Aug 24, 2011 at 1:35 AM Post #406 of 4,841
 
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@average_joe, if a custom comes with westone/JHA compatable pin connectors, will there be any issue with aftermarket cables if I get the sockets recessed? Are there any downsides to recessed sockets?


Pin size seems to be fairly consistent (I am starting to add that info to my cable review thread) for aftermarket cables I have come across.  I have had issues with one cable (Cronus) with the Starkey SA-43, but measuring the Starkey pins indicates why.  I think you are safe with aftermarket cables with the Westone/JHA pin compatibility.
 
On to recessed sockets...that may present a problem if the shell plug is too large for the recessed area, and also depending on how deep the area is recessed.  In general, recessed sockets do help with stability and ensuring a secure fit; you should let the cable manufacturer know you have recessed sockets and ask to make sure their cable will fit before you buy.
 
I will be reviewing a few more cables in my linked thread in the near future, but I am surprised at how many cables come with UE TF10 compatible pins...
 
 
Quote:
Hi average_joe,
 
May I ask what universals come close to the customs in the bass region?
 
Thanks.
 
Louie


Hi Louie, this is a difficult question to answer since there are so many variables with this broad question.  What are you looking for, overall quality, impact, depth, reverb, texturing, etc?  And are you talking specifically BA bass, dynamic bass, or both?  Also, what is the price range, as that will affect my answer also.  And then there is the source combo because the Anedio D1 DAC can pump out more bass with better dynamics than anything else I have.  Overall, the best combo of quality and ability to deliver quantity with texturing is the SE 5-way, but depending on the type of bass the JH16 bass is also amazing but different to go with enhanced. 
 
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HI average_joe, just wondering if you have heard a custom that has the three SS: the bass of MDR7550 or EX1000, the midrange of EM3Pro or Mi-3 and the treble of DBA-02? That's assuming you've heard all three (not sure if you've heard the DBA-02).
TIA!
 
edit: I'm looking for a cheap alternative to these cables :P
With Whiplash Elite TWag v2 OM Cable: The Whiplash Elite TWag V2 cable improves the EM3 Pro in many ways including a wider and more precise presentation of space to taming the mid-bass just the right amount which increases the clarity and results in a faster sound when called for.  I really didn't care for the paring of the Clip+ and the EM3 Pro with the stock cable, but with the Elite, that has changed and the Clip+ has never sounded better!  The cable makes the most difference with tracks that have a large presentation of space, are warm, complex passages, and/or have a fast attack.  The cable makes very little to no difference with smaller presentations, simple passages, and/or lean sounding tracks.


The bass of the EX1000 didn't impress me all that much as I found the notes a little on the thinner side to go along with not much emphasis or deep bass rumble, which I would have expected from a large dynamic bass driver.  It did have nice texture and clarity though, so if that is what you are looking for many custom IEMs have those qualities.  The midrange of the EM3 Pro and Mi-3 are similar but different to each other as they both offer a richness but the Mi-3 has better clarity but less detail and dynamics.  And both are very different than the EX1000 and DBA-02 presentations (I did have the DBA-02 for a short period of time a while ago, but they sound fairly close to the CK10, but with a wider, less 3D presentation, more bass but less extension and a little smaller treble peak), so I think if you were to stick the midrange from the EM3 Pro/Mi-3 and combined it with the EX1000 bass and DBA-02 treble you would have an odd sounding presentation.  
 
Maybe the UERM would fit that bill as it does have a similar frequency response, at least in my initial listening, to the EX1000.  The quality of the presentation is good, but the midrange is more analytical than that of the Mi-3 or EM3 Pro.  I could imagine the JH13 would also be somewhat close since the JH13 is supposed to just have no bass boost (or a little bit), but again is more on the analytical side in comparison with the EM3 Pro and Mi-3.  The SA-43 can fit the bass and be close to the mids depending on the switch positions, but the treble is very neutral.
 
As far as the cable...I should be getting several cables for review in the near future, so at this point I am not sure.  I do know the Athena cable has a similar effect, however it isn't pin compatible with the TWag so I can't A/B them.
 
Aug 24, 2011 at 6:33 AM Post #408 of 4,841


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Overall, the best combo of quality and ability to deliver quantity with texturing is the SE 5-way, but depending on the type of bass the JH16 bass is also amazing but different to go with enhanced. 
 


Thank you for the recommendations. 
 
Aug 26, 2011 at 9:30 PM Post #410 of 4,841
I just tried a silver plated cable with the EM3 and while it did not tame the midbass enough for my taste, it did wonders on how the bass hit and gave air to the treble, it just sounded so musical and more focused! The 'hiss' on American Idiot just felt like I was listening to an audio cassette tape
biggrin.gif

 
Aug 27, 2011 at 3:01 AM Post #413 of 4,841


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Oops, I used the stranded copper cable that I salvaged from an old school computer mouse *shymodeon*
Will look for the silver plated ones tonight.

DIY cables? Niceeeee...but I would think copper cables wouldnt help with the Em3 pro's SS unless you wanted more warmth. I may be totally wrong tho.
 
 
 
Aug 27, 2011 at 3:05 AM Post #415 of 4,841


Quote:
Oops, I used the stranded copper cable that I salvaged from an old school computer mouse *shymodeon*
Will look for the silver plated ones tonight.



eek.gif
 you used a copper mouse cable?  You mean a USB cable?  Is there something wrong with the stock cable, or did you find the holy grail?
 
Aug 27, 2011 at 3:19 AM Post #416 of 4,841
I've been doing this for years with home audio :P the stranded cat5 cable made wonders for my main speakers as well, but I think it's a hit and miss thing unless we have same setup.
I have yet to try more cables with the EM3pros.
Pardon the mess :D :D :D

If I'm not mistaken, this cable came from a Microsoft Mouse like so:
@joe, I still have to kill the mid-bass but I think I can already live with the EQ'ing, the EM3s are really responding very gracefully to the EQ.
 
real edit: its a PS2 mouse btw.
 
Aug 27, 2011 at 3:26 AM Post #417 of 4,841


Quote:
I've been doing this for years with home audio :P the stranded cat5 cable made wonders for my main speakers as well, but I think it's a hit and miss thing unless we have same setup.
I have yet to try more cables with the EM3pros.
Pardon the mess :D :D :D

If I'm not mistaken, this cable came from a Microsoft Mouse like so:
@joe, I still have to kill the mid-bass but I think I can already live with the EQ'ing, the EM3s are really responding very gracefully to the EQ.
 
real edit: its a PS2 mouse btw.


Awesome stuff, man! Wish I had the know how or more importantly,  the cojones to do that. Its just so nerve-wracking to try something of this DIY level with such an expensive purchase!
tongue.gif

 
edit: Cat5 cables? hmmm...by that logic would cat5e or cat6 cables provide better / different sound? I've got tons of unused cat5e and cat6 cables lying around from work.
 
2nd edit: Heres a crazy idea: IEMS with removable cables, using RJ45 connectors? I know i know, not very secure, but....it'd be interesting to see!
 
 

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