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

[SilverEars]

I believe AJ and tupac has NT-6 V1 which has boosted ends(could be reason for that being pointed out compared to H8P) relative to V2.  I wonder if AJ has heard NT-6 V2 which graphically that is provided is leveled relative to the graph of the V1.  H8P more detailed?  hmmm. Sounds more leveled also. Curious how it compares to the NT-6 V2?

 

[tupac0306]

Mython, the first layer of music, which mostly includes the vocals, is very close to the listener and one could say that there is no space in this layer. But, there are other layers right behind the vocals which are located in space so 3-dimensionally that this is almost insane. I could say that vocals are claustrophobic but there is so much air and space right behind the vocals that I can easily call 5ways very, very spacious. To my ears, 5ways renders this space with ease.

No even the vocals are not claustrophobic at all. SE5 is my only CIEM that you can clearly hear the distant, layered vocals like people singing in front of you, not in your head. My only CIEM that does that.

Se5 has forward/prominent vocals, but not in your face. These two things are different, but it did took me very long to find out. Initially I thought envolving vocals must be in front of every other element in the music, I was so wrong! The layer/depth in se5 is superb, which is actually due to its "relatively unneutral tuning" (as compared with nt6)

 

[average_joe]

There is a new CIEM company: EarWerkz.  EarWerkz is located in Lawernceville, GA USA and their flagship is an 8-driver 7-way CIEM.
 

  Interested in your opinion if you could compare H8pro and EM32

 
In the near future...
 

  This Lear 4.2 model has my interest with bass tuning and all. Maybe not the universal model but, Joe, do you think the LCM version deserves that hefty price tag? Considering that one has to send ear impressions to other side of the world and all?
 
Also, I know you still need more time with them but, would you consider LCM version of it as the same level as H8Pro, NT6/Pro, SE5way?

 
I haven't finished my testing so things can change, but as it stands I would say it is close to the NT-6/H8P; however the deciding factor for me will most likely be the midrange presentation, which is a bit on the laid-back/recessed side.
 

 
How do you feel the bass of the H8 Pro compares to that of the NT-6 Pro's?

 
As will all of these CIEMs before my full review, I still have more listening before I feel comfortable with more definitive statements.  The NT-6 Pro bass is north of neutral while the H8P is quite neutral making a comparison a bit more difficult since the NT6P rumbles much more at the same volume level and exhibits its capability, but the H8P needs a higher volume level for the same bass output.  Given that and the amount of ear time so far, all I can say is both are very close in quality and capability.
 

  I believe AJ and tupac has NT-6 V1 which has boosted ends(could be reason for that being pointed out compared to H8P) relative to V2.  I wonder if AJ has heard NT-6 V2 which graphically that is provided is leveled relative to the graph of the V1.  H8P more detailed?  hmmm. Sounds more leveled also. Curious how it compares to the NT-6 V2?

 
So, would the Viento-R be the V2 sound?  
 

No even the vocals are not claustrophobic at all. SE5 is my only CIEM that you can clearly hear the distant, layered vocals like people singing in front of you, not in your head. My only CIEM that does that.

Se5 has forward/prominent vocals, but not in your face. These two things are different, but it did took me very long to find out. Initially I thought envolving vocals must be in front of every other element in the music, I was so wrong! The layer/depth in se5 is superb, which is actually due to its "relatively unneutral tuning" (as compared with nt6)

 
Yes, layering is excellent, but still what gets me with the SE5 is the chameleon characteristics depending on the track.  But speaking on forward vocals vs. quality vocals: I find many CIEMs with forward vocals sound OK at lower volumes and with simpler tracks, but once a track gets more complex, or the volume goes up, that forwardness (and typically lower levels of instrument separation) lead to less resolution and layering resulting in lower clarity.

 

[tupac0306]

Is Earwerkz the one you said that could change everything?

 

[AmberOzL]

Is Earwerkz the one you said that could change everything?

Watch out, we got a detective over here

 

[shotgunshane]

There is a new CIEM company: EarWerkz.  EarWerkz is located in Lawernceville, GA USA and their flagship is an 8-driver 7-way CIEM.

