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

[Heret1c]

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Looks like you have yourself a nice IEM, there, tupac0306 

 
 
 
On a different note, can anyone identify this IEM?:
 

 
I was speculating it might be fitear, but I'm really not certain
 
Thanks!

I could be wrong but it looks an awful lot like the UE Super.fi 5EB...in white?

 

[alphaphoenix]

^Doesn't look like the EB as it's missing the shiny "UE" logo where the wire pins connects to.  Also the outer shell is more circular than what is shown. 

 

[average_joe]

 
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You can clean your ears anytime but you cannot clean silicon pores of SE-5 for example.

I thought the medical grade silicone used for custom IEMs didn't support bacteria growth.

 
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Hey guys. Just received my EM6 PRO. So I thought I should let you know how I find it.

 
Initial impressions, three words: detail! airy! bassy!
 
(I don't have EM3 anymore, so the comparison might not be 100% accurate)
 
EM6 With Twag cable > HM801+GAME card:
 
Sound signature: EM3 on steroid. More micro details. more extended both ends. I would still call it warm. a little bit faster than EM3, but not by much. It sounds more similar to LCD 2 rev.1 than EM3.
Highs/Treble: A lot more extended.  Very airy and at the same time doesn't produce any sibilance. Absolutely pleasure listening to it. I can hear a lot more details I couldn't with my EM3.
Mids: More neutral than EM3. Still liquid and organic. Not as forward as EM3, but still a bit more forward than JH16.
Bass: This is what impressed me the most. The bass is so powerful! It's at least as deep and punchy as JH16 if not deeper (I know this sound crazy since JH16 is a monster in bass department). The decay is a bit longer than JH16, but faster than EM3 I think.
Soundstage: I find it to be similar to EM3. Both the vertically and horizontally. 
 
 
I am so glad than I upgraded my EM3 (thanks for the bad fitting). I hope this short impression can help someone. Sorry for my crap english
 
Regards
 

 
 

 
Thanks for sharing.  Sounds pretty much like the EM4, but less bright (and I know the EM6 has more bass).  I can believe the comment about the bass vs. the JH16 and know it is a good step up from the EM3 Pro.

 

[Heret1c]

Quote:

^Doesn't look like the EB as it's missing the shiny "UE" logo where the wire pins connects to.  Also the outer shell is more circular than what is shown. 

OK, so I was wrong...

 

[as1is]

Hi!
Ukrainian Ambient-acoustics company has changed it's product range, as the web-site is displaying.
http://ambient-acoustics.com.ua/produkciya/ambient-in-ear-monitori/
Now they have 5 regular models:
 
Ambient AM1 (1,1) - 2000 UAH (around 250 USD)
Ambient AM2 (2,2) - 3000 UAH (around 375 USD) - having quite bass-heavy sound signature
Ambient AM2 pro (2,2) - 3000 UAH (around 375 USD) - more neutral version of AM2
Ambient AM3 (3,2) - 3500 UAH (arond 438 USD) - having significantly bass-heavy sound signature
Ambient AM3 pro (3,3) - 3700 UAH (aroud 463 USD)

 

[Anaxilus]

Hey AJ, quick question about the SE5 and UERM
 
As you know I often use the UERM due to it's tuning as a tool to AB gear for consistent evaluations.  How do you think the SE5 would compare as such as tool if you remove musical enjoyment as a factor.  I think you mentioned the SE5 was still more detailed and resolving than any IEM you have but does that translate over for AB and mastering purposes if people are looking for a professional tool?
 
Btw, you need to take a break and join us at the Bay area meet this Saturday!

 

[average_joe]

 
Quote:

Hi!
Ukrainian Ambient-acoustics company has changed it's product range, as the web-site is displaying.
http://ambient-acoustics.com.ua/produkciya/ambient-in-ear-monitori/
Now they have 5 regular models:
 
Ambient AM1 (1,1) - 2000 UAH (around 250 USD)
Ambient AM2 (2,2) - 3000 UAH (around 375 USD) - having quite bass-heavy sound signature
Ambient AM2 pro (2,2) - 3000 UAH (around 375 USD) - more neutral version of AM2
Ambient AM3 (3,2) - 3500 UAH (arond 438 USD) - having significantly bass-heavy sound signature
Ambient AM3 pro (3,3) - 3700 UAH (aroud 463 USD)

Thanks for sharing; I will update this info in the manufacturers section.

