IEM w/ Bass Impact and Amp Improvement

[PhearthecowZ]

What would be a good IEM with good bass impact, and as close a sound to full size cans. Also having room for improvement with an amp. I have a Corda Headsix.
I've used IEM's before, but my only experience is with Harmon/Kardon 730's, Etymotic ER6i's and Shure e2c's. I returned them all because I just couldn't take the flat sound. But now I need to find a pair of IEM's for the gym, so I'm going to have to settle.

 

[gtp]

Two come to mind with full-size bass impact: Atrio M5 or Shure SE530, depending on budget. Atrio will have more bass. SE530 will have more clarity detail. I wouldn't say either improves dramatically with an amp, tho. IMO not many IEMs do.

 

[Bigsy]

I'm going to recommend super.fi 5 pros, they tend to get more use than my e500's, they have better bass impact and a wider soundstage, closer to full size can's imo....and they're a bargain.

But both show no real improvement with an amp (corda move in my case)

 

[devilsadvocate]

UE Super.fi 5 EB sound a lot like DT 770-80s. Of course, if you hate the 770s that's also something to keep in mind.

 

[PhearthecowZ]

Quote:

Originally Posted by devilsadvocate /img/forum/go_quote.gif UE Super.fi 5 EB sound a lot like DT 770-80s. Of course, if you hate the 770s that's also something to keep in mind.

That's the kind of sound I want for IEM's. I'll give them a shot. And hey, if they don't improve much with amplification...then I don't need to bring my amp to the gym he he he.

 

[devilsadvocate]

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhearthecowZ /img/forum/go_quote.gif That's the kind of sound I want for IEM's. I'll give them a shot. And hey, if they don't improve much with amplification...then I don't need to bring my amp to the gym he he he.

I don't use them with an external amp, so I can't answer that question. But what you should note is that they really, really change after burn-in. Bass becomes far more controlled and refined. Highs stay about the same, since its an armature. So try them for a few weeks.

 

[oicdn]

I can't believe nobody said UM2s. They have all the clarity WITH bass impact. They also improve marginally with an amp. The headsix sounds like a Move...the UM2s improved a bunch on an already stellar beginning on the Move. I really miss my UM2s.

 

[gtp]

Quote:

Originally Posted by oicdn /img/forum/go_quote.gif I can't believe nobody said UM2s. They have all the clarity WITH bass impact. They also improve marginally with an amp. The headsix sounds like a Move...the UM2s improved a bunch on an already stellar beginning on the Move. I really miss my UM2s.

UM2 - Bass: yes. Impact: no way! The UM2 has big but mushy bass.

Also, their clarity is now trumped by just about every "modern" IEM. I did side by side tests between SE420 and UM2 with a variety of sources, amps, music, etc. The UM2 was noticiably less detailed and had much less bass impact, even despite having slightly more bass volume.

 

[oicdn]

No impact? Listen to them with your head contenders like a PRII, RSA or Move...there's impact there, especially when compared to even full sizers like DT990, 880, K501...

I guess it depends on the music type you listen to, cause with electronic music, at times, UM2's make the bass sound even more artificial or bloated than it already is, but saying it's not impactful...no way.

I do want to give a listen to more "modern" ones...but I honestly, now have no clue as to what those are, as the line between IEM and earbud has become really blurred. People are calling things with tips from EX71's IEMs...IMO, an IEM means, you have to squish a tip(or flange) and it inserts into your ear. I do want to give a hear to newer IEMs, but I don't feel like doing the trial and error thing all over again...

 

[gtp]

Quote:

Originally Posted by oicdn /img/forum/go_quote.gif No impact? Listen to them with your head contenders like a PRII, RSA or Move...there's impact there, especially when compared to even full sizers like DT990, 880, K501... I guess it depends on the music type you listen to, cause with electronic music, at times, UM2's make the bass sound even more artificial or bloated than it already is, but saying it's not impactful...no way. I do want to give a listen to more "modern" ones...but I honestly, now have no clue as to what those are, as the line between IEM and earbud has become really blurred. People are calling things with tips from EX71's IEMs...IMO, an IEM means, you have to squish a tip(or flange) and it inserts into your ear. I do want to give a hear to newer IEMs, but I don't feel like doing the trial and error thing all over again...

Like I said, the UM2 does have big bass, but not impactful bass. It's slower and more musical, not the kick in the head kind of impact.

I would highly recommend the new high-end Shures. You won't need trial and error

. Seriously, the SE420 that I settled on has the same sound sig as the UM2, but with tons more detail and impact. Both the SE420 and E500/SE530 are the most full-size-headphone-like IEMs I've heard.

 

[oicdn]

What's the difference between the SE420 and the E500? The difference between the E500 and SE530 are the module right? Otherwise it's the same can?

 

[shomie911]

Shure E4c's great without an amp, amazing with one.

 

[eureka]

Quote:

Originally Posted by oicdn /img/forum/go_quote.gif What's the difference between the SE420 and the E500? The difference between the E500 and SE530 are the module right? Otherwise it's the same can?

SE420s are dual driver-based, whereas the SE530/E500s are driven by three.

 

[tonyl59]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gtp /img/forum/go_quote.gif Two come to mind with full-size bass impact: Atrio M5 or Shure SE530, depending on budget. Atrio will have more bass. SE530 will have more clarity detail. I wouldn't say either improves dramatically with an amp, tho. IMO not many IEMs do.

That's what I thought until I bought a Corda Move to replace a Total Airhead. Now there's no doubt in my mind that a good amp makes a significant difference (at least with Triple-Fi 10).