big can. IEM has come a pretty long way, but the physical limitation is still there. IEM is designed to be high quality mobile sound, and you pay more for those type of quality.

 

[Aevum]

so basicly, a 140 euro DT990 will ALWAYS sound better then a 320 euro Triple.fi 10 pro, but you wouldnt want to take your DT990 out on the street with you ?

 

[Matteman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClieOS /img/forum/go_quote.gif Price/performance wise, IEM will never be able to match up with big can. IEM has come a pretty long way, but the physical limitation is still there. IEM is designed to be high quality mobile sound, and you pay more for those type of quality.

Yeah, it's been said before - making tiny armatures with a tiny crossover is more expensive than making cans.

I believe there is a matter of taste involved also, since they tend to sound pretty differently. I guess cans sound closer to speakers, and cans are better at producing a three-dimensional sound. But there are other qualities about IEMs that some people seem to prefer. IEMs in my opinion give a closer, more intimate sound with higher details than cans do.

I really want to figure this out, as I am pretty new to high-end cans and would kill myself if I find out that the UE-11's don't sound as good as for instance GS-1000's, since the UE's are non-replaceable.