Multi-Custom In-Ear Monitor Review, Resource, Mfg List & Discussion (Check first post for review links & information)

[average_joe]

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 Thanks for the reply again. When I was talking about a "live performance", I wasn't talking about a recording of it. I meant at the actual concert. I like my little Bose ear buds, but I know that when I hear the recording, it can sound better than what I'm hearing out of the ear buds, just as vinyl will always sound better than any digital recording. Are the GR07's that much better of a step up form my ear buds? So what you're saying is, that going from "bose" to custom IEMs, vs the GR07s, I won't know the difference and/or know what I'm missing since both are better than anything I've heard before (not counting live performances)?

 
Basically, some people hear differences, some don't, so you want to make sure you will hear the differences before you spend the money on something that can't easily be resold or returned.  Taking a smaller step will help you safely determine if you like the sound of something more audiophile than Bose.  You can always get a custom IEM later.
 
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Hey, one more question about the ACS T1 which you recommended a while back. Do you see a significant difference between the T1 and the T1 Live! series CIEMs?
 
T1: http://www.acscustom.com/us/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=30&Itemid=45
 
T1 Live!: http://www.acscustom.com/us/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=117&Itemid=91
 
The Live! are about $200 more, and have a detachable cable, among other things. Is that worth the additional cash? Is there a difference in sound? Thanks.

 
They use the same drivers, but the T1 Live! uses a new crossover (I don't think the regular T1 is using this new crossover), but per ACS they sound the same.  The T1 Live! incorporates mics, but you can get it without the mics (for a lower cost?).  Sorry I don't have the answers, but the Live! does have the detachable cable.  However, their cable is rock solid, so I don't think it is a huge issue.

 

[Aethernum]

Quote:

 
Basically, some people hear differences, some don't, so you want to make sure you will hear the differences before you spend the money on something that can't easily be resold or returned.  Taking a smaller step will help you safely determine if you like the sound of something more audiophile than Bose.  You can always get a custom IEM later.
 
 
They use the same drivers, but the T1 Live! uses a new crossover (I don't think the regular T1 is using this new crossover), but per ACS they sound the same.  The T1 Live! incorporates mics, but you can get it without the mics (for a lower cost?).  Sorry I don't have the answers, but the Live! does have the detachable cable.  However, their cable is rock solid, so I don't think it is a huge issue.

 
Thanks so much.
 
And if I did pull the trigger on those T1 Live! (or the T1, whichever), what kind of amp/source would you recommend purchasing on a budget of around $300? I'm currently using a regular old Ipod for listening, but most of my library is 320kbps or FLAC, so the files are good, I just don't have a great source and no amp. Thoughts?

 

[average_joe]

Quote:

 
Thanks so much.
 
And if I did pull the trigger on those T1 Live! (or the T1, whichever), what kind of amp/source would you recommend purchasing on a budget of around $300? I'm currently using a regular old Ipod for listening, but most of my library is 320kbps or FLAC, so the files are good, I just don't have a great source and no amp. Thoughts?

 
While the T1 Live! does OK with DAPs, noticeable sound improvements will be realized from amps and higher resolution DACs.  What is your current source?  Have you had a chance to check out my source matching section in my T1 Live! review?  The RoCoo BA is a good source for $250 and doesn't require an amp, but there are tradeoffs just as with any other source (or piece of gear for that matter).

 

[CSAudio]

ThaNKS FOR SHARING!!
 

 

[Cassadian]

Initially, how is the 8.A stacking up in terms of clarity, brightness, etc. in comparison to some of the other brighter, more relatively reference in ears?

 

[average_joe]

Quote:

ThaNKS FOR SHARING!!
 

 
My pleasure!
 
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Initially, how is the 8.A stacking up in terms of clarity, brightness, etc. in comparison to some of the other brighter, more relatively reference in ears?

 
First, I haven't listened to the 8.A to make a final assessment as the sound signatures of CIEMs change with tracks and I listen with a fairly large collection of tracks to determine performance differences.  So far, in general, the 8.A has a thick midrange, but that doesn't mean it lacks clarity.  Due to the thick midrange, which is a bit forward in nature, I wouldn't consider it bright, but it isn't lacking.  The bass isn't overpowering, but does have good power.  With a quick comparison between the JH16 and 8.A, the JH16 is brighter but which one is clearer depends on the track.  Compared with the 5-way, the track determines which is brighter, but the clarity is in general a bit better with the 5-way.  The overall presentation of the 8.A is fuller than both of the others due to the thicker note of the more forward presentation.  And against these two the 8.A doesn't sound like it is lacking which means that it is technically competent.  All comparisons were done with the 801 -> 627 amp and the DX100.