Lawrenceville?!? I'll have to see if I can visit sometime soon. I used to live there for 10 years and don't work too far away.

 

[shakur1996]

Just bought dx100. Can't wait to listen to it with 5ways

 

[average_joe]

Is Earwerkz the one you said that could change everything?

 
Lol, I suppose it could, but I will go back to my low drama ways.
 

Lawrenceville?!? I'll have to see if I can visit sometime soon. I used to live there for 10 years and don't work too far away.

 
I am sure they would be happy to meet with you if you contact them.
 

  Just bought dx100. Can't wait to listen to it with 5ways

 
Nice, let us know your thoughts.

 

[shotgunshane]

I just google mapped them. They are less than 5 minutes from my old house. Will definitely get out there soon.

 

[davidcotton]

Here's a question that probably doesn't get asked much.  I've just had my right ear syringed up at the Doctors.  Nice and quick and stuff came out of the ear as it was meant to.  The nurse had a look in the left ear and said that "there was a little wax in there, but could see through it so we won't syringe it today as it may lead to a perforated ear drum" which I obviously don't want!  Will that little bit of wax make any difference when/if I go to the audiologists to get the impressions done?  In the past I've had both ears done at the same time so this is a little new to me.

 

[castleofargh]

  Here's a question that probably doesn't get asked much.  I've just had my right ear syringed up at the Doctors.  Nice and quick and stuff came out of the ear as it was meant to.  The nurse had a look in the left ear and said that "there was a little wax in there, but could see through it so we won't syringe it today as it may lead to a perforated ear drum" which I obviously don't want!  Will that little bit of wax make any difference when/if I go to the audiologists to get the impressions done?  In the past I've had both ears done at the same time so this is a little new to me.

I suppose she was talking about deep down so in the clear of a mold. also unless you're like joe and specifically ask for deep shells, most customs don't actually go very deep( I go deeper with my etymotics than with my jh13).
I don't know how we're supposed to deal with this, I decided to go with using a spray for the ears like a week before getting a mold done, thinking it would remove most of the big bad stuff, but let me enough time to go back to a "normal" ear environment to avoid any risk of being irritated or too dry or whatever. the first time I did a mold I went berserk on my ears and ended up with nothing and scold from the audiologist.

 

[fiascogarcia]

  Here's a question that probably doesn't get asked much.  I've just had my right ear syringed up at the Doctors.  Nice and quick and stuff came out of the ear as it was meant to.  The nurse had a look in the left ear and said that "there was a little wax in there, but could see through it so we won't syringe it today as it may lead to a perforated ear drum" which I obviously don't want!  Will that little bit of wax make any difference when/if I go to the audiologists to get the impressions done?  In the past I've had both ears done at the same time so this is a little new to me.

I would have have thought the doctor would be the one to remove the wax for you?  Not that I know anything about it.

 

[davidcotton]

 
I suppose she was talking about deep down so in the clear of a mold. also unless you're like joe and specifically ask for deep shells, most customs don't actually go very deep( I go deeper with my etymotics than with my jh13).
I don't know how we're supposed to deal with this, I decided to go with using a spray for the ears like a week before getting a mold done, thinking it would remove most of the big bad stuff, but let me enough time to go back to a "normal" ear environment to avoid any risk of being irritated or too dry or whatever. the first time I did a mold I went berserk on my ears and ended up with nothing and scold from the audiologist.

That's interesting, I wonder if that might have been one of the reasons I've not been as successful as I might have hoped with some customs.  I tended to get the ears cleaned out before going down to the audiologist.  Maybe I should have left it a bit longer.  My current thoughts are to wait until I have my next holiday from work (9 days left, sigh) and get them done at the end of the holiday so the ears have had a while to settle down.  I've become used to not wearing iems atm anyway due to letting the ear wax become looser.  I did ask for a deep fit (ooer) from CE first time round and really didn't like it that much.  I've also got my CE Micros on the way back to me so will see how they fit now they've been adjusted.  Hopefully I might not even have to get the impressions done (though the micros are sadly single ba).
 

