[silverkaze]

Ok here we go, I am looking for an entry level custom IEM, my budget is around 300-400 dollars. I currently own an Image S4i and a re0. I find universal fits start to hurt my ears after a couple hours of use and I would like to get a custom IEM for the comfort. Generally I will not buy IEMs at this price level but I value my ears way more than 400 bucks so I want to get an entry level custom for the comfort and also better sound. And this is the sound signature I am looking for, ideally I want something that sounds like re 0 with fuller/deeper bass, and preferably it doesn't need an amp, and I will listen to my music right off my sansa clip+. I have been looking on this forum and some I considered are:

1. JH5: little information can be found on this other than the JH5 appreciation thread. Also the JH5 vs JH7 thread suggests that 7 is better than 5 by quite a bit, but since budget is an issue here I will not consider upgrading it.

2. Unique Melody Mage: this is probably over my budget and some reviews I read on them indicate that deep bass isn't a sound signature that UM Mage has.

3. SA CT6 Aura: man these look awesome but I don't know how these ones'll sounds like. They get mixed reviews from different people.

Please feel free to recommend some to me, any help will be greatly appreciated! Thanks guys!

 

[ZARIM]

I think just buy TF10Pro(under $200) or SE530 and send them to UM for remold.

 

[KLS]

I have yet to try customs, what about Livewires?

 

[silverkaze]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZARIM /img/forum/go_quote.gif I think just buy TF10Pro(under $200) or SE530 and send them to UM for remold.

Could you please comment on the sound of remolded TF10Pro? if possible, how does it compare with entry customs?

 

[silverkaze]

Quote:

Originally Posted by KLS /img/forum/go_quote.gif I have yet to try customs, what about Livewires?

how do they sound?

 

[fraggerz]

Get the UM3X, Remold it, and in 3 years, get a JH16^^

At least thats the plan for me^^
I wanted to get a Livewires trips but hesitated as it didnt seem like a wise choice as resale value is low.
Why not try a high end universal first then go for a high-end custom?^^

 

[silverkaze]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fraggerz /img/forum/go_quote.gif Get the UM3X, Remold it, and in 3 years, get a JH16^^ At least thats the plan for me^^ I wanted to get a Livewires trips but hesitated as it didnt seem like a wise choice as resale value is low. Why not try a high end universal first then go for a high-end custom?^^

The reason for this is that high end universal will not guarantee comfort and a low end custom is more likely to fit better. If it is not for the purpose of protecting my ears, I would just stick with my re 0.

 

[Andrew H]

I haven't tried any of the other customs you mention, but imho JH5 is noticeably better than any universal I've tried, many of which that are within a trivial price difference.

And while I've not tried JH7, I don't understand the recent tendency to compare it to the 5. Just because they are the 2 "lowest end" models is far too irrelevant, if one is $699 and the other is only $399. If anything the question should be between 7 and 10x3 at only $100 more (and imho very competitive to the 13).

So in general, I think you're really on the right track here. $100-ish universal, then $400-ish custom (then potentially $800 custom later, if even needed). Much more sensible than buying a dozen different $100 iem's (which does nothing but give you a dozen different versions of $100 iem sound).

 

[KLS]

Quote:

Originally Posted by silverkaze /img/forum/go_quote.gif how do they sound?

Sorry I have no idea how they sound

Just suggesting because they have a triple driver customs which comes out really cheap (around $350 I think). For some, the amount of drivers is taken into account too.

 

[Kunlun]

Or, buy an excellent universal and get custom eartips.

 

[WhiteBear]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kunlun /img/forum/go_quote.gif Or, buy an excellent universal and get custom eartips.

+1

 

[WhiteBear]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZARIM /img/forum/go_quote.gif I think just buy TF10Pro(under $200) or SE530 and send them to UM for remold.

I heard double channel custom molded Shure SE530 and TF10Pro today.
I was smashed by Shure SE530 sound!

It was the exact sound I dreamed for years.

 

[Pianist]

Yeah SE530, when fitted properly, is da crap.

 

[silverkaze]

so can I put it this way, you guys are saying that remolded SE530 or TF10 sounds better than entry customs like JH5? or at least of better value?

 

[silverkaze]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew H /img/forum/go_quote.gif I haven't tried any of the other customs you mention, but imho JH5 is noticeably better than any universal I've tried, many of which that are within a trivial price difference.

Great to know this about JH5, do you mind me asking what universals you've tried?