I've been asking Art at Earpeace various questions. I've posted some of these below since others might also be interested in the answers...
Q: The nature of custom IEMs means that refits are a possibility. If I find that I need a refit, do I just send the LiveWires back to you to modify or remake?
A: There are choices depending on the problem. There are a couple of things we might ask you to do to adjust. If that doesn't work, we would need to get them back. There are things that we can do to adjust without new impressions. However, there always is a possibility that you would need a new set of impressions.
Q: Will such refits incur additonal costs / charges?
A: From the EarPeace LiveWires side there would be no charge. However, if you needed a new impression, I would go back to the audiologist and ask them to redo the impressions for free. If that didn't work, I would find another audiologist. However, they would probably charge for the new impression.
Q: If I need a refit, do I need to send them back within a certain timeframe?
A: 30 days would work. However, if it was after that, we would still work with you and not charge.
Q: I'm aware of the 30 day refund policy, but do LiveWires come with any sort of warranty? If so, could you elaborate on the type of warranty and duration?
A: The warranty covers the breakage of any parts that are not caused by dropping, mishandling, etc. The warranty is for 1 year.
Q: If my LiveWires broke such that it needed to remade, how much would that cost?
A: If covered by warranty, and not due to dropping, mishandling, etc., nothing. After the warranty, would depend on condition. If the drivers and cable were still good, 1 side $70, 2 sides $140. If the drivers were not good, but the cable was still good, 1 side $115, 2 sides $230.
Q: I've read that there is an optional 50 ohm cable, to reduce hiss. Is this cable identical in weight and dimension to the normal cable?
A: Yes. The resistors are not visible.
[size=x-small]Q: I assume the 50 ohm cable is to reduce hiss. Does it change the sound signature of the LiveWires significantly? [/size]
A: The addition of 50 ohms of resistance will not only eliminate the 'hiss' (from lower quality amplifiers i.e. on some iPods)that some listeners report when using Livewires. The additional resistance may also cast an acoustic 'film' over the wide response of our system. To some, this effect is imperceptible; to others, the change is quite noticeable. This issue is not relevant to on-stage performance due to the use of high quality amplifiers.
Q: In a video showing the custom IEM making process at Ultimate Ears, there is a stage where they tune the drivers since each and every mold is different. is there a similar process in the making of a set of LiveWires? If so, can I ask if there is a specific type of sound or frequency response you are tuning for?
A: As far as 'tuning' drivers goes, we are at a loss. We have confidence that our particular strategy of porting each driver to the end of the user's canal is extremely effective and that no further meddling is indicated or necessary. Our paired drivers are compatible with each other and need no other manipulation other than an acoustically acceptable crossover point.