  I would have have thought the doctor would be the one to remove the wax for you?  Not that I know anything about it.

Well as I said in the original post, it was the nurse who had a look at my ears as normal.  The right one was done without problem but she didn't want to do the left as it wasn't enough in there and might damage the ear drum.  I rather imagine a couple of rinses out whilst under the shower or a spray would do the trick there.  The problem I have is that I have a very narrow right ear canal and that has a tendency to block up instead of draining out like the left one does.  I was supposed to have an appointment last friday for new impressions but as I could feel the wax in the right ear I cancelled as it wasn't even worth going down.  This seems to happen to me every six months or so or after I've had a heavy cold

 

[SilverEars]

Originally Posted by average_joe /img/forum/go_quote.gif
 
Quote:

  I believe AJ and tupac has NT-6 V1 which has boosted ends(could be reason for that being pointed out compared to H8P) relative to V2.  I wonder if AJ has heard NT-6 V2 which graphically that is provided is leveled relative to the graph of the V1.  H8P more detailed?  hmmm. Sounds more leveled also. Curious how it compares to the NT-6 V2?

 
So, would the Viento-R be the V2 sound?  

Have not heard the Viento-R.  This is what Tomcy says in comparison to UERM:
 

   
Only heard the NT6 demo vs. the UERM full custom. NT6 is brighter up top, but has better mid presence. Overall UERM is more relaxed and open sounding. NT6 has a little more impact in the bass. Didn't do things in-depth, so that's about it.
 

Here is KimVictor's comparison of the demos he heard at Hidition:
 
http://cymbacavum.com/2014/07/26/a-short-tour-of-hiditions-hq-in-seoul-and-brief-impressions-of-their-ciems/2/
 
"The switches in reality only alter the bass or midrange by a few decibels, so don’t expect a night and day difference, but the differences are still quite noticeable and audible. So, if you like a slight boost in your sub-bass or mids, you’re in for a treat with the Viento-R. Detail retrieval and clarity remains fairly average, lagging slightly behind the NT6, but I am convinced that the Viento-R is the most musical of Hidition‘s offerings."
 
Common statements from both Tomcy and KV is there NT6 sounds a bit bright.  They both own UERM, but your chart shows that UERM is bright, but the V1 is analytical.  John who got the NT6 made around the same time says it sounds the same to his UERM.  It doesn't seem he has tested with better sources just dragonfly and Audinst MX-1 both which I don't regard very high of and may not be idea to reveal distinguishing features very well.  I'd say DAC2 is a good source for comparisons.  It does reveal the analytical nature of the treble, but at the same time the hyper detailing(nuances and bass defintion) without the typical ES9018 forwarded dry trebling is revealed of how far it can go.  
 
Your summary of V1:
 
reference bass, dynamic range, bright, analytical, spacious 3D, transparent, realistic, extended bass and treble
Very detailed, analytical reference sound that has some musicality to it with a very spacious and 3D presentation.  Ultimate clarity in an analytical way.  Exceptional technical ability.
 
Of UERM:
 
analytical, bright, 3D, spacious, accurate, neutral bass, detailed, transparent
Bright and analytical with impressive imaging, the UERM doesn't lack in many ways other than the harsh treble with less than perfect masters.
 
Both you state CK10 being close which mean both have bright character(although CK10 to be much brigher, but it was V1 you have summarized).  Part I don't think CK10 comes anywhere near is that it's flat sounding with any sources, but the NT6 has layering or imaing with considerably wider stage, better bass definition with DAC2.  What is also common I'm reading is the more mid presence of the NT6, but that could be do to comparison to more bass boosted NT6 pro.  Also since both Kim and Tomcy listened to demos, there will be aspects that is altered.

 

[MikePortnoy]

Regarding AJ and Jason's impressions, Harmony 8 P is a top level ciem. I am happy to get one. I think it must be almost as good as Se5 an Nt6..