[torpy]

I was unfortunate to stumble back on head-fi the other, just when my tax refund is about to issued, guess what I'm about to spend it on?

I've been reading around, and these are the three that I'm considering at the moment, coming from a pair of daily-use Marshmallows—which sound amazing for the $20 I spent on them—and a pair of IM716s.

The separation and clarity of the im716 is refreshing but I find myself returning to the marshmallow's just for their added bass and overall airy warmth, I just wish they didn't sound so muddy though. I also love the highs and overall sound on my MS1s, I just wish they had a bit more soundstage

I can get the Westone UM2 for approx. US$300 shipped here to Australia or the Shure SE530 at US$345 shipped. Seeing as how most of my music library is made up of rock/pop, indie-rock and folk/folk-rock (with a few instrumental and soundtracks thrown in) which would suit my very guitar and high oriented music? The amount of bass isn't an issue nor is their handling of them.

These will be driven directly outta my iPhone 3G, with the possibility of a Fiio E5 down the line..

I've also read that they match each other pretty well comfort-wise too, how true is this? Oh and added soundstage in either of them would be a huge plus.

Any recommendations/thoughts on them? Even if you've owned only one of them, I'd love to hear your thoughts..

 

[insomniax]

check with westone if road-dog-on-line is an authorised dealer, which they seem to be, and their um3x(which mostly is an upgrade from um2s) can be had from ebay for 340 before shipping..

Westone UM3X Earphones Pro Package - eBay (item 120452809179 end time Aug-26-09 09:06:23 PDT)

 

[torpy]

Doesn't look like roaddogonline ships outside the US for that particular item unfortunately. I even tried via their site..

 

[Spyro]

Yes, the SE530's are worth the $50 extra, main difference being the SE530 has a better soundstage (larger). UM2's are stage monitors and have a more in your face really upfront presentation. I enjoyed both while I had them but always gave an edge to the SE530.

 

[noinimod]

SE530 hands down. The UM2 seemed a little too bloated in the low-mids for my tastes

 

[cenamini]

You can order the UM3X or Westonefrom from an authorized dealer on ebay.
WESTONE 3 Free Global Ship & 2 FREE PACKS COMPLY TIPS - eBay (item 270424463701 end time Aug-09-09 21:03:39 PDT)
Mike is a authorized dealer, i ordered my UM3x set from him and paid for the international shipping to Melbourne

 

[ZARIM]

The both are great IEMs, UM2 is warmer and has more bass but SE530 is refind and clean with great mids.