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

[Emospence]

Realised one side of my impressions has a groove in it, will this matter? Can I just tell UM to smooth over the area? >.<
 

 

[MistahBungle]

Sage advice David.

Emospence - Email them a pic(s) & ask them is your best bet

 

[AmberOzL]

Quote:

What I think you need to do is to stop reading quite so many threads, sit down work out a plan of action and take it from there (simpler said then done).  Once decided don't second guess yourself and take it from there.  That's the one problem with headfi, the sheer amount of knowledge on here is rather overwhelming and it's all to easy to get swept up in the latest "fotm".  Decide on a budget (start small to test the waters or jump in at the deep end).  Decide on a company (JH AUDIO, Cosmic Ears, Spiral Ears, Westone, Minerva, Custom Art etc etc ad nauseum) and stick with them.  Fire some of the company's an email describing your sound signature and see what they say.  As you are an eu person would you be better off sticking with the european players rather than going over seas to the likes in the states and china (once you start factoring in refits and postage costs into the price, things sky rocket sharply).  The problem with customs (and iem's in general) is the inability to hear before you buy.  I thought I read somewhere you had decided on westone as you were located near them, so why the change?  Honestly the best course would be (and forgive me if this comes across as patronising as it really really isn't meant to be)to focus on your masters do as well as you can on that, get a job so you know your budget (treat it as a reward for doing so well in the masters perhaps?) and take it from there.   If your not sure on customs and the fit then there is the CE prefit which would settle your mind.  From what I've read in that thread the ba4f is something that should be doing quite well.   You don't have to spend a lot (even with customs) to get good sound.
 
Anyway sorry for the rambling post and good luck with what you decide.

Very nice advice and I agree with you. It will be my first ciem and I won't have time/money to buy 2nd one for a long time. After my master only as you also stated. That's why I am very keen on my decision and I don't want to make a mistake, so I seek help from the experienced ones.  About my studies, well they are rather difficult but nobody said doing master will be easy anyway. The music is one of the a few things I enjoy in my life so I want to be serious about it and force my limits as much as possible.
 
I also agree with you about the overwhelming information in here. There are many things it is impossible to catch them all. All of them have their nice points and even if it is not the perfect choice you feel like you should try them. Well in ciems trying is rather difficult of course, getting a demo is not easy either.
 
Westone's would be quite safe choice for me since everything will be done in here but I am not sure about the sound. I think it is a little bit on the other side of my tastes. As Joe explained, after new toy syndrome I am not sure whether I would still like them or not.
 
Anyway thank you very much for your advices and I feel like my search is almost finished, so after ordering it I will stay rather quite I hope.

 

[Mython]

Quote:

Realised one side of my impressions has a groove in it, will this matter? Can I just tell UM to smooth over the area? >.<
 

 
That should be absolutely no problem at all. Just be sure to tell them that it needs filling, so that they don't assume it is due to a scar/lump on your ear.
 
Most CIEM makers would immediately realise it's just a moulding anomally.
 
Actually, if you take a look at how acrylic CIEMs are made, you'll see there is a stage called the 'wax-dipping' process, where most of that would automatically be filled-in, anyway:
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/578855/things-to-consider-before-getting-your-custom-iem-impressions-done-the-perfect-fit#post_7871678

 

[davidcotton]

Very nice advice and I agree with you. It will be my first ciem and I won't have time/money to buy 2nd one for a long time. After my master only as you also stated. That's why I am very keen on my decision and I don't want to make a mistake, so I seek help from the experienced ones.  About my studies, well they are rather difficult but nobody said doing master will be easy anyway. The music is one of the a few things I enjoy in my life so I want to be serious about it and force my limits as much as possible.

I also agree with you about the overwhelming information in here. There are many things it is impossible to catch them all. All of them have their nice points and even if it is not the perfect choice you feel like you should try them. Well in ciems trying is rather difficult of course, getting a demo is not easy either.

