If I prefer the SE310 to the Super.Fi pro 5 will I prefer the SE530's to the Triple.Fi' Pro 10's?

[Naim.F.C]

Hi guys, my first post on these boards so be gentle!

I recently purchased both the Super.Fi 5 Pro's and the Shure SE310's, with the intention of giving one to my fiancee, keeping one for myself. I upgraded from a pair of Etymotic ER6i's (which I absolutely loved!). Anyway, I thought I'd prefer the Super.Fi 5 Pro's, but ended up preferring the SE310's. There was no clear cut winner, there were elements of the 5 pro's I preferred, and elements of the SE310, but ultimately, I preferred the more neutral or flat sound of the SE310's, and disliked the fit and ear tips of the 5 pro's. I just could never get close to as good a fit with any of the 5 Pro tips as the Shure black foams.

Here's how I'd break them down. let it be known, that I am not in the slightest bit an audiophille expert, quite the n00b in this regard. So take musical language with leniency. I don't even know if what I heard/described is "accurate", but this was my opinion.

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Super.Fi Pro 5.

More layers of sound
Much more colourful and vibrant sound if a little aggressive
Slightly more obtuse base, perhaps a little overpowering at times
More defined highs than the SE310
Seems to handle drum and bass better due to the dual drive, variations of drum beats more pronounced
Ear tip fit can be a little fussy, doesn't have as good a seal as the Shure's
Cables and around the ear fit can also be a bit fidgety and messy what with thicker cables, wired cabling and bigger phones

Shure SE310.

More neutral (perhaps flat) sound across the board.
More accurate levels across the board if a little timid, bass not quite as forceful
More comfortable phones with less fuss with both wires and ear tips which fit very well
Ear tips less fussy, softer and more comfortable
Build quality not as good, with lighter phones and thinner cables
Seems to favour harmonious sounds due to more pulled back and levelled sound stage
Better variation of extra ear tips

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My fiancee decided in ear phones weren't for her, so I decided returning the 5 pro's and kept the SE310's because they suited my taste more.

It's because of this, that I ordered the SE530's yesterday (they should arrive today). Bad case of upgraditus. The reason I did so was because I wanted the extra layers of sound I hope the 530's will offer, but with the same kind of humility and modesty the SE310's possess. Did I make the right choice by going with the SE530 instead of the Triple.Fi's 10 Pro? Especially if I don't get along with the fit and ergonomics of the Super.Fi 5 pro's? From what I can gather, the Triple.Fi's are almost identical to the Super.Fi's in fit and design.

Thanks for taking the time to read!

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[Naim.F.C]

Anyone?

 

[Mycorrhiza]

Well the Shure SE530 trump every review they are in and I have read a few and myself, too, have bought them.

They are not there yet and I unfortunately don't own anyother high-end phones to compare them to, but as soon as they arrive I could give you my impressions.

I think there will be few people who own the triple.fi AND the Shure SE530, because they're both so darn expensive. For that money you can get better fullsized ones with the amp to go with them.

BTW: I also read a review comparing the triple.fi to the Shures, can't find it at the moment but it cleary stated the Shures to be the better choice audiowise and also concerning comfort.

 

[dazzer1975]

Try ety's

 

[Aurven]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mycorrhiza /img/forum/go_quote.gif Well the Shure SE530 trump every review they are in and I have read a few and myself, too, have bought them. They are not there yet and I unfortunately don't own anyother high-end phones to compare them to, but as soon as they arrive I could give you my impressions. I think there will be few people who own the triple.fi AND the Shure SE530, because they're both so darn expensive. For that money you can get better fullsized ones with the amp to go with them. BTW: I also read a review comparing the triple.fi to the Shures, can't find it at the moment but it cleary stated the Shures to be the better choice audiowise and also concerning comfort.

