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Joey, I see you also have a pair of IE8.
Here they cost about 2.3x the price of S4 I convinced myself to buy the IE8 and seeing all the positive words on the S4 I was thinking if going cheap wasn't a good option.
Would the S4 be good for the occasional classical music craving? (the rest of my library is similar to your suggestions)
Well I think I have to preface my comments with a disclaimer since I've only had my IE8's for a few days now and I'm still putting them through their paces. I'm enjoying everything (all genres of music) on them so far. The soundstage is very wide compared to the S4's, the mids are more present and their signature (overall sound) very enoyable. The isolation levels are very different and I'm searching for the best tip combination right now.
If you just ordered the 8's or already own them, I wouldn't suggest picking up the S4's, for two reasons. First, buyer remorse for purchasing the 8's (LOL) and second, the fact that the IE8's are pretty spectacular. I probably assumed or expected I'd hear more of a difference between the S4's and the 8's. There are differences, but IMO and to my ears, it's not that big of a step up. I think it's because I find their overall sound signatures very close in terms of flavoring. I find both of them warm and for some that would probably mean Bass heavy.
They both handle classical very well. I feel that the mids on the 8's help reveal a few more layers when listening to orchestra pieces, however the larger soundstage can actually adversely affect other pieces. When listening to Glenn Gould play Mozart on the S4's it's like I'm standing right behind him while he plays. The same piece on the 8's sounds almost veiled in comparison (like I'm in the same room, but listening through a sheet). It's not bad, just different. Sometimes I prefer the intimacy of the S4's over the 8's expanded soundstage. It really comes down to preference at this point. Even on Jacqueline Du Pre's version of Elgar's Cello Concerto in E minor, I feel like I'm 30 rows back in the audience with the 8's while I'm front row with the S4's. Again, not bad, just different.
I don't know if any of this helps or confuses you, but I'll sum it up this way. If I were forced to choose between the S4's or IE8's today, with only about 8 hours of listening to my IE8's, (purchased used - already burned in, still searching for the right tip), and live the rest of my days with only one. Based on isolation, overall sound quality and comfort level I'd choose the Klipsch S4's.
Again, this is based on my opinion only and what I value most in regards to listening pleasure - fun factor. I don't listen to my IEM's I listen to my music. They may not be best in any one area, but they work for me. Your mileage may vary.
Thanks for reading and remember, enjoy the music first and foremost.
