Klipsch Image X5 Appreciation Thread

[ucrags84]

These have more than enough bass too. People say the X10 is more bass heavy compared to the X5. I feel there these phones awesomely convey deep tones on tracks without breaking up.

Sometimes I listen to traditional Japanese Taiko drums. With the X5s, it's almost like I'm there hearing and feeling the power and detail of the beats.

Wind has not been a problem, this was only an issue when we had winds in excess of 15-20 mph here. That's pretty windy.

 

[ucrags84]

Again, regarding the bass detail these are heads and shoulders above the CX300s. You will be able to hear notes from the bass guitar with the X5, instead of a rumbling low end. The level of detail is amazing.

Those who say this has too much bass don't know what they're talking about, without this amount your music is very cold and lifeless imo.

 

[Helmore]

That last part is actually pretty reassuring, as I was afraid these would have too little bass. The problem still remains though, that everyone has a different taste and likes different things and I can't really know whether I will like these unless I try them. That latter part is going to be pretty hard though, as they are not available in my country (as far as I know). Otherwise I could relatively easily just order them and send them back in the case I don't think I got my money's worth. One more thing, how hard is it to drive these? I hope not too easy.

 

[ri_toast]

they're pretty easy to drive.. less than the se310s but a little more than the cx300s, just in terms of sensitivity.
have you tried mp3 gain to lower the volume level of your files? try setting it to less than 85db: MP3Gain
that might help with the volume problem, even though it says "lossless" use it on copies of your files instead of on originals. you can even adjust the ones while they are on the player if its set to msc.

 

[paulypaul]

I love the bass in the x5s. It is not boomy, but tight and defined due to the small armiture drivers. My last phones were skullcandy smokin buds and these are known to have good bass, but the bass lacked detail. The x5s are such a big step up from the smokin buds.
As far as wind in the ears, unfortunately the x5s are prone to this, but maybe some foam tips may solve this problem for you. The x5s are quite microphonic with the leads, but i just wrap the lead over my ears before i plug them in and that makes a big difference.
I run them with an NWZ - A828 walkman and they dont need much driving.
Ive also modified the DAC frequency settings on the A828 and with the the x5s i have hit the "sweet spot" listening to music is an absolute joy now.
The thing that stands out most with these phones is the soundstage, it really puts listening to music on a different level from cheaper earphones.
Last note they may take a little time to get used to the sound signature. It took me about 2 weeks of tweeking here and there to really appreciate how great these x5s are

 

[ucrags84]

Quote:

Originally Posted by paulypaul /img/forum/go_quote.gif I run them with an NWZ - A828 walkman and they dont need much driving. Ive also modified the DAC frequency settings on the A828 and with the the x5s i have hit the "sweet spot" listening to music is an absolute joy now.

I am glad to hear you are enjoying your X5s. My portable setup also runs off a Sony DAP, I would be interested to know what frequency settings you used on the EQ bands to get to your desired listening level. I might try it out too, so far I've been using them on flat eq.

Noise attenuation could be better, it's not bad. I've ordered some Shure Olives from Sound Earphones. They were the cheapest place I found, free shipping too. Hopefully this will improve isolation.

 

[paulypaul]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ucrags84 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I am glad to hear you are enjoying your X5s. My portable setup also runs off a Sony DAP, I would be interested to know what frequency settings you used on the EQ bands to get to your desired listening level. I might try it out too, so far I've been using them on flat eq. Noise attenuation could be better, it's not bad. I've ordered some Shure Olives from Sound Earphones. They were the cheapest place I found, free shipping too. Hopefully this will improve isolation.

The eq i am using is L to R 2, 2, 1, 0, 1, 1or2 (the classic V ha ha).
but this may not help as i have altered the DAC settings in "service menu"
Altering the DAC freq really made the A828 shine as the A828 had a very cutty artifical sound hi freq.
check out this thread.

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f15/ul...ttings-340621/

if you can get into the service menu, my DAC settings are:
- bass 0db @ 50hz (default is - 3.5db) &
- treble + 1.5db @ 10Khz (default is 0db @ 5Khz)
This setting gives a bit more bass and shifts the hi freq away from that annoying 5 Khz that can really cut with the A828,
but its a matter of trying till you like what you hear.

Good Luck

 

[slantedview]

Glad to find this thread. I've been looking for a decent price on some X5s, but no luck yet.

A question for owners: do your X5s have any line noise or hiss at all? I don't have much experience with earphones, but I recently tried some e5c's and the line noise was VERY loud from my iBasso D2.

 

[paulypaul]

I dont have a hiss problem using the x5s with my walkman.
the e5c is a dual driver earphone so it is possible the highs might be more accentuated thus producing more audible hiss from your player.
The x5 is a single balanced armiture driver.
The x5 still has a nice treble extension, but a dual driver or triple driver earphone can certainly accentuate those highs more, (sometimes annoyingly so)

 

[ucrags84]

I'm loving my X5s more and more every day. I'm sure a much more expensive IEM with a dedicated tweeter and crossover could handle highs better, but these do the job very well.

Add the fact the ergonomics of the X5 hands down beat out stuff put out by UE, Shure.. get the picture.

 

[Steve_72]

Still loving these as time goes by. Spent a good half day studying with these while listening to classical and the comfort, isolation and SQ made the time go by like a breeze. Gotta be one of my more satisfying head-fi purchases.

 

[steven_1026]

Looks like we have very similar tastes Steve, got an hd580 after listening to your hd600 and now I bought an x5 couple weeks ago and it is absolutely stunning.
Btw, the pimeta is still going strong!

 

[ucrags84]

Try the Shure Olives on these, I found richer mids, and improved soundstage.

 

[Inks]

These sound attractive, because they appear to have a flat response like the er4p, but with added bass. The only problem is the unreliable cable many have talked about, i wonder if anyone can do a recable on these.

 

[ri_toast]

the cable is thin and kinks quite a bit but the strain relief is very long and easy to get a grip on. only someone that has broken these would be able to tell if a recable is possible. i'm sure it is then the question would be what about strain relief now.

ucrags, you still running with the olives? i tried it and it was good, just not as good as with the double flange; that's me though, fit is as it should be, personel. i like the olives but taking them out and reinserting is a pain.

i would replace these in a heartbeat if i lost them.