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Hey AJ, quick question about the SE5 and UERM
 
As you know I often use the UERM due to it's tuning as a tool to AB gear for consistent evaluations.  How do you think the SE5 would compare as such as tool if you remove musical enjoyment as a factor.  I think you mentioned the SE5 was still more detailed and resolving than any IEM you have but does that translate over for AB and mastering purposes if people are looking for a professional tool?
 
Btw, you need to take a break and join us at the Bay area meet this Saturday!

No rest for the wicked...I have a busy little Saturday although I would love to go to meets regularly if time permitted.
 
The UERM is the least forgiving CIEM I own, so in that right, when mastering music, if you don't have it right you will know it.  However, if you want to hear things in recordings only audiophiles with uber expensive home systems will hear, than the 5-way is the way to go.  Of course, the 5-way and UERM have different sound signatures, so whoever is using either one would have to take that into consideration.  But some more of my stream of consciousness thoughts on the matter are the 5-way is way better than what most people listen with, so unless the professional is trying to please the elite 10% or so (whatever that number may be), the benefits of the 5-way would be lost.  Now, something like the NT-6 IMO is the middle ground between the two; more resolving with more extension at both ends and forgiving enough to make a poor track sound OK while still revealing the flaws.  I think the NT-6 is actually a better tool for mastering than the UERM.
 
If you are talking about A/Bing tracks (testing different mastering settings of the same song) I would again think the NT-6 hits a sweet spot, but the 5-way would also be able to reveal even more as it changes more with each track than either the UERM or NT-6.  So, the ideal answer is both the NT-6 and 5-way as I read that you want to hear your master with various different sound signatures 

.  The chameleon effect of the 5-way is actually probably more important for mastering than the additional resolution.
 
Quote (from the LS8 thread):

Hey joe.I was reading your review on the Earsonics EM4 and i must say that is a fantastic review really Enforced my resolve to buy them .And i have the neccessary cash now to be avaliable to now purchase EIther one Or the EM6.But i know its stupid to just say which is better between the 3.But instead what do you think will fit the sound signature im looking for.Since im just a student.All i can do is save up for IEM'S i havent Gotten an amp like ever. And i dont believe in getting cheap amps.So i just run it through My Iphone 3GS at 320KBPS.i dont know how to make them lossless though .so anyway im looking for A sound signature that goes like this oh btw the only High class IEM i got before this was a SM3.oh and if your curious on how i get my cash since im just a student I get a temporary part time job and save up all that cash for the One specific IEM.moving on

Bass:Good Deep Accurate fast But not overbearing also a very smooth with some good rumble

mids: Nice airy and precise also Punchy and airy would be good Similiar to that of the sm3

Treblerecise and Accurate while not being sharp i do really like a very Smooth treble i really cannot stand Sharp treble

so all in all something like a godmode version of the sm3 which Crushes the sm3 in every single Aspect.thanks joe and sorry to make you read this.Its just that i read your Reviews the most and find them Unbiased and very very sweet.! thanks in advance.your my last source of recommendation before i go ahead and purchase either one.Also feel free to add any additions to what you think fits my description of sound signature.once again thanks so much in advance!

Sounds like either the EM6 (EM4 is brighter, but the treble is still smooth) or the Starkey SA-43.  
 
The SA-43 is more laid back than the EM4 (I haven't heard the EM6), with less bass emphasis and a very smooth but laid back treble, between the SM3 and EM4.  Of course, there is also the Spiral Ear products which would meet your criteria also, well, at least the 5-way that I own.  None of the lower end CIEMs really crush the SM3 except the aud-5X, but the treble may be a bit too bright.
 
I am glad you like my reviews as I try to describe the sound and performance levels without bias toward any particular sound signature.  Also, I don't hype anything and a strength is a strength and a weakness is a weakness vs. similar competition.  Let me know if you have other questions.

 

[BotByte]

Hey guys
Man it's been a while since I've posted. Fits of depression and my other hobbies get in the way.
 
I'm in the need to throw money away. (Mother's trying to chew at my loose change and I need to spend it all)
 
Let me tell you about my situation:
I listen to music throughout the day. From the time I wake, to the time I hit the sack I'm listening.
I've got a good collection of fullsized from T50RP to Portapro. And then I have some IEM's including Brainwavz M1 and Monoprice 8320
Most of the time, I'm writing. That's what I do everyday, in and out. And I use music to carry me on and force me to write. I mostly use IEM's during my 8+ hours writing because I sweat a lot and IEM's don't effect me.
The problem with my current IEM's is the cable noise, fit and isolation. So, customs would be the way to go without a doubt.
 