Westone's would be quite safe choice for me since everything will be done in here but I am not sure about the sound. I think it is a little bit on the other side of my tastes. As Joe explained, after new toy syndrome I am not sure whether I would still like them or not.

Anyway thank you very much for your advices and I feel like my search is almost finished, so after ordering it I will stay rather quite I hope.

Thought about getting in touch with westone to see if they have demo units available? That way you could confirm/deny whether the westone sound is for you.

 

[AmberOzL]

Quote:

Thought about getting in touch with westone to see if they have demo units available? That way you could confirm/deny whether the westone sound is for you.

I could actually get in touch with Variphone which is a dealer of Westone in Belgium. I didn't ask for demo unit but it might be a good idea actually. I will keep in mind thanks for the advice 

 

[music_4321]

Quote:

I would go for 1plus2, Hiddition, 1plus2, Miracles or jh13. Not se5. Se5 are more organic than bright and sparkly.

 
Are you, by any chance, recommending the 1p2? Or, was that what might be termed a Freudian slip?

 

[average_joe]

Quote:

Joe you are an unbelievable person and a perfect help when someone needs. I am getting too complicated here and having difficulty to describe what I need. I think after the new toy syndrome finishes I might feel bad and want to find my prefered tone.
 
I am sure you know that website: en.goldenears.net. I checked LCD2 Rev2 and HD800 on that website. At the end of their measurements they give some kind of chart with numbers between -5 to +5. So I will try to use that chart to explain what I want I hope this way helps me.
 
Transparency / Coloration: As Clear as possible like HD800. +5
Dynamics: As Natural as possible. Also like HD800. +5
High Resolution: Max Vivid. HD800 is almost +5 so I would say yes, as Vivid as possible.
Treble relative to midrange: This is the part LCD2 and HD800 differes a lot. What I want is not dark. It can be in the middle or a slightly little bit dark. Max light is not a problem either so once again HD800 wins here and LCD2.
Treble texture: Not rough.That's obvious. I think somewhere in the middle or maybe a little bit on softer side is better. I think 0, +1, +2 values would be fine. LCD2 has very soft treble texture I am not sure I would like it. HD800 seems like a better solution.
Bass relative to midrange: Definately in the middle. 0 would be perfect value I guess. I don't want thin at all. I think I can tolerate up to +2 level but 0 seems like more secure.
Bass texture: Solid, definately solid. Maybe not +5 but not fluid at all. I think +3, +4 or +5 would do the trick.
 
Looking at these charts, HD800 seems like the perfect solution then I shouldn't go for SE5way? I also read SE5way is like LCD2 but they differ in some aspects too.
 
Considering what I tried to explain by using the goldenears.net method, would you still say SE5way is a safe choice or I should def. not go for them?
 
I must apologize for people who follow this thread, I am probably going a little bit out of topic here and focus on my questions but also my questions can help other people too hopefully.
 
Ps: In case if anyone wants to jump to the HD800 and LCD2 measurements directly here are the links:
 
http://en.goldenears.net/4326
http://en.goldenears.net/11561

 
I am not sure how they would rate the new NT-6, but the old one is here.  Here is a comparison of both the old and new NT-6 from Rin.  I do think the NT-6 is closest to the HD800 from the CIEMs I have heard and if you haven't already, I would recommend you read my review of the Whiplash Hybrid V3 cable with the NT-6.  Also, check out my overall scores here and this, especially the P.S.
 
Quote:

Realised one side of my impressions has a groove in it, will this matter? Can I just tell UM to smooth over the area? >.<
 

 
That should be fine as impressions get filled by the technician before they make the shell.  You can ask, but it should be fine.
 
Quote:

Thought about getting in touch with westone to see if they have demo units available? That way you could confirm/deny whether the westone sound is for you.

