Mid-range IEM's - build and comfort

[Hanafuda]

OK another $150-200 IEM post, but I don't want to talk about SQ. I know we mostly do focus on that point, and rightly so, but the best sounding product on the market isn't worth much to me if it feels like a spike in my ear, or keeps falling loose or unsealing, or if the cord or driver housings are prone to breakage or are unservicable. I see a lot of people complain about the fit of the super.fi 5 pro and others who say its comfortable, so this is as subjective a discussion as SQ I suppose, but some things aren't so subjective. To me, anything over $150 is a lot to spend on earphones, which are by their nature fragile and easy to accidentally damage or lose. I am attracted to UE super.fi's due to the detachable cable. I am concerned about q-jays because the filters seem to clog at the mention of wax, and if the cord is ever snapped, they are apparently unservicable (and will not be replaced under warranty? I don't know ... see JAYS - The wires look very thin. What happens if accedently I break them? )

I know the posts here only amplify small problems that most never experience.

Among this range ... super.fi 5 Pro, qjays, SE310's, ER4P, C700, Atrios M5, and others I may have overlooked ... what are your thoughts on durability, design, comfort and servicability? I am leaning to the Super.fi's due to a combination of SQ reviews here and elsewhere, UE's rep for customer support, and the replaceable cable. But I also hear big negatives about fit & comfort, tips, and even breakage of driver housings. I suppose all these products have their weaknesses, but what's your vote for the low-maintenance, bulletproof, lasts till its obsolete winner in this segment?

Remember, not talkin' bout SQ here.

 

[NeObliviscaris]

I am very happy with my SF5s, nice and strong.

Comfort wise they take getting used to.

I switched the cable to a $40 ES2 cable which is much more comfortable than the stock one. Also I use silicon tips from Shure E2C. Once you get used to the fit it's so worth it

 

[monoblocks]

My Super.fi 5 Pros have been a workhorse set up until I picked up the E500PTH. Never really had a problem with comfort myself; the stiffer cable allows me to make a more secure over-ear fitment (it keeps its curled shape), and the driver housing works with ease with my...(ahem)...big ears.

Although with age the stock clear cable casing seems to be getting on in age and has become a bit brittle.

 

[-=Germania=-]

UM1, c700, ER4P

 

[Guarneri]

um1 is by far the most comfortable. Otherwise, the rest of the phones, out of the ones i've used, are about equal in terms of comfort. I've never had trouble using any IEM and I have relatively small ears. UM1 and Super.fi 5 pro are probably you best overall bet.

 

[Michael_B]

I'm kinda entrigued with the SuperFreQs in this range. It's a custom fit, and the initial impressions seem favorible. Long term reliablility is still a question, since they are new, and the 'MusicMaker' series, which they say will be released in the May timeframe, are supposed to have replaceable cables. We'll see what the pricing on those look like! Of course, being customs, you also don't have the option of selling/trading them off if you don't like them.

 

[DKaz]

The C700 are my favorite in this price point. SQ aside, they are made of metal (casing and plug). The cable would be your only worry. They are very comfortable once you find the right tips (I have over 30 different sets from different phones). I choose the Sony tips.

Denon AH-C700 $141.99

The Westones are very comfortable too, but seem more fragile to me. They are cheaper too!

Westone UM1 $108.99

People rave about the Super.fi's. I didn't like their fit. Everyone has different ears though.

 

[cisland]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DKaz /img/forum/go_quote.gif The C700 are my favorite in this price point. SQ aside, they are made of metal (casing and plug). The cable would be your only worry. They are very comfortable once you find the right tips (I have over 30 different sets from different phones). I choose the Sony tips. Denon AH-C700 $141.99 The Westones are very comfortable too, but seem more fragile to me. They are cheaper too! Westone UM1 $108.99 People rave about the Super.fi's. I didn't like their fit. Everyone has different ears though.

Does C700 have a replaceable filter like Ety? I just read a review saying C700 have a big potential to clog up the filter fast. If there is no replaceable filter, I don't think I am willing to try it out if it mean this pair is off to the garbage when one ear is clog up.

 

[robojack]

My Atrios M5 are pretty damn comfortable, likely because it's cable is softer, and the drivers are incredibly light. Combined with their ultra soft bi-flanges, I usually forget very quickly that I'm wearing them. Isolation-wise, it depends on your tips - the bi-flanges are soft, but thin, so they don't block as much as thicker silicone flanges or foamies.

My SuperFi 5 Pros, on the other hand, is built like a tank, and sometimes feels like one, when strapped solidly on your ears (thanks to the memory wire). The drivers are larger, so aren't as comfortable, but with the right tips, they're still forgettable after about 20 minutes or so. I find them pretty comfortable, and their isolation is pretty damn good, even with the bi-flanges (which for me, block out more than the foamies).

 

[intoflatlines]

SF5 Pro fit me fine and they sound great. The cord is pretty durable and I think that it's a major plus that they are replaceable. Just don't step on them and pull the cord at the same time by accident (I learned the hard way).

 

[robojack]

Quote:

Originally Posted by intoflatlines /img/forum/go_quote.gif SF5 Pro fit me fine and they sound great. The cord is pretty durable and I think that it's a major plus that they are replaceable. Just don't step on them and pull the cord at the same time by accident (I learned the hard way).

LOL, I saw your post, flatlines. My condolences, and hopefully UE will be nice enough to replace them for free. If it's worth anything, other SF5 owners (including myself) have learned an important lesson from your experience.

 

[Dash]

I have owned the CX300s, SF Pro5, SE210 and SE420. Based on my experience, the SE420 can be had for about $255 shipped from Headroom and are the best of what Ive owned IEM wise. The are comfortable, isolate well, come with excellent support from Shure, utilize dual drivers and they sound great.

 

[DKaz]

Quote:

Originally Posted by cisland /img/forum/go_quote.gif Does C700 have a replaceable filter like Ety? I just read a review saying C700 have a big potential to clog up the filter fast. If there is no replaceable filter, I don't think I am willing to try it out if it mean this pair is off to the garbage when one ear is clog up.

Unfortunately they do not have a replaceable filter. I have not experience any clogging though. I have found that if you sue Q-tips in your morning hygiene ritual that your IEMs never get clogged