 

[colinharding]

Not to derail the current topic but joe, a few pages ago you mentioned the Portaphile 627 as the portable amp that makes everything sound better lol.  I have not seen a review on it anywhere (aside from the older model) and was wondering if you had one.  I have a TTVJ Slim and am quite happy with it but the amount of tech they managed to stuff in the portaphile is quite amazing not to mention the opamps themselves.  Anyway haven't been able to find a review and it's quite a leap of faith for 550 plus shipping, thought you might be able to shed some light on it for me.

 

[tupac0306]

Hey joe. My JH16 sounds pretty much like the way you described in your full review.
 
But I don't know if it's because I listen to too much 5 way recently. I find my JH16 is really bright, really sparkle with lots of sibilance on vocals (especially hip hop vocals).and I can't even recall what it used to sound. lol I understand JH16 has a peak at 6Hz to boost the clarity because of the enhance bass. I wonder whether my JH16 has gone defective. But I don't think there is problems with drivers.
 
If I push the volume up.  It's almost unlistenable on clip+, studio V or ipod if I don't add some eq (but if I cut too much I will lose the clarity and the transparent). On 801 it's better but still with certain amount of sibilance which makes the sound somewhat analytical and thin. I guess it's just because 5 way sound so much different. I wish to make sure before I send it back to JH audio.

 

[average_joe]

Quote:

Not to derail the current topic but joe, a few pages ago you mentioned the Portaphile 627 as the portable amp that makes everything sound better lol.  I have not seen a review on it anywhere (aside from the older model) and was wondering if you had one.  I have a TTVJ Slim and am quite happy with it but the amount of tech they managed to stuff in the portaphile is quite amazing not to mention the opamps themselves.  Anyway haven't been able to find a review and it's quite a leap of faith for 550 plus shipping, thought you might be able to shed some light on it for me.

 
That question is not derailing (although it could have been asked in my amp thread 

) this thread as I think the entire chain is important.  Yes, I have it and am currently working on the 627 review and hope to have it complete mid next week.  A quick summary is this...if you notice a difference with the TTVJ Slim, chances are you will notice a bigger improvement with the 627.  But, taking a step back, if you are using an iPhone as a source, don't bother.  If you use something better (my modded iPod is an example), the 627 takes all of the goodness that is there in the music and makes it better.  If there is a 3D space, it is larger with better imaging and resolution (from better control of the drivers is my guess).  Bass is extremely powerful but so very well controlled.  The whole presentation is clean and smooth from top to bottom, and it is the only portable that can make my LCD-2 sound good!  For high performing CIEMs, it adds an extra level of realism when combined with at least a good DAC.  It isn't perfect though and I will have a more complete write-up in my review.
 
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Hey joe. My JH16 sounds pretty much like the way you described in your full review.
 
But I don't know if it's because I listen to too much 5 way recently. I find my JH16 is really bright, really sparkle with lots of sibilance on vocals (especially hip hop vocals).and I can't even recall what it used to sound. lol I understand JH16 has a peak at 6Hz to boost the clarity because of the enhance bass. I wonder whether my JH16 has gone defective. But I don't think there is problems with drivers.
 
If I push the volume up.  It's almost unlistenable on clip+, studio V or ipod if I don't add some eq (but if I cut too much I will lose the clarity and the transparent). On 801 it's better but still with certain amount of sibilance which makes the sound somewhat analytical and thin. I guess it's just because 5 way sound so much different. I wish to make sure before I send it back to JH audio.

 
There are several things it can be:
- Because you have been listening to the 5-way which has smoother treble with a thicker note in comparison with the JH16.  You can get used to the sound of something and it will make 
- There JH16 could need a cleaning.  I suggest you get something like the Serene Hearing Aid dryer and use it for a cycle and check the results.  I have noticed that sound tubes can get a bit of moisture in them, which doesn't naturally evaporate, at least in a reasonable time, so a dryer will get that out.  Plus, if you plan on keeping your custom IEMs in top condition, I recommend a dryer (and so does Grzegorz).
- You have a sinus infection.
- The fit including the length of the canal and angle of the sound tubes can cause issues with the treble.  The more custom IEMs I receive and the more people I talk with the more this seems to be.  There have been JHA customers that have had treble issues and sent them back and ended up either with a different canal length or a JH13, which fixed the issues (and some JH13 users have switched to JH16s).
 
Let us know what how things progress and what is the real culprit.  

