[martino416]

Made an account cause this thread has got me hooked on IEM's. Purchased the ATE (silver and translucent) and ED9 about a month ago , and hopefully receiving them next week.

 

[RedTwilight]

So something came in the mail ytd..
 

 

 

 

 

[martino416]

Which store did you buy them from?

So something came in the mail ytd..

 

[RedTwilight]

Which store did you buy them from?

 
These were from the first "Official KZ Store" http://www.aliexpress.com/item/KZ-ATE-Copper-Driver-Ear-Hook-HiFi-In-Ear-Earphone-Sport-Headphones-For-Running-With-Foam/32337313320.html

 

[aspire5550]

So something came in the mail ytd..

Is there any difference in sound quality when you run the ate through the dac/amp?

Or are dac/amp wasting on these 10-15usd IEM?

Sorry,I'm not too familiar with these.

 

[RedTwilight]

Is there any difference in sound quality when you run the ate through the dac/amp?

Or are dac/amp wasting on these 10-15usd IEM?

Sorry,I'm not too familiar with these.

 
There was a difference actually. Direct out from the X3, the sound was cleaner and vocals were more intimate. Out from the Cmoy, the soundstage was noticeably larger and the background instruments came out, but theere seemed to be a bit more low level noise too.

 

[aspire5550]

There was a difference actually. Direct out from the X3, the sound was cleaner and vocals were more intimate. Out from the Cmoy, the soundstage was noticeably larger and the background instruments came out, but theere seemed to be a bit more low level noise too.

May I know what file do you use? I won't notice a difference if I were to use YouTube/Spotify right?

 

[RedTwilight]

May I know what file do you use? I won't notice a difference if I were to use YouTube/Spotify right?

 
I use FLAC and MP3 mostly, some MP3s are Youtube rips too. Lemme give it quick a/b.
 
Edit: Yep still has that effect. Then again it's entirely possible that it's caused by the opamp in my amp. It's a JRC4556. Different amplifiers may result in different alterations to sound (although ideally not). Need to test against other 'commercial' amps but for now there's an audible difference.

 

[Shadowsora]

Just received my ED3, i like it so far, i don't think the treble is sibilant or harsh on contrary of other opinions by fellow headfiers.
Imo ED3 is like a slightly more detailed EDSE, but lacking a bit on the low end while having a tiny bit more forward mids, i find them really good for long time period listenings.
 
And as always, every time i receive a KZ IEM i just forget how much i paid for them, those metal housings are just great.
 

 

[EISENbricher]

Just received my ED3, i like it so far, i don't think the treble is sibilant or harsh on contrary of other opinions by fellow headfiers.
Imo ED3 is like a slightly more detailed EDSE, but lacking a bit on the low end while having a tiny bit more forward mids, i find them really good for long time period listenings.

And as always, every time i receive a KZ IEM i just forget how much i paid for them, those metal housings are just great.

Yep, I agree with the findings.
Oh and those smooth metal cylinders are my favorite among all KZ lineup, as far as build quality is concerned.

 

[Horton]

Is the with mic and no mic headphone is different sound , by different cable ?

 

[Horton]

   
 
Sorry for poor quality photos.  I took these shots in dark room using my iphone. There is only light from my thunderbolt screen.
 
 
Photos of ED9's cable  NON-MIC vs MIC  version
 

 

 

 
different material may yield different sound.  I think I have to buy 4 more ED9 from different stores and compare the sound again.  

Is the with mic and no mic headphone is different sound , by different cable ?

 

[AlecR]

Is the ATE still the newest model?

 

[martino416]

  Is the ATE still the newest model?

Yes

 

[CoiL]

 

If anyone has other ideas, other brands/models that has a nice cable and mic (and are cheap, obviously), I'm totally open to that too.

From KZ lineup I would use GR or r35 cable but they are without mic (at least I have without mic version) so no good for You. I`m leaning towards getting GR again because of cable and nozzles (newer version GR nozzles without hole in red should fit to ED9 without problems).
I sold my previous GR to friend.
 
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Semi-Finished-3-5mm-Earphone-audio-DIY-OFC-wire-cable-For-IE800-repair-upgrade-LBH1026/2044467318.html
 
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/1-3m-Semi-Finished-Bulk-Soft-3-5mm-Earphone-audio-DIY-OFC-wire-cable-For-Repair/32333765372.html
 
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/1-3m-Semi-Finished-OFC-90-Degree-3-5mm-Earphone-audio-DIY-wire-cable-LN004479/32230268097.html

Adding some more options:
 
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/120cm-5n-OFC-Super-Soft-Black-DIY-Cable-For-Ultimate-Westone-Sennheiser-earphone-repair-LN004294/32232520746.html
 
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Super-Soft-5N-OFC-DIY-Earphone-Cable-for-Westone-Shure-Fitear-Headset-etc-LN004248/32232538389.html
 
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/3-5mm-Super-Soft-5N-OFC-DIY-Earphone-Cable-for-AKG-Sennheise-hd598-philips-etc-LN004251/32232507734.html
 
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Super-soft-cable-for-IE6-IE7-earphone-upgrade-repair-replace-DIY-wire-cable-Line-Free-Shipping/32225601585.html
 
NEW (added 20.06.2015): http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Original-Moxpad-x3-earphones-line-pure-music-hifi-bass-replacement-cable-tape-memory-wire-without-with/32247656576.html
 
Edit: I made my mind and ordered those 2:
 
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Semi-Finished-3-5mm-Earphone-audio-DIY-OFC-wire-cable-For-IE800-repair-upgrade-LBH1026/2044467318.html
 
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/1-3m-Semi-Finished-OFC-270-Degree-3-5mm-Earphone-audio-DIY-wire-cable-LN004480/32229879102.html
 
For me there were 3 main requirements for cable:
1) No straight 3,5mm jack. I prefer "45" angle but 90 is also ok.
2) Has to be very soft/fexible/thin but not rubbery/sticky like ED9 brown cable. More "slippy" sleeving = less microphonics also.
3) small/thin and smooth-shaped Y splitter. Bulky "rectangular" shaped with edges causes it stuck sometimes and creates possible breaking point to cable.
 
Will give feedback when I receive them.