Seeing that I don't need them as a tool for my trade, more as an accessory, I don't need the highest quality Customs. I mostly want to constantly wear them to close the world around me-to force me to write. So the sound quality would be one of the lowest qualifications. Price would be lower than $450 (for everything) and I would like to keep it as low as possible. (I'm notoriously cheap)
 
I do like neutral headphones-as customs strive for-because, I can EQ them into a dark, warm or bright of my listening taste. I've come across some comments how some customs like Kozee infinity X1's which said that EQ would distort the sound and I'm questioning if that's a real concern or just nitpicking?
 
Custom's I'm looking at:
 
Kozee X1 - Service and EQ (above) are my top concerns. I would go for the executive option.
Livewire dual - Haven't heard much about them.
1964-D - EQ again. - don't care about the "house" sound, which laid back sound is better for me actually.
Alien Ears - Not much heard also, and prices are a varied value
Unique Melody - IE8 reshell - would that be, send in IE8 and they reshell or they provide the driver? Other then that, not looking.
Aurisonics AS-1 - Sound like a good deal, but nothing known, dynamic driver less likely to distort due to EQ. Impression and shipping back are free.
JH5 - which are well loved and recommended highly due to less-than-likely problems
 
I would do my own impressions.
 
Also, I'm listening to my Monoprice 8320 and enjoying the sound. This is just a point that I'm not penile about the SQ. I just don't want something that doesn't sound horrible.
 
 
Thanks for reading and any questions answered.
 
EDIT: Live in America, btw

 

[That-stingy-dud]

Awesome Thanks joe.After carefully reading about each one of the IEM's you listed.I think im gonna either go with the EM4 Or the EM6. Tough call for me.But isnt the EM6 Menat for live performances?.

 

[average_joe]

 
Quote:

Hey guys
Man it's been a while since I've posted. Fits of depression and my other hobbies get in the way.
 
I'm in the need to throw money away. (Mother's trying to chew at my loose change and I need to spend it all)
 
Let me tell you about my situation:
I listen to music throughout the day. From the time I wake, to the time I hit the sack I'm listening.
I've got a good collection of fullsized from T50RP to Portapro. And then I have some IEM's including Brainwavz M1 and Monoprice 8320
Most of the time, I'm writing. That's what I do everyday, in and out. And I use music to carry me on and force me to write. I mostly use IEM's during my 8+ hours writing because I sweat a lot and IEM's don't effect me.
The problem with my current IEM's is the cable noise, fit and isolation. So, customs would be the way to go without a doubt.
 
Seeing that I don't need them as a tool for my trade, more as an accessory, I don't need the highest quality Customs. I mostly want to constantly wear them to close the world around me-to force me to write. So the sound quality would be one of the lowest qualifications. Price would be lower than $450 (for everything) and I would like to keep it as low as possible. (I'm notoriously cheap)
 
I do like neutral headphones-as customs strive for-because, I can EQ them into a dark, warm or bright of my listening taste. I've come across some comments how some customs like Kozee infinity X1's which said that EQ would distort the sound and I'm questioning if that's a real concern or just nitpicking?
 
Custom's I'm looking at:
 
Kozee X1 - Service and EQ (above) are my top concerns. I would go for the executive option.
Livewire dual - Haven't heard much about them.
1964-D - EQ again. - don't care about the "house" sound, which laid back sound is better for me actually.
Alien Ears - Not much heard also, and prices are a varied value
Unique Melody - IE8 reshell - would that be, send in IE8 and they reshell or they provide the driver? Other then that, not looking.
Aurisonics AS-1 - Sound like a good deal, but nothing known, dynamic driver less likely to distort due to EQ. Impression and shipping back are free.
JH5 - which are well loved and recommended highly due to less-than-likely problems
 
I would do my own impressions.
 
Also, I'm listening to my Monoprice 8320 and enjoying the sound. This is just a point that I'm not penile about the SQ. I just don't want something that doesn't sound horrible.
 
 
Thanks for reading and any questions answered.
 
EDIT: Live in America, btw

Let me start with a quick note on EQ...I was asked how well the Minerva Mi-3 would respond to bass EQ, so I set the EQ on my 801 to +10 dB @ 60 Hz and while the result was nice for many tracks, anything bass heavy would distort.  I didn't spend the time trying different levels of EQ to find where it would distort, but chances are a single driver will distort when pushed too far.  Of course, your tolerance for distortion should be your guide.
 