 
Demo's don't always translate well to the real thing.  I have heard my share of demos that did not sound like the real thing and someone I know that owns the ES5 complained the demo was way too bass heavy, but doesn't think the real thing sounds nearly as bass heavy.  It seems the mid-bass often gets turned up on demos for some reason.

 

[thegunner100]

A few days ago I got my UERMs back, and the fit on the left ear was perfect this time around; no more channel imbalance too (except for times of paranoia and possibly innate imbalances)! Strangely enough the left monitor is also smaller than the right monitor by a bit, and doesn't protrude as much. After experiencing the new left monitor, I feel that the right one could be a bit better but it's in no way uncomfortable. However, I think I might be asking too much for a a re-do on my right monitor since I've already gone through 2; not sure though =/. Probably should have asked for a new impression of my right ear when I got new ones made for my left as well.

 

[Emospence]

Quote:

That should be fine as impressions get filled by the technician before they make the shell.  You can ask, but it should be fine.

 

 
That should be absolutely no problem at all. Just be sure to tell them that it needs filling, so that they don't assume it is due to a scar/lump on your ear.
 
Most CIEM makers would immediately realise it's just a moulding anomally.
 
Actually, if you take a look at how acrylic CIEMs are made, you'll see there is a stage called the 'wax-dipping' process, where most of that would automatically be filled-in, anyway:
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/578855/things-to-consider-before-getting-your-custom-iem-impressions-done-the-perfect-fit#post_7871678

 
 
Thanks for the reassurances, I'll drop UM an e-mail too just to be sure.
 
Also, post #666 xD

 

[Ivabign]

Quote:

 
 
 
 
 
Also, post #666 xD

Quick! Post again, before you are possessed!

 

[AmberOzL]

Quote:

 
I am not sure how they would rate the new NT-6, but the old one is here.  Here is a comparison of both the old and new NT-6 from Rin.  I do think the NT-6 is closest to the HD800 from the CIEMs I have heard and if you haven't already, I would recommend you read my review of the Whiplash Hybrid V3 cable with the NT-6.  Also, check out my overall scores here and this, especially the P.S.
 
Demo's don't always translate well to the real thing.  I have heard my share of demos that did not sound like the real thing and someone I know that owns the ES5 complained the demo was way too bass heavy, but doesn't think the real thing sounds nearly as bass heavy.  It seems the mid-bass often gets turned up on demos for some reason.

Yep, I read it and the P.S. you wrote can also be in my case if I am not careful I think. The link you provide with sound signature descriptions is extremely useful with the headphone list. Now I can understand better and it will help me to decide. If I still can't choose without being sure, I will try to discuss with you by PM since I don't want to occupy this thread disturb everybody.

 

[Mimouille]

Quote:

 
Are you, by any chance, recommending the 1p2? Or, was that what might be termed a Freudian slip?

I do not know what [size=4.0pt]get the 1Plus2[/size] mean. I am totally unbiased [size=4.0pt]1plus is the best.[/size]

 

[Nulliverse]

If you're happy to sacrifice some comfort and isolation, you may wish to consider top tier universals, some of which can perform at similar level to CIEMs. This route also bypasses the impressions process, which is one plus to bear in mind.

Edit: my sincerest apologies, that was awful... On a serious note, the 1plus2 has drawn HD800 comparisons over in the thread.

As a general update, for those interested, I'm very much enjoying the Aud-8X... or rather was, until my dap died. I'm in the process of repairing it, but ordered a HDP-R10 for good measure.

I have an LS8+ being made, as well as some sexy cables. Happy days...

 

[davidcotton]

Quote:

If you're happy to sacrifice some comfort and isolation, you may wish to consider top tier universals, some of which can perform at similar level to CIEMs. This route also bypasses the impressions process, which is one plus to bear in mind.

Edit: my sincerest apologies, that was awful...

God yes, if I knew then what I do now I would have bought a pair of westone 4rs, a 64gig micro sd card for the clip plus and have done with it.