[sputnik13]

Hello, I'm hoping to order my first custom IEM in the near future, and I'm a bit torn between these two models. If my source is primarily from a smartphone and 320kbps MP3, am I likely to find much of a difference between the two? I don't consider myself an audiophile but I do appreciate good sound. My listening preferences is very varied, rock, pop, rap, orchestral, ccm, kpop, hip hop.

 

[johnwamp55]

Look up Rhapsodio Solar IEM. Comes as universal or custom.

 

[goodvibes]

If it were me I'd spend the extra for the 13 or Angie though it's a bit beyond you requested budget. I find Freqphase to be a functional improvement on the formula. 

 

[johnwamp55]

  ? The last Rhapsidio I tried wasn't as good as a jh5 and cost twice as much.
 
If it were me I'd spend the extra for the 13 or Angie. I find Freqphase to be a functional improvement on the formula. 

Rt1i is horrible its all details I would not recommend that unless thats all you after. The Solar made me get rid of the UK10, H8P and JH13.

 

[H20Fidelity]

The problem with Rhapsodio is their consistency between model performance isn't stable.
 
Like Goodvibes I've heard lemon Rhapsodio products, and like johnwamp55 I've owned Rhapsodio hybrids (two actually) which were quite hard to outclass over many months of demoing other IEMs. To save yourself some headache, always buy the very same IEM you've heard in your hand and like from them (at least IMO). Because they're always switching things up, changing things. Though I cannot deny they make some great IEMs.
 
.

 

[goodvibes]

I removed my Rhapsidio comment before reply just for this reason. It's apparently very hit and miss with them though that model gets a great review. It's also not in his price range. I'm sure that the 10x3 is mentioned to try and not spend jh13 money. He's also mentioned two relatively neutral devices. I totally agree with trying to get a listen. He should be able to do that over time at his location. If he's staying with his smartphone, he may be overspending but if you want a custom anyway, might as well protect against wanting more in the future and get something you really love for the hassle.

 

[sputnik13]

Hello,
 
I appreciate all the feedback.  I think goodvibes is pretty good at reading between the lines and yes I am trying to not spend jh13 money if I can help myself
 
Also, as mentioned I listed those two because from what I've read they're both somewhat neutral.  I like "fun" sound (really enjoy my Grado SR-80 when the family isn't around) but I find that I'm not a basshead, and lots of high end is fatiguing to listen for a long period of time.
 
I can notice the difference between say an MDR-7506 and a 7520, but I enjoy them both (the former at home or in coffee shops the latter in the office) tremendously.
 
The costs of customs being what they are, I'm pretty sure I would like to just get one custom and stick with it, which makes me hesitate in going for just the lower cost option.  I'm well aware of the "bug" that keeps people wanting to upgrade.  However, I do have an upper limit I've set for myself that's dictated by what I'm willing to do as far as accompanying equipment.
 
Source wise, 320kbps MP3 is likely all I would use.  It gives me high enough quality sound without requiring the storage and equipment commitment of lossless audio.  Like I said, I'm no audiophile, I just appreciate good sound enough to be willing to spend some extra money.
 
That said, if the JH13 is really only better with the proper equipment (lossless audio, high quality DAC, dedicated amp, etc) vs jh10x3, I'd rather get the 10x3, but if they're noticeably better even from, say an iphone 6 output with 320kbps MP3, I'd be willing to shell out the extra cash.  This is the finer detail that I'm not finding in reviews that I'm hoping someone who has tried these can provide insight on.
 
As far as places to audition, I'm actually in the Seattle area now (my profile is a bit out of date, fixed now), and I couldn't find any JHA dealers in the area, hence my quandry
 
I really appreciate the willingness of the community to provide input, and look forward to follow-up responses

 

[johnwamp55]

Within the next 3 years will you spend more then a Jh13 on audio equipment?

 

[KaminKevCrew]

snip...

I'm in the Seattle area too, and I find it so disappointing that there isn't anywhere to try out a lot of customs here. Honestly, if I were you, since you're in the PNW, I would take a day to head to Portland and check out 1964ears. Their new adel stuff is really, really good (I ordered a pair of A6) and if you ask, they'll sell the Adel stuff. Just food for thought if you want to be able to try some out before you buy.

Sent from my SM-G925T using Tapatalk

 

[sputnik13]

  Within the next 3 years will you spend more then a Jh13 on audio equipment?

Probably not...
 
I realized why you ask the question though.  I think the general wisdom is use a little less on one area and upgrade others since good sound comes from a combination of all your equipment.
 
That said, my limitation is more based on convenience/portability than anything else.  Having iTunes just sync everything for me automatically is hard to beat.  The family and wife factor is pretty strong too and limits my spending power

 

[sputnik13]

I'm in the Seattle area too, and I find it so disappointing that there isn't anywhere to try out a lot of customs here. Honestly, if I were you, since you're in the PNW, I would take a day to head to Portland and check out 1964ears. Their new adel stuff is really, really good (I ordered a pair of A6) and if you ask, they'll sell the Adel stuff. Just food for thought if you want to be able to try some out before you buy.

Sent from my SM-G925T using Tapatalk

That's a rather interesting option.  I didn't realize 1964 was in Portland.  How much was the A6?  I do hesitate a bit about jumping in on a new tech (adel) when I expect it to be my only IEM for a long time (unproven long term reliability), but it would be fun to drop in and try them out.  How do the V8 compare to JH13?  I found a review saying V6 wasn't as good (http://theheadphonelist.com/brief-review-1964ears-1964-adel-a12/).
 
Disclaimer: I do realize how "good" a headphone/IEM is entirely subjective, but given I can't audition these myself I'm left having to rely on reviews...

 

[JAG87]

  That said, if the JH13 is really only better with the proper equipment (lossless audio, high quality DAC, dedicated amp, etc) vs jh10x3, I'd rather get the 10x3, but if they're noticeably better even from, say an iphone 6 output with 320kbps MP3, I'd be willing to shell out the extra cash.  This is the finer detail that I'm not finding in reviews that I'm hoping someone who has tried these can provide insight on.

 
iPhone 6 and 320K MP3 is plenty to highlight the differences between them. Get the 13, they are significantly better than the 10x3. If you consider this to be a long term investment, get the Angie. The quad high drivers offer a significant improvement in HF response over the 13s, and the adjustable bass is key to getting an IEM that will sound exactly the way you want it to.
 
Remember, put 95% of your money at the end of the audio chain, that's where the biggest improvement always comes from. Do not buy an inferior headphone because you think your source material or output is not up to the task... your iPhone 6 and 320K MP3 will still get 95% out of the 13 or the Angie, which is significantly greater than 95% of what the 10x3 can do.

 

[johnwamp55]

Better compare V8 to JH16.

 

[AUserName501]

Ultimate Ears Reference Monitor is on massdrop for $699. That is worth buying.

 

[sputnik13]

Better compare V8 to JH16.

Does that mean it's a bit bassy?