Next, by doing your own impressions you are taking a larger risk than if you get them professionally done by someone that does impressions for CIEMs.  I would recommend buying multiple impression kits so you can get it right, but then that could cost as much as a professionally done set of impressions.  The pros use different material and they will check your ears, which is an important step, but the material is something that does make a difference for ease of use and better overall results.  If your impressions are not great and lead to many refits, the cost will increase due to shipping and possibly additional impressions while if it done by a pro, they can usually help you with any fit issues.  Something to think about.
 
You can add the Clear Tunes CTM-200 to your list (read jokers review) due to the price range.  Not much is known about Alien Ears, but there are monitors from Drm Earz/Audio Earz that may be good.  From my short time with the Monoprice, I would say the JH5 is going to be quite different, but there is a very high satisfaction rate with that CIEM.  The Livewire Dual has been fairly recently reviewed and the bass isn't the strong point, so check that out if you haven't.  If you can stretch your budget, the Alclair Reference, which I am in the process or reviewing right now, is very balanced with a warmer sound, but not overly so.  Alclair is also making many other monitors including one designed for bands is made to be very durable.
 
The AS1 has one impression that I know of, and it seems to outperform the IE8, so that is probably the way to go.  The IE8 is a good deal warmer than the Monoprice anyways.
 

 
Quote:

Awesome Thanks joe.After carefully reading about each one of the IEM's you listed.I think im gonna either go with the EM4 Or the EM6. Tough call for me.But isnt the EM6 Menat for live performances?.

 
Yes, the EM6 is for live performances, but which is right for you depends on how bright you want the presentation as they perform similarly from a technical standpoint according to Earsonics.

 

[BotByte]

Quote:

 

Let me start with a quick note on EQ...I was asked how well the Minerva Mi-3 would respond to bass EQ, so I set the EQ on my 801 to +10 dB @ 60 Hz and while the result was nice for many tracks, anything bass heavy would distort.  I didn't spend the time trying different levels of EQ to find where it would distort, but chances are a single driver will distort when pushed too far.  Of course, your tolerance for distortion should be your guide.
 
Next, by doing your own impressions you are taking a larger risk than if you get them professionally done by someone that does impressions for CIEMs.  I would recommend buying multiple impression kits so you can get it right, but then that could cost as much as a professionally done set of impressions.  The pros use different material and they will check your ears, which is an important step, but the material is something that does make a difference for ease of use and better overall results.  If your impressions are not great and lead to many refits, the cost will increase due to shipping and possibly additional impressions while if it done by a pro, they can usually help you with any fit issues.  Something to think about.
 
You can add the Clear Tunes CTM-200 to your list (read jokers review) due to the price range.  Not much is known about Alien Ears, but there are monitors from Drm Earz/Audio Earz that may be good.  From my short time with the Monoprice, I would say the JH5 is going to be quite different, but there is a very high satisfaction rate with that CIEM.  The Livewire Dual has been fairly recently reviewed and the bass isn't the strong point, so check that out if you haven't.  If you can stretch your budget, the Alclair Reference, which I am in the process or reviewing right now, is very balanced with a warmer sound, but not overly so.  Alclair is also making many other monitors including one designed for bands is made to be very durable.
 
The AS1 has one impression that I know of, and it seems to outperform the IE8, so that is probably the way to go.  The IE8 is a good deal warmer than the Monoprice anyways.
 

Thank you for getting back to me on that.
 
I wouldn't care too much for distortion, but too much as in like if you were listening to 97kbps rips, would be horrible for me.
 
With the impression, I guess it won't hurt to call around to the audiologists in my area for pricing. But I won't go in not knowing what I'm paying, then pay at the door as if they're holding my impressions like hostages. I'm actually used to playing and cleaning out my ears, so I know them as well as the back of my hand. (ear problems as a child)
 
Joker had a good review of the Clear Tunes, but now I have more to think over!
 
Oh well, I'm actually going to wait out for the AS-1 reviews and first impressions. One thing, I don't like how the company (lies) *cough**cough* to your face with their website. The titanium, water polished shell on their show models, and you get clear covers are pretty sketchy at best. At least don't try to show off what you're not going to sell, ya know?
But, I can overlook that (and the obsessive selling of their extras)
 
Thanks.

 

[FrostIK]

I want to have two custom IEMs in my collection, because I know that if I use only one all the time - I'm getting bored with it's sound signature. So I am looking at SE-5 and EM6, but looks like they sound very similar. What are the two top custom IEMs that sound good but different way?