Not true. Each have their merits depending on your preference. Somehow, I thought that the TFs have a flatter and more accurate representation across the frequencies. The SE530 may have a fuller bass as compared to the TFs but as for treble extension, the TFs is the clear winner. That is not to say that the TF is a slouch in the bass department. As for mids, it really depends on what your ears like to hear, with the SE530 sounding warm and full while the TF have a dry and airy feel. As for comfort and fit, the SE530 should be more comfortable for most with a near flush fit...

 

[Naim.F.C]

Ok, so just been testing my new SE530's! So far I'm really impressed. It's not a vast difference to the SE310's, but it's a marked one that's easily noticeable. The sound with the 530's in much fuller, more layered (which is exactly what I wanted) and the base is much more responsive and detailed. As are the mids, which really stand out. Without comparing them to the Triple.Fi's I'd say the sound I'm getting from the SE530's is perfectly suited to my tastes. It's pretty much exactly what I'd hoped for in regards to vibrancy and colour. Not over the top, but not too pulled back that they sound a little lifeless.

I'd say Shure got the balance spot on. Here are some pics before I do further testing.

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[JMCIII]

Then don't try the Super-Fi's. If you're happy with the SE530s (and who wouldn't be), stick where you are. The more you go messing around, the worse it'll end for you. Sometimes too much information is worse than too little.

No IEMs are perfect. Each will do something better then the others. But it seems to sound like you've found what floats your sonic boat in the Shures. So stick with them and just kick back and enjoy the music.

 

[Naim.F.C]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMCIII /img/forum/go_quote.gif Then don't try the Super-Fi's. If you're happy with the SE530s (and who wouldn't be), stick where you are. The more you go messing around, the worse it'll end for you. Sometimes too much information is worse than too little. No IEMs are perfect. Each will do something better then the others. But it seems to sound like you've found what floats your sonic boat in the Shures. So stick with them and just kick back and enjoy the music.

I plan to. It's so easy to get caught up in this sound and tech ordeal. I'm terrible. I buy something and tell myself I'll stick with it, and off I go buying the next best thing. My fiancee hates it lol. And I'm only 22!

I had my Etymotic ER6i's for a year and then picked up the Shure SE310's and Super.Fi 5 pro's (at an amazing price mind you, practically half price each) and it just hurled me in to upgraditus.

I always assumed the more expensive the phones, the more standardised the sound upgrade. It wasn't until comparing the Pro 5's and SE310's that I realised the actual styles of sound varied too, and it was a really personal thing. Not just a matter of "X has better tech than Y".

 

[Spyro]

I own and use both. Based on your description I would say you would surely prefer the SE530.

 

[Homunculus]

Wow..a G5 and a saitech Eclipse!!and what is that mouse pad?
SE530 ftw!!!

 

[Aurven]

Hmmm, U'd better stick with the SE530 then!

 

[Naim.F.C]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Homunculus /img/forum/go_quote.gif Wow..a G5 and a saitech Eclipse!!and what is that mouse pad? SE530 ftw!!!

Very very keen eye. Well spotted! It's the custom Alienware func Industries mat (best mouse mat in the world imo). If you're a hardcore PC gamer like I used to be, it's a must!

The Func one is like £30, but you can buy the Alienware version for like £12!

They're exactly the same thing, one's just black with Alienware written on it instead of orange and black.

Btw, my PC is not an Alienware (rip off) but custom built by myself.

 

[Homunculus]

Same here Func rocks..Mine paraphernalia are Razer Copperhead+Func Archetype

 

[Del Griffith]

I plan to. It's so easy to get caught up in this sound and tech ordeal. I'm terrible. I buy something and tell myself I'll stick with it, and off I go buying the next best thing. My fiancee hates it lol. And I'm only 22!


I so agree. I have tried so many different iems and have the se530 now. I love them for so many different types of music (love the bass). But I can't stop wondering if the triple.fi would sound better with the new age and classical that I listen to frequently. I have almost pulled the plug a few times on the triple.fi, but the fit is iffy for me...the 5pros were so less compfy than the Shure's.

Also...I'm 20 years older than you so it doesn't get any better with age!!