 

[tupac0306]

Quote:

 
There are several things it can be:
- Because you have been listening to the 5-way which has smoother treble with a thicker note in comparison with the JH16.  You can get used to the sound of something and it will make 
- There JH16 could need a cleaning.  I suggest you get something like the Serene Hearing Aid dryer and use it for a cycle and check the results.  I have noticed that sound tubes can get a bit of moisture in them, which doesn't naturally evaporate, at least in a reasonable time, so a dryer will get that out.  Plus, if you plan on keeping your custom IEMs in top condition, I recommend a dryer (and so does Grzegorz).
- You have a sinus infection.
- The fit including the length of the canal and angle of the sound tubes can cause issues with the treble.  The more custom IEMs I receive and the more people I talk with the more this seems to be.  There have been JHA customers that have had treble issues and sent them back and ended up either with a different canal length or a JH13, which fixed the issues (and some JH13 users have switched to JH16s).
 
Let us know what how things progress and what is the real culprit.  

Thanks a lot joe, will definitely check out the dryer. So in general, the longer the canal is, the more sparkle the treble will be right? And the high drivers are actually really close to the end of the canal..

 

[average_joe]

Quote:

Thanks a lot joe, will definitely check out the dryer. So in general, the longer the canal is, the more sparkle the treble will be right? And the high drivers are actually really close to the end of the canal..

 
I haven't noticed that as some of my longer canal CIEMs aren't as bright as the shorter canal ones, but there is no trend and I would need two of the same CIEM with different canal lengths to be sure.  Each ear will be different depending on length from the driver to the opening, the opening your ear drum, and the volume within that space.  Less bass can give the appearance of more treble.

 

[colinharding]

What about, simply for curiosities sake, the difference between filled acrylic monitors (earsonics) and ones that are just shelled (empty space surrounding the drivers, Aud-5X and company)?  Do you find that, aside from the isolation, that there is an inherent difference?  In other words, the customs that are acrylic shells seem to have less impact and need to be played at higher volumes and vice versa for the filled acrylic customs (anything could be possible that is just my own supposition)?  I have no idea if you've noticed a difference here but thought it might be something interesting to look into, I mean there must be a reason why one manufacturer decides to fill there shells as apposed to leaving them empty aside from the drivers.  
 
I cannot wait for that portaphile review btw, been talking with Cesar and he is extremely accommodating.  I do notice a difference, use line out of an iphone 4S, between amped and unamped but honestly it isn't HUGE, definitely worth it though.  If the portaphile's baseline sound is better than the TTVJ then wouldn't it make just a tad more difference even with the iphone 4S?  In agreement with what you said though, the true value of the amp is realized when piping the sound into the TTVJ from my preamp in my main system; sonos-dac-preamp out into TTVJ.  But if you're saying that could be much better with the portaphile....i'm all ears!

 

[melomaniac]

just a big thanks!

 

[average_joe]

Here is a note about the cable that came with my 8.A...that is now available from Heir Audio for $110 for Heir customers and $129 for everyone else.  It is a very nice cable!
 
The AM4 pro has arrived:
  
 
 
Quote:

What about, simply for curiosities sake, the difference between filled acrylic monitors that are just shelled and ones that are filled?  Do you find that, aside from the isolation, that there is an inherent difference?  In other words, the customs that are acrylic shells seem to have less impact and need to be played at higher volumes and vice versa for the filled acrylic customs?  I have no idea if you've noticed a difference here but thought it might be something interesting to look into, I mean there must be a reason why one manufacturer decides to fill there shells as apposed to leaving them empty aside from the drivers.  
 
I cannot wait for that portaphile review btw, been talking with Cesar and he is extremely accommodating.  I do notice a difference, use line out of an iphone 4S, between amped and unamped but honestly it isn't HUGE, definitely worth it though.  If the portaphile's baseline sound is better than the TTVJ then wouldn't it make just a tad more difference even with the iphone 4S?  In agreement with what you said though, the true value of the amp is realized when piping the sound into the TTVJ from my preamp in my main system; sonos-dac-preamp out into TTVJ.  But if you're saying that could be much better with the portaphile....i'm all ears!

 
While it is hard to say because each monitor is tuned differently, my generalization is that empty shells are more immediate/fast in general while filled monitors tend to have more of the bass transfer in a way that gives a sense of power.
 
I tested the iPhone 4S as a source with my SE 5-way, but didn't put it in the review as it really wasn't much of an improvement over the other amps, maybe 0.5 to 1 point better on my scale.  But, you can see the improvement with the modded iPod which was a significant improvement to me.  While it is better, The 4S just doesn't have the space, detail, or refinement to really make it worth an upgrade IMO, but if you are going to use it with better sources, the amp is a great one!
 
 

just a big thanks!

 
You are welcome 

 

[Xymordos]

HOWS THE AM4PRO? They look gorgeous. Sure took long to arrive! Are those all the accessories it came with? That doesn't look like a lot...