 

[average_joe]

 
Quote:

Thank you for getting back to me on that.
 
I wouldn't care too much for distortion, but too much as in like if you were listening to 97kbps rips, would be horrible for me.
 
With the impression, I guess it won't hurt to call around to the audiologists in my area for pricing. But I won't go in not knowing what I'm paying, then pay at the door as if they're holding my impressions like hostages. I'm actually used to playing and cleaning out my ears, so I know them as well as the back of my hand. (ear problems as a child)
 
Joker had a good review of the Clear Tunes, but now I have more to think over!
 
Oh well, I'm actually going to wait out for the AS-1 reviews and first impressions. One thing, I don't like how the company (lies) *cough**cough* to your face with their website. The titanium, water polished shell on their show models, and you get clear covers are pretty sketchy at best. At least don't try to show off what you're not going to sell, ya know?
But, I can overlook that (and the obsessive selling of their extras)
 
Thanks.

The distortion of a single driver will more than likely affect the entire spectrum, but a dual or triple the distortion, if you need to EQ a lot, will be less.
 
Check the UE site for audiologists in your area for some qualifies ones as well as calling around.  As them if they make impressions for custom in-ear monitors, and if they do, what are the differences between making impressions for those and a hearing aid (just to see what they say and get a feel for them).  Also ask if they will work with you if the fit isn't perfect.  Even if you are comfortable, I would recommend using an audiologist the first time.
 
Talking with him about it, it seems like a good value.
 
Yes, the pictures are deceiving, but it really is about the sound quality.  From the initial reports, the are on the warmer/bassier side of the spectrum.  
 
Quote:

I want to have two custom IEMs in my collection, because I know that if I use only one all the time - I'm getting bored with it's sound signature. So I am looking at SE-5 and EM6, but looks like they sound very similar. What are the two top custom IEMs that sound good but different way?

 
How the others compare with the SE 5-way in a nutshell:
SA-43 - you can have your multiple sound signatures in one CIEM; not as bright, but fairly close with the presence switch on
EM4 - Thicker and brighter than the 5-way with more bass emphasis
EM6 (from what I have been told) - more bass and thicker note with more mid-forwardness.
NT-6 and UERM - Brighter with a thinner note
JH16 and LS8 - Thinner note and more bass emphasis
 
Out of curiosity, what do you currently have in the way of headphones/IEMs?  I too got bored with most universal IEMs, but think the higher end CIEMs do so much right they are hard to get bored with.  

 

[FrostIK]

Quote:

Originally Posted by average_joe /img/forum/go_quote.gif
 
How the others compare with the SE 5-way in a nutshell:
SA-43 - you can have your multiple sound signatures in one CIEM; not as bright, but fairly close with the presence switch on
EM4 - Thicker and brighter than the 5-way with more bass emphasis
EM6 (from what I have been told) - more bass and thicker note with more mid-forwardness.
NT-6 and UERM - Brighter with a thinner note
JH16 and LS8 - Thinner note and more bass emphasis
 
Out of curiosity, what do you currently have in the way of headphones/IEMs?  I too got bored with most universal IEMs, but think the higher end CIEMs do so much right they are hard to get bored with.  

I had Shure SE530, Westone UM2, Westone 4, Earsonic SM3 - all those IEMs have significant lacks so I used another IEM every week. I used to listen Mark Knopfler with SM3, metal with SE530 and pop with W4.
 
Do you have any rotation scheme for your collection? What IEM do you use most of time? What is on a second place? Do you change you IEM according to the music you are going to listern or just to change sound signature?
 

 

[average_joe]

 
Quote:

I had Shure SE530, Westone UM2, Westone 4, Earsonic SM3 - all those IEMs have significant lacks so I used another IEM every week. I used to listen Mark Knopfler with SM3, metal with SE530 and pop with W4.
 
Do you have any rotation scheme for your collection? What IEM do you use most of time? What is on a second place? Do you change you IEM according to the music you are going to listern or just to change sound signature?

The SA-43 covers most of what you have and I would say it is somewhat close to the W4 with both switches off and not too far off the 530 with both switches on, but of course much higher quality sound.  The presentation is much more laid back than the SM3.
 
My rotation is listening to what I am reviewing as I want as much ear time with it as possible with various sources.  I currently have a backlog of products for review, so unless I am listening specifically for a question or A/Bing, I am usually just listening to the CIEM I am reviewing.  Luckily  they all are in the upper echelon of sound quality so it isn't so bad!